ashley@cruisecritic

Hi,

 

Thanks for offering to get our questions answered. I just want a bit more info on the Vibe Beach Club. How much for a weekly pass on the Getaway? Any discount for 2-3 purchases? Is smoking allowed in this area?

 

Thanks again.

A weekly pass for an individual is $79 with no cabana access or $299 with cabana access for up to two people. There's no discount for multiple purchases. The guest services desk tells me smoking is allowed.

Nice...will it fit on the balcony ? :D

Haha! Something tells me no. Most of the balconies on the ship are terribly small for the standard balcony and minisuite cabins. It's been a gripe from passengers since Breakaway's launch, and unfortunately they haven't addressed it just yet.

Will they provide bed bumpers for the couch bed in the balcony staterooms? I need to figure out if I have to bring my own or get my toddler a crib. Unless you can turn the couch around and face it to the wall but others have said the couch is attached to the wall.

 

 

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The couch in my cabin (a mini-suite with a balcony) was not attached to the wall.

Can you tell me who the head Sommlier is on Getaway and how many sommeliers and/or wine stewards they have? Thanks

I'm told there is no head sommelier, but there are six wine stewards. The head food and beverage manager is Martin Ivanov.

We have read from various posts that the casino has a strong smell from people smoking in there. On other cruiselines, there is a certain day and time that the casino is nonsmoking. Would you be able to see if this will occur on this ship? Thanks!

Unfortunately, there are no totally smoke-free days or times, but smoking is only allowed in the main portion of the casino -- the part that fans out around the big chandelier on Deck 7, just above Le Bistro and Headliners. The two offshoot corridors (one heading toward O'Sheehan's, the other toward Shanghai's) are nonsmoking areas. They're basically just slot machines, but I'm usually bothered by smoke, and I didn't notice excessive amounts of it in the main area on my sailing.

From what I've seen and read, it appears the casino is kind of spread out on the 7th deck and not contained in any one space. Kids are generally not allowed in casinos, so how does this work when visiting the 7th deck (O'Sheehan's, etc.)? Do the kids just need to be sure they are constantly moving along, and not pausing to look at the lights and bells and whistles?

The casino is in one central area, just above Le Bistro and Headliners. It sort of fans out around the big chandelier, and there are two corridors that shoot off from it -- one heading toward O'Sheehan's and one toward Shanghai's. I didn't see any kids, but that doesn't mean they don't occasionally walk through. There are ways to avoid that section, though, by either going down to Deck 6 or up to Deck 8 to bypass it before going back up or down to Deck 7.

Much appreciated, insidecabin!

It's the same in all cabins. It's full-size, but it's not powerful. I have thick hair, too, and it took forever for me to dry just my bangs. Ugh.

Are there makeup mirrors in the getaway bathrooms?

Only in suites. (I had a mini-suite and didn't have a makeup mirror.)

Would Norwegian consider including a stop at Great Stirrup Cay on Getaway's itinerary? Perhaps in place of Nassau.

 

 

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Someone actually asked Kevin Sheehan about this at the Q&A session before I had a chance to (not specifically about Great Strirrup Cay but about whether they might consider any variations to the itineraries in coming years), and his reply was "no comment."

I have read mixed reviews on being able to open the balcony dividers between cabins. We have two 2 bedroom haven suites booked for June (they are right next to each other) and we would like to open the balcony divider for the entire cruise so we can use the space as one larger balcony for the family. Can you please check to see if they will allow this?

any word about the schedule/price for the cake/cupcake decorating classes? also, I read where someone could take out the dividers between balconies if you have adjoining rooms. Is that possible in regular cabins? We have BA's on 13th deck. Thx

Unfortunately, the answer on removing the balcony dividers is no. I checked with my room steward and asked at the front desk, just to be sure. Apparently there are new maritime laws that prohibit it for safety reasons.

I've got an email out to Norwegian's PR folks to check on the cake decorating classes. I don't think the schedule has been set yet, but I'll report back as soon as I hear anything.

Hi all!

Sorry for the delay. I was back for one day for a company meeting and then jumped on Breakaway for the Jan. 31 cruise to nowhere. I've gotten answers for most of you and will be posting them starting now. (I might not get all of them up before I head to bed, but I'll continue posting tomorrow.)

Can I just clarify that a little. There are two issues here, whether a restaurant is included in the UDP and whether you can get it delivered to your suite.

 

Ocean Blue isn't included in the UDP, I assume because it is a lot more expensive than the others. The a la carte places are also not included.

 

As regards delivery to the Suite, I don't know about Ocean Blue, but Teppenyaki and Moderno are not available because of the nature of the meals (cooked or carved at the table). That is regardless of whether you have the package or are paying by the meal.

 

I think that's what you meant, but it didn't read like that to me.

 

 

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Thanks so much for clarifying this Ashley! We will be purchasing the UDP on our May 31st sailing. :D

Keith, you were absolutely right. I emailed Vanessa again for clarification, and she had this to say: "Hi – no, Teppanyaki and Moderno are experiences that must be enjoyed at the restaurant."

I'm sorry, craig-n-carol. Looks like food from those two restaurants can't be delivered to your suite.

woldnt be possibleto purchase one drink card as I cannot drink 49$ worth of liquor a day as I am diabetic.my husband probably can so one card is enough

We are sailing in August. I don't see what the options are on the Getaway for beverage packages and wine packages. They say everyone has to have a package and I wa on deign what was included in the packages and if I could purchase the wine one while my husband had the be beverage one. Our daughter is not much of a drinker. When we were on Celebrity we purchased for her a package that include freshly squeezed juices and smoothies etc. Havn't seen such option on NCL. So not sure whether to do packages or not.

Unfortunately, Norwegian's fleetwide policy is that if one adult in a cabin buys the alcohol package, all adults in the same cabin (or using the same credit card, even if in a different cabin) must also purchase it. As Keith said, that also includes anyone between the ages of 2 and 20, who must have a soda package purchased on their behalf instead. You can find more info here: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1470.

So excited, just bought our tickets for REO on the Ecstasy in April. I am a classic rock fan, so this is great. I think Carnival and their Marketing people have come up with an absolutely ingenious idea. As a Marketing person myself , I am impressed with this whole Carnival Live concept. My thoughts are they started this for several reasons . One, some of the most visited ports are the first to get Carnival Live. People often complain about going to the same ports all of the time but now they have something new and exciting at these ports. Two, the first ships to get this are the Fantasy Class. Again, I suspect these older and smaller ships have a lower occupancy rates than most of their other ships. Add a new and exciting program, and boom occupancy rates go up ! Third, they are getting a ton of free publicity . USA Today, ABC news, and many other news outlets have done stories on Carnival Live. Social Media is a buzz. Kudos to Carnival for coming up with different, new , and exciting for their customers. Well done !

 

 

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I think it's also a great way for them to attract people who might not cruise otherwise. Lots of ships already host theme cruises that feature musical artists, and generally the folks who go on them aren't cruisers (or at least not avid ones). The Carnival Live prices, even for VIP, are much lower than what you'd pay for just a concert ticket (with no meet and greet privileges) on land. Granted, passengers on these sailings also have to pay the cruise fare, but they get a concert and a vacation out of it. :)

Nestor Torres does not join the Grammy experience in February, he is already on the ship. Saw him on 14th Jan.

That's correct, but regular sailings don't officially start until February. Right now the ship is doing mostly press trips and the whole Bud Light Hotel thing.

Can I just clarify that a little. There are two issues here, whether a restaurant is included in the UDP and whether you can get it delivered to your suite.

 

Ocean Blue isn't included in the UDP, I assume because it is a lot more expensive than the others. The a la carte places are also not included.

 

As regards delivery to the Suite, I don't know about Ocean Blue, but Teppenyaki and Moderno are not available because of the nature of the meals (cooked or carved at the table). That is regardless of whether you have the package or are paying by the meal.

 

I think that's what you meant, but it didn't read like that to me.

 

 

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Thanks for the clarification, Keith. I haven't personally experienced the UDP or having food delivered to a suite, but the following is pasted from an email I received yesterday from Cruise Critic's PR contacts at Norwegian:

"Yes, suite guests who purchase unlimited dining can have food delivered to suite (except for Ocean Blue, which does not offer deliveries)."

I take that to mean Moderno and Teppanyaki are able to be delivered, but, again, I haven't tried it personally.

This question has been asked before, but I don't feel the existing threads have properly answered this question from those with actual experience. Concerning the UDP for suite pax, does it include in-suite dining from the specialty restaurants if we purchase the UDP?

Hi there,

Yes! Food from the specialty restaurants can be delivered to your cabin if you're in a suite and have purchased the unlimited dining package. The only specialty restaurant it doesn't apply to is Ocean Blue, which doesn't do delivery (no clue why).

Will the iConcierge app be available for the Getaway?

Would love to get whatever details anyone has on the iConcierge app, don't know anything about this or what it does.

 

Also, any details on Vibe would be appreciated. How much? Can we reserve ahead of time? Etc.

 

Thanks!

iConcierge is an app you can download to your smartphone that offers things like the ability to view your onboard account and daily schedules that you can use for free for your ship/sailing. You can book things like spa treatments and specialty restaurants, too. It also allows you to stay in touch with others on your sailing (as long as they have the app, too) via a messaging system that hooks into the ship's Wi-Fi for a one-time flat fee of about $9 per cruise. (It's significantly cheaper than paying to use the Wi-Fi without the app.) I've never personally used it, though, so I can't attest to its functionality.

The app will be available on Getaway, but it hasn't rolled out yet, according to Norwegian's PR folks. They've promised to let me know when they have an official launch date.

Hello,

 

Just wondering if anyone knows if iConcierge is working on the Getaway yet? We are on the Feb 8th sailing with friends and would like to be able to use the app to message each other while on the cruise.

 

Thanks!

SmarkVacation

What does the iConcierge app do? I'm intrigued.

Hi there,

iConcierge is an app you can download to your smartphone that offers things like the ability to view your onboard account and daily schedules that you can use for free for your ship/sailing. You can make reservations for things like specialty restaurants and the spa, too. It also allows you to stay in touch with others on your sailing (as long as they have the app, too) via a messaging system that hooks into the ship's Wi-Fi for a one-time flat fee of about $9 per cruise. (It's significantly cheaper than paying to use the Wi-Fi without the app.) I've never personally used it, though, so I can't attest to its functionality.

I've just checked in with Norwegian's PR folks, and they tell me it's not up and running yet, but it will be soon. (They've promised to let me know as soon as they have an official launch date.)

We've been on several cruises, but this is the first time with NCL Getaway (in May 2014). Traveling with 6 adults. I would appreciate any tips that you can give me regarding NCL, but I have a specific question about reservations for dining, shows, etc.

For a party that size, would we need to make some kind of reservation to eat in any of the MDRs and should we make them in advance or just wait until we board the ship? I know that reservations are recommended for the specialty restaurants. Shows-- same question regarding reservations.

Thanks for all of your help. Also, any menus from the Getaway would be appreciated!!

Hey there! I'll be onboard the Jan. 27-29 cruise to nowhere. Yes, you'll be able to book your dining and shows ahead of time, and I'd definitely recommend doing so, particularly since your group is more than just a couple of people. It might not be necessary, but it takes five minutes to do online, and at least you'll have the peace of mind that you've got spots reserved.

I'll also be attempting to get photos of all of the menus.

If you've got any further questions about Getaway, feel free to post 'em here (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1973491), and I'll try my best to get you the answers.

That's great news! Glad to hear they were able to get it up and running for you all. Have a wonderful time!

Thanks Ashley! I am cruising with my hubby, mom, 2 brothers and 2 nephews. It is the first cruise for my brothers and nephews, so it would be really nice if we could share a larger balcony all together. :)

Oh, that sounds like fun! I've never sailed with a family group. My extended family is huge, and I keep trying to convince them to do a reunion at sea! Ha.

Hi all,

Thanks for your questions! I'm putting them into a Word document as soon as they come in so I don't miss any. I'll do my best to get them all addressed. However, please keep in mind that this is a modified sailing (mostly for press and travel agents), so they might not have traditional dailies or kids activities. I'll see what I can dig up, though.

JUst checked my Photos.

 

In the Balcony it one of these

 

http://www.valera.com/en/c8-personal/c11-hairdryers/p10-excel_1800.html

 

Thanks, insidecabin!

For several weeks I've been trying to make reservations for specialty restaurants on our Feb. 5 Navigator of the Seas cruise (the first after drydock), but the only restaurant that comes up is Chops. Yesterday I gave up and phoned C&A, and I was transferred to a department called "On-Board Dining" which I assume is in the corporate office.

 

I was told by a Supervisor in that department the reason I can't make reservations for Giovanni's, Isumi or Sabor online is that they aren't scheduled to open until the first sailing in March! Her excuse was that, although the new specialty restaurants will be added during drydock and construction should be complete before our sailing, "it takes time to train staff to work there." Really? I told her I didn't think it was fair for these venues to be shown on the deck plans starting February 1, if they already know they won't be open for another month. That leaves Chops as the only available specialty restaurant for at least 4 sailings, but you can be sure the prices aren't discounted for those cruises. Grrr....

Hi there,

I just checked in with Royal Caribbean's PR folks, and this is what I was told:

"I'm afraid that our guest was misinformed and we are very sorry for the confusion. The online reservation system for the specialty restaurants on Navigator of the Seas was undergoing an update to add new restaurants Izumi Asian Cuisine and Giovanni's Table as part of the extensive revitalization of the ship. The reservation system is back up and guests can continue to make reservations in Navigator of the Seas' Chops Grille steakhouse, Izumi Asian Cuisine, and Giovanni's Table.

With best regards,

Harry"

It doesn't address Sabor, but at least it appears you've now got some other options. Perhaps you can try again to make the reservations and see if it works. Let us know. Hope this helps!