Getaway Review w/ Including Photos (Aug 15-22)

[BermudaBound2014]

Thank you so much for the review so far. Any photos of the MDR menus?

 

Sorry Cayman, we ate only at Specialty :(. From what I've read the menus posted at beyondship are up to date.

[BACON227]

Great review Bermudabound.

 

We are sailing October 17th.......did the same exact cruise(except St Marten stop) last year so it will be interesting to see the difference this time around with all of the changes.

 

One question I have is did they get rid of chicken Parmagian at la cucina......I didn't see it on the menu u posted

[BermudaBound2014]

First thanks for the excellent review, looking forward to more,

 

but

 

I must say the crowded pool pictures, buffet shot, lines for water slide and rock wall and even some of the food porn... some of the food does not look that great. Is that Beef Wellington? Slathered in all that Gravy?

 

 

 

does not make the ship look enticing...sorry but they don't

 

Enticing isn't my thing. While I'm sure that the crowded pool shots might appeal to some, deck 15 is a problem for me. I posted pics (with time stamp) to show the novice traveler what they may expect on an Away ship.

 

As many of us know, pools on cruise ships are the size of a postage stamp and tend to be crowded. IMHO; the Away ships up the ante' on crowding (around deck 15) and anyone booking with the vision of lounging around the pool relaxing with a nice book might want to consider other options. Realistic expectations make happy travelers.

 

As I stated, I wouldn't choose an Away ship for a girlfriends trip because we like to lounge around an adult pool in peace and quiet; but for a romantic trip with my man (where we have absolutely no intention of spending time poolside) the waterfront dining experience on Deck 8 a very unique perk of the Away class and makes up for any crowding on deck 15. With so many vessels to choose from, I think it's important that travelers select based on what they are seeking to experience on that particular holiday.

 

As far at the beef wellington, the peppercorn sauce was a bit much but I literally cut that meat with a fork (no exaggeration) and my mouth waters looking at the scallops. Subjective.

 

I don't consider myself a foodie, but I can't understand how NCL gets such a bad rap with their food choices. I've sailed on Celebrity (which is known for their food), HAL, Princess, RCCL, etc... and honestly don't see a ton of difference. The garden buffet had a special hand tossed salad section each day for lunch (ceasar, greek, chef, cobb, etc...) You pointed to what you wanted and the lovely lady made a salad to order. The ingredients were fresh and abundant and I ate from this salad station nearly every day for lunch. I don't have pictures of the salad station because my hands were always full with the food, but I did find it a perfectly light lunch and Delish!!!

 

For breakfast, I did a run up to Flamingo each morning (secret alert) and brought back an egg and cheese muffin with a mound of salmon for my pescatarian man and he was in HEAVEN. I also brought him a hot chocolate cinnamon roll (they had plain and lime, but he's a chocolate buff) and one of those incredible cheesy danish cuban thingies for me. OMG, my mouth is watering. No line. No fuss. Yum.

 

 

 

 

 

[richg35]

 

Speaking of UDP, as many of you know the Ultimate Dining Package (UDP) is being fazed out and replaced with Specialty Dining Package (SDP). To make matters slightly more confusing, NCL is going to ala-carte' pricing in the specialty restaurants. Where I believe the biggest confusion came is that in addition to the upcharge items that have always been available at LeBistro, they have already added a few upcharge items to Cagneys and LuCuina.

 

It appears NCL is in a period of change. This happens. Totally normal (and expected). I've watched the industry evolve over the last 20 years; so this isn't unique to NCL. Sometimes the changes appear seamless, other times the road is a bit more bumpy. I do feel that with the advent of social media, more often than not, the passengers are far more aware of the changes than the staff as evidenced by several encounters on the Getaway.

 

The changes to UDP vs SDP and Upcharge vs. ala'carte have lead to some confusion among the staff in the restaurants also. We were told by our waiter in LuCucina that there would be an additional charge if we ordered items off the new upcharge portion of the menu. We were told by our waiter in CAgneys that there would be no charge for the upcharge items with UDP, but there would be with SDP. We did not order off the upcharge menu in either Cagneys or LuCucnia, but we did order off the upcharge menu in LeBistro (as I did last year) and were not charged. To be honest, I have no idea if we would have been charged or not. We ordered what we wanted, and went from there. However; I do believe that better communication would be a significant asset during this time of transition.

 

 

We were told the opposite on the Breakaway 8/9 - that UDP would have to pay the upcharge but SDP would not. In a party of four, two had UDP and two had SDP. We were not charged extra at all at Cagney's for upcharge items, nor at LeBistro (which was the same as in 2014).

 

Lots of changes happening two quickly with the onboard staff not really having an opportunity to learn and adjust.

[nbsjcruiser]

 

LuCuina:

[ginazgifs]

Great review so far! Can't wait for more. We'll be travelling Thanksgiving week . . .hoping they'll have smoothed out the UDP/SDP kinks. I'm interested to learn whether they will continue the upcharge with the upcharge model. I'm in the camp of preferring one upcharge and then enjoying the all-inclusive experience, but I'm afraid that's not going to be the decision that is made in the board room when they are looking that P&L.

[perditax]

Cheese pastelito. Heaven help me.

[justhappy]

What is that yummy looking drink that's next to what looks to be orange juice?

 

And thanks to you and perditax's posts about Flamingo Grills breakfast offerings, I think I'll skip breakfast at the Haven restaurant and get some of those delish pastries!

[emmak8]

Thank you for posting. What great pics!

[floridian1]

Can the haven butler get the pastries, cinnamon roll and the egg salmon sandwich for us from flamingos?

[shebasbooknook]

thanks for the review. I am getting on this boat in 4 weeks. Did you do any shore excursions? Also, I have been hearing some confusion by some about British Tortola. I went to book a dolphin excursion and was told I had to have a passport. I think they are confusing this with people coming from St Thomas by ferry. But the Getaway is docking at British Tortola, so I don't think that should be an issue. I am assuming that was your itinerary. If so, did you get off at port, and did you have to go through any customs with BVI?

[garnet115]

What is that yummy looking drink that's next to what looks to be orange juice?

 

 

 

 

I think that might be a yogurt parfait.

[cruiseclues]

Enticing isn't my thing. While I'm sure that the crowded pool shots might appeal to some, deck 15 is a problem for me. I posted pics (with time stamp) to show the novice traveler what they may expect on an Away ship.

 

As many of us know, pools on cruise ships are the size of a postage stamp and tend to be crowded. IMHO; the Away ships up the ante' on crowding (around deck 15) and anyone booking with the vision of lounging around the pool relaxing with a nice book might want to consider other options. Realistic expectations make happy travelers.

 

As I stated, I wouldn't choose an Away ship for a girlfriends trip because we like to lounge around an adult pool in peace and quiet; but for a romantic trip with my man (where we have absolutely no intention of spending time poolside) the waterfront dining experience on Deck 8 a very unique perk of the Away class and makes up for any crowding on deck 15. With so many vessels to choose from, I think it's important that travelers select based on what they are seeking to experience on that particular holiday.

 

As far at the beef wellington, the peppercorn sauce was a bit much but I literally cut that meat with a fork (no exaggeration) and my mouth waters looking at the scallops. Subjective.

 

I don't consider myself a foodie, but I can't understand how NCL gets such a bad rap with their food choices. I've sailed on Celebrity (which is known for their food), HAL, Princess, RCCL, etc... and honestly don't see a ton of difference. The garden buffet had a special hand tossed salad section each day for lunch (ceasar, greek, chef, cobb, etc...) You pointed to what you wanted and the lovely lady made a salad to order. The ingredients were fresh and abundant and I ate from this salad station nearly every day for lunch. I don't have pictures of the salad station because my hands were always full with the food, but I did find it a perfectly light lunch and Delish!!!

 

For breakfast, I did a run up to Flamingo each morning (secret alert) and brought back an egg and cheese muffin with a mound of salmon for my pescatarian man and he was in HEAVEN. I also brought him a hot chocolate cinnamon roll (they had plain and lime, but he's a chocolate buff) and one of those incredible cheesy danish cuban thingies for me. OMG, my mouth is watering. No line. No fuss. Yum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Photo Review...You only ate at the Specialty Restaurants...theye're generally viewed to be okay...its the MDR that's getting the bad rap.

[DeBlonde1]

I'll scan the dailies today and post tomorrow morning for you :). .

 

 

Thanks!! Eagerly waiting for more review and/or pics and the dailies. :D

[shebasbooknook]

Thanks!! Eagerly waiting for more review and/or pics and the dailies. :D

thanks for the review. I am getting on this boat in 4 weeks. Did you do any shore excursions? Also, I have been hearing some confusion by some about British Tortola. I went to book a dolphin excursion and was told I had to have a passport. I think they are confusing this with people coming from St Thomas by ferry. But the Getaway is docking at British Tortola, so I don't think that should be an issue. I am assuming that was your itinerary. If so, did you get off at port, and did you have to go through any customs with BVI?

 

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[ilovetotravel1977]

The downside of the Handicapped cabin is that the door insists on opening ENTIRELY each time you enter or leave the cabin exposing anyone laying on the bed. This was solved by keeping the bathroom door open to provide a screen. Also, the shower had no lip to contain water and the entire bathroom floor would get wet while taking a shower. This was also easily solved by rolling up two towels and placing them along the shower drain. All in all, I'd trade these minor inconveniences for my lil slice of heaven.

 

 

We ended up with a handicapped balcony cabin as well on our Epic cruise. That door drove me nuts, but now we are spoiled with the huge cabin size and balcony with loungers :)

[ilovetotravel1977]

YAY, excited to read your full review!

 

yes, the pool on the Away ships are crazy small! And I can't believe they don't have even a small one on Spice - Definitely other lines have better, but the pool isn't a deal breaker for me

 

The pool in Spice was a godsend! There were never more than 10 people in it at a time on the Epic.

[BermudaBound2014]

I am so sorry :::::hanging head in shame:::::::, 12 hour days back to work have kicked my butt these past few weeks but I have some time this extended weekend and will finish this review! pinky-swear.

 

Before I get to uploading more pictures, I'll try to answer some questions.

 

Ilovetotravel: Seriously, the door had it's own mind ey?? There is no pool in Spice on Breakaway or Getaway, it must be something only on epic? There are a few hot tubs, but they were also packed.

 

shabachbooknook: We did NOT need a passport in Tortola. We did the Baths tour with just a drivers license. In fact, I'm looking at the Dailies right now and all it says is to be sure to take your seapass card and a picture ID. You're good to go :).

 

JustHAPPY & Garnet: Yes, it's yogurt Parfait. It wasn't as good as it looks, but as Peritax stated, that cheesey thingy is SOOOOO good.

 

Floridian: Not sure about the butler fetching for you, I'm not a butler sort-of gal :).

 

Bacon: I posted the entire right side column of the menu. If Chicken Parmesan was located on that side of the menu, it's gone. Unfortunately, I have no recollection what was on the left side of the menu. Maybe beyondships menu's can sort it out?

Edited September 4, 2015 by BermudaBound2014

[dsnygrl]

Thanks for the great review. Funny I have also done both Dolphin and Commodore in the past as well and have never seen anyone ever mention them before.

 

We are doing the breakaway in 2 weeks and it will be my first time on Norwegian. Trying to figure out the food and show bookings etc. is a bit overwhelming. I am used to set times on other ships. I appreciate how detailed your review has been so far and can not wait for more. We have the free dining added as part of our booking and are trying to decide which places to visit without adding to the cost. So far it looks like everything that looks like I would want to try has an upcharge :(.

 

Probably a stupid question but in the specialty restaurants can you order multiple apps, entrees or deserts like you can in the main dining rooms?

[Nancysewell1030]

What did you end up doing on Tortola? Did you do a NCL sponsored trip or a private trip? Can you give us some details about that? Your reviews of everything else have been so helpful. Would appreciate your input.

[Nola26]

What did you end up doing on Tortola? Did you do a NCL sponsored trip or a private trip? Can you give us some details about that? Your reviews of everything else have been so helpful. Would appreciate your input.

 

I just did the Virgin baths through NCL, gave me peace of mind with a 3pm sail time. Certainly can be done less expensively.

[Foxycourt95]

Great start, following!

[PSULion]

If I recall, there was a waterfall "poolish" area in Spice to the right when you walked into the Spice area.

 

John R.

 

I am so sorry :::::hanging head in shame:::::::, 12 hour days back to work have kicked my butt these past few weeks but I have some time this extended weekend and will finish this review! pinky-swear.

 

Before I get to uploading more pictures, I'll try to answer some questions.

 

Ilovetotravel: Seriously, the door had it's own mind ey?? There is no pool in Spice on Breakaway or Getaway, it must be something only on epic? There are a few hot tubs, but they were also packed.

 

shabachbooknook: We did NOT need a passport in Tortola. We did the Baths tour with just a drivers license. In fact, I'm looking at the Dailies right now and all it says is to be sure to take your seapass card and a picture ID. You're good to go :).

 

JustHAPPY & Garnet: Yes, it's yogurt Parfait. It wasn't as good as it looks, but as Peritax stated, that cheesey thingy is SOOOOO good.

 

Floridian: Not sure about the butler fetching for you, I'm not a butler sort-of gal :).

 

Bacon: I posted the entire right side column of the menu. If Chicken Parmesan was located on that side of the menu, it's gone. Unfortunately, I have no recollection what was on the left side of the menu. Maybe beyondships menu's can sort it out?

Edited September 6, 2015 by PSULion

[BermudaBound2014]

Thanks for the great review. Funny I have also done both Dolphin and Commodore in the past as well and have never seen anyone ever mention them before.

 

We are doing the breakaway in 2 weeks and it will be my first time on Norwegian. Trying to figure out the food and show bookings etc. is a bit overwhelming. I am used to set times on other ships. I appreciate how detailed your review has been so far and can not wait for more. We have the free dining added as part of our booking and are trying to decide which places to visit without adding to the cost. So far it looks like everything that looks like I would want to try has an upcharge :(.

 

Probably a stupid question but in the specialty restaurants can you order multiple apps, entrees or deserts like you can in the main dining rooms?

 

Did you receive free dining UDP or free dining SDP? This matters because with with SDP you will be 'charged" for any reservation you don't cancel according to their guidelines. With UDP there is more flexibility. This is what I'd recommend. If you have UDP, make all reservations prior to embarkation. Make one each night. I know I'll get flamed for this, but we actually made 2 reservations on my birthday; we had 6:30 Cagneys reservations (for dinner) and 9:00 LeBistro reservations (for dessert).

 

As far as cost goes, I honestly think you can find lots to eat at the specialty restaurants with no added cost! There are just a few items on the menus with up-charges but the 'regular' fare is really really good. We were allowed to order 2 appetizers each and I'd recommend this if allowed for LeBistro: The scallops and escargot were terrific. You can not order multiple entries without a $10.00 charge (both UDP and SDP). You can order multiple desserts. I have read a bit where some people are being told no to multiple apps and desserts, but that was not our experience.

 

If you have UDP; positively make reservations for LeBistro. Maybe even twice. This restaurant is small and fills quickly. Same with Teppanyaki but we chose to pass on this restaurant this time around (lots love this one though). It's inside (no waterfront dining) and the same as any land-based benihanna. We elected to do more of the waterfront dining since we can't experience that atmosphere at home. We ended up eating at Cagneys three times, LeBistro twice, Moderno, & LuCucina. I'm such a planner I even made our reservations (port/starboard restaurant) to coordinate with the sunset so we could experience the sunset while we ate.

[BermudaBound2014]

I think I've previously mentioned that the only thing truly sub-par about our Getaway cruise was the internet access. My man needs to work a few hours on vacation. We had absolutely no problems with internet on the Breakaway, but internet on the Getaway was ridiculously frustrating. Its as if the technology on the Getaway is decades behind (which makes no sense). I read somewhere on here that it could just be the settings, but it should be addressed. I don't have high expectations for internet at sea, but Getaway Internet was as slow as I remember 10 years ago.

 

Since we left on a Saturday and Rob had access to the internet Saturday morning from our hotel, we decided to wait to sign up for unlimited until Sunday morning (a savings of $24.99). Sunday morning I went down to sign up and confirmed with guest services (internet manager was not yet on duty) that the rate was cheaper. I signed up, and was charged $150 (correct amount), but later that day found an additional $24.99 on my account. We waited in a queue to speak with guest services who told us we needed to talk to the internet manager later that day. We spoke to the internet manager who said he'd need to verify with guest services who told us the internet was cheaper because while it IS cheaper to wait until day two, you must sign up after 12:00 (we were not informed this by guest services OR ncl on the phone prior to sailing). I was told someone from guest services or the internet manager himself would call us back. We never received a phone call but I let it go because I wasn't going to waste anymore time/frustration over $25. Much to my surprise, when checking the account on the last day the 24.99 had been removed! All in all, it worked out; but be forewarned if you are signing up on day 2 you must wait until a certain time to avoid being charged for the previous day.

 

That was a super long-winded introduction to the thermal suite. Since Rob must spend some time online working each day (judge away); he treats me to the Thermal Suite. Win/win. All in all, I enjoyed my time in the thermal suite each day; however I found the thermal suite on the Getaway the busiest of any thermal suite at sea (and I've done a bunch). It wasn't always quiet and relaxing (I'd love to have some spa music piped in). Often times all tile loungers had towels on them. I resorted to moving towels because they clearly weren't in use, but I do think the Thermal Suite staff should keep a better eye on this.

 

For those of you who have been at the Thermal Suite, you are aware of the 4 regular loungers that are all the way port side (in front of the showers). There was a group that claimed these 4 loungers AND two tile loungers each day with an actual note saying they were reserved. Odd, but whatever. Since I was a single I never had trouble finding my 'spot' for the day, but I can see this becoming a problem.

 

I was able to purchase the thermal spa pass prior to sailing for a discounted price of $179.00. On the first day I went up to the spa with my receipt and they placed a sticker on my seapass card. All spa passes were sold out prior to embarkation for my sailing. When you went in the spa, you left your key. Easy as pie.

 

All in all: because of the insane crowds at "Away" ship pools, I am thrilled with the thermal spa purchase and would do it again IF I didn't have a balcony with a lounge chair. If booking a balcony with a lounge chair on it already, I'll pass on the thermal suite since I found my balcony more peaceful than the spa (there were days I left the spa to go take a nap on my balcony).

 

By the way, I don't think the salt room was working. Salt rooms are becoming a 'thing' where I live and I've done a few back home. When you enter at home I clearly can taste the salt in the air and end up with a salty feeling on my skin after a session. On the Getaway, nothing. Nodda. But it was a pretty room.

 

[/img]

 

 

 

Plenty of towels and robes at all times

[/img]

 

 

Every chair was claimed, but few were in use:

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