About to board Getaway

[Winchester Ranger]

As self and DW are currently sat in the Haven boarding area waiting to board Getaway I thought I'd do a little "status so far" deal.

 

We flew in to Miami yesterday and stayed at the Courtyard Marriott on the beach. It's an expensive hotel for what it is but we were very happy with it - even happier after a couple of Mojitos at the pool bar (ask for Esme she's great in every sense of the word). Dinner was at La Gloutonnarie in South Beach and it was truly amazing (Tournados Rossini, Dover Sole Meunière and Grand Marnier Soufflé) - so if you need hotel/restaurant suggestions you can trust those if only because I'm picky.

 

We hopped a cab at 9.45am and arrived at the cruise terminal just after 10. Long lines of people standing at the drop off point made us groan, but we were directed into the main terminal and there was literally no one in there. We breezed through security into the Haven check-in lounge which had one other couple just completing their boarding process. Best thing - not a single kid in sight. The baggage handler panhandled me for cash which was no biggie - everyone has to make a living right ?

 

We had our photos taken and checked in taking all of 3 minutes - ultra efficient and very polite. Our platinum colored boarding passes came pre-badged with the UBP and UD stickers so don't worry about having to go to Guest Services.

 

Then we were asked if we wanted to hang around in the downstairs VIP lounge or "go upstairs" - DW immediately opted for door number 2 and so off we went to "upstairs" with our personal escort leading the way - lots of smiles and "have a great cruise" type statements, good job NCL.

 

So here we sit in the VIP lounge looking directly at the ship. There is certainly going to be at least one interesting character in the Haven as a rather loud gentleman just rolled in, looked at the ship and boomed "I'VE GOT A 60 FOOTER BUT THAT THING IS HUGE !!! I assume he was referring to his own boat but I hope never to find out for sure.

 

So here we sit with the other expectant couples - chapter 2 to follow.....

Edited May 3, 2014 by Winchester Ranger

[SissasMomE]

Ahhh, gotta love the pretentious :D

 

Have a great cruise! We love sailing from Miami. Easiest and fastest port to check in at.

 

Make sure you go to the Sunset Bar and see Bong. Best bartender on the ship, and he does not do a measured pour ;)

[Luv2cruisewithtwins]

Have a terrific time!! Im looking to book a 2 bedroom on the Getaway. Wondering if all the cabins are the same size or a few lucky ones are larger. If you find out, can you please report!! Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

[sandc4e]

Have a wonderful trip! We'll be at the port next week on the Getaway for our very first cruise. Awesome!

[hpecorari]

As self and DW are currently sat in the Haven boarding area waiting to board Getaway I thought I'd do a little "status so far" deal.

 

We flew in to Miami yesterday and stayed at the Courtyard Marriott on the beach. It's an expensive hotel for what it is but we were very happy with it - even happier after a couple of Mojitos at the pool bar (ask for Esme she's great in every sense of the word). Dinner was at La Gloutonnarie in South Beach and it was truly amazing (Tournados Rossini, Dover Sole Meunière and Grand Marnier Soufflé) - so if you need hotel/restaurant suggestions you can trust those if only because I'm picky.

 

We hopped a cab at 9.45am and arrived at the cruise terminal just after 10. Long lines of people standing at the drop off point made us groan, but we were directed into the main terminal and there was literally no one in there. We breezed through security into the Haven check-in lounge which had one other couple just completing their boarding process. Best thing - not a single kid in sight. The baggage handler panhandled me for cash which was no biggie - everyone has to make a living right ?

 

We had our photos taken and checked in taking all of 3 minutes - ultra efficient and very polite. Our platinum colored boarding passes came pre-badged with the UBP and UD stickers so don't worry about having to go to Guest Services.

 

Then we were asked if we wanted to hang around in the downstairs VIP lounge or "go upstairs" - DW immediately opted for door number 2 and so off we went to "upstairs" with our personal escort leading the way - lots of smiles and "have a great cruise" type statements, good job NCL.

 

So here we sit in the VIP lounge looking directly at the ship. There is certainly going to be at least one interesting character in the Haven as a rather loud gentleman just rolled in, looked at the ship and boomed "I'VE GOT A 60 FOOTER BUT THAT THING IS HUGE !!! I assume he was referring to his own boat but I hope never to find out for sure.

 

So here we sit with the other expectant couples - chapter 2 to follow.....

 

LOL at the man's '60 footer!'. Have a great time!

 

Harriet

[LrgPizza]

Have a wonderful time! Look forward to hearing from you upon your return.

[TifffanyD]

Thank you for reporting on the cards being pre stickered as this was something I've been wondering :) enjoy your cruise!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Winchester Ranger]

Thanks all - just enjoying sliders and swordfish at the Haven. This isn't my first rodeo but I can already tell this ship is special. Our room is incredible - easily the nicest suite I've had. It's also weird sitting here having lunch and cocktails while the other passengers are boarding, I'm more accustomed to an immediate boat drill.

 

On with the good times !!

[david_sobe]

Have a great cruise. We are all jealous ;)

Have a drink later for all of us.

[Luv2cruisewithtwins]

Thats so nice!!

Enjoy!!

which suite are you in?

Did you get a chance to look at a few of the 2 bedrooms up there on the 16th floor near the Haven restaurant??

if so, please lmk which one seems to be the biggest or at least, which one seems to be on the smaller side.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

[Sabiney]

I'm hanging onto every word. We board in two looong weeks.

 

Can you report back who the Concierge is and if you get a chance to visit with him/her would you mind asking how long they will be on the Getaway. I've heard two different names reported.

 

Thanks and have a fantastic cruise!

 

Pat

[hpecorari]

Have a great cruise. We are all jealous ;)

Have a drink later for all of us.

 

Good idea! Tell them to put it on my room card!:D

 

Harriet

[p082351]

have a great time - anxious to here and see pictures since we are going August 9 in the aft haven penthouse suite.

[rochelle_s]

Have a great cruise. We are all jealous ;)

Have a drink later for all of us.

 

Please don't wait for later have one for us now!

 

Please keep us laughing with your observations. Have a great cruise!

 

 

Rochelle

[Winchester Ranger]

Thats so nice!!

Enjoy!!

which suite are you in?

Did you get a chance to look at a few of the 2 bedrooms up there on the 16th floor near the Haven restaurant??

if so, please lmk which one seems to be the biggest or at least, which one seems to be on the smaller side.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

 

We went for a Haven Penthouse and I think we are right by the side of one of the big 2 bed family rooms - judging by the balcony it looks nice, sorry didn't get to peek inside.

[Luv2cruisewithtwins]

Thank you... have an amazing time!!!!!!!!!!

[Winchester Ranger]

I'm hanging onto every word. We board in two looong weeks.

 

Can you report back who the Concierge is and if you get a chance to visit with him/her would you mind asking how long they will be on the Getaway. I've heard two different names reported.

 

Thanks and have a fantastic cruise!

 

Pat

 

Concierge is Anoop (spelling?) and our butler is Flor.

 

Champagne on ice in the room on arrival - wasn't expecting that. Also heard other Haven guests debating getting the UBP ?? I thought everyone had it - maybe they booked a long time ago.

[Winchester Ranger]

Ahhh, gotta love the pretentious :D

 

Have a great cruise! We love sailing from Miami. Easiest and fastest port to check in at.

 

Make sure you go to the Sunset Bar and see Bong. Best bartender on the ship, and he does not do a measured pour ;)

 

I'm sat typing this while sat at the Sunset Bar :)

 

Currently on my voyage of exploration - first disappointment was in the casino, the Craps tables have shaved odds, hard eights and sixes at just 9:1 and tens and fours at 7:1 - seriously NCL ? Oh well no gambling for me this week :(

 

The interior decor is amazing, very high quality and all the staff are very polite - DW already has her eye on me for tipping each of the Haven girls at lunch, I'd better be careful.

 

Lifeboat drill in 2 hours then sea time.

[SissasMomE]

I'm sat typing this while sat at the Sunset Bar :)

 

Currently on my voyage of exploration - first disappointment was in the casino, the Craps tables have shaved odds, hard eights and sixes at just 9:1 and tens and fours at 7:1 - seriously NCL ? Oh well no gambling for me this week :(

 

The interior decor is amazing, very high quality and all the staff are very polite - DW already has her eye on me for tipping each of the Haven girls at lunch, I'd better be careful.

 

Lifeboat drill in 2 hours then sea time.

 

I loved the crew on the Getaway! Tell Bong I said hi :) Sinan is one of the best CD's at sea. You are going to have a fabulous time! I agree with the decor. Loved it all!

[david_sobe]

We had Anoop last year on Epic. He is very good. He wont fawn all over you but will cater to your every request. He is very experienced and started out as a butler.

Have fun!

[Sabiney]

Concierge is Anoop (spelling?) and our butler is Flor.

 

Champagne on ice in the room on arrival - wasn't expecting that. Also heard other Haven guests debating getting the UBP ?? I thought everyone had it - maybe they booked a long time ago.

 

Great news! Now if he'll just be there in two weeks. We totally enjoyed our trip on the Pearl with him.

 

I'll be watching your sail away from the POM webcam while I count down my days. Smooth sailing...

 

Pat

[Winchester Ranger]

The iConcierge app is finally working correctly - voice and text are definitely worth 8 bucks each and I love being able to see my charges. I just ordered a Bahama Mama to test the UBP - the Bartender put enough rum in it to get Chelsa Handler drunk, i.e. me drunk after one sip, so for anyone wondering if NCL somehow cheap out on UBP drinks they absolutely do not.

 

So it's Ocean Blue for dinner tonight and then 2 nights at sea - wish us luck !!

[Zimomiller]

The iConcierge app is finally working correctly - voice and text are definitely worth 8 bucks each and I love being able to see my charges. I just ordered a Bahama Mama to test the UBP - the Bartender put enough rum in it to get Chelsa Handler drunk, i.e. me drunk after one sip, so for anyone wondering if NCL somehow cheap out on UBP drinks they absolutely do not.

 

So it's Ocean Blue for dinner tonight and then 2 nights at sea - wish us luck !!

 

Good luck!

 

Looking forward to your review and comments as we board the Getaway for a Haven adventure 5/24.

[hbe]

Enjoy your cruise, can you tell me which entrance you had, BorC, thanks

[OnTheGoMom921]

Have a great time :)