Smitheroo

On 1/20/2024 at 5:43 PM, KeithJenner said:

I think (although I couldn't see it in the mass of words when just checking now) that they said they were platinum on NCL, so I think that they have other NCL experience.

 

Although I could be wrong. It wasn't the easiest read.

Point noted. I dont use paragraphs when I write comments either. I will

5 minutes ago, Asawi said:

You do not choose your time to embark. You choose your time to check in at the terminal. And then there might be a waiting time to embark, as you experienced.
But, as you noticed, noone actually check yuor chosen time.

I have not been on Getaway, but on the ships I have been to there has been trays available in the buffet, but maybe not that obvious where to find them. Did you ask?

You are right, the time I chose was for checking in at the terminal . You still have to wait in line. I didnt see anyone being turned away from being too early  or else everyone followed the rules. Or 12-12:30 was considered to be too late for many people.  No, there were no trays in the Garden Cafe. I didnt ask but I surely would have noticed some people using them. I never saw one.  I was in the Garden Cafe a few times and saw everyone juggling their plates.  No trays on the Joy or Encore either.  I will specifically look for them on my upcoming cruise on the Bliss.  No waiters removing trays from tables on any ship I've been on (3, going on 4. )

On 1/20/2024 at 4:36 PM, unionhall said:

We are just back from the 5 day Bermuda cruise on the Getaway. These are my comparisons from cruises this past year. We never had a bad meal on Virgin Scarlett Lady and we never had a great meal on the Getaway. The food was cold in American Diner and in the Garden Cafe consistently. The salad bar and dessert were better than the meat in Moderno. This was the first cruise for me where there was always a half hour wait when we went to OSheehans and we tried all different times. I believe there were 4400 passengers sailing so it was a busy ship. The food was not once worth the wait.  The best meal we had was at Teppanyaki and we all joked it was because it was hot when we were served. The entertainment is lacking during the day. The worst was a Scattergories game where  the host didn’t give a letter for the question so it went on for way too long listening to over 30  people read out their answers.(ie.. the way the game is played the question is name 5 countries that begin with C. When people write the same country you get knocked out but when your not given a letter there are way too many options.) There were no afternoon shows in the theater. There was a time when you could see a magic show, a juggler or a mentalist but now it’s bingo. There was more daytime entertainment on the  RCL Oasis and definitely more evening shows. Million dollar Quartet was enjoyable but we have seen it many times. Rumors was not on this week in Syds.  I liked the late night  pizza on Oasis over the wings in Osheehans. Watching a football game in Playmakers is fun watching the games on Getaway with no sound not so much fun.  The casino could do with the glassed in section for smokers that other NCL ships have. Oasis wins there with its non smoking casino in a different area.  Getting a drink while playing slots in the casino was almost impossible some nights. The worst was when they took your card and then didn’t come back for twenty minutes holding you hostage to the area. We had previously booked the ten day Caribbean cruise on the Getaway  for February and for the first time in over 45 years of cruising I am not looking forward to a cruise. I was platinum on Carnival when I stopped cruising that  line in 2016 because of the poor quality of food. I am Sapphire on NCL and I do enjoy the dinner with the officers but that isn’t enough to get me to book NCL again. We sailed on the Prima in January out of Port Canaveral and then in March to Bermuda. The ship isn’t for me. I liked the cabins and the food hall. The outdoor space was amazing when you could use it but out of NY in the cold weather there wasn’t much time. It was too crowded  inside on the bad weather days. The point of my post is we are lucky  that there are so many options to chose from when you want to cruise. When your usual line no longer makes you happy don’t be afraid to try out another brand.. I am booked on Royal and Celebrity this year and I am looking forward to finding the line that suits me now. If Virgin would home port in the NYC area that would be the front runner.

I was on this same cruise, One thing you said that I identified right away was the lack of space if the crowds couldnt use the decks comfortably. I think not having an Observation Lounge or other large area is a big minus. The Garden Cafe was more of a feeding frenzy than other cruises I've been on.  Since I travel alone, or when I'm with a travel partner  we often split up for periods of time, I dont bother much with daytime entertainment but would just relax somewhere quiet which was hard to do. I found the Atrium to be loud and stifling.  I was pleased with the nightime entertainment. Dont do specialty dining so cant comment on that. The MDR (savor and taste, never got to the tropican) was more than adequate for my taste. The food I received was well prepared and presented to me, always hot it it was supposed to be.  If this sounds like I didnt enjoy this cruise that's not true. I did but I think it wouldnt be my first choice unless the itinerary was enticing.  I really did miss an Observation Lounge. What did you think of the rough seas on Friday night and Saturday?  Dont know how rough they were as I dont have a lot of experience with rough seas.  I forgot to add I really enjoyed the pool deck on Sunday.  I am bordering on elderly and there I was jumping in from the side.(yes jumping, like a cannonball)  Must have been quite a sight getting back out as another passenger extended a hand to help me. I had an enjoyable time making friends with a boy of about 10 yrs old as he demonstrated his swimming skills and encouraged me to jump in. Sorry to say that the hot tubs are a complete turn off with all those bodies in warm water together. 

I was just on this ship 1/12/24-1/17/24    I was told to choose a time to embark. I chose 12:-12:30 pm. I think I arrived just before noon. (they said that if you arrive too early you will not be allowed to proceed but I wasnt aware of anyone checking)   Lines moved quickly despite the constant overhead announcement "we need you to cooperate".   I had to sit to wait for "general boarding" and by the time I got on I guess it was about 1-2 pm and it was obvious the hordes of people already on were on their third round of drinks. No seats at all in the Garden Cafe because no one was budging until the announcement was made that rooms were ready.  A crew member found me a seat. Its difficult juggling plates of food and drink in a crowd who are dazed at the array of choices available. I have no idea why they dont provide trays to make this process easier. Too cafeteria like?   I learned a lesson to forget the Garden Cafe and head right to the MDR even if it means waiting a bit. I waited anyway.  If this sounds like I didnt enjoy the Getaway that's not my intent. The embarkation process on the Joy and the Encore werent much better with the Joy in Los Angeles being the worst

On 1/14/2024 at 12:59 PM, PartyPlannerLady said:

 

A tip is cash given AFTER service is performed to reward the degree of service.  A BRIBE is given before hand.  People give whatever amount they want to whomever they want, nothing else is relevant.

actually, I've read that "TIPS" stands for "To Insure Proper Service" so that would seem the logical way would be to tip ahead of time. I dont, just thought I'd add to the discussion with what I've read about the history of tipping

On 1/16/2024 at 3:48 PM, Smitheroo said:

 

I consider the DSC a fixed charge and would never consider removing it, so I dont consider it a tip. But if NCL actually wanted people to tip the dining room staff extra they would structure it so that  there werent so many different people coming at you.  (the way your are assigned one room steward who usually introduces his/herself to you at the start of the cruise) And its still possible to get yourself into a tipping situation if you desire by just asking for a particular waiter.  This is a little off the topic but not really, I'm traveling this cruise alone but some I travel with a male travel partner. (he is my son in law almost half my age, so its not like we are a "couple" )  I realized on this cruise that only once was I seated at a window seat meant for two people.  Yet when I am with my partner I would say at least half the time we are sitted at the tables for 2 by the window. I'm not complaining, just commenting. If I felt strongly about sitting at the window I would open my mouth and request it. But its an interesting observation, to me anyway. I've read women complaining they often get seated at less desirable tables in a restaurant. So may be on the ships they save those intimate tables by the window for the "couples" 

At the risk of being "off topic" I would like to update this comment I made. Just after I made it I got seated at the window at a table for 2 at the next 3 meals!!!

On 1/17/2024 at 10:25 PM, IAcruising said:

 

I'm surprised it's even close to half. Tipping hotel housekeepers is a relatively recent thing in the US. I don't recall ever even hearing about tipping hotel housekeeping until, 10-15 years ago, maybe?  Could be longer, but it certainly wasn't a thing when I was younger, and now it's hard to get into the habit.

 

My parents always tipped housekeeping when we traveled in the 1950's and 60's. We always stayed at simple motels and hotels , nothing ritzy  She was born and grew up in Scotland ???? Dunno just know that she tipped.   She seemed to clean out her purse with every coin she could find lol. As a teenager that embarassed me

22 minutes ago, julig22 said:

 

All NCL ships use the same process for handling luggage. Color tags are used for sorting bags, depending on when people are planning to leave and/or if they are using NCL transportation after the cruise. But luggage isn't necessarily the reason for long lines at disembarkation.

Port Valet in Seattle is unique, it would be nice if it could be expanded to other ports.  But it's run by the port, not the cruiselines.

we must have been asleep at the Port of Los Angeles lol because I have no memory of anything other than long lines with disembarkation. I cant remember putting our luggage out or picking times to leave. I know that because I remember wondering why we couldnt just hang out in the Atrium until we had to leave.  Some people seemed to be doing that.  We were not aware of that option. (picking the last color) Probably just a first time experience 

I really dont know how they could get that many people off the ship in a timely manner any other way. I dont know if all the NCL ships disembark the same way or they have improved the process. I was on the Joy in Feb 2023 disembarking in the Port of Los angeles and it was a nightmare. Spent a long time on that line that snaked through the ship and spending way too much time not moving at all in the arcade. I dont remember anything about colors of tags but maybe there was.  In Seatle we used Port Valet (which is even easier than self assist) so cant compare but this experience getting off the Getaway at MCT was effortless.  You get to pick when you want to leave! (unless you have a transfer or other commitment) How much easier could it be?  But you do have to read the instructions.  This poor woman was distraught but I assured her they would find her bags. 

On 11/5/2023 at 3:03 PM, GTJ said:

Applicable to all decisions is the fact that the area between midtown Manhattan and the Manhattan Cruise Terminal is relatively secure. Generally, you need not concern yourself, though if walking between, say, midnight and 6:00 a.m., you should be more attentive (though that is probably the same advice that would apply most anywhere).

 

Walking between Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Manhattan Cruise Terminal is a pleasant stroll, suitable for most people other than those who are frail, disabled, or carrying substantial baggage.

 

There are several choices of travel from Newark Airport to midtown Manhattan, but the Coach USA bus from the airport terminals is the most convenient and direct, short of a hired car (e.g., taxi). The regular is $18.70, with half fare for seniors. The bus brings passengers to West 42nd Street, west of Eighth Avenue, outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Other options include (1) trains, which requires a transfer from a monorail train to a commuter train, that leave you at Pennsylvania Station, more distant from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal than Port Authority Bus Terminal, and (2) local public transportation, which requires multiple transfers, that leaves you at Herald Square, also more distant from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal than Port Authority Bus Terminal. While there are ferries from New Jersey that arrive in Manhattan at Pier 79, which is very close to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, there is no convenient transportation from Newark Airport to any of these New Jersey ferries. I imagine that the NCL-arranged transfer would be the most expensive and least flexible means of travel--and for those reasons I would likely reject the option--but it would obviate the need to get from any midtown Manhattan transportation terminal to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

 

From Portland I also note the existence of a very comfortable bus service operated by Concord Coach Lines. With 2+1 executive-style seating, free movies, power outlets, and Wi-Fi Plus, it is a really nice way to travel. Not cheap, but $85 one-way is not unreasonable. Departing from the combined railroad and bus terminal in Portland at 6:30 a.m. daily except Tuesdays, the first class coach arrives on the east side of Manhattan, East 42nd Street between First and Second Avenues (not Port Authority Bus Terminal) at 12:30 p.m. . . . you could then ride the M42 crosstown bus from the Concord Coach Lines stop to the Hudson River, near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

I missed your answer here.   I ended up taking the NCL transfer to Newark Airport because after making the first walk to the ship I didnt feel like walking back up to the Port Authority.   If I had known that my flight out of Newark was going to be cancelled (in other words, no notification from United) I would never have gone to Newark airport and would have arranged to do what you suggest here- take the Concord Trailways bus to Portland. I travel frequently on their Portland to Logan Airport bus and it is very comfortable with reliable service.  Although I dont know if I could have canceled the ship to Newark airport transfer  at such a late date and wouldnt have liked to waste $37.50 and then take the Concord Trailways bus.  I guess there was no great solution but i ended up getting on a standby flight to Boston and then took the Concord Trailways bus from Logan home to Portland   I'm hoping for some type of refund from United as there was a difference in fares but I'm not holding my breath. 

20 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Great!!  What were your favorites?

cant think of one in particular. he was playing oldies in the Atrium and i was working on my computer

On 1/6/2024 at 10:08 PM, ChiefMateJRK said:

Louis Rizon shocked me with this on our cruise a month ago.  Don't miss Louis.  He's currently on holiday, but will next appear on the Escape.

 

 

He was on the Getaway this past week (1/12/24-1/17/24) and he was excellent

On 1/13/2024 at 11:25 AM, Gappleby said:

Day 2. Rough seas so we’re suffering a touch of sea sickness. My sister says it’s quiet around the ship.  
 

Getaway 2.pdf 682.97 kB · 45 downloads

I just got off this cruise. Yes, it was rough as you described. The first day (starting in the evening) the next day, the sea day. it did thin the crowds down.   Do you have experience with rough seas?  I'd like to be able to classify this experience. It didnt bother me at all, other than walking around the decks and staircases.   I remember someone posted about a cruise (not on this ship) with seas so rough that it sounded like a nighmare. I think it was Alaska. I'm just curious.   When they report the seas were a certain number of feet, what would you call this one?

1 minute ago, xoxbear said:

I will be on the NCL Encore Alaska cruise in June out of Seattle.  What time do you typically get off the ship?  I am guessing disembarking is typically quicker than a Caribbean cruise since there is port valet.  

I was on the Encore last September and we got off the ship in Seattle about 9  am?   But I'm sure you could get off earlier. Port Valet made the process simple but we took our time as we were in no rush

UPDATE:  When I got off the Getaway on 1/17/24 at MCT I noticed quite a few people starting to hike up 46th street, even an elderly man with a suitcase much larger than mine.  

First, the process of getting on the ship is embarkation. Why isnt the process of getting off called disembarkation?  Yet I have seen "Debark?"  Anyway, that's what this thread is about, rather than add to my first Getaway Experience thread.   Getting off the Getaway on 1/17/24 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in NYC was a painless experience, at least it was for me. I thought NCL outlined the process extremely clearly even giving each passenger the choice of time to leave and choosing the corresponding color of tag and publishing all of this in the Freestyle Daily. Sometimes your situation dictated the color  i.e. I was taking a transfer to the airport so I was assigned a brown tag which was delivered to my cabin the night before.  Otherwise you got to choose the time and the color tags were in the Atrium.  Self assist was no tag and very clearly explained.  There are people who are just not "visual " and miss information when only distributed in visual form. i.e. I got in line at guest services to check on a lost item. A woman gets on behind me muttering "this is so stupid" so I asked her what was wrong.  She said "I put my luggage in the hall last night just like i was told to. How am I supposed to know what color tag I am?"  i told her that she was supposed to choose a color and attach it to her bag. She looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language "It was explained in the dailies"   Apparently she missed this part. She put her luggage out in the hall with no tag and they still took the bag. She thought the tag issued by NCL at the beginning of the cruise was sufficient. She was not aware of any other tag!  I assured her they would find her luggage, perhaps there is an area in the baggage hall for bags with issues. Dont know how this turned out.  As I said, the process was explained in the daily newsletter. If you had a question about it, guest services is always available to help. If the line was long , another crew member went up and down the line screening the question you had which could save time.  The process became even clearer with the morning announcements as tag colors were called. I was given the approximate time of 8:15 am for the brown tags to be called and they were, at 8:20. The lines were not long and moved quickly.  Next interesting experience..... At the podium where your keycard is scanned to make sure you have checked out, the passenger ahead of me handed the crew member a card which turned out to be a keycard from a previous cruise. The crew member asked where the current keycard was.  "oh, I left it in my room" So the crew member makes a note of his room number. Simple, right?  Well, the crew member then hands over the old keycard and the passenger waves his hand saying "keep it, throw it in the garbage, I dont care", turns and heads towards the gangplank. The crew member threw the card at the guy. Fortunately the rude passenger didnt see this happen and the card didnt hit him.  Another crew member picked the card up and placed it on the podium. I sure hope that poor guy's day got better.    Found my luggage with no problems in the area with brown tags marked clearly.  The buses werent seen immediately but  one question asked to one of the many people in neon green vests pointed me in the right direction. The driver had a list of all the people on the transfer. There was no specific time to leave but it was advised that your flight left after 12 noon.  The driver knew which terminal each flight left from and advised.   He  waited until 9:45 for a few stragglers who never showed up and left. We arrived at Newark Airport as expected.  I soon learned my flight was cancelled but that's a story for another thread somewhere else.

So, to summarize. A painless experience. I have heard many complaints about MCT .  I've now experienced 3 ports that NCL uses (Los Angeles, Seattle, NYC) and my order of best to worst is  Seattle (really hard to beat Port Valet), MCT, and last, Los Angeles. 

6 hours ago, PATRLR said:

Really @Smitheroo?  You screw up by posting something totally off topic, @complawyer asks you to explain and you attack him?  

My Dad used to say "when you are in the wrong, you apologize and then shut your mouth".  Seems to apply here.

OMG. Seriously, you people  have way too much time on your hands. Ok, I made a mistake. I apologize. Get over it.   I am on lots of forums concerned with many topics and this one has to be the one with the most annoying people on it. IF YOU DONT LIKE A POST THAT DOESNT INVOLVE YOU   Just "scroll on by" (to the tune of Dionne Warwick's Walk on By)  and I'm sure Complawyer can defend his/herself without your help.  MYOB

I updated my experiences (i didnt have to, I am sure the info will be useful to someone) and now I am gone.... again.    

2 minutes ago, luv2kroooz said:

Gotcha and I agree.

It is all the same in my world. They can call it whatever they want to.

2 minutes ago, luv2kroooz said:

Gotcha and I agree.

It is all the same in my world. They can call it whatever they want to.

I consider the DSC a fixed charge and would never consider removing it, so I dont consider it a tip. But if NCL actually wanted people to tip the dining room staff extra they would structure it so that  there werent so many different people coming at you.  (the way your are assigned one room steward who usually introduces his/herself to you at the start of the cruise) And its still possible to get yourself into a tipping situation if you desire by just asking for a particular waiter.  This is a little off the topic but not really, I'm traveling this cruise alone but some I travel with a male travel partner. (he is my son in law almost half my age, so its not like we are a "couple" )  I realized on this cruise that only once was I seated at a window seat meant for two people.  Yet when I am with my partner I would say at least half the time we are sitted at the tables for 2 by the window. I'm not complaining, just commenting. If I felt strongly about sitting at the window I would open my mouth and request it. But its an interesting observation, to me anyway. I've read women complaining they often get seated at less desirable tables in a restaurant. So may be on the ships they save those intimate tables by the window for the "couples" 

3 minutes ago, luv2kroooz said:

Not sure I follow, NCL has had the highest gratuity charge in the industry, $20, since Corona time. Holland America just raised theirs yesterday to $17. At the end of the day, to tip or not tip is a personal choice. Whatever you are good with, I am too. Cheers.

I meant they werent encouraging additional tipping. I didnt mean the DSC.   

2 hours ago, seemoreroyals said:

 

Except when it is a DSC.  The DSC came about as a replacement for tips.  When we started cruising 30 years ago we left envelopes for the cabin steward, the waiter, matre'd at the end of the cruise as a tip for services rendered. 

 

Not sure of the exact time when it started but NCL and others came up with the ingenious concept of the DSC.  It was meant at least in part to take the stress away from the tipping process.

 

They had to do something because cruises became more complex with the advent of drink packages, sit anywhere you want for dinner, specialty dinners, etc.   What they have did is fair IMO.   Most people really don't understand it.  Some feel they get bad service if they don't tip more. Or that the cabin steward is going to starve to death if they don't tip them an extra $50 at the end of the cruise.

 

The reality is that on a 7 day cruise once a cabin of 2 people pay their $20 per person DSC, their drink package 20%, and their specialty dinner gratuities, they are ponying up almost $700 for services rendered.  We have always for the most part had excellent service without feeling the need to tip more.  Should you tip more?  Up to you.  We do on occasion if the service rendered goes above and beyond. Regardless of where it is received.

I remember the days when you had the envelopes and put the cash in them and tipped everyone who served you  I was young but watched my mother. It was the way it was done. But as you point out, many things were done differently such as specific sittings for meals so you got to know your waiter (and they were all men) very well.  The system had to change and it did, in many ways. Otherwise I think cruising would have gone the way that transatlantic travel did. 

On 1/14/2024 at 7:14 PM, SoloAlaska said:

Honestly never had even decent service in the MDR so no I don’t think it deserves more than the basic service fees. The daily service charge I left as is.  I was seated with a table of 6 and they just walked away without handing me a menu for example, didn’t refilled water once in a nearly 2 hour meal, no smile etc. No that doesn’t deserve an additional top.

 

I find that traditional dinning the staff get to know you and you get to know them and that ends up developing better service. 
 

i usually ate with the solo group so didn’t have control on who was serving us. There were so many solos on my cruise they made us eat earlier than planned and take a different entrance. 

Interesting because I am now in the Studio solo section and have only seen 2 men in the lounge on 2 different occasions, no social gatherings, no bartender but refreshments available.  

On 1/14/2024 at 7:00 PM, luv2kroooz said:

Maybe you don't want to tip NCLs recommended amount, but wouldn't you agree that whoever is serving you each night deserves something? I don't understand the logic of not tipping waiters just because you don't get the same one every night. Often times, you can ask to be seated in the same section of the dining room and they'll try to make that happen.

when there are up to 6 people appearing at your table at one meal I would say that NCL is not encouraging tipping.   

On 1/12/2024 at 1:00 PM, graphicguy said:

Anyone want to discuss formal wear?

ha ha, that's almost as volatile.  Some people get really bent out of shape when asked to dress a certain way

On 1/12/2024 at 1:38 PM, decrepit old man said:

I'm guessing most people who love to tip are very high maintenance people

I wouldnt say I exactly "love" to tip but to me it just feels like the right thing to do but it depends on each person's perspective and circumstances. It is none of my business what anyone tips (other than if I ask for advice and they are willing to give me advice)  I will say I am not very high maintenance. I make no special requests, I try to stay out of their way so they can do their job, I dont leave my cabin in a chaotic mess, I try to be neat and clean in the bathroom. In fact, I always tell them the first day that they dont need to make my bed, I can take care of that. Just bring me clean towels when necessary and empty the trash. Some will comply with my request, but others insist on doing the full job, in their nice way. So I let them. I dont make my bed often at home,   so its not such a horrible thing to not make the cabin bed, plus I am the only one in the cabin. Doesnt sound like high maintenance?

On 1/11/2024 at 9:34 PM, Seas2mountains said:

For each person who says they will tip, there will be a person who says they don't tip and both are right. It's a personal decision.

We tend to be the type of couple who tips for excellent service and we also tip when getting bad service.  There are times we know the person may have some outside factors impacting their ability to provide better service so we give the benefit of the doubt in those situations. Some room stewards may be helping to cover for a friend who is sick or needs a break off the ship. The restaurant server might be covering too many tables due to staffing shortages. On NCL, we have typically received excellent service and the bad service doesn't happen too often. 

When I was younger, someone told me if you tipped generously, the money would find its way back to you in different ways. I tried this and can say that this theory has been proven true for me and my husband.  Anytime my husband or I hesitate about if or how much we should tip, we remind the other that the money will find its way back to us.

 

We appreciate how the people providing us with such a great vacation are working seven days a week and sometimes 10-12 or more hours a day. It makes our vacation extra special to see the smiles and to have them come back to tell us how much they appreciate it. It is even better when we run into these crew members on other ships or when we return on the same ship. 

 

Life is too short and you don't get to take the money with you.

That's exactly what I meant when I say I tip my room steward extra as a general thank you for doing the work they do.  Making beds, vacuuming and cleaning toilets. Ugh.  And all that I have come in contact with are always so pleasant with a hello, or a good morning.   I'm not sure if it always comes back to me but I guess it eases my guilt a little that they are doing the work they do while I am cruising.  They work hard.