Getaway Repostioning Cruise December

[katyjeka]

We have cruised NCL several times and have enjoyed every cruise. We are considering the December 2020 repositioning cruise from Barcelona. Would like to hear opinions from families that have taken a 2 week cruise across the Atlantic. The ship has a lot of activities but we are curious about the amount of children we can expect to see. For those who have completed a similar cruise would you do it again? Thanks for any help.

[1025cruise]

You won't find many kids on a 2 week cruise. Unless it is over the holidays, and even that's stretching it. Transatlantics tend to attract an older demographic.

[RSLeesburg]

I cannot speak to NCL, but my wife and I had looked into booking one of the RCI Anthem repositioning cruises a few years ago.  However, after reading a couple of repositioning cruise reviews, we learned that these trips are loaded with top tier loyalty members, who spent most of time walking around demanding things and complaining that they were ABC level and were not happy because of whatever.  We have experienced some of these entitled people on our regular cruises, but the thought of spending 2 weeks with over 2,000 of them was enough to put us off the cruise.  It’s funny, these are the same folks who complain about traveling on cruises with kids, but don’t realize that they are just as annoying to us...lol

[katyjeka]

Thanks for the help. We were thinking of an early December cruise leaving the 5th but I want our kids to enjoy the cruise and a lack of kids may be the deciding factor. 

 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

On 12/23/2019 at 9:30 AM, katyjeka said:

Thanks for the help. We were thinking of an early December cruise leaving the 5th but I want our kids to enjoy the cruise and a lack of kids may be the deciding factor. 

 

lack of kids means better, faster access to all the fun outdoor things. We went on the Getaway a week before Christmas last year, and DS (7 at the time) has a blast! Of course, it was much warmer since it was a Caribbean cruise. 

 

How old are your kids?

He loved the indoor entertainment, the water slides, the trampoline, the rock climbing wall, the ropes course, and the spider net. However, it will be much colder outside for any of outdoor activities. So... judge for yourself.

 

We, however, hated the low quality food (it was bad, and that's saying something since I am a glutton  who will shovel practically any food in my mouth). We also hated the smoke smell that permeated a couple of decks in the middle of the ship, thanks to their casino. We didn't use any of the fun food venues, like the pub or the asian fusion venue, because we hated all the smoke.

 

To sum it up, NCL would be the last choice for us personally, especially on a colder cruise. It's a lot more fun in warmer weather, but even then it would be our last choice, if it's close to free. You can look at my detailed review in the signature.

[RSLeesburg]

Yes.  I would agree with PP.  If the transatlantic is in Dec, then it will be a cold crossing and many of the outdoor facilities may not be usable.  And if smoke is an issue, it could be further compounded by everyone staying indoors.  Two options - if you wanted to do a transatlantic, you could look at Anthem of the Seas.  I believe it comes back from U.K. in November, but it is cold-weather ship, so has covered pool and lots of indoor activities.  You may still have fewer children, but more to do.  Second option is maybe booking B2B (back to back) cruises on one of the Oasis class ships, such as Harmony, Symphony, Allure, or Oasis.  In early Dec, you will pay lower rates than over school holidays, there is plenty for kids to do, and there are almost always some kids on board these bigger ships.  

[katyjeka]

We decided to take the chance and run with it.  We are going to spend a few days in Barcelona before the cruise.  We are looking forward to introducing Spain and Portugel to our girls and think a cruise is a great way to do this. Thanks for all the help.