bedfordmom

I was on the Getaway in February of the first week of once daily cleaning and it was awful with some cabins not getting service as the stewards were overwhelmed. We were back on the October Getaway and the same service was seamless and agree like the once a day better. This last time I was pleasantly surprised how stewards were able to anticipate our needs to get into the cabin when we were out of it even though we had 5 sea days.

Didn’t realize you could get full breakfasts in Barcelona. Last time I was there the American chain hotel where I stayed in 1992 gave us a hard roll and butter and jam. Your breakfast looks way better.

Wow. Little drama on the transfer to keep you awake. Thank you for letting us hitch a ride on your TA and as always looking forward to your posts.

Hi again actually every European port we encountered was lax on the collection of alcohol as the check was done by their version of their TSA not NCL and they were no where to be found if you wanted to turn it in. Also interesting to note that now you have to pick up liquor bought on board 5 to 7 pm the last night instead of it being delivered to your room as in the past. We don’t drink but bring liquor home for gifts and prefer bringing it back ourselves thst day in order to figure out the packing prior to the last day. Agree there is a lovely gift shop with Azores goods across from the port. Next door there is a small grocery store where you can get inexpensive wine snacks etc. even in the port there was a tiny store. ( unless I am mixing it up w Lisbon) I’m sorry we missed the other store you referred to but it was a Sunday and they may have been closed. Our private tour stopped at the pineapple farm so picked up my pineapple liquor and jam at good prices and did not see this brand in town. you are actually getting me motivated to book another TA with your excellent reviews. We actually looked at your cruise but since I hold a large Thanksgiving it was not an option .

Thrilled to find this semi live as having made my first TA on the Getaway last week( finally and going through TA withdrawal. I was pleasantly surprised to find that customs operated the X-rays at each port allowing me to bring alcohol and soda in from each port. What is your favorite wine from the Azores? We brought back their famous pineapple liquor. A grocery store is across the street from the port ( green letters but can’t remember it’s game)with lines out the door was the place to get reasonable priced snacks and alcohol. I saw bottles of wine for 3 euros. We also loved the soft serve ice cream on the same side of the port with large cones for 2 euros!

Last time we were at the port there was a private tour company Lucky Tours that gave a 2 hour tour of old and new San Juan for only 25$ cash payable at the end. We got in at 5 pm so it was a good way to spend 2 hours with all the stores closed except for Walgreens snd CVS which were packed.

As they are in Europe chances are that the stragglers at their own expense can take a train or plane to the next port. No passports needed unless a hotel requires it. Getaway does not leave for the TA to NYC until 10/22.

Not true I used Cagney's twice on my platinum, even asking numerous times if it is OK, I did not have the free at sea at the time. Also I have never been offered the extra soup or salad in addition to my app and when I hand in the coupon they are very clear about that distinction Too bad as my tip would very much reflect that appreciation. This was in Feb of this year on Getaway but of course it could have changed. Will be on the same ship in two weeks so can report back then.

On my upcoming TA, NCL has a NYC city tour that drops off at the airport (probably picking up incoming passengers, I guess) but is almost 200$ per person. For that money you could probably hire a taxi or uber to give you a quick tour of the city. There is also the HOHO. On trip advisor, viator and airbnb experiences, there is tons of tours available. If I was on a b2b, I would want to go to the nearest CVS to pick up supplies then get an authentic NY deli sandwich and go to the Intrepid. and then return to the ship

You must be on the Prima. I’ve never been on anything newer than the Getaway. We go for itinerary and price. I considered that cruise but it was during Thanksgiving and that is my big holiday. BCN is a pain to get to fromBOS plus a little too cold for me. My DH is not a travel or so thought we would try the TA with a direct flight to London but need need to get to Southampton. Speaking of flights I finally after 3.5 years got my refund from Level for our cancelled oneway from BCN April 2020. Initially They had offered a six month voucher which I refused thinking that travel insurance would cover it. Which they would not. So last month I wrote on Level fb advertisement how they were crooks and before I knew it I was taking to the right people at Iberia. At first they only gave me back money for one ticket though the credit card was charged for two and finally got the second this week.

Great review as always. So you had had the cancellations but you dealt and presented with the changes with grace, dignity and a good sense of humor. What is your next TA?

Remember being there in June 2013 with Carnival from Boston and as we got off the ship each lady was presented with a rose. It rained every day of that cruise. Only good thing is that my 19 year old daughter met her future husband on that cruise!

The ship needs to leave port of NYC so that they can open the casino. Too bad they can’t use it as a floating hotel for those who would would like to visit tge city snd return to shop similar to Bermuda overnights.

Good morning : safe travels. For Halifax, I recommend renting a car ( across the street from terminal) going to Peggy’s Cove beating all the crowds stopping at this lobster place ( sorry can’t remember name) in the rough. Circling back to Titantic graveyard all in a half day. For St John we did a speedboat tour in the raging rapids which no longer exists, not surprised lol

Yes I will bring the Getaway back to NYC safe and sound. Today I bought 4 AirTag key holders from Walmart only 5.88 to attach to the inside of suitcase. One will eventually go into the car and perhaps my key ring. Doing great and even better since I have collected on my one way Level/Iberia 2020 BCN to BOS airfare after 3 years. After a social media post brought me attention they gave me back one fare but still waiting for husbands. I really had my eye on the Escape TA for April but wanted something sooner. At 1600 plus for inside it is too much for me. I will try to have patience this time and wait for the 60 day mark to decide.

Hi so glad you are doing another semi Live. Not sure if you remember me but I almost took the epic TA with you after a later Getaway cruise. Well I am finally getting to do my TA after a cancelled 2020 one and ironically it’s the Getaway out of Southampton. Other had better ports but this worked better with our schedule. Although I booked this 3 months ago the prices dropped so much that I was able to upgrade from balcony to club suite for nothing. I have a question about AirTags. Do you need to put them in a case outside the suitcase for them to work?

Thank you John I did not listen to you and bought the bus tickets before the train went down which was more than advanced train tickets. You are always right on your advice.

I wouldn’t mind self service of towels and garbage however NCL chooses not to do it that way perhaps hygiene issues around the towels. At home I do use my towels more than one day but the thin NCL towels take forever to dry. I have checked out pool towels when I’ve needed new towels and steward was mo where go be found.

Hello again: As advised I will wait until August 29 to make my decision whether to take the bus or train to Southampton on October 22 from Central London. I am leaning towards taking the bus. If I take the bus, do I have to pay extra for luggage if I only have carryon and personal item? Are reserved seats necessary?

Thank you for your wise advice. I will wait. And thanks for the spelling correction. In the States we have a similar named city with two Hs.

Actually I am traveling from Waterloo London to Southhampton. Is there construction between? Perhaps I will take the National bus instead to the port. Is it hard to get from the Mad Hatter Hotel to Victoria to get the bus?I planned my hotel to be close to the train. I was really looking forward to taking the train but sounds like hassle and expensive.

Hello again, I noticed that advanced ticket purchases ae not available on the Weymouth Route Oct 21-22. My plans are for the 22nd of October to Southhampton for a cruise. Does that mean that they will not go on sale for 22 October or that they will go on sale later. I wonder the reason for the blackout? Another strike?

Agree with others that the differences are small. I enjoy the itineraries more on NCL that is why I have had double cruises with them. I also feel that their loyalty program is much better on NCL. The free laundry and 2 specialty dinners can't be beat. I know that free drinks for Loyal members is a big pick for RCL; however the FAS $20+ day alcohol perk is even better. It seems much easier to reach the platinum level than the high level of Royal. That being said, I don't think that the entertainment is that superior anymore. We enjoy the main dining room reserved dining (probably the only ones); and love the pizza for RCL. I also appreciate the ability to bring on a case of soda and two bottles of wine as we do not get the alcohol package as DH doesn't drink (again maybe the only ones). I have even heard that on Royal, if you can prove that one party does not drink, they will let only one person buy it-they should its like $80 a day. NCL is very strict and makes everyone in the ropm get the package if they choose that perk. Now I know its only $20 but totally not worth it if someone doesn't drink alcohol or even soda. NCL won't let you brink on any soda or wine (unless you have the alcohol package. So they both have their plus and minus. I wish there was a cruise line that would have all the positives!

Thank you so much most helpful