bedfordmom

I took $950 cash for my 12 day Getaway and returned w/600$. One reason is that my private St Lucia cash only excursion was cancelled due to port change. So we save a couple of hundred there. I ended up putting my tips for the specialties on my room card instead of using cash.  We also didn't play in the casino for the first time ever which saved a lot of cash.   I also take $100 when I go ashore for just in case and usually returned w/most if not all of it.  I actually take the left over money and put it away for the next cruise!!

Forgot the mention when I complained about skipped day of service and really late cleanings. to the Front Desk they blamed me for keeping my Do not disturb light on. I firmly told her how that was wrong and and an inappropriate response and then she apologized and took a report. Nothing changed  and no trays of cookies or complimentary bottle of wine which was not what I was looking for. They probably would loose money with all the complaints with freebies then they were saving with all the irate people in line with same complaints lol. 

On 3/23/2023 at 11:13 AM, complawyer said:

laszlo.  answer is simple, if you think the new york itineraries stink, simply book from another port and a different itinerary. im sure some  people would find a cruise like this relaxing, with no need to get off the ship. sometimes its nice to just chill.

 

with all the ships, dates and itineraries available though ncl, just to single out one because it doesn't specifically suit you (IMHO) is bi****ng just to b***h.

 

for 13 years of cruising with ncl, and over 20 cruises with them, my only real consistent complaint (as i've stated in the past) is that their hamburger buns fall apart before im done with the burger. other than that to me the rest is  all small stuff, and a wise man once told me "don't sweat the small stuff"

if i have to sit through 20 minutes of boredom to listen to a muster, i've wasted more than 20 minutes before, and i have all the rest of the cruise to look forward to. so i can spare the time it takes for the muster. 

i'm more concerned as to how ncl advertises it's so called sales. if anything they should be called out about that, especially since there are no free shore excursions

 

other than the hassle of getting to/around new york, i would take this cruise just to relax. 

 

im not knocking you or trying to put you down, but with people like you ncl cant win. they're da***d if they do and da***d if they dont

Love the roll complaint so true. RCCL has occasional longer cruises out of Bayonne though not sure it’s happening next year

Actually contracting with an embarkation cleaning company ( not always US) is a brilliant but expensive idea.  We got into our room at around 1.30ish. We heard an announcement that we could drop off our carryons went to the room seeing it cleaned ( there was a sign saying so) and stayed. Btw toilet was dirty and used my own Lysol  wipes to clean.  When we left we vacated at 7 am telling the steward we were leaving so he could get an early start. He seemed to hover for a tip but we did not ( usually do) because of the poor almost nonexistent service for the 12 days. 

I would caution folks from cleaning their room. That is what NCL wants. Agree that twice a day isn’t needed but for our recent cruise it was barely once a day minimal cleaning. If indeed the change is due to lack of staff ( I hardly doubt)  then within certain highly recruited populations ( like the large Phillipino community) word will get out about the harsh conditions and NCL ( among others) will have difficulty getting good hires. Cabin stewards also have additional responsibilities. The day my cabin got cleaned at 5 the steward  said he was delayed due to weekly muster drill. 
 

I have a crazy suggestion. Have extra stewards do the morning cleaning and then utilize all of  them later in the day for say bussing in the Garden cafe or other high use areas. 

4 hours ago, egurbi said:

Burn the floor played 2 nights.  MDQ will play 1 night. I understand musical taste is subjective, but the pool band is, in a word, terrible. 

The pool band  Zenhit for the 2/26 cruise actually disembarked with us. They were very good but not so great to play the theater, another way to cut costs on entertainment. 

On last month's Getaway I was really glad that we arrived at 9:30am for my designated time. The reason being was that I got 1.5 hours to search out excursions for the port change from St Lucia to St. Martin. I tried to book America Cup which was not available and figured out that NCL must have taken their spots (they did). So when I boarded went directly to Shore Excursions to book, then got my ship tour and pins next at the next desk, booked my Cagneys and then shows at the box office. I still had time to be one of the first at the buffet as we boarded early with the platinum.  

On 3/22/2023 at 1:12 PM, egurbi said:

Yes we missed GSC.  Some very unhappy passengers onboard.  Always a difficult thing for the crew to handle but they are doing their best.

 

In other news, there really has been a cutback on entertainment on the Getaway.  2 nights in the theater for the comedians, 2 nights in the theater for the magician.  Pretty slim pickings on musical offerings around the ship Next step -- Howl at the Moon in the theater?

Hey they put the pool band in the Theater the last night on the 2/26 cruise.  What happened to Burn the Floor, Million Dollar Quartet and Broadway Unplugged (those shows were repeated three times during my cruise-so it made for slim pickings the nights that they were repeated.) I thought that Rumours could have gone into a bigger venue

I remember when all room service was free with a tip. I would leave a stack of ones for my kids and they would always order responsibly and tip well (sometimes too well). I  would kid with them to not automatically order room service in a hotel LOL.  Boy have things changed. 

I would also be concerned about a TA in January/February . I am looking at one for December and question the weather for the crossing.  I didn't realize that they did them in Jan/Feb.   Yes also I would be concerned about the delay w/drydock especially buying the one way flight for embarkation.  I wouldn't be that concerned about getting from  the port to  London as they have a very good transportation system that I assume continues in the winter.  Perhaps someone from that area can chime about transport to the port in the winter. I also assume that  NCL will run shuttles for a price

27 minutes ago, Soccer222 said:

Yes, no details but the Captain announced they thought it best to have the person disembark at that point.

Interesting that did not take long

Yes some excursions fail to meet minimum numbers. On my recent cruise we were thrilled to learn st Martin replaced St Lucia. Even happier to see the America’s Cup being offered. We were supposed to do that years ago but the port was cancelled due to Hurricane Maria. Only 3 signed up so it was cancelled. I thought the same with 4K passengers only 3 so only one other person including us signed up 

On 3/15/2023 at 2:49 PM, wil e coyote said:

@Sthrngary, thanks for this. Our first cruise was in 1992, and I remember many of the same things that you list.

One other thing was that the ships were much, much smaller. Our first cruise was on the Starward, which held about 800 passengers, I believe. I still remember the day we visited St. Thomas. We tied up behind a new RCL ship (perhaps Majesty of the Seas? It's been 31 years so I won't swear to that). It was massive - at 2,500 passengers! Today, a 2,500 passenger ship is small on most cruise lines.

 

Another thing that many don't think about is cost. I don't have our receipt from that first cruise, but like you, it was an inside stateroom - basically the least expensive cabin available. No drink package, no free airfare, no internet, no specialty dining. I wish I could remember the exact amount, but my DW and I think it was close to $2,000 for a week for the two of us. Today, if I Look enough, I can get into a balcony stateroom with a drink package, specialty dining, and internet for...about $2,000 for the two of us. Now, as you have noted, the "luxury level" has definitely gone down over the last 31 years, but considering that everything else has gotten more expensive, that shouldn't be a big surprise. This is part of the reason why I don't mind paying for the Haven. Yes, it is more expensive. But compared to the adjusted-for-inflation pricing from 30 years ago, it is actually not all that expensive.

 

I DO miss the flaming baked Alaska parades. But on second thought, flaming food on a ship probably isn't a great idea!

My first cruise was also on my honeymoon on the Starward. We were in an outside with a tiny port hole and the entire room was metal and felt we were on a Navy ship. I also remembered if pulling right into town for both St  Thomas St Martin. You can still see those ports today - very tiny and unused. I remember having to dress up for every dinner and didn’t have the right clothes. 

15 hours ago, Seas2mountains said:

We had perfect 80 degree mostly sunny weather in St Thomas.  We had a slight delay leaving at the 5pm departure time.  Someone on a ship social media site for our sailing date said another person was taken off the ship by ambulance after 5pm. 
 

We are having a wonderful cruise so far and do highly recommend NCL and especially the Gem. I’m not aware of them running out of any beer or alcohol so far. Yes, there are some minor differences but the crew have made the cruise another great experience. 
 

Off to Tortola for a short stop tomorrow. 

Thoroughly enjoying your review. What did you do in St Thomas?

Agree if you really want a particular excursion book it before  It seems that you can book most while on the ship, making sure to ask for your latitudes discount.  I also agree that if the ship does not make port, you could potentially lose your deposit or full money. Thats why when I book w/ a private vendor, I make sure that I have them verify that if we don't make port that they will refund our money. One vendor even stated that if we catch covid on the ship they would refund which is new to me.  Yes the ship excursion will wait for you. I fondly remember coming back from a long Cayman Island excursion w/ 50 other folks to cheers. But if something goes horribly wrong like the lady that broke her leg on the St. Kitts volcano ship excursion who had to stay in port for the hospital, they won't wait.  I always weigh out the advantages vs disadvantages of private vs ship sponsored. With the $50 credit, prices tends to be similar but advantage to the private is that there are often times less participants making a more pleasant excursion.

2 hours ago, Seas2mountains said:

We need to follow-up we we don’t see any credits on the onboard account so far. Maybe they will refund it to our credit card? 

It went straight to our onboard account when we missed DR last week

3 hours ago, The Traveling Man said:

We were on the Sky last month and ate breakfast at the buffet about half of the mornings.  Smoked salmon was available for breakfast each day we ate there.

Wow now I want to sail on the Sky.

12 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Loving your review! But this statement makes me shudder...just a "quiet quitting," understanding it's just a job kind of guy here. 

 

I appreciate your loyalty though. Yep, if I had the time, I'd be taking that extra 2.5 weeks in half a heartbeat. 

 

Source: https://www.thediscoveriesof.com/travel-memes/

I know I am too loyal but I am in patient  care in a VA hospital and hate to take too much time away from my Vets.  Plus we are down by two clinicians and my leave put a big stress on my coverage. By my next trip, we should be fully staff or maybe I will be retired lol

1 hour ago, KKB said:

We have done 4 NCL & I have done 1 MSC.

NCL shows/comedians MUCH better. 

Musicians/activities comparable. 

Service 1st Getaway was OK, 2nd was GREAT, Encore was not great. Didn't "connect" with one crew member--that has NEVER happened in 25+ cruises.

MSC the service overall was not great but had a couple fantastic bartenders/servers plus activities staff was pretty fun.

MSC has darn great prices.

 

***Was the Syd Norman's band playing other nights besides the Rumors show? They were my FAVORITE on our Getaway cruises.

 

Syd Normans had two other different shows which we did not get a chance to see

1 hour ago, IrieBajan54 said:

My cruise on the Gem left a day after yours. I am mainly a seafood eater but don't like tilapia. Anyway, I love salmon and like you, never saw it on this cruise in the main dining rooms for dinner. I prefer grilled salmon but would settle for broiled if that is offered. Previous cruises always had salmon on some nights.

 

One other thing, I like smoked salmon for breakfast. It is no longer available in the buffet. So I was forced or coerced into eating breakfast in the Grand Pacific. Less availability cuts food cost, obviously!

If I remember right, smoked salmon has been off the breakfast buffet for years (since at least  2015)  except for the main dining room.  One of the perks of the family  suite on the Dawn is that I was able to eat suite breakfast and have my smoked salmon.  I was able to coerce my DH into the dining room for breakfast for this cruise  when he figured out that they had much better OJ than the buffet (though that changed near the end of the cruise  .  I actually would order only order two smoked salmon (each half bagel) for my breakfast.

Now on my recent Royal Caribbean cruise they not only had unlimited smoked salmon on the buffet, they had premade smoked salmon bagels and even mini avocado toast!! Thats enough to make me sail them again.  

18 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Thank you, short - concise, succinct, focused on the critique.  I knew & recognized your CC screen ID on that TA roll call and was wondering if you're going to be joining onboard ... now, think I know & understood.  

 

Our newest strategy ahead is to book for price, itinerary and ship in this order ... just had weekend brunch in town with another (NCL) Latitudes Sapphire couple, chatting about competition MSC - giving NCL a run here in the Northeast (plus Princess - not a fan of RC's monster size ships).  There are some good last minute NCL deals around, as long as one is prepared for unexpected surprises - some of the cuts - my gut feelings - likely to find their way upstairs and into the corner suites, sooner or later, i.e. black tiger prawns (gone from Cagney's & elsewhere ... )  

 

BTW, do you recall seeing pool towels stocked in your stateroom during your sailing ... b/c we don't remember seeing them lately.  Those were missing in January and GA was still on a twice a day housekeeping schedule then ... already used to not having robes & slippers, coffee-maker stashed & on request only, etc.  I know we can get them on the pool deck & also sign them out when going ashore.  Subtle things, do matter to the overall cruise experience.  

 

Too bad that your sailing skipped Amber Cove/Taino Bay at DR, we found the best duty-free prices there, lower than St. Thomas/USVI (except for its more generous CBP customs allowance) and ship's prices for duty-free continue to rise.  

Sadly we are not going to be on that TA.  We were ambivalent and wanted to take the 2/26 cruise instead. While gone both the balcony prices and airfares rose considerably. In addition, I still work and it would be unfair to my colleagues if I was to take another 2.5 weeks though I  had the time. Plus I felt a little cruised out.  I hope to do the TA either West in the fall or more realistically East next spring (though the prices are really high now).  

I did not see pool towels in the stateroom. It was easy to pick them up at the pool. If the towel stand was not open you could still take towels.  What I did not understand was that in the beginning they gave out towels and then started to account for them. On my informal books, I was over 4 towels lol

In terms of the tiny main meal, it was inconsistent so I never thought to order more than two appetizers (only once) and never did more than one entre.  We brought our usual tradition of bugels and fritos (only on a cruise mind you) plus they had the buffet. Mind you we never were hungry. I do wish that they had more water filling stations.  We had to go up to the 15th floor to refill our water bottles for the morning pills.  Wouldn't it be a treat to have a water bottle filling station on each floor.

I will also check out MSC. I like to go for the itinerary/price and then the cruise company. Though I love the loyalty perks that NCL gives (I think best in of all), I really like RCL and would consider any other company for the right combination.  

And how could I forget the cancellation of Dominican Republic and the addition of a sea day. Lesson learned: don’t wait until the last port  to buy gifts ( especially booze) Ship

prices were high compared to my MA packie so bought rum at home for a gift. 

Hi all:  We recently returned from the Getaway. A little about us.  We are from the Greater Boston area. . I am 62 still working and DH is 65 and retired on year. We are both Platinum, almost Saphire with other cruises on Royal Caribbean and Carnival.  

We drove from home on the day of the cruise. We left at 6am, with two pit stops and gas up, we arrived at the Pier garage a little after 9:30am.  While almost to the port  I saw that the itinerary was changed from St. Lucia to St Martin with St. Kitts one day later.  I tried to make independent excursions but we were almost at the port at that point. We breezed through security at my designated 930-10am time and was seated in  Platinum.  The girl who checked me in tried to give me a boarding number but I knew better and went immediately to the platinum seating area. We were on the ship by 11am.  While seated I tried to book the America Cup race something I tried to do years ago but the port was cancelled due to Hurricane Maria.  That was full and I suspected Norwegian had taken those slots so I waited to book it on the ship,

When we got on, I went to LeBistro and booked my second specialty at Cagneys and they confirmed my first booking at Cagneys (more about that later). I also visited the Cruise Next desk to get my tour the next day and Latitudes gathering. Shore excursions were really busy so I decided to go later.  Our first meal was at Shanghi. It was not busy but suspect that later it would be. I definately over ordered but we really enjoyed it.  Afterwards we went to the comedian show which was not particularly funny.

The next day, the first sea day was quite busy. I wake up at do my 1/2 hour on the bike and 1/2 hour on the elipticle. Then I do the stretch class which was one of the best I've ever did. I met my DH at O'Sheehans for a truly hot breakfast.  We then went for our 9am behind the scenes tour; when that ended we had our cruise critic party.  I then spent time in line to register for the St. Martin America Cup.  Unfortunately that eventually got cancelled due to lack of participation as only three registered. We ended up signing up for the Phillipsburg bike tour.  LESSON LEARNED:  I had to return to the Shore Desk and stand in line for my platinum  10% credit so ask for it up front. We ate in the buffet which was crowded.  Relaxed in the afternoon.  Supper was at Taste and I had Bourbon Chicken.  While at supper we talked with a very nice couple who said that their Cagneys (for the same day as ours was cancelled) As a result they were cancelling their additional specialties.  Well I said that we still had ours, and that I had checked it and had documentation. Famous last words as when I checked my app, it said that we now had a reservation at 6:15 on day 4. Wait What, we will be in San Juan.  After getting no where with the reservations staff, we went to Cagneys the next day where after standing firm with the lady at the desk, they finally agreed that they screwed up; would not give me my documented reservation but did say we could come after 7:30 on San Juan Day.  What was irritating was that they never called me for the cancellation: The dinner; however at Cagneys was excellent. 

    Here are my excursions: 

         San Juan:  Lucky nonship bus tour $25.  Basically these guys stand outside of the port and ask if anyone needs a store, fills a bus and out they go.  After going to San Juan 10X, I have never done a tour. We thoroughly enjoyed the two hours and was brought back to the port (we also had the option to go shopping but we wanted to make our 7:30am reservations.  You pay when you finish the tour.  Highly recommend

       Saint Martin:  Bike Tour.  Nice new bikes stationed at the port.  We biked about 6-7 miles around the dutch side stopping often for narration. We were given one water bottle. At the end, we ended up at the beach for a quick dip and rum punch.  Then we rode back to the port  Highly recommend

      St Kitts:  We always go to Palm Court Gardens, 15 minute walk from the port following the water.  Most people take a taxi there.  Admission is 20$ gives you access to a beautiful infinity pool, whirlpool, gardens, changing room, loungers and umbrellas.  There is a nice restaurant onsite where we always get their pressed coffee. Also a beautiful shell gift shop all hand made by locals.  We had to leave by 12:30 as our ship sailed at 130pm.  (highly recommend) 

     Barbados:  Calabassa 12 person catamaran. This was our second time there.  They pick you up at the port.  Feed you breakfast of coffee, fruit, quiche and banana bread. Then two standard snorkle stops:  turtles and the wreck.  Then we park for lunch and swim.  fritters, lasagna, fish chicken three salads and much more plus desert. Also the drinks were flowing, I had the rum punch.  HIghly Highly recommend at 150 pp.

    Antigua  We took a shared taxi to Dickinson Beach for 5$pp.  I guess you get what you pay for as I was not impressed with the beach. We did not rent chairs (10) or umbrellas (more) as we agreed upon a short amount of time. As a result the chair guys chased us away from the beach.  Next time we will try another one  (DO NOT recommend)

   St. Thomas:  We used our "free Paradise Point voucher and then bought another one for $25 on site.  I had the Bushwacker which was excellent. Following an hour there, we walked to the synagogue for a free tour. I've always wanted to go there but have always been there on a Sat/Sun which they are closed.  (Recommend) 

Shows:  Million Dollar Quarter (excellent); Rumours (highly excellent ). Unplugged (pretty good). and Burn the Floor (ok, not for me).  I enjoyed Mike the comedian way more in the Headliners.  The last night was Abba by Zenhitt.  Although it is an amazing pool band, I didn't think the theater was the venue for this group, another example of cutbacks. For Rumours, we happened to walk by 45 mins before showtime, saw only one table with two seats and waited. We had no idea of the treat that was in store for us. I don't understand why they don't use a bigger venue like the Theater for this amazing show.

Speaking of cutbacks, the most disappointing was the once a day cleaning.  Now I am not a fussy person but do expect my bed to be made, new towels and floor   vacuumed.  In the beginning we noticed that our room was done by noon but never vacuumed. By the end of the week it was 4-5pm. When I asked the steward, he said that we fell to the end of the time because everyone wanted early.  So imagine coming back from the beach around2pm, no clean towels and wanting to take a shower and your room is not done. So we leave and eat lunch still craving that shower come back at three and still not done. We go  out again and come back and he is now making up the bunk bed for the next people, no vacuuming no cleaning off smudges NOTHING.  So we had to wait for him to prepare the cabin for the next people in three days.  Obviously he got no additional tip and if I could have would have cancelled  on my prepaid tips.  .

Another cutback is on the food.  I never saw salmon in the dining room  as we must have missed it during our two specialities. The portions (except for desert) were painfully small, lukewarm to cold.  For example, I ordered the tilapia, (portion the size of my iphone); yellow carrots which was the size of three fingernails and fingering potations (one tiny potato the size of my thumb).  The appetizer was muscles and saffron rice.  I got four shells no muscles but at least the saffron rice was good.  I know people say to order a couple of appetizers but when they are painfully small, its not alot. Also don't always remember that the main dish will be so small.    I also had the carrot/ginger soup that was not edible. Most other meals were OK but overall not great. We loved the salads at O'sheehand and would go there just for the salad. The buffet was OK, the same food would be there lunch and dinner, and I mean the same food.  I did like teatime snacks but it always didn't coincide if we planned for an early dinner.

As a result of these cutbacks, we decided to not do the TA which I was going to book when I returned and to look into other lines. That is not to say that I won't return but will do so with my eyes wide open. I still think that Norwegian still has the best itineraries and prices.  

Just off of the 2/26 Getaway.  Upon embarkation  we learned that St. Lucia was dropped, St Kitts moved and St Martin added. Now I absolutely love St. Martin but come on, telling us as we are arriving at the port. Obviously they knew prior as they had already had 50+ excursions set up.   Luckily my other site had people reporting in the changes. I was able to change my day pass at a St. Kitt pool and was desparately looking for a St. Martin non ship excursion. I wanted the America Cup, privately it was sold out (guess what Norwegian had all the spaces) I booked it w/NCL and they ended up cancelling us as they only had 3 participants. One silver lining is when I was checking the rest of my private excursions I noticed that I booked the wrong date for the Barbadps catamaran (the day after-totally my fault) . A quick call to Barbados (I can't wait to see that cost) and they switched me to the correct date. 

Now I have an issue with the dropping of Dominican Republic. Although I was just there six months ago and I had a request for Mamajuana (their spiced rum).  Guess what, I had nothing to bring this person back as I had waited for the last port to buy it. .  A trip to the liquor shop on board showed 2x prices in MA/NH (yes I had taken pictures prior to departure of the main liquors).  So the day after disembarkation, we went to the local liquor store to buy some gifts  The ship announced 15 minutes after departure that we were dropping DR and having a sea day. Now they knew that hours prior because the new information was on the dailies that were delivered immediately upon sailing. .  Not sure why they waited to let us know, perhaps afraid people would take their time boarding.  

Just got off the 2/26 Getaway. My DH and myself wandered into Syd Normans at 8.15 for the 9pm Rumours  Show having no idea and boy 

it knocked our sox off. 45 mins prior there were only 2 tables of 2 up front. Don’t remember a Haven section. Best show of the trip and wished we saw the other two shows