dachengdao

We just sailed on the Getaway for the first time earlier this month and got a cabana in the Vibe. The Vibe was underutilized, which made it even better for us. No wait for bar service, hot tubs always available, clean and barely used bathrooms. Drinks were delivered right to the hot tub or cabana. The downside was that it was closed four days out of a 10 day sailing due to winds and weather. On those days we made good use of the thermal suite. The cabana was nice and secluded, and blocked a lot of the wind. Too much sun was never a problem. The Vibe had the best views on the ship, especially for sailaway and sunsets. It was the perfect place to read and nap, and of course take full advantage of the P+ package. Cold wash clothes were delivered once when it was hot, and fruit skewers were delivered once on another day. Every time we entered, we got a container of water and bar service was excellent. People would wait by the Vibe door and sneak in whenever folks left. I never saw anyone get thrown out although on day three the staff approached us rather aggressively when we were in the cabana to make sure we had paid for it, even though we had been shown to it the day before. We had been sent wrist bands, but didn't want to bother with those so after the first confrontation everyone knew who we were and we had top notch service afterward. So in short, it was worth every penny, even with the closed days, and I wouldn't want to sail without a Vibe pass in the future unless I was in a Haven Suite. Already got my Vibe pass for my Prima sailing next December!

We’re on the Getaway right now and missed Bermuda yesterday. The newbies thought they were entitled to a comped next cruise. 😂 I tried to explain how it works with some of them but they became belligerent as if I had the power to do anything. I was happy to see $14 OBC added.

It’s like going to a buffet where there’s an option to buy ala carte too. It’s not fair for people to get a share of the buffet items when they have only paid for a single item. One thing to do in such a situation as this is to use your 40% discount on a bottle for your friends while the three with the P+ just request by the glass.

Good tip about specifying the prosecco (as well as other spirits) when ordering cocktails. Duckhorn! 🤦🏻‍♀️ But I like Duckworth better 😆

I just had a flashback to the Boone Farm days of high school 😆

The 66 is more like crisp green apple, not too sweet as other Proseccos tend to be. I think I’ll branch out and try some more of the Duckworth wines. The merlot was definitely a stand out.

The 66 was included in the main dining room with our P+ on the Getaway (we are onboard now) and yes! Way better than the next level Prosecco.

On the Getaway right now. Veuve is available at Le Bistro. Tried the Pommery Rosé and it was better than I expected, although having a bit of a sour aftertaste. 66 Prosecco was way better and we polished off an entire bottle. The Caymus Cab was excellent though a bit young. Make sure it’s decanted. It was an up charge from the P+ package. We bought a couple of bottles to take back because it’s a good entertaining wine. The Duckworth (or duck something- not sure if I’m remembering the name) Merlot was outstanding and included in P+. Port & ice wine both available in dining room, so we were very happy with that. DH was able to get Macallan Enigma on the P+, but it depended upon the bartender. The best thing about the P+ is getting Starbucks in the morning because the dining room coffee is completely undrinkable.

Thank you for reporting back! Hope you had a fabulous trip.

I just booked our first transatlantic for next year. Will be our first time on the Prima too. How was it? I doubt they'll still have the ice wine available by the time we sail, but I'll happily pay an upcharge for it.

This resonates with me as well. I stayed in the Haven once on the Gem. It was a lovely experience and we had the family suite as there were six of us. When just me and DH sail, we don't need all that. For the price of a Haven room, we can get a balcony and splurge on a thermal spa pass and a Vibe cabana, plus the FAS+ upgrade, extra dining, all our excursions, and still have extra left over to spend in the casino.

Thanks for posting, Bird! This actually makes me feel better about the DSC.

This! 💯

So basically, we're not 'tipping' but rather subsidizing wages. I just prepay the DSC and think of it as part of the cruise fare. I tip the wait staff in the specialty dining as well as the steward, along with a dollar per drink for the bar tenders. I also tip tour guides/drivers on excursions, and anyone else on board who go above and beyond.

I too was disappointed about the ice wine but understand that not having it anymore will save them a lot of money since it’s so expensive. That’s something I’ll gladly pay an up charge for. However, cutting out champagne entirely except for a single rosé is unacceptable. If they really need to save the money, just offer it by the glass in the specialty dining, Haven, and Vibe instead.

I may or may not be lurking here to do the same.

We preferred the MDR for lunch and buffet for dinner (when we didn't go to a specialty restaurant) because the buffet had so many more options then. There were many veggie dishes available, cooked and raw. Plus a pasta station, which would be good to customize your order (and an omelette station as well if you eat eggs). I saw a crepe station too, which I guess they can make savory veggie crepes for you. We avoided the buffet in the past b/c it was too chaotic and we had our hands full managing two young children. We would take our kids to the kids' buffet section since there was more empty seating there, then drop them off at Splash Academy so we could have a sit down meal. Last month was the first cruise without the kids (they're grown now) and we were surprised how good the buffet experience was now versus then.

I'm an omnivore, but am trying to eat more healthy to lose weight and lower blood pressure. I found many vegetarian-friendly items in the buffet. There was a section with an array of beans and legume dishes. So many options in the salad bar as well. Just got off the Gem last month and didn't gain any weight. First time this ever happened, and believe me when I tell you I didn't starve myself.

We will be on the Getaway in December, but just came off the Gem last month. We liked the MDR for lunch and preferred the buffet for dinner (when we weren't in a specialty restaurant). The best thing in the MDR for me was the wedge salad. And the hushpuppies. DH loved their roast tomato bisque, even more than Cagney's lobster bisque.

I've never seen it there, but DH loves Le Bistro for the escargot app.

Thank you for this tip because we didn't see our latitudes credit applied to our $50 off excursions for our December cruise either until receiving the invoice after we paid in the app. However, there was just a free excursion to St. John's Beach that popped up in the app and I grabbed it. The invoice I received had it at a total of $129 at a $129 discount. Is there an excursion fairy???

Thank you for reporting back. Hope you had a lovely cruise!

This is from January. The newest one from April is here: Beverage_Package_Flyer_04_23.pdf

I know you must be excited! I have to wait all the way to December. Have a wonderful cruise!!! 🚢

Congrats on your retirement!!!