NCL Getaway Redux - Live Junket from 12/31/22 - 1/8/23

[mking8288]

NCL has flip-flopped a few times within the past several years (pre-Covid) on whether they allow "takeouts" from OSH and/or The Local.  Can't imagine that the working crew will be too happy wrapping & packing items to go, whether it's late night or all hours of the day.  I wouldn't be surprised if they nicely suggest to call Room Services for what you want to be taken back/delivered to the stateroom (or, nearly anywhere on the ship) for a $ service charge + 20%, for the convenience ... yada yada.  

 

Apologize for sidelining the live reporting ... I say, raid the buffet earlier in the day & stock up a little in that mini-refrigerator, in case of late night food "emer-gencies" - especially parents cruising with children.  NCL used to ?? have a little mini-buffet of several finger food, setup around 11 pm or midnight in a corner somewhere inside the casino.  

 

Fewer consumable waste to be processed and less fish food in the ocean being released from ships at sea - reductions in carbon footprints and better for the corporate balance sheet ... sounds good, huh. 

Edited January 3, 2023 by mking8288

[Cruising Lynne]

On 1/2/2023 at 11:57 AM, mking8288 said:

Thanks for all that, I'm sure fellow CC'ers on our roll call are following all these useful & informative update ... plus more from next week's GA sailing.  Looks like GA at full speed (that could anywhere be at 18 to 20 knots or 21 to 23 knots if wind & sea states are favorable, marinetraffic has her at 19.4 knots & updated ETA of 1:45 pm (scheduled arrival @ 1 pm ??)  ... isn't that going to be a very short visit to PC ??  We would never bother with going to theme parks (especially today being a holiday & long lines) or even downtown Orlando, etc.  

 

Last night, GEM was really pushing hard at 23 knots coming up the Jersey coast, must've got a strong tailwind for that extra top end speed.  Our friends reported that on their recent GEM T/A crossing with rough seas, best that they did was no more than 13-14 knots ... maybe, they left one of the engine off in eco-mode for a sustainable blueprint, LOL.  

 

Any ideas as to whether the Dine With Officers and BTS tours are starting up anytime soon ... wine tasting are being offered ??   When we had the GA Meet & Greet last March, none of them came - except 2 from the ship's Group Services ... we only met some of the officers at the VIP cocktail reception in the Bliss Lounge.  We dine with the ship's Public Health Officer and trainee from corporate HR, explaining that they were still "isolating" and protecting the team from the bridge, minimizing and avoid direct contacts with passengers - Mario was the GM then, but Metin looked familiar, perhaps he was wearing a different hat ... holding another job title last year.   

 

If you have & get a chance to upload, calling cards/names & titles of the officers contact onboard the GA would be appreciated and helpful too, TIA.  If not, no big deal as Laszlo doing a Live post next week is going to try ... those of us on later sailings lurking here.  

 

Just to clarify, they close down the buffet for cleaning after 9:30 pm nightly - nothing available after evening dinner services ... not even light snacks, burgers, hotdogs, fries & finger sandwiches, fruits, cookies & fruits, etc. (discontinued)  - that means, exactly as you described - O'Sheehan's and Room Services, for real.  Wow, that's a "change" for 2023 that can catch a few folks by surprise & aren't even talking about the good old midnight buffet.  

 

Love all that pictures ... much thanks for taking time away from enjoying Haven to do this.  Enjoy sunny FL and the rest of the cruise, while we are looking at wet weather ahead this week in NY, in the form of showers & warm temperature - 50's and hitting low 60's this Wednesday.  

In the past Gem had the late night buffet at the Great Outdoors. Is this no longer the case?

[Cruising Lynne]

From the Getaway day one Freestyle Daily posted on page six, I just noticed that there is a late night snack from 11 pm to 1 am. Looks like they changed the time.

 

I think it used to be from approx. 9:30 until 11 or 11:30. 

 

[DaisyGoldberg]

Loving your trip report as we will be on the Getaway in a few weeks.

 

As somebody who also doesn't enjoy the taste of booze, I'd love your husband's recommendations of non alcoholic drinks he enjoyed. We'll be in the Haven, too, so if there's a particular bartender who has the nonalcoholic magic touch, I can look for him/her!

[cruiservictor]

1 hour ago, Cruising Lynne said:

From the Getaway day one Freestyle Daily posted on page six, I just noticed that there is a late night snack from 11 pm to 1 am. Looks like they changed the time.

 

I think it used to be from approx. 9:30 until 11 or 11:30. 

 

Unfortunately I think that late night snack was only because it was New Year’s Eve. It was gone from the schedule by the next night. 

[cruiseny4life]

 

Moderno this evening. As you might expect, far too much food. My belly probably grew another inch today. I will admit I was nervous about the quality going in. Others on here have mentioned it's not that great. 

 

The steak is certainly not steakhouse quality, but it is a different way of cooking. We enjoyed everything. The lamb chops were delicious, and not an upcharge, unlike Texas de Brasil. We did miss the Texas de Brasil potatoes au gratin, but having sushi and a real shrimp salad was very nice. 

 

 

 

 

 

I'd say the Moderno style doesnt lend itself well to the best food photos. 

 

I do enjoy the cards you flip over. The front portion of the card (green) means let me stuff my mouth! The back portion is for the after dinner time in the balcony. It's the poop card: I'm stuffed and happy!

 

 

 

 

 

Finally came dessert. The manager took our order. As we couldn't decide, she just brought us one of everything. Yum! My least favorite, but still good was the rice pudding. 

 

 

Clockwise, from bottom - banana meringue caramel tart, rice pudding, coconut flan, chocolate tres Leche cake

 

I think someone ate a bit of our cake haha

 

Overall we were happy and fat. Eating outside allowed us a beautiful sunset view. We also watched as we chased down a Carnival ship which appears to have run into some issues off the coast of Southern Florida. We saw a police boat near it as we left dinner. 

 

 

I know. Terrible photo of the Carnival boat being pulled over.

[cruiseny4life]

What a sunset this evening, folks. A view from 13902.

 

[cruiseny4life]

14 hours ago, goldmom said:

Did you mean Jerry Lee Lewis?

Really enjoying your live reports.  Sorry about Bermuda.  One thing that seems really strange to me is that the Getaway doesn't appear to have a covered Haven Courtyard.  This really doesn't make much sense for a ship sailing from the Northeast during the winter months.

Have you found that it impacts your use and enjoyment of the CY area?

 

12 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Jimmy Lee Curtis? 😂 You're adorable. Is he Jamie Lee Curtis' talented son?

 

@goldmom is correct...Jerry Lee Lewis. He recorded a great rendition of Great Balls of Fire.

 

Thank you for your informative and entertaining posts. Fingers and toes crossed for a Syd Norman's revival. I will be sailing on the Getaway in February and was looking forward to standing in the long queue and fighting my way in. It's not a fulfilling cruise for me otherwise.

 

Yes! Jerry Lee Lewis! Haha, I was closer than I thought, but definitely not quite right. 

 

There is no covered courtyard. That didn't stop us from using the hot tub on a chilly embarkation evening. But we're cold blooded, from upstate NY and Russia. In the past we were on a really hot cruise and a rainy April cruise. We didn't use the courtyard as much then, nor did others. 

 

This cruise, the courtyard has been packed (after the first night) as it's been wonderful weather! 

 

By February, I do believe that giant queue will be back. I hope it is, for you! It's a true concert vibe. 

[cruiseny4life]

Tomorrow is Nassau. We don't know if we will just wander or around town, go to Margaritaville, or go to Atlantis. We will know before 8 AM since the excursion to Atlantis leaves at 830. Honestly, i think we're probably leaning toward wandering around, including Junkanoo Beach. 

 

I had to laugh a little tonight as another couple at Moderno were stressing about getting mugged in Nassau. Sure, it could happen. But, it's not likely. I enjoy the backstreets of the city and have met nothing but kind people there. Now, that straw market... Ill never go there again! Too much junk. Too many people. 

Edited January 4, 2023 by cruiseny4life

[kitkat343]

Have you heard anything about the ropes course?   Is it open?

 

hope you have a great time in Nassau!

[cusematt4]

The ropes course wasn’t open a single day last week, not even on the days with good weather and no wind.  No one was asked was able to provide a reason why it wasn’t opened.  Between that, no Syd Normans / rock band and no illusinariam show there were a number of advertised venues that weren’t available.

[vacation44]

8 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

 I enjoy the backstreets of the city and have met nothing but kind people there. Now, that straw market... Ill never go there again! Too much junk. Too many people. 

As expected,  I am really enjoying following you along and it seems like you are having a wonderful time.   

 

I thought the straw market was bull dozed down with the new port improvements.   Is it still there.?

[Laszlo]

8 hours ago, cusematt4 said:

The ropes course wasn’t open a single day last week, not even on the days with good weather and no wind.  No one was asked was able to provide a reason why it wasn’t opened.  Between that, no Syd Normans / rock band and no illusinariam show there were a number of advertised venues that weren’t available.

I read on a FB the ropes course and a few other things did not pass inspection and were closed

[cruiseny4life]

We have been remarking on how odd a sailing this is. The ship is full, yet specialty restaurants haven't been packed, nor have the main dining rooms had a lot of people in them. 

 

The Haven maitre d, and us, were confused this morning. It's a port day in the Bahamas, it's a gorgeous day, and the Haven Restaurant was empty at a little before 8AM.

 

 

We are heading into town to hit the beach and have some KFC. Ill explain later.

 

Then, my husband has a couple of Zoom work calls. I told him to quit his job, but he hasn't listened yet. 

 

Edited January 4, 2023 by cruiseny4life

[www3traveler]

12 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

 

Moderno this evening. As you might expect, far too much food. My belly probably grew another inch today. I will admit I was nervous about the quality going in. Others on here have mentioned it's not that great. 

 

The steak is certainly not steakhouse quality, but it is a different way of cooking. We enjoyed everything. The lamb chops were delicious, and not an upcharge, unlike Texas de Brasil. We did miss the Texas de Brasil potatoes au gratin, but having sushi and a real shrimp salad was very nice. 

 

 

 

 

 

I'd say the Moderno style doesnt lend itself well to the best food photos. 

 

I do enjoy the cards you flip over. The front portion of the card (green) means let me stuff my mouth! The back portion is for the after dinner time in the balcony. It's the poop card: I'm stuffed and happy!

 

 

 

 

 

Finally came dessert. The manager took our order. As we couldn't decide, she just brought us one of everything. Yum! My least favorite, but still good was the rice pudding. 

 

 

Clockwise, from bottom - banana meringue caramel tart, rice pudding, coconut flan, chocolate tres Leche cake

 

I think someone ate a bit of our cake haha

 

Overall we were happy and fat. Eating outside allowed us a beautiful sunset view. We also watched as we chased down a Carnival ship which appears to have run into some issues off the coast of Southern Florida. We saw a police boat near it as we left dinner. 

 

 

I know. Terrible photo of the Carnival boat being pulled over.

Probably the Coast Guard picking up some refugees that the Carnival ship had rescued.  A Carnival ship and another cruise ship have rescued refugees this week.

[Laszlo]

15 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Tomorrow is Nassau. We don't know if we will just wander or around town, go to Margaritaville, or go to Atlantis. We will know before 8 AM since the excursion to Atlantis leaves at 830. Honestly, i think we're probably leaning toward wandering around, including Junkanoo Beach. 

 

I had to laugh a little tonight as another couple at Moderno were stressing about getting mugged in Nassau. Sure, it could happen. But, it's not likely. I enjoy the backstreets of the city and have met nothing but kind people there. Now, that straw market... Ill never go there again! Too much junk. Too many people. 

Since your in the Haven have you gotten off the ship via the Haven elevator?

[cruiseny4life]

8 hours ago, Laszlo said:

Since your in the Haven have you gotten off the ship via the Haven elevator?

Not yet. We will be tomorrow when we tender to Great Stirrup Cay. I hope we make it! 

[cruiseny4life]

My husband, in his infinite wisdom, scheduled two Zoom calls today. To be fair, when he did, we were supposed to be having a sea day on the way to Bermuda. Well, as cruising is wont to do, we are in Nassau. 

 

I certainly wasn't going to stay on board while he Zoom Zoomed. So, I took a morning stroll through Nassau. He and I will hit Junkanoo Beach later today. We're in Nassau until 7 PM. 

 

There's also four other ships here. 

 

Carnival Liberty, this is the ship we passed last night with police boats around it. 

 

 

Azamara Onward, it was interesting to see a fancy schmancy boat. 

 

Celebrity Millenium, they provide free, infused water at the pier, whereas Norwegian charges for not good tasting Flow water before you get off board. 

 

 

 

Virgin Scarlet Lady, it's certainly an oddly designed ship.

 

 

And, of course, Norwegian Getaway. That's my ship, yall! We are the only ones who parked by pulling through.

 

 

Later in the day, Getaway did take a couple of the ugly brown coolers with fake enhanced kiwi water and regular water out.

 

The goal of my stroll through Nassau was to see the Government House. I made it there by following the imprint of Google Maps in my head. I wandered all the way around, saw a school, and some pretty bushes. 

 

Here's a few images of Nassau, including a house that wouldn't be inhabited in the States. There's nothing like travel to remind an American how fortunate he is. I suppose I feel that way every day in the Haven too. It is a blessing to not have to hawk my wares or services (I don't mean that kind!) on the streets in full humidity and heat. Not exactly an oven. Steamroom I suppose. So, I'm taking moment to count my blessings. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a wee bit odd to walk through one of the Pompey Square to be surrounded by Christmas decorations. Where's the snow? Cold? Wind? Alas, it was nice to see their whimsical decorations. 

 

 

 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

15 hours ago, vacation44 said:

As expected,  I am really enjoying following you along and it seems like you are having a wonderful time.   

 

I thought the straw market was bull dozed down with the new port improvements.   Is it still there.?

I'm on a cruise, of course I'm having a wonderful time! Included food mostly when I want something, included drinks, like far too many, and a thermal suite to relax my tired muscles. And, of course, a phenomenal crew who are going well above and beyond to ensure a most joyous new year's cruise!

 

Here's the Straw Market Building I passed today. No idea if it's the original.

 

[cruiseny4life]

23 hours ago, kitkat343 said:

Have you heard anything about the ropes course?   Is it open?

 

hope you have a great time in Nassau!

I haven't seen anyone on it. I'll ask tomorrow to see if I can get a definitive answer at to why it wasn't open last week and probably isn't this week. 

[cruiseny4life]

Tonight was Broadway Unplugged! I dragged the husband along...actually, he wanted to go. I love this show in the Illusionarium! The intimate atmosphere, sound, and lighting is just perfect. 

 

I was impressed when one of the singers broke a string while singing a leading part. Of course, right? He threw that guitar around on his back and a buddy supplied a new guitar for the front. If you don't think they are really singing and playing, this should prove to you that they are. It's nice to have live music in this age of DJ's and pre-recorded concerts. Here's a really bad photo of the guy sporting two guitars. You probably will need to zoom in on the guy in front on the right.

 

 

The song selection, stories and jokes were the same as September. Fine by me! I loved it in September and loved it tonight. If I'm being really real though, September was a bit better. Remember, I had a crush on the piano player. 🤡 But really, I think the entire crew's interaction was just slightly better. They were at the end of their contract so had plenty of opportunity to practice. 

 

We had a Phantom medley, Defying Gravity, You are my Sunshine, Seasons of Love, and other beloved Broadway songs, turned upside down and performed in a whole new way.

 

Some more not great photos.

 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

Did a quick check on maritime data for GSC tomorrow, winds from the east easing overnight, waves & sea states look reasonable for tender, always expect a bit of swell - just hold tight & firm transfering onto that platform for the double-decker tender.  I would be very surprised that GA won't at least make best efforts to launch tendering after coming to a full stop ... and it's a very short distance to travel from Nassau.  Easily get there & get you folks ashore by 9 am, regardless of the schedule as I'm sure those local vendors will be happy to make some money selling their arts & crafts, etc.   

 

Homebound trip should be fine, typical winter weather patterns sailing north - might be a little choppy & GA is a big ship capable of handling the ride.  Forecast good for Saturday & Sunday, balmy in the 30's at sunrise (by Utica standard ... baby brother worked for Rome Cable some 35+ years ago) 

 

Lovely pictures uploaded now in batches, looked like satellite WiFi coverage is good in this area - that Straw Market entrance/building looks brand new, probably part of their redevelopment & expansion, full completion by this May with berths for additional mega ships 😮 

 

Again, thank you for taking the time to give time for CC, share the onboard stories, pictures & compose updates for all the cruise addicts.  Even an 8-day cruise week go by very quickly 😇

Edited January 5, 2023 by mking8288

[cruiseny4life]

Real talk. Let's talk about the buffet. I remember after coming off my cruise in April, I called the food worse than "pig's slop." I was challenged, rightfully so, by posters as I only had one (Maybe two) dishes in the buffet. 

 

In September I tried the buffet three times. This cruise, I've been there almost every day. Today, I tried a bunch of food. 

 

- pasta Alfredo

- Mac and cheese

- steamed vegetables

- carved striploin

- salad

- pizza

- dal 

- rice

- pork curry

- bindhi masala

 

I tried so much as I was unable to finish almost everything. Same as my orevious trips to the buffet this week. 

 

On the first day, the macaroni and cheese was decent. Yesterday and today it was inedible, even with copious amounts of salt and pepper. Same with the pasta Alfredo.

 

I tried the strip loin. I had one bite, thought of trying more, and stopped myself. The curry sauce of the pork curry was good. The pork, not so much. I had more pork than steak, like 3 chunks. 

 

Even the salad was bad. It wasn't cold. The thousand island dressing was blah, and their were less than three toppings. I wanted tomatoes, peas, peppers, carrots, cheese, ham, eggs. I got cheese and corn.

 

The Indian food, as others have noted, was good. I finished all of it. Surprisingly the pizza has been good, except today's sausage pizza. It's some nasty type of sausage that's more like a Slim Jim than anything else. Pepperoni pizza, when fresh from the oven, is the best buffet item. 

 

I truly want to enjoy the buffet. Unfortunately, this is the one area of the cruise, NCL is very poor at, at least for mybtaste buds. With the exception of the Indian and pizza, I stand by my original "pig's slop" statement.

[cruiseny4life]

12 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Did a quick check on maritime data for GSC tomorrow, winds from the east easing overnight, waves & sea states look reasonable for tender, always expect a bit of swell - just hold tight & firm transfering onto that platform for the double-decker tender.  I would be very surprised that GA won't at least make best efforts to launch tendering after coming to a full stop ... and it's a very short distance to travel from Nassau.  Easily get there & get you folks ashore by 9 am, regardless of the schedule as I'm sure those local vendors will be happy to make some money selling their arts & crafts, etc.   

 

Homebound trip should be fine, typical winter weather patterns sailing north - might be a little choppy & GA is a big ship capable of handling the ride.  Forecast good for Saturday & Sunday, balmy in the 30's at sunrise (by Utica standard ... baby brother worked for Rome Cable some 35+ years ago) 

 

Lovely pictures uploaded now in batches, looked like satellite WiFi coverage is good in this area - that Straw Market entrance/building looks brand new, probably part of their redevelopment & expansion, full completion by this May with berths for additional mega ships 😮 

 

Again, thank you for taking the time to give time for CC, share the onboard stories, pictures & compose updates for all the cruise addicts.  Even an 8-day cruise week go by very quickly 😇

Thank you! And I, truly appreciate your maritime updates! Especially since they've mostly contained good news for us! I'd be alright with an extra sea day, but I do want to go enjoy the beach! 

 

You are right! Eight days goes by so fast! Last cruise was nine days. Now eight. March is seven. I'm going in the wrong direction! 

 

30's is too warm for my liking, except on a travel day, so that's good news. Glad you know the area, courtesy of your brother that did some back breaking work! 

 

Honestly, I've been surprised the entire trip. Wifi has been phenomenal! Barely any lag. I mentioned my husband had Zoom today. He was on camera and had no issues. Granted, we were in port,  but all those photos uploaded in less than ten seconds each! 

 

I don't have the fancy apps for upload/ download speeds, but on a full ship were doing well! 

[cruiseny4life]

Day 5 Freestyle Daily: