Getaway 8/16-23 review- First time with Norwegian open for any questions

Got off this cruise yesterday. Stayed in Haven cabin 16116, had the UDP and UBP program

We (family of three) were two adult and one 16 year old girl. This would be our 5th cruise- with others on Disney, Carnival Dream, RCCL Freedom of the Seas and RCCL Oasis of the Seas.

EMBARKATION: We had a 6:00 AM flight out of Philadelphia the day of the cruise. We usually stay the night prior but could not this time due to work schedules. No issues, and got to Miami around 830. Got luggage and were out of the airport at 9 am. Got a very friendly cab driver and got to Terminal C. Waited for about 5 minutes until they opened the doors. We sat on the inside benches for a few minutes and they they had us go through the doors. We were escorted to a priority lounge area and they checked us in. We then sat at a small room with food/coffee. Then they waited for one more family and then we sat in a walled area for suite customers with more food/pastries. After about a half hour we were escorted onto the ship to the haven area . We briefly met Ruth. We wound up eating at the HAVEN restaurant for lunch.

ILLUSIONARIOUM: We got this for free with our UDP plan. Maybe it was a long day, but I only found this ok. The food was pretty bad and the show seemed to drag a little bit. There was a couple who did a box trick and others, a mentalist couple, a person who did a statue illusion, one who did tricks with birds, and the main emcee who did comedy magic. Food was cold even though we were the first ones in the room. The steak tasted funny and the potatoes were funny tasting. The laser effects were interesting but didn't really add to the story (IMO) I wouldn't have paid for it, but was glad it was free.

UDP: Ate at all included specialty restaurants.

Favorites: Le Bistro

La Cucina ( fantastic wait service)

Good: Moderno: Good service from Jackie, but we just weren't in the mood. They seemed to be pushing the chicken drumsticks and not the higher cuts of meat.

Not so great:

Teppanyaki- we had 615 reservations and the restaurant called us at 600 telling us to come down now. We felt rushed. Food was ok-- there was someone with a screaching baby a table away the whole time.

Cagneys- wait staff seemed standoffish. We were there at our appointed time and they took a long time to be ready.

We did also eat in OSheenans four lunch and bar food, (very fast service), and did one lunch in Savor. Osheenans was great for take out food as well.

Haven Restaurant: ate there mostly for breakfast. Had great service there as well.

UBP: Loved it! Didn't like signing the slips-- wish they did it like RCCL beverage program with no slips-- just scan the card. Mojito bar was great- as well as the Haven lounge

Haven: very nice- but the adults like the Solarium on the Oasis better. Was glad we were in the Haven- the rest of the boat was CROWDED!

Teen programs: In one word from my daughter, sucked! The teen program had a policy if you werent participating in the set activity they could not stay and hang out (opposite of the Oasis Living Room concept). Seemed that the older teens didn't have much to do and the activities skewed to younger teen set. Due to this, there were older teens roaming around all the time.

Areas to improve: Small gym and running track. I would get up at 630 am to walk/run and would see people saving pool chairs. Running track was narrow. The gym does not have enough machines.

non haven pool area was too crowded and narrow.

Too many large crowds in the Atrium- felt like some of these activities could have been in the theater or poolside.

In all- we preferred the Oasis more.

Activities:

Played trivia a few times - that was fun. Chris Wade does a great one with piano tunes.

Saw Burn the Floor- left after 45 minutes-- just wasnt for us

Legally Blonde- good show, but does skew for the younger set. Saw older people leaving after the show started. Used the Haven reserved seating for Legally Blonde.

Howl at the Moon: fantastic--went to almost all the shows. On the last night the Legally Blonde cast came after work and did many guest songs- it was fantastic! I wish the seats at Headliners were more comfortable.

Comedy show- watched both performers- one was funnier than the other

Excursions: Did Captain Bob's excursion in St. Maarten! Fantastic! It was a great time- we snorkeled all day, had a great lunch and the drinks were flowing.

St Thomas: my daughter and I did Active Island Historical 5K run. It was informative, fun but very hot! Couldn't run the entire thing because of the heat, but we had a great time

Thanks for the review. We are in the Haven 16710 September 6th

Didn't buy the UDP but have booked Cagney's twice, LeBistro twice and Ocean Blue . Planning on dining one night in the Haven . Yep , booked the Illusionarium one night. If the food is not that good.....well , will try later room service in the Haven. Will buy the UBP on board since heavy with on boards at $ 575. Last year on the Freedom of the Seas bought the drink package and still had to sign all the drink tabs. Done this itinerary so many times, may just wing it in port....just hoping for good weather. Glad you liked the Haven.

Thanks again for your insight!

Nevermind! I read wrong.

Thanks for the review. Can you tell me about the Active Island 5k run tour?

Thanks

ILLUSIONARIUM: We got this for free with our UDP plan. Maybe it was a long day, but I only found this ok. The food was pretty bad and the show seemed to drag a little bit. There was a couple who did a box trick and others, a mentalist couple, a person who did a statue illusion, one who did tricks with birds, and the main emcee who did comedy magic. Food was cold even though we were the first ones in the room. The steak tasted funny and the potatoes were funny tasting. The laser effects were interesting but didn't really add to the story (IMO) I wouldn't have paid for it, but was glad it was free.

I will also be doing this embarkation night option using the UDP, with the anticipation the meal will not be the 'headliner' by any means.

What would you estimate was the total time of the show, once you were seated??

Thanks. :)

.

Thanks for the review. I hope this is not rude but do you remember if your RCC cruise was more expensive then this one??

Thanks for the review. Can you tell me about the Active Island 5k run tour?

 

Thanks

Don't know if I can post a link.. but I will try. Here's the link http://www.activeislandvi.com/

If the link doesn't show up google active island tours virgin islands.

We met at Mojos (right near Paradise Point) at 830. We did a warm up walk past Havensight and through the Yacht area. Our guide Christine did a great job telling us about the yacht owners... Richard Bransons yacht was there. We then walked around the water front and jogged to downtown area. We jogged through the downtown area. We then went through downtown area we stopped for some pictures at about three different places. (older church, waterfront area, 99 steps). We went up a hill and the 99 steps and then jogged/walked back.

The tour included the run - a performance shirt (very cute) bottle of water, pictures from the tour and a coupon for a rum based drink at Mojo's afterward.

Thanks for the review. I hope this is not rude but do you remember if your RCC cruise was more expensive then this one??

Yes it was. It was more expensive then the Oasis (which we all loved) but about the same as the Freedom.

We aren't sure if we will try Norwegian again-- and it we do it may be Haven only.

Got off this cruise yesterday. Stayed in Haven cabin 16116, had the UDP and UBP program

 

We (family of three) were two adult and one 16 year old girl. This would be our 5th cruise- with others on Disney, Carnival Dream, RCCL Freedom of the Seas and RCCL Oasis of the Seas.

 

EMBARKATION: We had a 6:00 AM flight out of Philadelphia the day of the cruise. We usually stay the night prior but could not this time due to work schedules. No issues, and got to Miami around 830. Got luggage and were out of the airport at 9 am. Got a very friendly cab driver and got to Terminal C. Waited for about 5 minutes until they opened the doors. We sat on the inside benches for a few minutes and they they had us go through the doors. We were escorted to a priority lounge area and they checked us in. We then sat at a small room with food/coffee. Then they waited for one more family and then we sat in a walled area for suite customers with more food/pastries. After about a half hour we were escorted onto the ship to the haven area . We briefly met Ruth. We wound up eating at the HAVEN restaurant for lunch.

 

ILLUSIONARIOUM: We got this for free with our UDP plan. Maybe it was a long day, but I only found this ok. The food was pretty bad and the show seemed to drag a little bit. There was a couple who did a box trick and others, a mentalist couple, a person who did a statue illusion, one who did tricks with birds, and the main emcee who did comedy magic. Food was cold even though we were the first ones in the room. The steak tasted funny and the potatoes were funny tasting. The laser effects were interesting but didn't really add to the story (IMO) I wouldn't have paid for it, but was glad it was free.

 

UDP: Ate at all included specialty restaurants.

Favorites: Le Bistro

La Cucina ( fantastic wait service)

 

Good: Moderno: Good service from Jackie, but we just weren't in the mood. They seemed to be pushing the chicken drumsticks and not the higher cuts of meat.

 

Not so great:

Teppanyaki- we had 615 reservations and the restaurant called us at 600 telling us to come down now. We felt rushed. Food was ok-- there was someone with a screaching baby a table away the whole time.

Cagneys- wait staff seemed standoffish. We were there at our appointed time and they took a long time to be ready.

 

We did also eat in OSheenans four lunch and bar food, (very fast service), and did one lunch in Savor. Osheenans was great for take out food as well.

 

Haven Restaurant: ate there mostly for breakfast. Had great service there as well.

 

UBP: Loved it! Didn't like signing the slips-- wish they did it like RCCL beverage program with no slips-- just scan the card. Mojito bar was great- as well as the Haven lounge

 

Haven: very nice- but the adults like the Solarium on the Oasis better. Was glad we were in the Haven- the rest of the boat was CROWDED!

 

Teen programs: In one word from my daughter, sucked! The teen program had a policy if you werent participating in the set activity they could not stay and hang out (opposite of the Oasis Living Room concept). Seemed that the older teens didn't have much to do and the activities skewed to younger teen set. Due to this, there were older teens roaming around all the time.

 

 

 

Areas to improve: Small gym and running track. I would get up at 630 am to walk/run and would see people saving pool chairs. Running track was narrow. The gym does not have enough machines.

 

non haven pool area was too crowded and narrow.

 

Too many large crowds in the Atrium- felt like some of these activities could have been in the theater or poolside.

 

In all- we preferred the Oasis more.

Thanks for the review. Can you tell me if "Bong" was the bartender in the Mojito bar?

I will also be doing this embarkation night option using the UDP, with the anticipation the meal will not be the 'headliner' by any means.

What would you estimate was the total time of the show, once you were seated??

Thanks. :)

 

.

We were on the same cruise and went to the same show. We were impressed with the food. The filet was the best we had the whole cruise (and we ate in specialties every night.)

Most important - be there at 5pm or even a little before so you are there when the doors open and make them seat you center stage. Be assertive! The first 2 tables in and the last 2 tables around the circle can't really see. You're watching the show from the magician's back. Very frustrating ! Especially the white statue. They tell you that you can see from every seat because it's a circle stage but the actors don't turn much.

Thanks for the report!

Thanks for the review. Can you tell me if "Bong" was the bartender in the Mojito bar?

no he wasnt there.

We were on the same cruise and went to the same show. We were impressed with the food. The filet was the best we had the whole cruise (and we ate in specialties every night.)

 

Most important - be there at 5pm or even a little before so you are there when the doors open and make them seat you center stage. Be assertive! The first 2 tables in and the last 2 tables around the circle can't really see. You're watching the show from the magician's back. Very frustrating ! Especially the white statue. They tell you that you can see from every seat because it's a circle stage but the actors don't turn much.

YOU must have gotten the good steaks. All three of us took one cut and it was cold. I found the steamed broccoli good. We all liked the caprese salad. The deserts weren't that good. I took about a 1/2 teaspoon and tasted= from each one and it wasn't that great. My daughter asked for a soda (she had the teen soda program) and it took over 10 minutes to get it.

We did make a reservation for dinner later that night. We ate at specialities all week and found steaks overly salty all over. We tend to eat fresh (not quite clean eating but close) and found meat over processed. We mostly stuck with seafood/soups and were never disappointed.

Don't know if I can post a link.. but I will try. Here's the link http://www.activeislandvi.com/

 

If the link doesn't show up google active island tours virgin islands.

 

We met at Mojos (right near Paradise Point) at 830. We did a warm up walk past Havensight and through the Yacht area. Our guide Christine did a great job telling us about the yacht owners... Richard Bransons yacht was there. We then walked around the water front and jogged to downtown area. We jogged through the downtown area. We then went through downtown area we stopped for some pictures at about three different places. (older church, waterfront area, 99 steps). We went up a hill and the 99 steps and then jogged/walked back.

 

The tour included the run - a performance shirt (very cute) bottle of water, pictures from the tour and a coupon for a rum based drink at Mojo's afterward.

Sounds like fun for sure!! My husband is a runner and I run only short races but much slower than him. I will look into it for sure!! Thanks!

Sounds like fun for sure!! My husband is a runner and I run only short races but much slower than him. I will look into it for sure!! Thanks!

I just started the Couch to 5k 3 weeks ago. MY daughter runs 5ks almost daily. Truth be told, WE jogged/ran about a third of it-- and I just couldn't handle the heat. We then began to power walk. Before the cruise, I was doing about 12-14 minute miles (very slow but fine for me!) but I just couldn't handle the heat and i live in a hot state!

They also have an east end running excursion for serious runners full of hills and harder trails. I do like running trails in my local park, but I didnt think i could handle this.

I just started the Couch to 5k 3 weeks ago. MY daughter runs 5ks almost daily. Truth be told, WE jogged/ran about a third of it-- and I just couldn't handle the heat. We then began to power walk. Before the cruise, I was doing about 12-14 minute miles (very slow but fine for me!) but I just couldn't handle the heat and i live in a hot state!

 

They also have an east end running excursion for serious runners full of hills and harder trails. I do like running trails in my local park, but I didnt think i could handle this.

That's awesome that you were able to do that on your trip! My husband is a marathon runner, and I've dabbled in it a bit. Heat like that is crazy hot for running. Kudos to you for finishing it!

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Teen programs: In one word from my daughter, sucked! The teen program had a policy if you werent participating in the set activity they could not stay and hang out (opposite of the Oasis Living teens didn't have much to do and the activities skewed to younger teen set. Due to this, there were older teens roaming around the time

In all- we preferred the Oasis more.

How dumb is THIS policy??? We were on in July and , aside from signing up, my 3 teens did not use Entourage. I did not realize that you had to be in a " play group" to stay in there!!!! Letting teens have a place to just chill would really be a bonus.

I would also say that the arcade needs a total revamping. Ugh!!!!!!

YOU must have gotten the good steaks. All three of us took one cut and it was cold. I found the steamed broccoli good. We all liked the caprese salad. The deserts weren't that good. I took about a 1/2 teaspoon and tasted= from each one and it wasn't that great. My daughter asked for a soda (she had the teen soda program) and it took over 10 minutes to get it.

 

We did make a reservation for dinner later that night. We ate at specialities all week and found steaks overly salty all over. We tend to eat fresh (not quite clean eating but close) and found meat over processed. We mostly stuck with seafood/soups and were never disappointed.

We worked hard to stay on our Paleo diet too. Only ate the salad and meat at the show, passed on the fries and dessert. Then went up to the buffet and had a nice big salad.

Did notice the salt crust on the meats in the specialties but even though I'm not much of a salt eater I kind of enjoyed it.

People at our table had trouble getting sodas also, took several requests and much longer than 10 minutes. Noticed the wine orders were brought right away.

Thanks for the review. We are in the Haven 16710 September 6th

Didn't buy the UDP but have booked Cagney's twice, LeBistro twice and Ocean Blue . Planning on dining one night in the Haven . Yep , booked the Illusionarium one night. If the food is not that good.....well , will try later room service in the Haven. Will buy the UBP on board since heavy with on boards at $ 575. Last year on the Freedom of the Seas bought the drink package and still had to sign all the drink tabs. Done this itinerary so many times, may just wing it in port....just hoping for good weather. Glad you liked the Haven.

Thanks again for your insight!

Paulsurf - I just booked that same cabin for the fall of 2016 for my daughter and I. Can you tell me a bit about it? Is it tiny? We have always stayed in suites and the last one we had was an owners suite with 2 balconies lol......so we had tonnes of room.......but it is awesome that it is right in the haven area, can you tell me more about the room or any pictures would be much appreciated!!! Thanks!!!

Thanks for your review.