*Live blog* - Ben the Bendyman's Great GETAWAY - Maiden Voyage

[debnjoe1438]

Still loving the pic's and ongoing story. :D

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Monday, January 13, 2014 at 12 Noon Local

A happy reunion

 

Jumping back to touring exploring the ship that afternoon... Stepping outside the Grammy Experience onto the Sunset Bar (Maltings Beer & Whiskey on Breakaway), as chance would have it, Ben ran into his favorite bartender of all... Dhruv (Bartender at Sunset)! And then Jose (Beverage Manager) stopped by making Ben smile from ear to ear. Then later on, running into Simon Murray former cruise director and now working in Miami but here to launch Getaway.

 

After a little reminscing and exchanging smiles, Ben headed to his cabin where he ran into this friendly crew member in the stairwell greeting guests and assisting them with locating their cabins. When he arrived in his cabin, he was surprised to find a plate of chocolate covered strawberries magically appear and waiting for him.

 

Dhruv B. (Junior Bar Server)

 

Jose C. (Beverage Manager)

 

Renson F. (Senior Office Utility)

 

 

Simon Murray, Norwegian Cruise Line, Miami

 

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Monday, January 13, 2014 at 1 PM Local

The Illusionarium

 

Next Ben directed his cameraman to make a beeline for the next uniquely Getaway attraction - The Illusionarium. He just loved the steampunk theme and the decorations adorning the entrance. Our little figurine was a big fan of magic and illusion - He being a figment of a human's overactive immature imagine, he couldn't wait to see the performance later that evening.

 

The Illusionarium

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Monday, January 13, 2014 at 7 PM Local

The Illusionarium

 

Skipping to the evening of the performance, Ben didn't know what to expect as he entered the Illusionarium. He walked around wide-eyed enjoying the theme decoration adorning the stage as well as decorative pieces on the tables.

 

The show was wonderful, very entertaining, and had him and his butler in sidespliting laughter to tears at points. This was a dinner theater and he was served surf and turf (salad with very tasty proscuitto, fried shrimp and half filet, and a lovely dessert of flan, chocolate cake). Despite best efforts not to, his famished servant finished every bite.

 

Ben had reserved his ticket on NCL.com and there was only one price which turned out to be premium seats ($40). Standard seating was offered at ($30) with a discount of 20% for the first show. So he got to be seated at a table nearest to the stage where he would bob and weave, and squint, trying to figure out how the magic tricks and illusions were done.

 

Photography was not permitted during the performance so Ben's cameraman snapped what he could.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[dalgirl]

Ben!!!!! Love the reviews and can't wait for more - I saw the post and just started to smile:)

[Winston Wolf]

Without further adieu...

 

Day 1, Monday, January 13, 2014 at 11 AM Local

The New Norwegian Getaway - Maiden voyage, January 13, 2014

1-Day Escape from Rotterdam, Netherlands to Southampton, United Kingdom

 

Ben took a taxi to the Maritime Hotel before crossing the Erasmusbrug across from the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal. He surprised when he became so excited to see the Getaway loom large into view. He was also elated not to have mistaken her for the M/S Lebo... and instead loved the hull art and the artist's tasteful and subdued placement of his signature.

 

Docked at the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, Netherlands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sorry, but the hull art for Getaway blows away Breakaway's.

[Kdiamond55]

Thank you for posting these! Looks great so far!

[jchris1230]

subscribing :)

[kikki21]

Enjoying your posts and pics as ever! Wondered where you had got to when you went AWOL!

Really wanted to be on this sailing but not to be - really want to taste that new ship feel one day! :)

[DGP1111]

I'm going to readily admit that I'm extremely jealous of Ben & Kyle right now, as I'd enjoy being onboard to experience some of what is already being described.

 

Gonna have to do it 'virtually', which isn't nearly as much fun, but I'll take what I can get.

 

Thanks, again, and ENJOY your experience!!

[HowardK]

Hello Kyle, I have been on both the Epic and Breakwaay, like you the Breakaway is local (I am from NJ) while of course theGetaway would be a flight.

 

Since I am going in October on either the Breakaway or Getaway again, what things on the Getaway would make it worth flying to vs going again locally in NYC.

 

It seems (as I am heavily into the music/entertainment) the Grammy Experience/Legally Blonde/and lunch show, would be the 3 main differences for me vs Breakaway (could do without Rock of Ages)

 

I think I saw you were scheduled for the Breakaway in Sep again- was there anything that made you think you would switch to the Getaway instead?

 

For me its just a question of super convinence going to NYC (not taking Friday off or even thursday to fly), etc..

[kylenyc]

Hello Kyle, I have been on both the Epic and Breakwaay, like you the Breakaway is local (I am from NJ) while of course theGetaway would be a flight.

 

Since I am going in October on either the Breakaway or Getaway again, what things on the Getaway would make it worth flying to vs going again locally in NYC.

 

It seems (as I am heavily into the music/entertainment) the Grammy Experience/Legally Blonde/and lunch show, would be the 3 main differences for me vs Breakaway (could do without Rock of Ages)

 

I think I saw you were scheduled for the Breakaway in Sep again- was there anything that made you think you would switch to the Getaway instead?

 

For me its just a question of super convinence going to NYC (not taking Friday off or even thursday to fly), etc..

Hi Howard!

 

Just checking in from Dublin, Ireland where I'm about to look for a cafe... hopefully one with wifi and an electrical outlet. Just wanted to answer your question before I go...

 

I booked Breakaway for September because I'm bringing friends. It's convenient (no flying) and they've never experienced a ship like Breakaway so it will be an all new experience for them. I had to make a good reason to book Getaway and fly across the pond just to sail her. So I wrapped the trip between a land Vacation to Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin. The Getaway alone was so worth it. The main reasons to book it over the Breakaway (in no particular order because they are all great):

...Being on one of the newest ships at sea, the Miami themed decor and venues, and even menus both in the included dining and even in the specialty restaurant Ocean Blue! There are some yummy new dishes in the MDRs and Ocean Blue on Getaway. YUMMY!

... The Illusionarium - If you like a show featuring magic, illusion, steampunk theme and special effects, Illusionarium is it - Entertaining and fun. Cirque Dreams is certainly entertaining for its music and acrobatics but Illusionarium is very different, new, and fun.

...Legally Blonde - High energy, very talented performers, excellent acting and choreography. It was a great show. Just loved it.

...The Grammy Experience & Nestor Torres if you are into a talented skilled musician and band and love jazz. This isn't your typically cool/smooth jazz. He really amazes and plays a full range of jazz pieces from smooth to high energy.

... The Sports Complex - The ropes course, walk the plank, and mini golf all decorated for Miami and the Caribbean. Very cool (pictures forthcoming)

... NCL's best assembled crew in the fleet

... Miami, Florida, and the Everglades - Be sure to visit the Everglades. Just don't stumble into or get bitten by gators (seriously) :eek:

... Groove International - Had the pleasure of listening to this band play caribbean tunes on the Star in 2012. They are great and get people on the dance floor.

... Miami-themed Burn the Floor - Although I didn't see it on Getaway... I heard it's wonderful with all new numbers and dance routines to match the Miami theme. If it's anything like the show on Breakaway, then it's not to be missed.

 

I crammed all this in just two daysI And there must be more to see and do.

Edited January 17, 2014 by kylenyc

[cruiseclues]

Really great photo review...keep up the great attitude. :):):):)

[kylenyc]

Ben returned to New York on Sunday with his jet lagged typist so he's been letting his companion sleep early to reset his human bio clock. He thinks he's had enough now so he's poking his bloggist and dictating again, posting more of the wonderful differences in the Getaway... He's posting highlights of what's unique first so jumping around a bit.

 

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 8 PM Local

Ocean Blue

 

Ben's human needed sustenance and couldn't wait return to this restaurant... To his delight, he learned the menu had some new dishes introduced specifically for Getaway. He had some some old favorites like the steak tartar, dover sole, and apple crisp with gelato (deeeeeeeelish). He also tried a bit of his friend Yemi's dish - A lobster risotto introduced new for Getaway. He also had another first course - A delicious mussels dish.

 

He had tried a bite of Val's dover sole back in April and had been dreaming about it ever since. After Yemi let him try her lobster risotto, he'll be dreaming of it forever because who knows when he'll get to visit Miami and the Getaway again :sadface:

 

After dinner, he ran into wonder executive chef, maitre d, and hostess of Ocean Blue on the way out and thanked them for the lovely and memorable experience.

 

Ed: The foodie pictures are dark because we had a window seat in the back of the restaurant with very subdued lighting.

 

Ben's clones run off to make a new friend Erika Suarez (Executive Chef) and meet old friends Anna Maria Malata (Asst Maitre D), and Ariana Diaz (Hostess)

 

Soft buttery bread missing two slices ... Couldn't resist the carbs but oh so good (sigh).

 

Steak tartar... Wonderful. Had it on Breakaway and just had to have it again.

 

A mussels dish, delicious. Forgot the name. Sorry forgot to take pictures of the new menu - Too distracted by the food.

 

Zakarian's signature dover sole, a side of an amazing fragrant rice, steak tartar, all amazing.

 

An apple crisp with gelato missing a slice of cheddar because the restaurant hasn't received its supply yet. Gelato was delicious and the apple crisp a little heavy on the spice ?cinnamon? for my taste.

 

Edited January 23, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 10 PM Local

Legally Blonde

 

10 PM Legally Blonde was AMAZING. It was a top notch performance, high energy, great music, choreography and acting, and lots of fun. Ben didn't want it to end even though he's seen the movie. Photography wasn't allowed during the performance so sorry no pictures of the cast. The new Getaway stage is very pretty though :D

 

 

 

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Tuesday morning January 14, 2014

Redecorated Sports Complex - Aaaaargh Me Hearties!

 

Woke up early this morning to have breakfast and then take pictures around the ship while most folks disembarked in Southampton. The sports complex (rock wall, ropes course, walk the plank, zip slide, and miniature golf) has been redecorated with a new Caribbean/pirate theme for the Getaway and Miami. Totally awesome. Just love it! Although Ben's a little creeped out by the skeletons.

 

Ropes course, zip slide, and walk the plank

 

 

Miniature pirate golf

 

Miniature pirate golf

 

Ben's no Jack Sparrow.

 

Edited January 23, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Tuesday morning January 14, 2014

Sports Complex - Water Slides and Pools

 

Mist rising from the pools while docked in the cruise terminal, Southampton UK.

 

 

Southampton Cruise Terminal

 

Gianormous water slides

 

 

 

Kids pool

 

[boopsahoy]

Looks like a beautiful ship! Thanks for all the great pictures and commentary:D

Is the adult pool on Getaway bigger than the one on Breakaway?

[kylenyc]

Thanks smileyperry, debnjoe1438, dalgirl, kdiamond55, jchris1230, DGP1111, cruiseclues! It's been fun chronicling Ben :D

 

Enjoying your posts and pics as ever! Wondered where you had got to when you went AWOL!

Really wanted to be on this sailing but not to be - really want to taste that new ship feel one day! :)

Thanks. Yes, unfortunately the 25 cent pay per minute Internet was good for everyone except crazy midnight bloggers :D Hope you do the maiden voyages... maybe Escape or Bliss! I'd be on every one if I lived in the UK!

 

Looks like a beautiful ship! Thanks for all the great pictures and commentary:D

Is the adult pool on Getaway bigger than the one on Breakaway?

I didn't take notice but being that Getaway is the sister ship to Breakaway, structurally I'd guess they are identical which includes layout of the decks and cabins, the size of the pools, etc. There's much in common but also much different in terms of decoration, entertainment, amenities, etc. with enough differences between Getaway and Breakaway to make them both winners each in their own right.

Edited January 23, 2014 by kylenyc

[prg2101]

Great Blog so far....Loving it....gives me something to look forward to each day....Great Work Ben!!!!!:):)

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Monday, January 13, 2014

Norwegian Getaway Maiden Voyage, Rotterdam, Netherlands

 

Jumping back to Day 1, after running into a few friends soon after boarding, Ben would run into many more today including Sean (Hotel Director), Rashida (Secretary to the Hotel Director), Errol (Assistant Hotel Director), and Julie (Cruise Director) who Ben first met on the Breakaway's maiden voyage back in April. The best of Norwegian's fleet and Ben's favorite crew members were on board the Getaway - The A Team.

 

One of the people that Ben missed catching back in April was a busy Andrew Stuart (Executive Vice President of Passenger Services) who ducked into a secret "bat tunnel" when Ben surprised him in the hallway. He must have been wondering who was this strange yellow figurine and his creepy human photographer. On this voyage, Ben was lucky enough to run into him in the hall again and this time he was prepared with a picture of Ben with Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's CEO. That was enough to persuade Andy to pose for a picture... How could he resist! Every day he would also run into the lovely Rosalie (Waiter in O'Sheehans and also responsible for the tending to the Studio Lounge). That evening, he also met Francis Riley (Vice President and General Manager) who couldn't resist posing with our thrilled Ben.

 

Ben was so happy to see his old friends and new, and everyone was incredibly warm, friendly, and gracious toward our little Ben and his documentarian.

 

In order of appearance...

Andrew Stuart, Executive Vice President - Unable to escape Ben and his personal paparazzi this time. Yay!

 

Rosalie (Waiter, O'Sheehan's)

 

Sean (Hotel Director) and Rashida (Hotel Director's Secretary). So happy to see them again. Sorry forget the name of friendly chap in the middle.

 

Errol (Assistant Hotel Director)

 

Julie (Cruise Director)

 

Francis Riley (Vice President and General Manager) - Bothered by Ben while trying to peacefully enjoy a drink at the Sunset Bar.

Edited January 23, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Norwegian Getaway Maiden Voyage, Southampton, UK

Sunset Bar, Tropicana Room, Artwork

 

Exploring the beautiful venues... The Sunset Bar decorated with an Ernest Hemingway/Key West theme, The Tropicana Room (main dining room), and artwork from Lebo and others throughout the ship.

 

The Sunset Bar

 

 

 

 

Painting by Lebo

 

Miscellaneous wall art - Artist unknown.

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Norwegian Getaway Maiden Voyage, Southampton, UK

Sunset Bar, Tropicana Room, Artwork (continued)

 

The Sunset Bar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painting by Lebo

 

Miscellaneous wall art - Artist unknown.

[cruisebear84]

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous wall art - Artist unknown.

 

 

OMG I LOVE THIS!!! Thanks for sharing it with us! :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited January 24, 2014 by cruisebear84

[biguntx]

Thanks for the review.

 

Great pics!

 

Keep 'um coming.