NCL Getaway Redux - Live Junket from 12/31/22 - 1/8/23

[cruiseny4life]

Quick shot from the Haven Courtyard at 630 PM. All is quiet. Even the buffet! We walked through just to see what was on offer. No lined except at the crepe station. No one on the pool deck either. The Haven Lounge was crowded as everyone is heading toward a show.

 

[vacation44]

32 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

If you're fortunate enough (a bit of luck plays into the whole economic argument, but I digress), then you can skip those long meal lines, like the time we spent waiting for Shanghai last night. Here are the goodies our butler brought to us this evening!

 

 

Fried pork pot stickers on the right. Counter Clockwise, steamed pork pot stickers, finally steamed shrimp dumplings. Yum!

Did you order this or did your butler just thought you might enjoy it?  

[cruiseny4life]

26 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

Did you order this or did your butler just thought you might enjoy it?  

We ordered it. Talked to him on embarkation day so he knew the request would be coming. He did add on additional portions. We didn't order that many. He was right though, we ate them all haha

[vacation44]

15 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

We ordered it. Talked to him on embarkation day so he knew the request would be coming. He did add on additional portions. We didn't order that many. He was right though, we ate them all haha

Need to put this on my list as my two young adult children would love those delivered on our next sailing. 

[cruiseny4life]

On 12/29/2022 at 9:48 PM, cruiseinfoseeker said:

I know you aren't drinkers, but I was hoping that you could ask the bartenders what "Connoisseur Collection" beverages are.

They are now listed as another exclusion for the premium plus upgrades beverage package and I don't recall that wording being used before.

I'm not sure if anyone answered this in the P+ thread. I don't have the exact answer yet. The concierge promised one tomorrow. Apparently this is only offered on the Pr1ma class of ships which is why none of the bartenders I asked had a clue about it. Hopefully tomorrow we get the answer! 

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, vacation44 said:

Need to put this on my list as my two young adult children would love those delivered on our next sailing. 

We sure did enjoy the delivery! Let us know how your children enjoy them! I'm so glad you put adult in there, so my palate isn't being compared to that of a 9 year old! 🫠

Edited January 7, 2023 by cruiseny4life

[cruiseny4life]

Found my first upside down pineapple! So exciting! We're not upside down pineapple people, but I certainly wish them luck in their quest! 

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

1 minute ago, cruiseny4life said:

Found my first upside down pineapple! So exciting! We're not upside down pineapple people, but I certainly wish them luck in their quest! 

 

 

Wow 😳 and I thought it was just a myth.

 

[vacation44]

20 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

We sure did enjoy the delivery! Let us know how your children enjoy them! I'm so glad you put adult in there, so my palate isn't being compared to that of a 9 year old! 🫠

They are 23 and 24 so your palate is just fine!

[charliesgal]

Leaving for my first cruise on The Getaway this Sunday & want you to know how much I've enjoyed your play-by-play (even learned what a daily was & saw one for the first time right here lol!). We'll be down in the cheap seats so only so much of your insight applies (though Haven & spa sound lovely...good for you!), but buffet Indian food & taking in sunset ocean views (beautiful pics you posted tonight) are now a priority! And potstickers if I can get my hands on them! Thanks again! Safe & happy travels!  🙂

[cruiseinfoseeker]

9 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I'm not sure if anyone answered this in the P+ thread. I don't have the exact answer yet. The concierge promised one tomorrow. Apparently this is only offered on the Pr1ma class of ships which is why none of the bartenders I asked had a clue about it. Hopefully tomorrow we get the answer! 

Thanks you, thank you! You are so very kind.

I'm really glad that nobody knows and it only applies to the Pr1mas. Maybe it's a fancy bar they have on there. I haven't been following much on it as I'm not yet (if ever even) interested in sailing them.

 

I expect not much will change on that front by tomorrow. 

 

What is your impression of Alex (Alix, Alek?? I've read a couple different variations of his name on that other site and *think* they are referring to the same gentleman) I'm not particularly needy (only with my requests to you 😉) but I expect we are going to need dining reservation rearranging, shore excursion changes, and a couple of other things maybe more than the average Haveniter, but less than a really needy one. 

 

I hope you have a totally fabulous last full day and get to enjoy every moment of it!

 

Thanks, again, for this helpful live thread!

 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

2 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

What is your impression of Alex (Alix, Alek?? I've read a couple different variations of his name on that other site and *think* they are referring to the same gentleman

He does spell his full name differently than the American and Russian spelling. I believe he is Croatian. But he goes by "Alex."

 

[cruiseny4life]

Day 8 Freestyle Daily:

 

 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

2 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

but I expect we are going to need dining reservation rearranging, shore excursion changes, and a couple of other things maybe more than the average Haveniter, but less than a really needy one. 

I shall warn him about you. Haha, no, he really does a great job and is willing to do whatevers necessary to make a great trip for all of us. He has such a calm presence which I appreciate as an introvert.

[Laszlo]

I forgot to ask this a few days ago...... are they punching cabin cards for lanyard use?

[cruiseny4life]

8 hours ago, charliesgal said:

Leaving for my first cruise on The Getaway this Sunday & want you to know how much I've enjoyed your play-by-play (even learned what a daily was & saw one for the first time right here lol!). We'll be down in the cheap seats so only so much of your insight applies (though Haven & spa sound lovely...good for you!), but buffet Indian food & taking in sunset ocean views (beautiful pics you posted tonight) are now a priority! And potstickers if I can get my hands on them! Thanks again! Safe & happy travels!  🙂

Aww, I'm glad this has been helpful. My uhh...accommodations do offer a different perspective than someone not in the Haven, but I dontruly hope you have a stunningly wonderful time onboard!

 

The trick to Shanghai - on your first or second day, get there but 15 minutes before opening. You should get a seat immediately. After this, the secret is out so you'll need to queue much earlier. Think 30 to 45 minutes. I feel that the food is worth the wait. Just be prepared for a wait, and possibly frustrating service. The other night we went to the venue for dinner.

 

We were served appetizers and mains before an entire section was served appetizers. We actually finished and walked out before this loudly venting section was served. I definitely understood their frustration. I still think the food is worth it though.

 

This was my order from that night. When you make your selections, know that the dim sum portions are two pieces which is why I always ordered double portions. I ordered one main (the lo mein below). Others ordered two or three mains as the portions are somewhat small.

 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

6 minutes ago, Laszlo said:

I forgot to ask this a few days ago...... are they punching cabin cards for lanyard use?

I've seen a lot of lanyards. All have had the card in a plastic sleeve, so I'd venture a guess that they are not. I'm not 100% sure.

 

Based on a conversation with crew, I'm pretty sure the card has a tracker in it. A crew member mentioned to me they know when their guests are in the room and where they are when out of the room. This is speculation, but it sounds like they can map us. I'm guessing this tech (rfid maybe) prevents a hole in the card. Given I'm on a cruise I don't mind. They have enough cameras and facial recognition as it is. 

[cruiseinfoseeker]

9 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

... This is speculation, but it sounds like they can map us. ..

 

Um, er, nope...that wasnt me at the Bake Shop again. Must have left my card there. Yup that's it.

[cruiseny4life]

I had a worrisome conversation with a crew member on this cruise. I wont mention their position as I'm sure NCL doesn't want their crew stating these things to guests.

 

As we were discussing different perks on the ship (Latitudes levels, Haven, casino, etc.), we got to the topic of acquiring items onboard for guests. 

 

The crew member is ashamed they cannot provide the same level of service as previous cruises due to cutbacks that the corporate office has ordered. I felt bad for this crew member as they truly were embarrassed certain items are not available due to these cutbacks. 

 

As a passenger that talks with crew, I've heard this to a lesser degree from other staff members, but not as directly as this crew member stated. Here is one example of the cutbacks I observed vs. being told about by the crew.

 

Last night I ordered the slow roasted pork belly. On past cruises I received three tiny slivers of pork belly. On this cruise I received only two. Maybe they were really popular and the kitchen was rationing to ensure the item didn't sell out before our arrival in New York. More likely, the item was reduced intentionally. 

 

 

It was still scrumptious! And, of course, I could have ordered more. Alas, I knew a big meal of prime rib was coming so I just stuck with the two pieces.

 

 

Speaking of rationing, my husband has dropped from 13 piece shrimp cocktails to seven piece shrimp cocktails. I think he reduced his order as he ate more of the dumplings than I did earlier in the evening though.

 

[cruiseny4life]

Speaking of requests, I did have my special order Crab Cake Benedict this morning! It was delicious and filling. Well, it was filling because of the grits, bacon, and hash browns I ordered. Does anyone actually get filled up by a normal order of Benedict, any style?

 

Apparently I confused the chef as Darius needed to discuss how I wanted everything prepared. Just sub the slab of ham with the crab cake. Sometimes the language barrier makes the easiest thing interesting. I appreciate this about cruising as the conversation always leads to better dialog.

 

The whole platter:

 

 

Just the Eggs Benedict

 

 

Look at all that lovely crab meat, with barely any filler! Haven crab cakes are delectable.

 

[cruiseny4life]

This morning we went shopping and did a little gambling. I'm not a gambler so just sit there as the money goes down, down, down. But hey, he enjoys it, so it's worthwhile eh? Lost $39 and called it a day - I hope! 

 

 

Bought my grandma some cheap smokes too. I think I'll give her this sign, but it's long past time that she started. I think she said she began smoking at 14. She's 81 now, so just a slight majority of her life.

 

 

[cruiser123!]

2 hours ago, Laszlo said:

I forgot to ask this a few days ago...... are they punching cabin cards for lanyard use?

I asked....they will not punch anymore

 

[cruiseny4life]

@mking8288 I have answers! 

 

First the bad, because I'm a tell me the bad news first kind of guy. Behind the Scenes Tours are still postponed. Alvaro does not know when they will restart. It sounds like we're still in postponed status, rather than never again mode. But, he doesn't really know.

 

Wines Around the World is a go and occurred on this cruise. Same with dining with the officers. 

 

I hope this is helpful! I had to stand behind a very anxious lady who literally pushed an older couple as they were ahead of her. Then, after being told no, she accosted the next lady in line who stated "I'm from NY and you'll wait your turn in line." I was in back just observing pushy older people. Yikes, honestly I think the lady had a wee bit too much coffee this morning. 

[Laszlo]

3 hours ago, cruiser123! said:

I asked....they will not punch anymore

 

A friend of mine who was in the Haven a month ago said they now punch the leather card holder you get with the Haven

[cruiseny4life]

On 1/5/2023 at 9:19 PM, sailorusvi said:

 

Question - husband loves good Bourbon, do you know what the situation is with that at the Haven bar?  He is also an executive chef, so I'm slightly worried about the restaurants.  He's not a snob, but likes good quality food.

 

I know they have bourbon. What brand does he like? I can check tonight. I've never enjoyed bourbon, but I had a drink this week with bourbon which was delicious! 

 

Personally, I think your husband should lower his expectations if he's expecting amazing. While I will always say the Haven Restaurant is excellent, it's not the same as a foodie on land restaurant or a fancy restaurant. Nothing else on the ship compares. I've heard others say Le Bistro is just a step below the Haven Restaurant and is French so that would be my next option for you. Cagney's, which many enjoy, is like Texas Roadhouse to me. Ok, but know not to expect a lot. La Cucina is slightly elevated from Olive Garden. Again, good. 

 

Anyway, food is subjective, blah, blah, blah...food onboard is good. It's not excellent. But, I have enjoyed many of my meals this week and am not sad. I tried the buffet, because I was tired of the fancy Haven atmosphere. Doting servers, multiple courses, 1.5 hour meals, extended conversations with the maitre d. I'm an introvert and appreciate just chilling with my phone and a plate of food. 

 

Unfortunately, as you've probably seen, the buffet was...not good. I'd say, stay away. Otherwise, you'll have yummy meals!