NCL Getaway July 9-16, 2022-H9-Live w/pics

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, luvcruzing said:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🎉🎂

Thank you very much.

 

As a friend asked me earlier today….”if you knew you’d live this long, would you have changed anything for a healthier lifestyle?”

 

NOPE!

[pakmount]

6 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Well, this is a first.  Got a note from my TA this a.m. that AMEX is increasing the OBC from $300 to $400.  And, it’s my birthday today.  So, nice B-Day present.

 

Yee-Haw!!!!!!!

Did you book direct with Amex Travel is that why the Amex perks?  I have not even thought to look at Amex Travel for a cruise....

[graphicguy]

18 minutes ago, pakmount said:

Did you book direct with Amex Travel is that why the Amex perks?  I have not even thought to look at Amex Travel for a cruise....

Did not.  But, my TA works with AMEX.  Not sure how they do what they do.  But, if AMEX Plat card has a perk, the TA passes it on to me.

 

That said, I would not be averse to booking through AMEX travel.  My TA offers my a rebate of some of the commission when I book a cruise. AMEX travel does not.  So, I've never used AMEX travel as a result.

[sharlon]

Just wanted to say hello!  I am sailing on 7/9 in a Haven 2 br family suite, so see you there!  It will be myself, my husband, and our recent high school grad.  This is my hubby's and mine third straight sailing on The Getaway and my son's second.  All in the Haven.  It just seems to always work best with our schedule.  

[graphicguy]

41 minutes ago, sharlon said:

Just wanted to say hello!  I am sailing on 7/9 in a Haven 2 br family suite, so see you there!  It will be myself, my husband, and our recent high school grad.  This is my hubby's and mine third straight sailing on The Getaway and my son's second.  All in the Haven.  It just seems to always work best with our schedule.  

Hi!

 

Looking forward to it.  I'll be the solo forlorn looking dude.  Hope to see you there.  

 

"Away" ships seem to have the perfect size for the Haven.  Big enough where you don't feel crowded.  Small enough that you can get to know fellow guests easily and the Concierges and Butlers can handle things without overloading.

 

 

Edited June 8, 2022 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

Couple of updates.....those who sail in the Haven on ships that have a Haven, get access to a pre-cruise concierge.  They are extremely helpful when it comes to booking specialty dining.  They can not book entertainment, as it has to be booked once on board.  But, getting dining taken care of is a big help.

 

I will give NCL credit for their COVID policies.  They've been pretty consistent in their protocols, and were among the first to be clear on what those protocols were/are.  They have not shifted depending on political posture.  This makes it much easier to plan.

 

Bit the bullet and booked a flight (ouch).  Coming in the day before (07/08).  Now, have to nail down a hotel (any recommendations welcome).

 

Exactly a month away from sailing.  

 

Now, the real planning begins.  But, too early to bring in the "big" suitcase from the closet. 😉

 

 

 

[KKB]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Couple of updates.....those who sail in the Haven on ships that have a Haven, get access to a pre-cruise concierge.  They are extremely helpful when it comes to booking specialty dining.  They can not book entertainment, as it has to be booked once on board.  But, getting dining taken care of is a big help.

 

I will give NCL credit for their COVID policies.  They've been pretty consistent in their protocols, and were among the first to be clear on what those protocols were/are.  They have not shifted depending on political posture.  This makes it much easier to plan.

 

Bit the bullet and booked a flight (ouch).  Coming in the day before (07/08).  Now, have to nail down a hotel (any recommendations welcome).

 

Exactly a month away from sailing.  

 

Now, the real planning begins.  But, too early to bring in the "big" suitcase from the closet. 😉

 

Are you going to stay in Orlando or Port Canaveral?

 

I have AVID Orlando booked for my August trip for 20K points plus $50 RT CONTRANS shuttle that will get me to the port about 11.

 

I considered the Radisson Resort at the Port for about $300. One of the lower priced options but looked pretty nice. Better to Lyft over from MCO the day before for about $75 to avoid cruise morning surge prices. Only about $10 Lyft in AM from Radisson. Port Canaveral hotels were so expensive. (most $400-500)

 

Basically it's a bit of a PITA to sail out of Orlando! 

 

PS You should consider booking the Aug. 20 sailing...we be nice to meet you! There is still no solo supplement for that cruise.

Or I'm sure your GF needs a trip!

 

 

Edited June 9, 2022 by KKB

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, KKB said:

Are you going to stay in Orlando or Port Canaveral?

 

I have AVID Orlando booked for my August trip for 20K points plus $50 RT CONTRANS shuttle that will get me to the port about 11.

 

I considered the Radisson Resort at the Port for about $300. One of the lower priced options but looked pretty nice. Better to Lyft over from MCO the day before for about $75 to avoid cruise morning surge prices. Only about $10 Lyft in AM from Radisson. Port Canaveral hotels were so expensive. (most $400-500)

 

Basically it's a bit of a PITA to sail out of Orlando! 

 

PS You should consider booking the Aug. 20 sailing...we be nice to meet you! There is still no solo supplement for that cruise.

Or I'm sure your GF needs a trip!

 

 

Don’t tempt me…..LOL!

 

Thanks for the “heads-up” on the hotels and transport.  I do agree.  Orlando is a PITA to sail from.  

 

If you say AVID is “OK”, I’ll check it out.  

 

The AMEX collection hotels are crazy expensive this trip, even using points.

 

Was looking at ALOFT, both locations…airport and by the parks.

 

Flight gets in early on the 8th.  So, will have plenty of time to roam.  May look at something downtown, too.

Edited June 9, 2022 by graphicguy

[KKB]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

 

 

If you say AVID is “OK”, I’ll check it out.  

 

 

Can't tell you for sure, haven't stayed. But it opened in 2019 so very new.

But 4.5 stars on reviews.

But we began using IHG 10 years ago when our oldest began college searching.

 

Edited June 9, 2022 by KKB

[jimbri]

Looking forward to your review.

[graphicguy]

I know there seems to be quite a bit of chatter in other threads regarding fares and upgrades.

 

General rule of thumb, if I can get a Haven Suite for less than a $1,000 premium over a typical cabin (Balcony, Spa, Club Balcony), I book it.  Now, that sounds like a lot.  But, an inexplicable pricing glitch I can't seem to explain, Spa Cabins are priced the same as Haven Spa Suites on some of these Caribbean Cruises this summer.  Go figure.

 

Plus, I'm sure there's some sort of pricing anomaly that not even NCL can explain (I know my TA can't), the Haven Spa Suites are ended up the least expensive Suites in the Haven.

 

Once I add in the OBC from my TA, AMEX etc., it becomes a no-brainer to book a Haven Suite.  I love the Spa Suites/Cabins.  NCL has one of the best thermal Spas at sea.  You get steam rooms, salt crystal rooms, you get sauna rooms, you get a small wave pool, and hot tubs, you get heated tile beds that overlook the water, you get padded loungers, etc.

 

You do not need to make a mad dash for the VIBE (at $200 a pop) if you're in the Haven, either.  You get the private pool area, the loungers, the private waitstaff, etc.  

 

You also get the Haven Restaurant.  The Haven Bar.  The Butler.  The Concierges.  The nicer cabins (Haven Spa Suites have a jacuzzi).

 

So, how much is all this you ask?

 

Well, I'm here to tell you.

 

Granted, I'm a solo.  But, all in, my Haven Spa Suite comes in around $3,800.  Deduct the $300 my TA gives me.  And get another $400 OBC plus a bottle of wine, plus a dinner at Le Bistro from AMEX, and it becomes a tough deal to pass up.

 

In fairness, I could get some OBC from my TA and AMEX if I booked a regular Balcony cabin, but it would be much less.

 

I've spent a whole lot more for a week in FL, or all inclusive in Cancun, or Cozumel, and certainly spent more for a week in Rio or Maui...a lot more.  

 

There you have it.  Whether it's worth it is a question only each individual can answer.

 

 

 

[knitdiva]

Happy birthday! Will watch this post. Same sailing August 1st!

[Arzeena]

On 6/5/2022 at 6:27 PM, mking8288 said:

Now, you got our attention ... going to follow along. Yeah, we're offered a 50% off deal to bid up to Haven from our SP suite last month too, most of them smaller than the 2 bedrooms we booked. 

 

Hey, I recognize that TA luggage tag & got one on my backpack 🎒 too 

HOLA!!! Look who else is attracted!!!!

BDA idea got busted. RJ had to wait out he jury duty and then it did not make sense...the time was not right, the cruises were not what we wanted, yadda, yadda. So goin to FL end of June and will look at things out of there.

[mking8288]

2 hours ago, Arzeena said:

HOLA!!! Look who else is attracted!!!!  So goin to FL end of June and will look at things out of there.

Hey, sure why not - if the package priced out to your liking and it fits into the calendar ... book it.  Besides, RJ got to perform his civic duties as a prospective juror ... BTW, DoubleUp promotion in effect thru 6/30 - use 2 of the CruiseNext Certificates as deposit, even if it's an Inside or Oceanview and doesn't have to be more than 6 months out.  Go for it. 

 

GG - did you hear/read, Delta's multi-year LGA terminal is now open ... nicely done and world class, going to check it out briefly next week as I need to make a quick run out to the terminal, none DL-related.  The Q70 SBS airporter bus connection is now free, ideal for lightly packed travelers like you - ride it to/from Manhattan's West Side with future NCL cruises.  

[roxette]

Around 600 passengers total on board the Getaway today on the cruise to USA.  Haven is full.

[GALSews]

On 6/5/2022 at 9:15 AM, snorklinbarb said:

,,,Latitudes has expanded to allow you to use your first voucher in Le Bistro, Cagney's, Ocean Blue or Onda w/bottle of wine (pared down comp list).  Second is just like an SDP and can even be used in Food Republic (or Pincho in case of Escape) for 4 items.  SDP is unlimited apps, soups, salads, desserts -- just select an entree (1 entree only in Le Bistro or Cagney's).  Have fun with it!

 

Sounds like you got a good deal and that OBC will be sweet!  

 

Have a great time and thanks in advance for taking us along!

I thought that I'd read about the change of the removal of the restriction on apps, soups, salads and dessert somewhere, likely a Latitudes email, but I can't find where. When I look online, everything still says one of each. (At this point, my husband and I would actually almost prefer to share an entree. (He wants to avoid Cagney's because the steaks are too big!) But with food concerns I might prefer multiples of salads and soup over having the entree,) It would be good to be able to verify that Latitudes match the SDPs.

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Hey, sure why not - if the package priced out to your liking and it fits into the calendar ... book it.  Besides, RJ got to perform his civic duties as a prospective juror ... BTW, DoubleUp promotion in effect thru 6/30 - use 2 of the CruiseNext Certificates as deposit, even if it's an Inside or Oceanview and doesn't have to be more than 6 months out.  Go for it. 

 

GG - did you hear/read, Delta's multi-year LGA terminal is now open ... nicely done and world class, going to check it out briefly next week as I need to make a quick run out to the terminal, none DL-related.  The Q70 SBS airporter bus connection is now free, ideal for lightly packed travelers like you - ride it to/from Manhattan's West Side with future NCL cruises.  

I had heard that.  Am anxious to check it out.  Need to take a look at a Bermuda cruise, again.

 

Thanks!

[KKB]

4 hours ago, roxette said:

Around 600 passengers total on board the Getaway today on the cruise to USA.  Haven is full.

THAT would be a time to NOT be in Haven...

[graphicguy]

12 hours ago, KKB said:

THAT would be a time to NOT be in Haven...

Absolutely true.

 

Sailed on the Encore a year ago right after the restart.  There were 1,200 guests.  No waits…for anything.  Crew were tripping over themselves to be helpful.

 

The sailing I’m on, the land based Concierge told me the ship would sail 70% capacity.  I think NCL is gradually booking more guests.  Concierge said they will sail at 100% capacity by Fall.

[graphicguy]

Forgot to mention, according to NCL’s WEB site, Haven is sold out.  And, while there are other cabin categories available, there seems to be very few of them.

 

In the past, I was able to score a deal in as little as a week before embarkation.  Now, that doesn’t seem to be the case.  That said, the sailing is only 3 weeks out, so coming up pretty quickly.

[KKB]

On 6/13/2022 at 2:33 PM, graphicguy said:

And get another $400 OBC plus a bottle of wine, plus a dinner at Le Bistro from AMEX, and it becomes a tough deal to pass up.

 

Ok. Tell me how this works; been considering getting AmEx platinum.

Can I book direct with NCL?

Is this only good on Haven?

(usually book via NCLcasino as we get about20% off fare)

Edited June 16, 2022 by KKB

[graphicguy]

Got check in done today.  Getting close, now.

 

Interestingly, I was actually able to watch the safety video during the check-in process.  I assume all I have to do on Embarkation day is to check into the Muster Station and be all set.  I like the way the cruise lines are doing the safety briefings, now.

 

This was the first time I was able to watch the safety video without being on the ship, though.

 

Everything else was pretty standard....

 

-give them the ALL IMPORTANT credit card I'll be using 

-Passport number and expiration date logged

-check-in time chosen (9:30-10:00 a.m.)

-check box agreement that I'll provide an original COVID vaccine card and show a negative COVID test (two days prior to embarkation).  Last time I sailed NCL, they actually did the testing before embarkation and "no charge".  That "service" has gone away.  If I wait until embarkation day for testing, they have a service available, but it's on my dime.

 

Good to go....EXCEPT, I'm still dragging my feet on a hotel to stay at the day before embarkation.  I fly in early (as in 10:00 a.m.) the previous day.  Stay by the airport?  Or, by the pier?  Not sure yet.  But, time is getting short.

[graphicguy]

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Edited June 19, 2022 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

On 6/16/2022 at 6:53 PM, KKB said:

Ok. Tell me how this works; been considering getting AmEx platinum.

Can I book direct with NCL?

Is this only good on Haven?

(usually book via NCLcasino as we get about20% off fare)

Sorry, forget to respond.  

 

My TA always allows me to utilize the AMEX promo.  They actually show it on my invoice.  

 

It looks like this…

 

150 Minutes Internet Package (Per Person for xxxxxxxx)

Premium Beverage Package (Per Person for xxxxxxxx)

Pre-paid Gratuities (Per Person for xxxxxxxx)

$50 USD Shore Excursion Discount (Per Person for xxxxxxxx)   Note: Per Excursion

2 Nights Specialty Dining (Per Person for xxxxxxxx)

Dinner at French Restaurant (Per Person for xxxxxxxx)   Note: Amex Perks

$400 USD Onboard Credit (Per Person for xxxxxxxx)  NOTE:  AMEX PERKS

 

Does it work directly booking with NCL?  I don’t know.  I’ve always worked with my TA.

Edited June 19, 2022 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

Given this ship is sailing in the Caribbean, in July, it’s going to be “hot”.  What I’ve always packed are these “hydration multipliers”.  They work well when you’ve been traipsing around a hot trail beach all day.

 

As a side note, they’re also really good for the “morning after” if you’ve spent the previous day/evening tilting a few (or more).

 

I get these at Costco.