Getaway review 4/12 - 4/19/14

[SissasMomE]

I wasn't going to start this review until I got home, but since I have 2 more hours left in the car, i figured "why not" .... Just please excuse any typos. Im on my iphone.

 

We flew into Fort Lauderdale on Thursday the 10th. Took a cab from the airport to the Atlantic Hotel and Spa on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. Very nice hotel with ocean views from many of the rooms. We had booked a 2-bedroom suite with a direct ocean view and a balcony. It was a very nice suite, and everyone at the hotel was very pleasant. We had lunch there, and it was plentiful and good. We walked down to Bubba Gumps for dinner. Nothing to write home about there, and I think the one in Miami was much better. We spent the next day on the beach. Gorgeous day for it, and a great jump start on a cruise tan! Dinner that night was at the Rustic Inn, which is pretty much a tradition for us. If you like garlic crabs, this is the place to go! I booked my daughter's best friend on this cruise as a surprise for my daughter. My parents met us at the restaurant, and the friend was hiding under the bar counter lol it was a nice surprise, and it added to the overall excitement we all shared.

 

On saturday morning, our limo picked us up at 9am. We were at the port of

miami by 9:45. I expected to wait outside - i do not recall them ever opening the doors this early, but went right inside. They opened the security line about 10 minutes later. We were thru security and checked in so fast .. Record time. We were given boarding group 1. We sat down in the waiting room, and coffee, juice, and bagels were provided. Of course my family chose items from the vending machines instead :rolleyes: i believe they started boarding boarding around 11:20.

[funat55]

The review is off to a good start. Can't wait to hear more. I leave next Saturday April 26th. I'm getting excited. No, wait, I am EXCITED!!

[SissasMomE]

My parents somehow managed to walk right by all the porters outside, and they had both of their suitcases with them when we boarded. Even though our staterooms were not ready, the steward insisted they leave their bags in their room. This was the first of many, many instances of crew and staff going out of their way to accomodate people. We headed down to Savor for a delicious lunch. It was a great first impression for my parents. I had been trying for years to get them to try NCL, and I was so relieved when they started raving about the crew and the food almost immediately. I was also very impressed with the lunch menu and the qualitly of the food.

 

Afterwards, we went to sign the kids up for the teen club, sign the waivers, and get all of that out of the way. This ship has a wonderful "wow" factor that you just dont get with the Epic. Im an Epic cheerleader, but the first 20 minutes or so had me wishing I had booked the Getaway again for our upcoming Thanksgiving cruise instead of the Epic. My husband immediately told me I could switch the ships if I wanted to, but I suggested we wait until the end of the cruise before making that decision. She is beyone beautiful though ... From the hull art, to the way she is decorated on the inside. I was just amazed, and the pictures, IMO, do not do her justice.

 

We had a large balcony cabin on deck 9 forward. It was a goood choice, and I am so glad I moved us all from the regular balcony cabins. Those balconies really are tiny! We had a regular table on our balcony, not one

Of those small ones, and 4 chairs. I didnt make the decision to add my daughter's best friend to our cruise until after final payment had passed. At that time, I could have put them in a large balcony cabin a few doors down from us, but I just wasnt comfortable with that, so I had the 4 of us in one cabin. I knew my husband didnt want a cabin with 4 people in it, and as the cruise got

Closer i did start looking into options for the girls to have their

Own cabin. Actually, what I wanted to do was just

Book an inside cabin in my own name so we would have an additional shower. It would have been an extra $1,400 to do so, and at that point, i decded

To gamble and wait until we got onboard. That worked in our favor - there was an inside cabin available directly across from us and they gave it to me for $200. The girls were beyond happy LOL at that point I still didnt know if I was going to let them sleep in there, but I gave in and it was fine. They are

Both 17. I know I talk like they are younger, but my entire family is law enforcement in one way or another, and I know how twisted people

Can be, so I am overprotective. Regardless, i let them have the room and it really was the right choice for all of us.

[LrgPizza]

Welcome back! Looking forward to your comments.

[SissasMomE]

My parents had the large balcony cabin right next door to us. My husband opened the dividers (bad husband) and we hung out there for a bit. At one point, i had went back into my cabin to change, and my Mother pretty much followed me. This happened a couple more times, then I made sure hubby closed the divider after that LOL.

 

I'm not going to do a day by day. We spent sea days by the pool. I'm a ridiculously early riser, so there was never a problem getting pool chairs. Most days I was out there at 6:30, once by 6:45. Even getting out there that early, there were still chairs with towels on them, but no people! I cant't imagine what time they got up! Anyway, we sat out there from early morning until early afternoon. The main pool was adults only. It is a very deep pool, with a lot of waves. I would not feel comfortable at all seeing kids in there. We found great seats right above the Waves pool bar, and spent most our outdoor time there. They had kids activites twice right in the stage by the main pool. They were Nickelodeon games, and both kids and adults seemed to enjoy it. Two of the hot tubs were always filled with kids. I did not see any kids in the other 2, and they may have been adults only. I dont know for sure though. The kids splash area and the kids pool is behind the main pool stage, seperated by a wall. There are lounge chairs there, but they are in the shade and off to the side. There were some regular chairs set up directly in front of the kids pool, but not many. Most parents sat on the edge of the kids pool itself while their kids were swimming.

 

I did not do the water slides or the ropes course. I just ran out of time. The girls did the slides, and they loved them! They did not do the ropes course either - same reason ... Just ran out of time.

[SissasMomE]

I'll write more later. Sorry to keep you hanging ... My fingers hurt from typing on this phone!!

[LrgPizza]

I'll write more later. Sorry to keep you hanging ... My fingers hurt from typing on this phone!!

Have a blast at the Buffett concert! We went every summer for many years, but haven't been the past few due to conflicts. Ya got me in the mood now.

[jaja]

Welcome home....enjoying the review...:)

[david_sobe]

Wow thanks so much for starting your review so fast and from a phone ;)

Welcome back and enjoy the concert!

[Frenchsnowhite]

So glad I found your trip report!

 

Do you think you will post pictures??

[mrobstad]

Loved the Getaway! The ship is beautiful and never felt crowded. Specialty restaurants great, but wondering why more folks did not eat outside??!! I loved watching the sun set while dining. Entertainment was good, but I was surprised I liked the comics best! And I don't think you can register for them on line, but you can from your room. They were extremely entertaining. The Grammy experience musicians were also excellent and not to be missed. Illusarium was awesome but get the premium seats. A few negatives that probably come from it's newness, but a great cruise!

 

 

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[Medtech2]

My parents somehow managed to walk right by all the porters outside, and they had both of their suitcases with them when we boarded. Even though our staterooms were not ready, the steward insisted they leave their bags in their room. This was the first of many, many instances of crew and staff going out of their way to accomodate people. We headed down to Savor for a delicious lunch. It was a great first impression for my parents. I had been trying for years to get them to try NCL, and I was so relieved when they started raving about the crew and the food almost immediately. I was also very impressed with the lunch menu and the qualitly of the food.

 

Afterwards, we went to sign the kids up for the teen club, sign the waivers, and get all of that out of the way. This ship has a wonderful "wow" factor that you just dont get with the Epic. Im an Epic cheerleader, but the first 20 minutes or so had me wishing I had booked the Getaway again for our upcoming Thanksgiving cruise instead of the Epic. My husband immediately told me I could switch the ships if I wanted to, but I suggested we wait until the end of the cruise before making that decision. She is beyone beautiful though ... From the hull art, to the way she is decorated on the inside. I was just amazed, and the pictures, IMO, do not do her justice.

 

We had a large balcony cabin on deck 9 forward. It was a goood choice, and I am so glad I moved us all from the regular balcony cabins. Those balconies really are tiny! We had a regular table on our balcony, not one

Of those small ones, and 4 chairs. I didnt make the decision to add my daughter's best friend to our cruise until after final payment had passed. At that time, I could have put them in a large balcony cabin a few doors down from us, but I just wasnt comfortable with that, so I had the 4 of us in one cabin. I knew my husband didnt want a cabin with 4 people in it, and as the cruise got

Closer i did start looking into options for the girls to have their

Own cabin. Actually, what I wanted to do was just

Book an inside cabin in my own name so we would have an additional shower. It would have been an extra $1,400 to do so, and at that point, i decded

To gamble and wait until we got onboard. That worked in our favor - there was an inside cabin available directly across from us and they gave it to me for $200. The girls were beyond happy LOL at that point I still didnt know if I was going to let them sleep in there, but I gave in and it was fine. They are

Both 17. I know I talk like they are younger, but my entire family is law enforcement in one way or another, and I know how twisted people

Can be, so I am overprotective. Regardless, i let them have the room and it really was the right choice for all of us.

Wow, wonderful surprise for your daughter, and yes, I always assumed she was younger, lol. Great that they gave you an available inside for such a fair price! You always hear that cabins aren't available after check in. Did you go to Guest Services to inquire?

 

So far I really cannot wait for October!

[sandc4e]

Thanks for the report - truly enjoying it.

 

We leave on our very first cruise in 3 weeks and can't wait!

[jennyprovo]

 

On saturday morning, our limo picked us up at 9am. We were at the port of

miami by 9:45. I expected to wait outside - i do not recall them ever opening the doors this early, but went right inside. They opened the security line about 10 minutes later. We were thru security and checked in so fast .. Record time. We were given boarding group 1. We sat down in the waiting room, and coffee, juice, and bagels were provided. Of course my family chose items from the vending machines instead :rolleyes: i believe they started boarding boarding around 11:20.

 

Welcome back.

Which limo company did you use?

 

Thanks.

[SissasMomE]

Wow, wonderful surprise for your daughter, and yes, I always assumed she was younger, lol. Great that they gave you an available inside for such a fair price! You always hear that cabins aren't available after check in. Did you go to Guest Services to inquire?

 

So far I really cannot wait for October!

 

I went to guest services after boarding. They wrote down my cabin number, and told me they'd check and get back to me. When we returned to our cabin to get ready for dinner, there was a letter there offering me the cabin for $200. I went back downstairs, and they escorted me to the cabin so I could see where it was in relation to mine.

 

You will have a great time. My husband and I both loved this ship. My daughter and her best friend, who also came with us last year on the Epic, both prefer the Epic. They are similar in many ways and yet so different. It helps to appreciate each ship for what is unique to them instead of comparing, but that's just my opinon.

 

One thing that surprised me was the rocking. It wasnt all the time, but a few nights you really felt it!

[SissasMomE]

Welcome back.

Which limo company did you use?

 

Thanks.

 

For this trip we used Larry's Limos. I usually book on Limos dot com, and do prefer them to Larry's, but the service was fine.

[Derbie]

Loved the Getaway! The ship is beautiful and never felt crowded. Specialty restaurants great, but wondering why more folks did not eat outside??!! I loved watching the sun set while dining. Entertainment was good, but I was surprised I liked the comics best! And I don't think you can register for them on line, but you can from your room. They were extremely entertaining. The Grammy experience musicians were also excellent and not to be missed. Illusarium was awesome but get the premium seats. A few negatives that probably come from it's newness, but a great cruise![ATTACH]309981[/ATTACH]

 

 

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Which restaurants do you recommend dinning outside? We have reservations at quite a few of them. We leave next Saturday. What say you?

[SissasMomE]

We had most of our meals in the main dining room. I did pre-book Cagney's, and the meal there was great. The waitress told us they are now using Argentinean beef, and I think it was a noticeable difference from last year's cruise. My parents had walked by Le Bistro and loved the al fresco dining area so much that they decided they wanted to eat there. I called for reservations, but they had already booked up. We were towards the end of our cruise, and our options for dining there were really, really limited. I called the Concierge to see if they could get us in, and they were able to accommodate us. My parents loved it, as did my husband. It was just ok to me. It really could have just been me that night. I was tired, it was towards the end of the cruise, and I just wasn't "feeling" the dinner. I had the onion soup, which was very good ... and the duck. I just didn't care for the duck that night. Anyway, we did not dine on the Waterfront other than eating lunch at the ocean blue one day (the calamari and crab toast were excellent!) They are only open for lunch on sea days. We also saw a lot of crew coming to the window for lunch, so it must be a popular spot! I really think any of the restaurants would be lovely for a dinner outside. I'm not sure why we didn't do that. I guess like everything else, we just ran out of time. We did see some folks eating dinner out there, but it was never crowded. We were really surprised that more people didn't utilize it.

 

Just about every night, either before or after dinner, we had either oysters at the raw bar, or sushi at the sushi bar. Also, the nightly hang out spot was at the mojito bar, where Bong (the bartender) and his crew were extremely funny and entertaining! We went to Howl at the Moon the first night with my parents and some friends my husband and I had met on a prior cruise. The last 2 cruises we took, we put out an invite on our roll call board for folks to meet up at Howl on night one. We had a great turn out for the last 2 cruises, but none this time. The last 2 cruises were on the Epic and the layout made it a little easier to "pick" each other out. It's set up different on the Getaway, so it's very possible that others from our roll call were there, and we just didn't see them or make the connection. I ended up missing so much on this cruise - we just simply ran out of time. We never made it see Sugar Blue at the Grammy Experience. We never made it to the welcome aboard show (corny, I know ... but I wanted to go LOL) we also missed Legally Blonde. I had it scheduled for Thursday at 7:30. That is also the day we ended up going to Le Bistro, so I changed the time to the 10:15 show ... and believe it or not, we just all pooped out and didn't go. I was looking forward to that show, too!

 

One thing that stood out to me is how long this ship is! I mean - wow!! Did we walk! The Epic is bigger, but I really don't remember doing as much walking as we did on the Getaway. It's not a bad thing at all, it just surprised me, I guess.

 

If you dine in the Tropicana room, request Ruby V. She was great, and we requested her often. We filled out hero cards for her, our room steward Roy, and also Bong, the bartender. Really, if I knew everyone's name, I could have filled out a ton of them. This crew was great, and it really adds to your cruise when you are sailing with a happy crew!

[SissasMomE]

Have a blast at the Buffett concert! We went every summer for many years, but haven't been the past few due to conflicts. Ya got me in the mood now.

 

It was so much fun. Probably not the smartest thing to go right from a cruise - we were tired!! But, it was fun. I love hearing him sing!

[JJS329]

I was also on this cruise and I also filled out a hero card for Ruby! She was so kind, accommodating, and efficient.

[SissasMomE]

I was also on this cruise and I also filled out a hero card for Ruby! She was so kind, accommodating, and efficient.

 

I'm so glad to hear that! She was just the sweetest - to all of us. She went out of her way to really make my parents feel welcomed and comfortable on their first NCL cruise.

 

I hope you and your family had a nice cruise! Happy Passover! Edited - I thought of you guys when I saw seder dinners in the Dallies. Did you guys sign up for them? How were they?

Edited April 21, 2014 by SissasMomE

[JJS329]

Yes the cruise was great. Sorry we couldn't make Howl at the Moon. (We did Illusionarium that night)

 

The Passover dinner was very nicely done. I met some great new people there. I didn't have trouble observing. If I did Garden Cafe, I found enough bread-less choices and Matzah was available upon request the whole cruise. Loved putting the lox, cream cheese, and capers on it for breakfast!! In the MDRs, staff members were aware of Passover restrictions because there seemed to be a large enough number of people observing.

 

Happy Easter!

[SissasMomE]

Yes the cruise was great. Sorry we couldn't make Howl at the Moon. (We did Illusionarium that night)

 

The Passover dinner was very nicely done. I met some great new people there. I didn't have trouble observing. If I did Garden Cafe, I found enough bread-less choices and Matzah was available upon request the whole cruise. Loved putting the lox, cream cheese, and capers on it for breakfast!! In the MDRs, staff members were aware of Passover restrictions because there seemed to be a large enough number of people observing.

 

Happy Easter!

 

That is great, and I am so glad to hear that!

[LrgPizza]

You've said several times that you "ran out of time". That's what I keep expecting will happen with us! We are also booked for Thurs. 7:30 Legally Blonde, but more and more I keep thinking we will probably pass on that. Too many other things to do. We have also decided to pass on going for Vibe passes. I doubt I'll be seated in any one spot very often. I am already running out of time for everything I want to do, and I'm not even on the ship yet! I like reading your review though, because I think we have similar cruising styles.

[mrobstad]

Which restaurants do you recommend dinning outside? We have reservations at quite a few of them. We leave next Saturday. What say you?

 

 

I ate outside every chance I could: Cagneys, La Cucina, Moderno.....it's not an option for Le a Bistro and Teppanyaki and Illusarium (who's food was very good, unlike Cirque on the Epic). You get a gentle breeze, incredible sunsets and moon risings, and good service.

 

 

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