ashley@cruisecritic

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Hi Ashley,

I have really enjoyed looking at the pics you've posted. Can you tell me what's in the dispensers in the shower area of the oceanview cabins.

Thanks in advance for your response.

Hi there,

One is shower gel, and one is shampoo. I'm unsure which brand, but I'd recommend bringing some lotion (or your own shower gel) with you, as the shower gel is pretty hash on skin.

My husband and I really enjoy the Serenity decks on Carnival ships. They are generally quiet and relaxing. We don't care for the LOUD music played elsewhere.

 

Will we find a relaxing atmosphere like this during the day in the Spice H2O area, or is that area always a party atmosphere?

 

If the Spice H2O adult area is loud during the day, are there any other nice, relaxing areas to lounge during the day, with nearby hot tubs? I'd rather not have to pay for Vibe Beach Club if there's someplace complimentary to relax.

Unfortunately, I can't really speak to this. Temperatures were in the 30's when I sailed, so nobody was out there. There's a giant movie screen that plays tranquil scenes of skies and beaches and the like, and it seems like it would lend itself to a very serene atmosphere, at least during the day. (At night, I believe it's where the theme parties are hosted.)

I'm booked on the Getaway in March in an aft facing balcony and was wondering if robes are included in the room or if I need to bring one.

 

Thanks.

I was in a mini-suite and didn't have one, but that could've been because it was a short cruise on a new ship that hadn't done its first regular sailing yet. I'm sure if you ask your room steward he or she can provide one for you if there's not already one available.

My travel agent has informed me that we are able to take our own pop and juice aboard the Getaway, as long as the case is unopened. Has anyone else tried doing this. I don't want to get there and have to throw it in the garbage.

I didn't try it, either, but it's allowed.

Can anyone tell me if there are dishes offered at Ocean Blue OTHER than fish and seafood? I'm traveling with my parents and would love to take them there, but I have an allergy to fish (nothing serious, just annoying).

Yes! They have steaks and duck, as well. Here's the menu:

Hi Ashley. My wife and I just booked the Getaway for August. Thanks for all the pictures. Could tell me about the pool area. Are there places to find chaises in the shade, other than using the Vibe. Thanks Alan

Hi there,

No problem! The pools are set up in the middle of the pool deck, and there are two rows of chairs on either side. The first row is in the sun, but the second (against the windows) is generally in the shade, depending on the sun's angle. The area was deserted on my sailing (thanks to the chilly weather), so I can't comment on how crowded it might be, but there was a decent number of chairs.

Does anybody know what cold beverages are complimentary during non-breakfast hours, other than iced tea and water? Is there lemonade or flavored water available too?

There's a juice machine in the Garden Cafe buffet. I tried the mango, which was pretty decent. There were two or three other flavors, but I can't remember exactly what they were.

Ashley,

I know that everyone gets a key card for entry into staterooms, making purchases, etc., however, is their any way to restrict charging privileges on children's cards? Also, for the pre-teens and teens, is there an amount limit that one can place on their individual cards as to spending, or will the money they spend be automatically charged to the parent's card?

 

Also, do you know if there are walkie-talkies that can be leased while onboard? The ship is enormous and I don't think you can use your cell phone to reach your wandering family members because of high roaming charges. Is there a way that people can connect with each other while onboard?

 

Thank you, as always!

Iconcierge will do what you want. Download the app and pay the fee (about $8 I think, but I haven't paid it myself), and then you can text or call using the app. It uses the ship wifi so no roaming costs.

Yes, the iConcierge app will work for that. However, I just used it on a Norwegian Breakaway sailing, and the Wi-Fi was so spotty that it only worked about half of the time. I don't know if you can rent walkie-talkies, but I did see some for sale in one of the onboard shops. I didn't notice the cost, though.

As for the kids' cards, yes, your daughter can place restrictions on them. I'm not sure of the details on that for Norwegian, but I know some cruise lines allow parents to put a set amount on their kids' cards, which essentially makes them sort of like debit cards that they can use for things like soda, gelato or games in the arcade until the prepaid amount runs out. They can also be set up to function as normal charge cards (for which your daughter will get the bill if it's linked to her credit card), or I believe charging privileges can be completely turned off. In that case, she might want to look into purchasing beverage packages for them so they wouldn't really need to use their cards for charging.

Ashley,

Thank you so much for the information. What a mistake that would've been! I do have her booking number, and figured that by purchasing a certain amount in onboard credits, that she would be set for her expenses onboard. I do see on the NCL website, that they now offer a gift card, an actual card you receive in the mail. Would my daughter be able to present the gift card at the registration counter for her onboard expenses? Again, thank you soooooo much for the info on the onboard credit!!

You're very welcome. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer regarding the gift card. It seems like it should work, but I'm unsure if, like onboard credit, gift cards can only be used for certain purchases. That would be a question for a customer service rep.

Even if she does have to register a credit card or put down a cash deposit up front, they'll only deduct from that amount or charge her credit card if there are charges that the OBC won't cover or if the amount of her purchases exceeds the amount of the onboard credit.

Ashley,

My daughter and grandchildren are sailing on the Getaway and I was thinking of purchasing onboard credits as a gift to cover her expenses while onboard. They already have their gratuities prepaid, and I'm wondering how this works. Once I purchase the onboard credits, does that show up when she goes to the counter to register? If I purchase a good amount of onboard credits, would she still be required to give a credit card at the counter? Thank you!

Hello,

Cruise Critic's news editor, Dori, travels with Norwegian a lot, and she's dealt with the OBC situation on some of her cruises. She tells me that it's likely you'll need your daughter's booking number in order to either call Norwegian or go online to purchase the credit for her. (You might be able to call and just give the names of the people on the reservation if you can't obtain the number.)

The credit won't show up on her account prior to the cruise, nor will it show up when she gets to the counter. What will likely happen is that she'll receive a note in her cabin after she's onboard telling her about the credit. By the time she gets the note, the credit will have been added to her account.

She will still be required to link her onboard card with a credit card or cash deposit, as onboard credit can't be used for all purchases. (It can be used for most, but some things are excluded.)

I'd say your best bet is to see if you can obtain the booking number and call Norwegian directly. Their contact info is on this page: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=145.

As you all can see, my computer has finally decided to cooperate and allow me post photos. :) If you asked a question to which I replied with links to Facebook photos and they aren't working for you, please let me know, and I'll post the individual photos here instead.

Thanks so much for answering all of our questions. Greatly appreciated. If you hear anything else please let us know. Thanks again.

No problem. Will do!

Hi. Ashley, thanks for taking time to answer questions. I read that the is a place on deck 13 specifically for 10 to 12 year olds as part of kids program. Is this correct?

No problem! Splash Academy (the kids club) does have special facilities for "Dolphins" (ages 10-12). Their specific area is on Deck 13, right above the area for the younger kids, but there are entrances on Decks 12 (via a set of funky stairs just beyond the sign-in desk) and 13 if I remember correctly. Here are a few photos that might be of use.

First time cruiser on NCL.

 

1) Do they provide Beach Towels? or do we take our Bath towels there.

2) Where and how much is the laundry? Do they provide detergent or do I need to carry it.

 

Thanks,

Hi there,

They do provide beach towels. There's a stand on the pool deck.

There are no self-service laundry facilities onboard. They do have dry-cleaning services, though. I'll see if I can get you a price list for that.

Thanks for all your reports. It looks like the Facebook links aren't working? I'm getting this error message, within the Facebook frame:

 

"This content is currently unavailable.

 

The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page."

 

If I go to that Facebook profile page, I can see one album that has 95 photos of Getaway's menus, but no others. Is it possible you need to change the privacy settings for the other albums so they are publicly visible?

 

Thanks!

What Facebook page? Sorry, I'm scrolling around and can't find the link, but I want to see the menus.

 

 

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Oh dear. Sorry about that. Were you logged in when you tried to access it? I've changed the privacy settings to "public" (they were at "friends"), so that was probably the issue.

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Please let me know if it works.

Ashley,

 

Thank you, we appreciate the follow up to obtain an answer for us.

No problem at all. The christening is today, so the PR folks are swamped, but if I don't hear from them by early next week, I'll nudge them again. Sorry for the delay!

Thinking about takign a cruise out of NYC this April - I know, it's last minute....but what will the temps be like? I will be traveling with me, my husband and my 7 and 5 year old sons. Would like HONEST feedback. We want to go somewhere that we don't have to fly to, or go through customs :)

Hey there,

If you leave in April, it will likely be chilly until the ship gets close to its destination (which will be the Caribbean, Bermuda or Bahamas, depending on when in April you go). As for customs, you'll still have to go through it, even if you don't fly. (It has to do with things like being in international waters, stopping in foreign ports of call and having the opportunity to purchase duty-free items.)

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to answer.

 

 

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Sure thing! Sorry I can't be more specific.

I was able to watch the ship come in! Awesome experience!

Here is one of my videos

 

www.yo**be.com/watch?v=xRCo0pwLKOk

 

Here are some pics I took!

Feel free to use them with the appropriate credit!

These are gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing. :)

I'm new to this message board and threads ...looking for information on where to stay in Miami before our cruise sets sail ?? Can you send me in the right direction please !! THANK YOU

Hi there,

I'd suggest meandering over to the "Florida Departures" area: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495.

Also, we just did a Q&A with folks from the Greater Miami CVB. There might be something on those threads that's helpful to you: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=931.

Thanks for the additional info! Where onboard do we go to book? Ignore this question, I saw the answer in one of your follow up posts. Thanks.

Hi Ashley,

 

Just want to say Thank you for answering my question and those of others. This is so helpful and will enable me to be more prepared for my upcoming cruise. Much appreciated.

You're very welcome. I'm glad it was helpful! :)

Any idea what days these would be? Norwegians Night Out I'm guessing is day 2, but what about the others?

 

 

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I don't know specifically, but I'd assume they're in order of when they'll take place. They might vary by sailing, though, so check your Freestyle Daily. :)

You can have the phone in airplane mode, but keep wifi turned on. This is how we use our phones when abroad. That way you can pick up stray wifi signals, like if someone has a personal hotspot and such. You can use iMessage, facebook message, email, internet, etc. - anything that doesn't HAVE to involve data. It sounds like you did on accident what we do on purpose. Everyone should do this to avoid charges, but have the possibility of retaining some communication, as long as you get a free wifi signal somewhere.

Yes, that's what everyone who uses iConcierge has to do in order for the app to work -- airplane mode on, Wi-Fi on. But some people's phones allowed messages or Facebook alerts to come through, while others didn't. My friend with an iPhone was getting messages and alerts, but my HTC One wasn't having it. Lol. :)

On the Getaway 3/8/14 and looking forward to the sun, sea, and alcohol.

 

I realize that the exact ship board schedule has not been finalized and more will come out after the initial selling out of Miami on 2/8, but from those that have been on the Breakaway, does anyone have any information as to the schedule and cost of the Pub Crawl?

 

I have heard that the Hot White Party is usually the next to last night (sea day). Is this also the same night that they do the fireworks also?

 

Thanks for any input.

Hi Dan,

Clint here, also from Atlanta. Thanks for asking the two questions of interest to me. Looking forward to cruise, also, especially after last week. See you there!

Hi Dan and Clint,

The pub crawl is $25 and includes stops at five bars. Check your Freestyle Daily for day and time.

Looking at the list of theme nights Norwegian gave me, it doesn't seem like White Hot is offered anymore (unless that's another name for Glow?). Here's the list:

Norwegians Night Out

Latin Night

70's Party

80's Party (with fireworks)

Glow

Dancing With the Stars

Ooh, I would like to know about the pub crawl too.

 

Also, I want to know where to buy the Vibe passes and how early I'll have to get on to try to get them. I'm not planning on bum rushing any crowds, that's for sure, but I would like to purchase them. :)

The pub crawl is $25 and includes five bars, according to the front desk on the ship. Check your Freestyle Daily for day and time.

As for Vibe, there are only 60 spots available, so you'll want to book as soon as you can after you get onboard at Guest Services on Deck 6. It's $20 per person, per day, or $79 per person for a week. That includes first-come, first-served use of umbrellas but does not include cabana access. A daily cabana rental is $99 ($79 on port days) or $299 for a week for up to two people.