Semi-Live Getaway 2.0 Jan 16 - Feb 1, 2023 NY - So. Caribbean ... 12 nights ( is it Live, Semi-Live or Limited ?? )

[mking8288]

With the substitute ports, long lines at Guest Services, Restaurant reservation and Shorex desk.

 

Always check our Onboard Account, what's a $20 service charge for, already prepaid our DSC.

[PistolPete13]

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

With the substitute ports, long lines at Guest Services, Restaurant reservation and Shorex desk.

 

Always check our Onboard Account, what's a $20 service charge for, already prepaid our DSC.

 

Lot's of weird issues with mystery charges that appear then disappear on the booking website the last few days.  I wonder if this has leaked over to the onboard systems...
 

[JIMESOPUS]

20 minutes ago, PistolPete13 said:

 

Lot's of weird issues with mystery charges that appear then disappear on the booking website the last few days.  I wonder if this has leaked over to the onboard systems...
 

Weird is a very polite way of saying screwed up, fought our account almost daily finally had it zero on day 12, found out when we left that we had a 3 cent balance which they charged the card, just checked now and we have $100 credit on the card. Going to use the same card for the BA maybe we can double that.

[mking8288]

We had a good turnout for the M&G, closer to 55 or 60, out of 85+ that signed up. Mario was also the GM last year when some of us were on the GA, none of them present then due to COVID-19 restrictions. This time, they stayed for 20 minutes & talk, answered several questions, and heard some of the concerns - good and thank you.

 

Metin isn't on vacation, he's currently Asst GM & holding F&B Director's title onboard & will be part of the Prima/Viva team. Alvin, CD is always cheerful, friendly & outgoing, left earlier than rest for an atrium presentation.

 

Spoke w casino with the okay to do the slot pull at 11:45 but this crowd is more interested in chatting & mingled after the officers left, so many stayed & sat around to share stories instead. 

 

Here are pictures taken of the group and the ship's officers. Name Card & phone extension below.

 

Edited January 21, 2023 by mking8288

[cruiservictor]

@mking8288 thanks for these pictures. Looks like Dindo is there as the beverage manager. And recognize Mario, as always, wearing his sweater. Looking forward to seeing the name card. 

[mking8288]

Lunch today in Taste was better, service & speed wise, and food temperature also.

 

Menu & pix

 

 

[mking8288]

Onboard, probably 5% of the pax, mostly older & frail ones are wearing masks. Others aren't - elevators are packed full 😷 😉 

 

Same with crew, some are but most aren't with the relaxed policy. 

 

 

Tonight's MDR menu. We will be in Cagney's and that's our evening program 😁😁😁 

 

[mking8288]

Double-up CNC promotion - it's a nice one to consider 

 

 

Satellite WiFi speed onboard, still trying to figure out how Google Pixel 7 Pro managed to get that extra, turbo speed over other devices on these NEC hotspots used everywhere on the Getaway.

 

 

 

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, JIMESOPUS said:

Weird is a very polite way of saying screwed up, fought our account almost daily finally had it zero on day 12 ...

 

Well, that $20 charge reversed and it's gone now.  Line this morning with Onboard Credit desk was about 1/8 mile long, just as bad at Guest Services and Shorex too with all the changes & surprised. 

 

Super Mario, the GM said you are the faces of CC, call us & we'll try ... or something like that. Winston apparently tried that earlier and ... I was prepared to give them 2 to 3 days to fix it first as I am not going to be happy to stand in an overcrowded atrium lobby to tell them about their problem with billings.

 

Magically ... disappeared

 

[JIMESOPUS]

18 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Double-up CNC promotion - it's a nice one to consider 

 

 

Satellite WiFi speed onboard, still trying to figure out how Google Pixel 7 Pro managed to get that extra, turbo speed over other devices on these NEC hotspots used everywhere on the Getaway.

 

 

 

 

Whats the operating browser? Going to try Opera Mini on the BA, it has to be better than what I went thru last week.

[mking8288]

11 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

 

Whats the operating browser? Going to try Opera Mini on the BA, it has to be better than what I went thru last week.

Jim ... using latest Chrome browser on Android. I'm going to sign out to use iOS 16.2 briefly to see. S22+ as setup is usable, not fast but adequate for posting & getting these pix uploaded. 

 

Opera Mini should work well but if it's the one with built-in VPN, switch it off & on, see if it is different on speed. BA was okay but it's been a while & back then, bill by the MB data used ... not airtime minutes used, can get a lot of data out/in. 

 

Happy to read SWA got your down to Big Easy, enjoy & will follow your live report from here. Regards 

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

Lunch today in Taste was better, service & speed wise, and food temperature also.

 

Menu & pix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I actually love that menu! Looking at the servings, well I'd be ordering a couple apps, at least two of the entrees (probably spaghetti carbonara and the tortialla bowl, throw some chicken flautas (minus tortillas in that), plus the lava cake. Mmm...glad to hear the yumminess and warmth factor are better!

[mking8288]

On 1/20/2023 at 5:07 PM, Mlake09 said:

Is the dinner with the officers in the MDR or in a specialty? 

Usually, in the MDR - invite will be delivered into our rooms, waiting.  

 

Last year on the GA, we're seated in a quieter corner section of Tropicana MDR. Very interesting 3 hours with the ship's public health officer.

19 hours ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

 

Can non-Platinum family members join Platinum family members in the waiting area and board together?

I believe if they are in the same stateroom, should be okay. They're cracking down on others who didn't even have Platinum status & managed to get in there. 

 

Other problem, too many with status these days vs. the small roped off area with room for maybe 120 at most.

[mking8288]

Oddly enough, iPhone 2020 SE pulling a good speed, like the Pixel 7 Pro 

 

Learn something new every time on NCL 

 

 

[mking8288]

Seated in the back of Cagney's (AFT) for our 6:15 pm reservation, ship's speed at 20 knots, definitely feel the engine vibrations.

 

Cagney's menu and the comp'd wine list choices for the Platinum voucher.

 

 

[fdcruisers]

Hi.  I will be on the Feb 6 sailing.  Does anyone know if there are a lot of different food items for gluten and dairy free?  Before covid there was a lot of selection now I am not sure. 

Edited January 22, 2023 by fdcruisers
mispell

[KinLINY]

Thank you mking8288 for this live report. Your reporting and the the two previous reports from Gateway are helping with my plans for my first cruise in May. I’m on deck 12, aft balcony room. I purchased the  upgraded plus package which included two additional specialty dinners. Booked Cagneys. Looking forward to your review. I’ll be following your postings. Thanks again. Enjoy your trip. 

[kjquilts]

Question on the platinum dinner voucher at Cagney's.  Current Latitudes Reward description for Platinum and above states

 

"Benefit is available on sailings 5 days or longer, and entitles each guest to one appetizer, one entrée and one dessert of choice. Entrée items up to $35 are covered. For items over this amount, an upcharge will be added to your onboard account"

 

Is this being enforced?  If you didn't want any of the appetizers could you substitute soup or salad?  If you wanted soup or salad in addition to the appetizer would there now be a charge?

 

Thanks so much for your postings.  Glad the internet is working for you.

 

Edited January 22, 2023 by kjquilts

[mking8288]

Tonight's dinner food photos.   We used 2 dining & 1 set of Platinum vouchers, and able to order 1 starter, 1 soup or salad, 1 entree (3 with upcharge) and 2 sides. No extra charges.  Finished our coffee and dessert by 8:30 - a full 2+ hours.  At least 10 tables in Cagney's remain empty & some not yet cleaned & turnaround ready for late sitting. Pace is reasonable with a touch of rushing, not really attentive but satisfactory.  (Jumbo tiger shrimp 3x before, now 4 large shrimp.)

 

For the record, we asked if we can; and waiter apologetically said we are no longer allowed to take things to do. ☹️

 

 

Edited January 22, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Winding down evening of Day 2, onboard for almost 36 hours ... seemed longer. 10 full days ahead. Going to figure out plans for Roseau, Dominica ?? "Okay, Google" 

 

Tonight, clock forward by 1 hour. There is an all points wanted bulletin for a lost grey color Travel Pro 22 med size rollerboard.  Hint Hint: Air Tags

 

 

The Rollator Walker left almost outside in our corridor closer to the FWD elevators and stairs aren't blocking as much as 50% like yesterday, but still partially outside obstructing safe egress in an emergency instead of folded up & stored or kept in the stateroom.  Isn't that a hazardous condition but I don't need or shouldn't be that person to file a report or complaint.  If I haven't retired from healthcare admin, this would be cited as a violation as EOC and Joint Commission mock inspection ... probably against maritime safety protocols.

 

Public hallways & corridors in these passenger areas are just barely wide enough to be accessible friendly & compliant ... a bit selfish.

 

 

Edited January 22, 2023 by mking8288

[nmuller328]

I'm wondering about the rollator as well (yea don't like the limited hallway blocked) - agree it's hard not to report but it's a safety issue for all.  I'm not sure if I've read somewhere that the room stewart - will come by & pick it up to store overnight.  Just not sure why owner wouldn't want to close it & store in the room.  

Thanks for your updates- we just booked the 10 day cruise leaving on Mar 26, we were on the GA back in Oct. Glad to see the CD has changed wasn't impressed with one on our cruise.  We had similar comments regarding food temp & service on our cruise- hoping it picks up during your cruise.  

[RadioPeri]

4 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Oddly enough, iPhone 2020 SE pulling a good speed, like the Pixel 7 Pro 

 

Learn something new every time on NCL 

 

Between me and my husband on this cruise, we've been online with an iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire, Android phone, and a Chromebook, and haven't had an issue with wifi at all. Hope it keeps up.

NOTHING will stream without an upgraded streaming package, not even podcasts, so download anything you want while you have access unless you want to pay the additional charge for streaming.

[mking8288]

12 hours ago, Aldeya said:

... As Platinum we get 1 carton of water each (2 total) ... as a Sapphire you got 2 cartons, and second ... got 1 for Platinum. Where is an additional carton coming from? 🙂

Both being Platinum, thus 2 cartons (16.9 oz or 500 ml) each x 2 = 4 cartons.

 

CAS (casino) guests with the Drink card ("House") can get more cartons from the casino bar / beverage runners while playing there - hence, like our friends - they don't "need" to spend extra for bottled water.  Of course, those "free" water are often very "costly" LOL.  

8 hours ago, cruiservictor said:

@mking8288 ... recognize Mario, as always, wearing his sweater. 

Amended the earlier post with the Name Card, should be quite readable.  Metin, apparently will be on the GA until he's going over to the Viva/Prima & take on greater responsibilities, according to "super" Mario.  

 

CruiseNext manager is same as last March & I spoke with him then. Some of the other faces / names are familiar but since none of them were permitted to be at 2022's M&G - not much of a renewed "connection" for me; and the Group Events Coordinators are new. Thankfully, they had everything ready by 10 a.m. when I walked by after an "extended" morning Savor breakfast.  Should be interesting to see who'll host the table for Dine With Officers, waiting for the invite to be delivered to our stateroom.  

7 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I actually love that menu! ...glad to hear the yumminess and warmth factor are better!

The latest lunch menu is very good, better than last year's choices.  Portion-wise, it's petite to average, fine for us as we don't need the extra weight gain, LOL.  We'll check out another SD tomorrow night & do another "show & tell" with pictures and our subjective findings - YMMV.  Food temperature when served isn't one of them - it's hot, warm, and just barely above/at almost temperature ... 

4 hours ago, kjquilts said:

Question on the platinum dinner voucher at Cagney's.  Current Latitudes Reward description ... "Benefit is available on sailings 5 days or longer, and entitles each guest to one appetizer, one entrée and one dessert of choice. Entrée items up to $35 are covered" Is this being enforced? 

 

If you didn't want any of the appetizers could you substitute soup or salad?  If you wanted soup or salad in addition to the appetizer would there now be a charge? ... 

It seems that nowadays, those descriptions are outdated.  Specifically, Cagney's earlier - only 3 entree items has an upcharge, steak sauces are included, and it's spelled out.  When in doubt, ask for the asst/manager on duty to help if the server isn't clear or sure, i.e. with the appetizers & soup/salad switching - explained to us as 1 starter (appetizer), 1 soup or salad and 1 entree, 1 dessert (plus regular coffee or tea).  We used 1 Platinum voucher for 2 and 2 SD (FAS) vouchers among 4 of us - and followed the above "rules" - zero extra charges to sign for.  

 

We have La Cucina booked later in the cruise and will ask the server more specific "what if ... and, can we questions"   Now that we know, asking them to wrap & take out the desserts aren't "allowed" 

 

Footnote: this post done on the Sony Vaio notebook PC running Windows 10 on SSD, no issues.  BTW, Facebook Messenger are getting thru while connected to ship's WiFi inTRAnet, not logged in - just no pictures downloaded until "connected" & on the "meter".  It's probably one of many known backdoor or loopholes with NCL's "system" configuration, expect them to be blocked & shut without warning at any time. 

...

to be continued, please kindly leave questions & best efforts to help and answer them, time permitting & internet - cooperating. 

Edited January 22, 2023 by mking8288

[Aldeya]

40 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Both being Platinum, thus 2 cartons (16.9 oz or 500 ml) each x 2 = 4 cartons.

 

 

Don't want to be noisy but just checked Latitudes rewards and it states for Platinum "Flow Waters cartons - 1 per member".

 

 

[Dorhead1230]

40 minutes ago, mking8288 said:The latest lunch menu is very good, better than last year's choices.  Portion-wise, it's petite to average, fine for us as we don't need the extra weight gain, LOL.  We'll check out another SD tomorrow night & do another "show & tell" with pictures and our subjective findings - YMMV.  Food temperature when served isn't one of them - it's hot, warm, and just barely above/at almost temperature ... 

Thanks for your wonderful review, @mking8288! We’ll be on a different itinerary in a few weeks, but I’m enjoying all the info you’re providing immensely. So, among all of these wonderful details you’re providing, leave it to me to zero in on…lava cake 🫣🤣. Is it only on the lunch menu now, rather than dinner? We always do a MDR lunch on embarkation day, but if lunch is the only time for lava cake, I see a few more MDR lunches in my future lol.