Getaway Haven 14-21 June (Couples Review)

[Medtech2]

Erin math is now hard at work. We are planning our next cruise and are looking at Epic on 8 NOV. It's my birthday/veteran day cruise.

 

We have decided against Haven mainly because we want to do Europe next summer. Erin wants to go inside for less than $1000. She wants it to be an adventure and go guarantee. What has been your experience with guarantees?

She also figures she has saved $3500 from the start over Haven (Erin math) and imagine what she can do with that on the cruise.

 

I am leading more toward guaranteed mini-suite. We would be able to adjust to either cabin. In the Haven we felt a little disconnected from the ship. In an inside I know we would be out and about.

 

I'm asking here because a new thread people don't really know us. From what you have read, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks for helping out.

Have you thought about 2 connecting studios?

 

We started out booking an inside on the Getaway because I figured it would force us out and about. The thinking was we would book the inside and get Spa Passes while also enjoying Spice H2O. Well, Karen Math (mine) has somehow morphed us into our first Spa Suite.

 

Seriously it depends on how much space you need. We found the balcony on the Epic sized okay for us. I was able to get a reclining chair on the balcony. The Epic Spa is wonderful. So far nothing has beat the 2 weeks we spent on that ship.

[ee1999]

We have done the Capt. Bob excursion twice - best excursion ever!

 

Couldn't agree with you more. We'll do the same thing next time we are in St. Maarten.

[ee1999]

Getaway 19 June Daily (Day 6).pdf

 

Getaway 19 June Daily (Day 6)-1.pdf

 

Getaway 19 June Daily (Day 6)-2.pdf

 

Getaway 19 June Daily (Day 6)-3.pdf

 

 

One more comment about the casino important to blackjack players. They have continuous shuffle and dealers hit soft 17 except on tables $50 and above.

[rochelle_s]

Erin math is now hard at work. We are planning our next cruise and are looking at Epic on 8 NOV. It's my birthday/veteran day cruise.

 

We have decided against Haven mainly because we want to do Europe next summer. Erin wants to go inside for less than $1000. She wants it to be an adventure and go guarantee. What has been your experience with guarantees?

She also figures she has saved $3500 from the start over Haven (Erin math) and imagine what she can do with that on the cruise.

 

I am leading more toward guaranteed mini-suite. We would be able to adjust to either cabin. In the Haven we felt a little disconnected from the ship. In an inside I know we would be out and about.

 

I'm asking here because a new thread people don't really know us. From what you have read, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks for helping out.

 

 

Seeing as you both played in the casino I would suggest that you contact CAS and see if they might offer you anything. Perhaps you will get a complimentary cabin or maybe only a 20% discount but every little bit helps. If you do go through CAS and also receive Drink Cards for the casino...this too can come in very handy.

 

I have booked guarantees on several different cruise lines and have never had a problem. That being said I should state I am not a light sleeper, am not affected by motion on the ship and do not travel during high season times.

 

Also thank you very much for your review and the posting of the dailies. I have enjoyed it all very much.

 

Have a wonderful cruise when the time comes.

 

Rochelle

[ee1999]

Seeing as you both played in the casino I would suggest that you contact CAS and see if they might offer you anything. Perhaps you will get a complimentary cabin or maybe only a 20% discount but every little bit helps. If you do go through CAS and also receive Drink Cards for the casino...this too can come in very handy.

 

I have booked guarantees on several different cruise lines and have never had a problem. That being said I should state I am not a light sleeper, am not affected by motion on the ship and do not travel during high season times.

 

Also thank you very much for your review and the posting of the dailies. I have enjoyed it all very much.

 

Have a wonderful cruise when the time comes.

 

Rochelle

 

Thanks Rochelle. I don't think any particular location would bother us, especially on an inside. I have read some stories of people who were pleasantly surprised by an upgrade on a guarantee and the gambler in me says it may be worth the risk.

[ee1999]

Have you thought about 2 connecting studios?

 

We started out booking an inside on the Getaway because I figured it would force us out and about. The thinking was we would book the inside and get Spa Passes while also enjoying Spice H2O. Well, Karen Math (mine) has somehow morphed us into our first Spa Suite.

 

Seriously it depends on how much space you need. We found the balcony on the Epic sized okay for us. I was able to get a reclining chair on the balcony. The Epic Spa is wonderful. So far nothing has beat the 2 weeks we spent on that ship.

 

I never thought of the 2 studios. That could have a lot of benefit especially if we only wanted one UBP;).

 

That was our thinking on the inside, spend some of the savings just upgrading our overall experience i.e. spa passes

[ee1999]

Frasier Season 7 Episode 15: Out With Dad

 

There are a few reasons the entertainment remind me about this episode. The obvious is that it starts with Frasier and Martin headed to an opera. Most people who know my background are shocked that I really love going to shows. We typically go to our local theater and go to NYC every couple of years expressly to see a few shows. The second reason is when Niles is upset that he has to play the part on Martin's boyfriend in the episode. Niles quote is, "They think the best I can do is an old man with a cane!" I'll explain this part at the end of the post.

 

I thought it would be better to separate some areas on the ship instead of by day. The days sort of ran together for us unless we were at a port. Illusionarium I covered on an earlier entry.

 

As a disclaimer I will say that wether you like a show or not is the same as people's opinions of food, completely subjective. Plus I don't hold shows on ships up to the standard of Broadway or Vegas. If I sit there and I'm more entertained than if I was at a bar or in my room watching tv I consider it an okay show. If I want to see it again on ship I consider it an amazing show.

 

Wine Lovers the Musical is held around 12:30 on sea days. It is in the same theater as the Illusionarium show. I have to tell you that I am hugely popular at wine tastings! I don't drink wine, but I like to go for the fruit they serve and to be with Erin. The wine has to go somewhere so I share with those around me. At this show we met a realtor from Savannah, GA and her husband that I shared with. They offered us an insider look at Savannah if we ever make it back that way.

 

Erin and I both really enjoyed the show. There are 3 actors 2 guys and a girl and a very simple set. All of the actors really worked hard and it made the wine tasting different from any of our past tastings. The surprise to me was they actually served a lunch at this show. Pretty much the same lunch as the dinner for the Illusionarium show. The dessert they serve a Mochaccino Cheesecake was one of the better desserts I had all week.

 

The show came with a charge of $25 pp and we agreed we would see it again if offered on a future sailing. I have enclosed a copy of the menu and wines.

 

Burn the Floor is held in the main theater and was a good show. The dancers are good, but there where no wow moments. There is some singing along with dancing, no real storyline unless I totally missed it. We both became bored about 25 minutes into the show and decided to leave. The dancing is solid, but it becomes repetitive after about 5 numbers. It's worth checking out to see if it's your taste.

 

Just a funny note about Haven seating in the main theater. The seating in theaters for suites on Royal I would consider prime seating. The seating on Getaway for Haven is about halfway back on the left side of the theater as you're facing the stage. We thought it was funny the first show we saw there. We got to the theater about 10 minutes before the show and there were people in the Haven section with empty seats for rows in front of them. We set closer to the stage in some prime seats and still had empty seats around us.

 

Legally Blond we both enjoyed. It is a very short show about 45 minutes. It very loosely follows the movie. If felt it was fast-paced, funny and the singers were good. The crowd really got into it especially the part with the UPS guy.

 

The Grammy Experience is in its own venue on deck 8. The singer they had was extremely talented. We listened for a few songs, but her style of jazz and blues is not what we enjoy most. We enjoyed Slam Allen on Epic so much more. He was so much more fun and interactive.

 

Howl at the Moon is the piano bar they have on NCL. We love the Howl at the Moon franchise on land. The entertainers we saw , 3 piano players, were very talented and tried valiantly to get the crowd involved. I'm not sure the crowd understood the concept of singing along. At one point they clapped for a few minutes, but that was about it. I'm not even sure they know who Alice is;). I can't fault the players they were awesome. Even on land some days are better than others at piano bars so much depends on the crowd.

 

Levity Comedy was really disappointing. The opening comedian was okay, but I almost felt bad at how nervous he seemed. I though the mike would fall out of his hand at any time. The main comedian was marginally better, but not much. They give you the typical jokes about cruise ship life, but he didn't have any great material. Comedy on a cruise ship depends on who you get that week so who we saw really is just a snapshot in time. The venue is small, but I didn't see anyone turned away the night we were there.

 

Fireworks were a great addition. We were able to see them off of our balcony on the port side. I believe they lasted about 10 minutes with very little dead time if any.

 

Overall we were disappointed in the entertainment on Getaway in relation to Epic (the best of any ship we've been on) and Allure. That said, the entertainment is still better than most other ships on other lines.

 

I almost forgot, why did I feel like Niles. Erin dresses trendy when we go out to shows. I was very committed to the whole freestyle experience the entire cruise when it came to dress code. It seemed at least 30 times during the week there would be a gentleman ask Erin something about her outfit that night. Each time the conversation would end with them telling me I was very lucky. So the best Erin math is her + me = :D

Wine Lovers.pdf

 

 

[ee1999]

Frasier Season 10 Episode 16: Fraternal Schwinns

 

Frasier and Niles have to learn to ride bikes to take part in a fundraiser.

 

Frasier (me): If a child of 4 can ride one then so can we!

Niles (Erin): That's what we said when we were 6!

 

So Erin has been training for about 8 weeks using the couch to 5k app. We have been communicating with Brianne Leary from Active Island. Florida weather has not been cooperating with the training. This year we seem to have only had 2 seasons tourist and combustion. She has been able to complete a few runs over 3 miles.

 

The instructions from Brianne were excellent. The meeting point at the port was a bar called Mojo's. It was super easy to find and Brianne prearranged a taxi for us with Tino. He was right on time which is not typical in the Caribbean. Tino took us on about a 25 minute taxi ride to Latitude 18 bar to meet our guide. Latitude 18 is a local bar right on a dock that the locals use. It is down a dirt road. Tino waited there about 3-4 minutes until our running guide for the day showed up. I was pleasantly surprised that the cost was only $20 for the ride.

 

Christine was our guide for the day. She moved to St Thomas from Boston 3 years ago. Her last name was Sheehan. Sheehan from Boston, you can't get much more running credibility than that. We also met the owner of Active Island, Brian, who came to the same area for his morning run and to check on how everything was going. It ended up being just Erin and I on the tour and we waited for a guide in training named Max. Brian said he would meet us at the end at the Secret Harbor Beach Resort. He loaded up our beach bag and gear in his vehicle and had it waiting for us at the end.

 

The tour we were on was called East End-eavor. They also have a historic tour downtown geared more toward walking. For those not familiar with southwest Florida, I can tell you our highest elevation is 40 feet and that is the peak of a 1.3 mile bridge. St. Thomas is a series of steep hills. The heat wasn't an issue for Erin. I think it was actually cooler than our runs in Florida. The hills were another story.

 

Christine and Max were just awesome. We learned so much about the USVI and how the island gets along. We went from talking about history, government, carnival, pirates, oddballs on the island, Puerto Rican league basketball, and just about anything. The time flew by. We made about 5 stops where Christine would point out interesting areas or share historical anecdotes. The views and scenery on the run were fantastic. The route covered beach, trail, dirt, and improved roads. They ran the entire tour at any pace Erin needed, were encouraging, and enjoyed the celebration when Erin crossed the finish line! She said that was vindication for the entire new wardrobe of running clothes and shoes she had purchased in her training.

 

 

We did a cool-down walk up a hill to the start of the Secret Harbor Beach Resort. We met back up with Brian who had awesome shirts for us. For $40 we got the tour, high tech shirts, bottled water, and the best way to finish a run, vouchers for 2 rum drinks from the Cruzan rum bar at the resort. The shirts are very clever and say something like, "I thought you said rum!"

 

The resort was friendly and their beach was in a nice cove. There were several scuba certification courses going on just off the shore. The resort had bathrooms and a shower where we could clean up before relaxing. After the tour guides left Erin and I spent some time snorkeling, drinking rum, and relaxing. The service at the resort was excellent. We had a frozen rum key lime pie that inspired us to buy 3 bottles of flavored rum at the dockside shops before getting back on the ship. We had a few drinks and when we asked the waitress for the check she told us they were having a special that day and there was no charge! We gave her a very nice tip and went to the lobby for a taxi. There was a taxi driver waiting in the lobby and he took us right back to the ship. The taxi ride back was also $20.

 

For me there are few things better than a nice run with great conversation. I'll be posting a review on TA for Active Island, but I'll tell you this was the best bargain I have ever had on a shore excursion. The shirt alone was about a $25 shirt. Even if you don't run and just want to walk off some buffet calories give their walking tour a try. It's like Haven treatment on land. Makes me miss cruising just writing about it.

[ee1999]

Getaway Daily June 20 (Day 7).pdf

 

Getaway Daily June 20 (Day 7)-1.pdf

 

Getaway Daily June 20 (Day 7)-2.pdf

 

Getaway Daily June 20 (Day 7)-3.pdf

[happy cruzin]

ee1999 -

Nice to see the daily sheets - thanks!

Did they still have the "week at a glance" sheet on the concierge desk in the Haven??

Do you happen to have it??

[happy cruzin]

ee1999 -

 

Nice to see the daily sheets - thanks!

 

Did they still have the "week at a glance" sheet on the concierge desk in the Haven??

 

Do you happen to have it??

 

Oops...I see you have already posted it! Thanks !!

[happy cruzin]

ee1999 -

2 questions....

According to these dailies O'Sheehan's had Prime rib three nights (Saturday, Monday and Friday). Is that true?? It was only once and on the first night when we sailed the Breakaway - so now I'm confused. :o

I could have missed it - but I saw no mention of which night the Seafood Buffet was. Do you remember??

Thanks!

[happy cruzin]

Does anyone know what the official DOD's are for the first and second day (Saturday and Sunday)??

 

The rest of the week seems to be listed under Bar Manager Specials - in the Dailies - but I didn't see it for Saturday or Sunday. :cool:

[ee1999]

ee1999 -

2 questions....

According to these dailies O'Sheehan's had Prime rib three nights (Saturday, Monday and Friday). Is that true?? It was only once and on the first night when we sailed the Breakaway - so now I'm confused. :o

I could have missed it - but I saw no mention of which night the Seafood Buffet was. Do you remember??

Thanks!

 

O'Sheehan's did have prime rib available on more than one night. I can't confirm they had it all three nights listed, but my guess is they did. I have a fuzzy memory of seeing the signs out front a few days.

 

The seafood buffet was on the second sea day.

[happy cruzin]

O'Sheehan's did have prime rib available on more than one night. I can't confirm they had it all three nights listed, but my guess is they did. I have a fuzzy memory of seeing the signs out front a few days.

 

The seafood buffet was on the second sea day.

 

Thank you!!

[happy cruzin]

Did anyone else notice that the fee for Ocean Blue is listed as $49/pp day one and $37.50/pp day 7???

 

Wonder if it's that way all the time - or if they drop the price down the end of the week if there has not been enough use of Ocean Blue?? :confused: I know that many on the Breakaway (us included) were not willing to pay $49/pp for a meal when there were so many other options.

 

We did get lunch one day from the Ocean Blue location on the Waterfront. DH and I shared an order of the Crab Toasts and a Lobster Roll. Friends we were with got the Calamari - so we got to try it too!

 

It was all quite good and we will probably just do that again when we sail the Getaway.

[Medtech2]

ee1999 -

Nice to see the daily sheets - thanks!

Did they still have the "week at a glance" sheet on the concierge desk in the Haven??

Do you happen to have it??

BTW I just booked our shows on line and they have already changed up the week in that Legally Blonde is now Days 5 and 6 and not on 7...

 

I would have preferred 7 as what else to do besides pack?

 

Contrary to what they say I was also able to book 2 comedy shows. I know they will alternate acts so hopefully I picked 2 different ones though no biggie as I assume as the week goes on those will be easy to get into...

[ee1999]

BTW I just booked our shows on line and they have already changed up the week in that Legally Blonde is now Days 5 and 6 and not on 7...

 

I would have preferred 7 as what else to do besides pack?

 

Contrary to what they say I was also able to book 2 comedy shows. I know they will alternate acts so hopefully I picked 2 different ones though no biggie as I assume as the week goes on those will be easy to get into...

 

Hold out hope. We received a note in our cabin the first day that they changed Legally Blond canceling the Wednesday show and making it Friday. They also changed one of the comedy shows from what was available on-line.

 

If they do that they automatically move your reservation to the new date.

Edited June 29, 2014 by ee1999

[Medtech2]

Hold out hope. We received a note in our cabin the first day that they changed Legally Blond canceling the Wednesday show and making it Friday. They also changed one of the comedy shows from what was available on-line.

 

If they do that they automatically move your reservation to the new date.

Well that would be great!

[happy cruzin]

BTW I just booked our shows on line and they have already changed up the week in that Legally Blonde is now Days 5 and 6 and not on 7...

 

I would have preferred 7 as what else to do besides pack?

 

Contrary to what they say I was also able to book 2 comedy shows. I know they will alternate acts so hopefully I picked 2 different ones though no biggie as I assume as the week goes on those will be easy to get into...

 

Hey there! ;)

 

Thanks for the update - I will change my planning sheet. I'm sure there will be plenty of changes between now and when we sail.

 

I will be looking forward to your photos/comments - since we aren't sailing until February. I assume you will go to the martini tasting again...when you're there think of us. It was such a blast with you guys on the Breakaway - we are STILL talking about it!

 

So the reservations window does open for Haven guests at 100 days?? :confused: I remember hearing about it on the boards - but could never find it confirmed on the ncl site. :eek:

 

Did you run in to any trouble booking what you wanted?? I ask because we are planning to use the UDP this time - since we eat in a specialty restaurant every night.

 

Now I'm trying to find someone that booked the Illusionarium AND a different specialty restaurant the first night. We want to see the show - but aren't that fond of the meal served. I know it can be done - others have posted that they have done it - I'm just not sure if the prebooking system will allow it! :o

[ee1999]

Hey there! ;)

 

Thanks for the update - I will change my planning sheet. I'm sure there will be plenty of changes between now and when we sail.

 

I will be looking forward to your photos/comments - since we aren't sailing until February. I assume you will go to the martini tasting again...when you're there think of us. It was such a blast with you guys on the Breakaway - we are STILL talking about it!

 

So the reservations window does open for Haven guests at 100 days?? :confused: I remember hearing about it on the boards - but could never find it confirmed on the ncl site. :eek:

 

Did you run in to any trouble booking what you wanted?? I ask because we are planning to use the UDP this time - since we eat in a specialty restaurant every night.

 

Now I'm trying to find someone that booked the Illusionarium AND a different specialty restaurant the first night. We want to see the show - but aren't that fond of the meal served. I know it can be done - others have posted that they have done it - I'm just not sure if the prebooking system will allow it! :o

 

I booked Cagney's and Illusionarium first night, no issue at all.

[Daghis]

I booked Cagney's and Illusionarium first night, no issue at all.

How did that work in the Illusionarium for you? Did you decline the entire menu or just have a bit of it. Was the dinner show before or after Cagney's for you?

 

I hadn't considered doing something like this, but it sounds like something that may be worth trying for us.

[ee1999]

How did that work in the Illusionarium for you? Did you decline the entire menu or just have a bit of it. Was the dinner show before or after Cagney's for you?

 

I hadn't considered doing something like this, but it sounds like something that may be worth trying for us.

 

Worked out great for us. We went to Cagney's beforehand and skipped apps and desserts. We also went with light sides. At Illusionarium we still had them bring our meals and just ate what we wanted.

 

The meal at Illusionarium was better than what the reviews had led me to believe.

 

If you have the UDP I would go for it.

[happy cruzin]

I booked Cagney's and Illusionarium first night, no issue at all.

 

Excellent news! Thanks :)

[happy cruzin]

Worked out great for us. We went to Cagney's beforehand and skipped apps and desserts. We also went with light sides. At Illusionarium we still had them bring our meals and just ate what we wanted.

 

The meal at Illusionarium was better than what the reviews had led me to believe.

 

If you have the UDP I would go for it.

How early did you go to Cagney's?? What time did you have to be back in the Haven to be escorted to the show??