Live from Getaway: August 15, 2015

[maywell]

Quick update while we wait for burn the floor to start. Had a fabulous meal at lebistro tonight. The scallops (side dish) melted in your mouth. I had mushroom soup again (my fav) and bob had escargot (still served in garlic butter sauce, I had read they changed to mustard sauce). I had the fruit del mar (lobster, scallops, and shrimp in pastry). This item has an up charge of 10. I'm happy to report that in spite of multiple appetizers and a 10 upcharge entree our bill was zero. No charges (exact same as last year). I will say the portions appeared smaller (only 2 scallops and 3 shrimp with a couple bites of lobster). Not worth the upcharge in my opinion, but delicious regardless!

 

I think some of the confusion is coming because the menu at cagneys has NEW upcharge items. Unless I'm totally mistaken, Maine lobster for 10 was not an option at cagneys last year. If it was, my apologies. The upcharge items at lebistro are the same as what I remember from last year (32 oz steak for two, fruit Delmar, and one other thing I forgot. Regardless, I promise to ask the specific question about upcharge and UDP at cagneys later in the week.

 

 

No, the Maine Lobster and 32oz steak was not part of Cagney last year - those 2 items are brand spanking new to that menu. Glad you wonderful dinner - kinda sucky that the portions are smaller than you remember. Enjoy your show - Love Burn the Floor, it so good to watch!!:D

Edited August 17, 2015 by maywell

[taylortime05]

Subscribing - we are on the Getaway 9/19 and booked an IX inside Category guarantee and got a HC Family Inside with the UBP deal. Your room looks like a great deal - we did an aft facing balcony on our first getaway trip, but doing an inside to save money to spend elsewhere on the ship this time around.

 

Which Hyatt did you stay at in Miami? Hyatt house or the one downtown? We are thinking of booking Hyatt so we can get Mlife casino points. Hyatt House by the airport is an all suite hotel, but then the Hyatt Miami is better location....so if you have pictures of the hotel room, would be great :D even if you post them after your cruise

 

Please let me know what shows they have in between Burn the floor and Legally Blonde - We did the Getaway last year and went to both, but wonder what shows that have in the main theatre inbetween thosse

 

Are you happy with your cabin assignment? I have an interior IA category guarantee for Dec 6 on Getaway. I have only cruised twice before and picked my cabin. Both times I picked my cabin. This time I did it to save money as it was significantly cheaper than other interior cabins where I could pick. I am little worried where I might end up. I keep looking to see if there is anything available before final payment but nothing yet.

[aubreyc1988]

Are you happy with your cabin assignment? I have an interior IA category guarantee for Dec 6 on Getaway. I have only cruised twice before and picked my cabin. Both times I picked my cabin. This time I did it to save money as it was significantly cheaper than other interior cabins where I could pick. I am little worried where I might end up. I keep looking to see if there is anything available before final payment but nothing yet.

 

 

Yes I am happy with my assignment, probably the best gty cabin I have gotten ever! The handicap rooms are a bit bigger and being on deck 12 is a plus, even if it's on the kids deck

 

My opinion about gty cabins is that while you fret and fret over the assignment before assigned, once on the ship, it becomes such a "non issue" so I keep booking gty. Especially if not booking with a group of people, it's a great value, too good to pass up!

 

Worst gty I have gotten was probably an inside on deck 3 or 4 on RCI independence, which at first I was like "oh no deck 3!" But it really wasn't bad and was exceptionally quiet!

 

I'll cross my fingers for you!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[punkincc]

Quick update while we wait for burn the floor to start. Had a fabulous meal at lebistro tonight. The scallops (side dish) melted in your mouth. I had mushroom soup again (my fav) and bob had escargot (still served in garlic butter sauce, I had read they changed to mustard sauce). I had the fruit del mar (lobster, scallops, and shrimp in pastry). This item has an up charge of 10. I'm happy to report that in spite of multiple appetizers and a 10 upcharge entree our bill was zero. No charges (exact same as last year). I will say the portions appeared smaller (only 2 scallops and 3 shrimp with a couple bites of lobster). Not worth the upcharge in my opinion, but delicious regardless!

 

I think some of the confusion is coming because the menu at cagneys has NEW upcharge items. Unless I'm totally mistaken, Maine lobster for 10 was not an option at cagneys last year. If it was, my apologies. The upcharge items at lebistro are the same as what I remember from last year (32 oz steak for two, fruit Delmar, and one other thing I forgot. Regardless, I promise to ask the specific question about upcharge and UDP at cagneys later in the week.

 

 

Thanks for the update. So no new upcharge menu items at Le Bistro? Odd they did not offer the whole lobster here as well as Cagneys. But, good you had no upcharge with the package. Handling seems to be inconsistent depending what ship you are on. Someone reported recently they were charged in some venues, others not. Also reports of suddenly free soda with UDP packages at dinner.

[jandj1224]

Loving the updates we will be passing you when we get on the ship on the 22!

[BermudaBound2014]

Morning from the Getaway :),

 

I'll try to figure out how to post photos and pdf files so I can just upload the dailies as those will answer all the questions about entertainment.

 

As far as movies, edge of tomorrow played on embarkation day in spice at 8:15. No movie yesterday and despicable me is today in atrium at 3:30. I'll post dailies when I get home and you can double check to see if I'm missing anything.

 

Sand and sees: I'll see about the lobster roll :). I've gone to the flamingo each morning to deliver breakfast for my man. I'm in love with that cheese filled Danish thing and he likes the chocolate cinnamon roll. I haven't made it there any other meal. Yesterday they were making fresh Caesar salad at the salad station and that was my lunch. We do speciality dining each night.

 

Punkibcc: there are no shenanigans like you described. We each had two sides at cagneys (mushroom and beets) with no issues.

 

Cold: no illusanarium plans. We are live music peeps :).

 

I think I hit all the questions but don't mind investigating more- it's like a big scavenger hunt at sea:)

 

So, let's summarize yesterday. As you can see from my signature I have zero brand loyalty. I find mass market lines far more alike than different. My first cruise was 1987 (I was very young haha) and I've watched the industry evolve. I'm not hooked on cruising, I'm hooked on travel from back packing to all-inclusive. What I do believe is that cruising is the best VALUE for my travel dollar when I'm looking for a no-brain, spoil me, easy vaca. I paid less for this balcony cabin in 2015 than I did for an interior bunk bed in 1987; so while there have been significant cuts on the high seas; overall cruises have always delivered for me.

 

I say all that because I don't write through rose-colored glasses. I may point out a few irritants not because I'm particularly irritated, but because I believe that vacations are 90% about meeting expectations and sometimes I think the forums lean toward unrealistic expectations (or far too negative interpretations).

 

Yesterday's irritants: 1) dear thermal suite peeps (thanks for the term peritax): please remove your towels from the heated tile beds and loungers when you are finished. Yesterday the thermal suite was packed (not sure if they are selling more passes now because they sell them Precruise online). Every lounger was totally filled and the attendants didn't seem all that interested in clearing. I apologize if it was your towel I removed from the heated lounger but I was in the middle of a relaxation emergency.

 

2) The times in the daily are off. I get it, we are on vacation and believe me id rather not be on a schedule but I succumb to the need for reservations on the mega ships. Last night burn the floor was listed as a 45 minute show from 10-1045. Because the place was packed (not everyone in standby was able to get in); they must have started late. The show ended at 11 (great show btw) but we had levity tickets for 11 adult show. Needless to say, we lost our seats for levity (and again, not all standby were able to get in). I can't rebook levity because it shows us as already attending And all evening levity shows are already booked for the remaining cruise leaving only the 7:00 show as an option. We will do standby for a late show and hope for the best. Also, Grammy experience is listed to play from 10:15-11:30 each evening. First night they were done at 11 and last night the place was empty at 11:15 when we peeked in.

 

3) we signed up for unlimited internet on day 2. We confirmed the price was 149 for the week, a 24.99 discount because we waited until day 2 to sign off. My account was charged the 149.00 AND the another 24.98 a few hours later. Stopped at guest service late last night. Waited in a small line; but they wanted us to go back today and wait in another que to talk to the internet manager. I asked instead that they call me when problem was fixed on my account but something tells me I'm going to be meeting the Internet manager before this is straightened out.

 

I mention these things only because I'm trying to paint an accurate account of my experiences so others may be better prepared.

 

The Awesome from yesterday:

1) burn the floor! I think ncl excels in theatre performances. This is a great show. Percussionists were amazing. I might be slightly bias as my father is a retired percussionist; but go see this show!!

 

2) Speciality dining: I realize it's not for everyone but we very much enjoy speciality dining on the Away ships. Our meal at LeBistro was magnificent. I know I mentioned that the portions are smaller than I remember, but in fairness I should also mention that there is way more food than is necessary. The French press coffee is my go to to ensure late night fun!

 

3) O'sheagans: we love this place. Last night we danced with groove international until after midnight but stAyed in the bar until 2 am. The crowd is fun and the draft pitcher of beer is very reasonably priced (13.75 plus 18%). Two pitchers makes for a pretty cheap bar night with lots of laughs.

 

We have no late night shows planned this evening but will probably hit Grammy and howl and we might just make it to sleep before 3 am as we have a very early day planned on Yacht Nightwind tomorrow in St Thomas. Over and out from my balcony :)

[punkincc]

Ohhhh. Very interested in your Nightwind experience. I have heard good things but we always left port at 4:00 and I was afraid to book. But now that we leave at 6:00.....

 

Did you book the whole boat? Regular tour? Does it go to St. John?

 

Oh, and now we have Thermal Lounger hogs? Too funny.

Edited August 17, 2015 by punkincc

[Tzitza]

Subbing! I can't wait to read more. Hubby and I sail on the Getaway in 3 weeks and I love reading all that I can to prepare. We also have UDP and so I thank you for showing us how that is working out/breaking down with all the added fees/upcharges. They had us worried, but it seems like all is being honored as was sold so that's great news! :)

[Julienatul]

Thank You for your great review BermudaBound!! We are very similar in our cruise experiences. I too started cruising in the early 80's when I was young and have sailed many lines and watched the industry evolve. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the Breakaway. I am sailing it 2 weeks from Friday. How is the service..stateroom, bar service, restaurant service? I have sailed Epic twice so I have a pretty good idea but sometimes it's hit or miss.

[oracer]

Hope you had a wonderful sail on the Nightwind. Rick is always a great host. I noticed the first sea day as well in the Thermal Spa, trust me, it gets better from now on. The thermal hogs slow down and usually people don't matter if you move the towels. The heated loungers were always first come first serve if no one was using them.

[jfong]

I am really enjoying reliving our 8/1 cruise through your review.

 

Thanks for extending our vacation!

Josiane

[jfong]

 

Please let me know what shows they have in between Burn the floor and Legally Blonde - We did the Getaway last year and went to both, but wonder what shows that have in the main theatre inbetween thosse

 

Since Burn the Floor is on Days 2 & 3 and Legally Blonde is on Days 5 & 6, Day 4 is the only day available for another show. For our 8/1 cruise, it was the Levity Stand Up Comedy Show. It was the first time we had a chance to catch their acts, and we enjoyed them. So much so that we went to their shows the next two nights in Headliners. Though it may change since it's been two weeks since our cruise, here is a day by day listing of what's in the theater in the evenings:

 

Day 1 - Welcome Aboard Show

Day 2 - Burn the Floor

Day 3 - Burn the Floor

Day 4 - Levity Stand Up Comedy Show

Day 5 - Legally Blonde

Day 6 - Legally Blonde

Day 7 - Getaway Family Farewell Show

 

Josiane

Edited August 17, 2015 by jfong

[monl765]

....

 

3) we signed up for unlimited internet on day 2. We confirmed the price was 149 for the week, a 24.99 discount because we waited until day 2 to sign off. My account was charged the 149.00 AND the another 24.98 a few hours later. Stopped at guest service late last night. Waited in a small line; but they wanted us to go back today and wait in another que to talk to the internet manager. I asked instead that they call me when problem was fixed on my account but something tells me I'm going to be meeting the Internet manager before this is straightened out.

 

Bermuda;

 

How is the internet on the Getaway? I know you asked before your trip, but you never really got a reply from someone that had been on the Getaway.

 

Also, looking at the pricing of the internet from NCL's website, it says the pricing for the unlimited internet is $29.99 a day (average price) for voyages 1-12 days. Even with the extra $24.98, you are getting it about $6 less than 6 x $29.99 = $179.94. The $24.99 per day is for 13+ days.

 

Thanks, and keep up the updates. I am on the getaway in 25 days ! :)

[BermudaBound2014]

Another lovely day on the Getaway. Spent most of the day in the thermal spa. People are still not clearing towels, but I managed to get loungers as needed.

 

Had that cheesy Danish thingy from flamingo for breakfast, omg - I'm addicted. Hand tossed Greek salad for lunch was also good. Doing modenero tonight; best salad bar on the ship imho. Then we are going to try standby for comedy. Nightwind is tomorrow bright and early :).

 

Jfong: thanks for answering the show question. Everything is still the same schedule.

 

Punk: no new upcharge at lebistro, looked to be identical to what I remember last year.

 

Sand: YES, I found the lobster roll at ocean blue. Still 9.95 :)

 

Taylor: I hit the cruise jackpot with this bx guarantee- I know I got super lucky, and I would have been happy wherever; but I'm loving it. This bx was 849.00 pp. we booked less than 30'days to sail and next category was 1199.00. Sometimes i think it's just a numbers game.

 

Jandj: we will leave her sparkley :)

 

So, update on Internet. Sadly, it appears significantly slower than breakaway. Bob must spend Monday's online and he struggled today. I also haven't been able to upload photos to snapfish so I can post normal size here. If someone knows a better way, please post instructions and I'll load you up with photos :).

 

Guest services did call today to follow up on extra 24.99 internet charge. Appears the discount only applies to purchases made after noon on first sea day. That's cool, except two people from ncl never mentioned the nooner part and i got confirm from guest services (and on the phone prior to sailing) the charge would be 149.00 because we purchased second day. Ironically we were charged two times, once for 149 and then an additional 25 later in the day.

 

Guest services called and asked us to please go see Internet manager directly. Did that, he said he will have to contact guest services. And so the cycle begins :). It's 25 bucks, I'm done waiting in lines for it. If they fix it, great. If not, I'll try to introduce the left hand to the right in my feedback so the noon requirement doesn't bite anyone else.

 

Looking forward to moderno and tonight's sunset. My favorite part of the away ships is eating outside on the waterfront during sunset. So romantic :)

[aubreyc1988]

Since Burn the Floor is on Days 2 & 3 and Legally Blonde is on Days 5 & 6, Day 4 is the only day available for another show. For our 8/1 cruise, it was the Levity Stand Up Comedy Show. It was the first time we had a chance to catch their acts, and we enjoyed them. So much so that we went to their shows the next two nights in Headliners. Though it may change since it's been two weeks since our cruise, here is a day by day listing of what's in the theater in the evenings:

 

Day 1 - Welcome Aboard Show

Day 2 - Burn the Floor

Day 3 - Burn the Floor

Day 4 - Levity Stand Up Comedy Show

Day 5 - Legally Blonde

Day 6 - Legally Blonde

Day 7 - Getaway Family Farewell Show

 

Josiane

 

Thanks SO much - I might go see burn the floor again, but definitely not legally blonde - not to digress too much from the review, any suggestions for nighttime activities for the nights Burn the Floor/Legally blonde are going?

 

And BermudaBound, sorry to hear about the internet fiasco - I have had problems getting stuff resolved on the Getaway with Guest Relations as well - I would complain about poor speeds and ask politely for a refund for that 25.00, but like you said, not really worth spending the time in line to do that, I agree! Don't let it ruin your vacay! :) I was thinking about getting the package for my husband, but definitely not now, I don't think it's worth that high price with slow speeds! My husband doesn't work on vacation but likes the ability to get online :o

 

Have some extra meat for me tonight at Moderno :D

[cardbucfan]

Enjoying reading this review! We got off the Getaway on 8/15 and I'm working on my review between piles of laundry.

 

We also had the UDP and DH and DS20 took advantage of those $10 cows in Cagney's and we weren't charged. We also didn't get charged for any soda in Cagney's or Le Bistro when we ordered cocktails but did get charged in Moderno when we didn't have a cocktail and did get charged in Teppanyaki when I ordered the oh so excellent Japanese martini. Very inconsistent.

 

We also had internet issues-so slow it made us want to tear our hair out.

[BermudaBound2014]

I'm sitting on our balcony sipping coffee and We are sailing into StThomas - live is good!

 

Had a good meal at modenero last night. Best service yet and you simply must try the cinnamon/brown sugar coated pineapple they bring around on a stick- I tasted like sweet tarts (if you like that sort of thing).

 

We danced to the Bob Marley tribute in the atrium and then went to watch Grammy experience band again. The band are extremely talented musicians but it's clear that the people onboard are not jazz fans. Both shows started full and by the end had a handful of attendees. Much different than Charlie Love in fat cats last year. Still, we enjoyed and called it an evening at midnight to be well rested for Yacht Nightwind today :). So excited!! It's an full 7 hour sail from sapphire with two snorkeling stops. Reviews are fabulous so I have high expectations.

 

Have a wonderful day everyone and if your feeling generous send us some positive dolphin finding vibes- nothing like swimming with dolphins in the wild :).

[aubreyc1988]

I'm sitting on our balcony sipping coffee and We are sailing into StThomas - live is good!

 

Had a good meal at modenero last night. Best service yet and you simply must try the cinnamon/brown sugar coated pineapple they bring around on a stick- I tasted like sweet tarts (if you like that sort of thing).

 

We danced to the Bob Marley tribute in the atrium and then went to watch Grammy experience band again. The band are extremely talented musicians but it's clear that the people onboard are not jazz fans. Both shows started full and by the end had a handful of attendees. Much different than Charlie Love in fat cats last year. Still, we enjoyed and called it an evening at midnight to be well rested for Yacht Nightwind today :). So excited!! It's an full 7 hour sail from sapphire with two snorkeling stops. Reviews are fabulous so I have high expectations.

 

Have a wonderful day everyone and if your feeling generous send us some positive dolphin finding vibes- nothing like swimming with dolphins in the wild :).

 

 

How often does the grammy experience change

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DeBlonde1]

I am wondering if the Getaway does that adult game show (the Quest?); not sure what they call it on NCL. I know Epic did it on the last night in the night club and it was followed by a surprise Burlesque show. I don't see anything on Getaway's Dailies that indicates they have it. Let me know if you hear about it? Thanks!

[aubreyc1988]

I am wondering if the Getaway does that adult game show (the Quest?); not sure what they call it on NCL. I know Epic did it on the last night in the night club and it was followed by a surprise Burlesque show. I don't see anything on Getaway's Dailies that indicates they have it. Let me know if you hear about it? Thanks!

 

I am curious about this as well

 

On our first sailing on the Getaway, we didn't see it on our dailies, but we could have missed it

 

On the Jewel, they have the quest as well

 

It's a fantastic time and I think it's more fun than even the white hot party/glow party

[rmmom1962]

Sending good vibes for many dolphin sightings!

[Boorin]

Will you able to take some pictures of the MDR menus? Seem like no one have pictures of them.. Sailing in 46 days and want to know what they are serving now a days thanks!

[BermudaBound2014]

Hi again,

 

We've had a fabulous few days on the getaway. Did yacht Nightwind yesterday. A full day event and overall I'd recommend this charter. More details in my review. No Dolphins but lOTS of turtles, a 6 foot Eagle Ray, multiple stingrays, and a visit from a little 4 foot lemon shark and a 5 foot barracuda. Good day in the water.

 

Today we did baths in virgin Gorda. As good as the first time 10 years ago. Pics and details to follow.

 

Last night was 80s party. Ironically, on Monday evening Grammy experience was pumping up the firework show which would take place. Needless to say, no fire works. 80s party was fun for the first half; then they started with 90s music and lost most of the crowd. Whomever was MCing this event should let BOn Jovi sing his own tunes :).

 

Still waiting on Internet manager or guest services to address over charge. Not holding my breath.

 

Had a wonderful meal in Italian. There are 2 new upcharge items (pics to follow, I forget offhand what they are) and we did ask if we would be charged with UDP (research for the board). We were told yes. Although I'm still not confident we actually Would have been charged had we ordered the upcharge items as there are some communications lapses between staff and policy. We didn't order the upcharge because we weren't interested in those items so I can't say for certain. Someone else will have to do the experiment :).

 

Thermal spa was packed today for sail away from Tortola. I've managed to get a chair each visit, but I do remove towels. A nice sign asking patrons to remove towels when finished would help imo.

 

I feel that the buffet offerings at lunch are superb. Each day there has been a hand tossed salad and I had the chicken salad mix today that was outstanding! I've done celebrity, rccl, holland, etc... And I can't understand how people can't find something delicious on NcL (plus, who else has waterfront dining??)

 

We are Having a wonderful time! Doing legally blonde tonight. Not much in the way of music being offered tonight but there are two movies (one in atrium and one in spice). We may just go watch MUTS. No worries, Even with these little glitches I have experienced nothing that would prevent me from recommending the Getaway. :)

[aubreyc1988]

Hi again,

 

We've had a fabulous few days on the getaway. Did yacht Nightwind yesterday. A full day event and overall I'd recommend this charter. More details in my review. No Dolphins but lOTS of turtles, a 6 foot Eagle Ray, multiple stingrays, and a visit from a little 4 foot lemon shark and a 5 foot barracuda. Good day in the water.

 

Today we did baths in virgin Gorda. As good as the first time 10 years ago. Pics and details to follow.

 

Last night was 80s party. Ironically, on Monday evening Grammy experience was pumping up the firework show which would take place. Needless to say, no fire works. 80s party was fun for the first half; then they started with 90s music and lost most of the crowd. Whomever was MCing this event should let BOn Jovi sing his own tunes :).

 

Still waiting on Internet manager or guest services to address over charge. Not holding my breath.

 

Had a wonderful meal in Italian. There are 2 new upcharge items (pics to follow, I forget offhand what they are) and we did ask if we would be charged with UDP (research for the board). We were told yes. Although I'm still not confident we actually Would have been charged had we ordered the upcharge items as there are some communications lapses between staff and policy. We didn't order the upcharge because we weren't interested in those items so I can't say for certain. Someone else will have to do the experiment :).

 

Thermal spa was packed today for sail away from Tortola. I've managed to get a chair each visit, but I do remove towels. A nice sign asking patrons to remove towels when finished would help imo.

 

I feel that the buffet offerings at lunch are superb. Each day there has been a hand tossed salad and I had the chicken salad mix today that was outstanding! I've done celebrity, rccl, holland, etc... And I can't understand how people can't find something delicious on NcL (plus, who else has waterfront dining??)

 

We are Having a wonderful time! Doing legally blonde tonight. Not much in the way of music being offered tonight but there are two movies (one in atrium and one in spice). We may just go watch MUTS. No worries, Even with these little glitches I have experienced nothing that would prevent me from recommending the Getaway. :)

 

Thanks for the update! Can I ask who you went through to do the Baths or did you guys do it on your own? Looking forward to more :)

[Nola26]

Do you consider yourself a foodie? Based on the focus of your review, you definitely are at the very least a cruise foodie. :)

 

We'll be on the Getaway in 10days, so very excited! We don't have the dining plan, but I'm sure we'll eat well all week.