My Getaway review....diverted by Gonzalo

[funredhead]

Thanks for all the encouragement.

 

We were able to see the fireworks from our balcony. They were postponed 2x because of lightening. We ended up seeing them on Thursday night. The display was very nice. Not too long and not too short. About 15 minutes.

 

So, the rest of Monday was spent watching people unnecessarily make themselves miserable. It was a interesting study of human behavior.

 

This afternoon, after enjoying lunch at O'Sheehans and doing the ropes course again, our kids really wanted to get back to the kids club for games on the sports court. If your kids go, make sure to really give them a good coating of sunscreen. It is hot up there with no shade. I used zinc on my kids which I would recommend. They hate it, but it really keeps them protected.

 

So, my husband and I had some time to ourselves. On sea days we like to have a bottle of champagne in the afternoon. It's a little luxury we love. In Miami, we picked up some bottles of prosecco at publix. The ship does not have a big assortment. We carried on 2 bottles and received a bottle from lattitudes. I would really recommend this little tradition. It's a very nice way to spend an afternoon.

 

Of course, half way thru the bottle I remembered that I promised to meet my uncle for mojito tasting at 3. Oops! Looks like I was going to need a nap this afternoon.

 

Mojito tasting was in Sugarcane's. The famous Bong was the host. And, after an hour, I can see why he is so popular. He is very entertaining. The mojitos were very good. We sampled 5. And then he asked questions to win a large size mojito. I think everyone walked away with a large one too. Let me say that the man has talents! The mojitos were all interesting and were mostly good. The mojito with sirracha and ginger beer was not really to my liking. But, the strawberry one was amazing. Overall, a very fun time. And for $15, you couldn't go wrong.

 

After this, I did take a nap. There is nothing like sleeping with the balcony doors open. I just love the sound of the ocean.

 

Dinner tonight was in La Cucina. We really love the atmosphere in this restaurant. My husband ordered a pizza as an app. I had the caprese salad. Both were excellent. I had the lobster pasta and he had the osso buco. And we both had the affagato for dessert. My gram had the pasta with pesto. All of the food was very good.

 

This was the only restaurant that did not swipe our cards for the UDP. I didn't think anything of it. But, on the morning of disembarkation when we received our final bill they added a charge for our kids eating in La Cucina. It was not put on until the last night after 11pm. And, our kids didnt dine with us in any restaurant but Teppenyaki. They did remove the charge. But, it was a hassle. In order for something to be removed they have to get the maitre de to come to the front desk to do the adjustment. And of course on the last day that's a crazy prospect.

So, my advice is to actually review the bill. We found this and a discrepancy with a laundry charge. For lattitudes, we receive a free bag of laundry. Again, on the last night after 11, we were charged for the laundry. Again, they adjusted it. But, it was a hassle. And there were about 10 other people in line having their accounts adjusted for the same thing.

 

I don't think this is an intention error. But, I do think there is a significant number of people who do not review the statement. And, I think this is an area that needs some attention. The la Cucina thing is just an error. But, the laundry, that's something that will irritate people. If you offer a loyalty incentive you need to make sure it's administered properly.

 

Anyways, back to Monday...

The Rest of the night was spent in the casino. I turned in a bit early. I wanted to rest up for Jamaica.

[funredhead]

A note about the UDP...

 

I made reservations online before we boarded the ship for each night. There were quite a few mentions here that it was difficult to get a reservation once on the ship because of the popularity of the package.

 

I will say that having a reservation every night did work well for us. And, it appeared that you could just walk up to most of the specialty restaurants and be seated if you were free styling it. The only exceptions would be Teppenyaki, cagneys and le bistro. And if you are a party of two, you could probably get into those too.

 

Also, with lattitudes we receive a specialty dinner and bottle of wine each. The packageis discounted if you are plantinum. But, you can still use the certificate for a bottle of wine. It can only be used at le bistro, la Cucina and moderno, so plan accordingly.

Hope that helps.

[lizh945]

I was on the same cruise as you! This was a trip for my husband's birthday so we were disappointed we didn't get to go the eastern Caribbean but it was still exciting going to the Caribbean at all! We tried to do some research online to see what there was to do in Jamaica and Cozumel since we'd never been before. We didn't end up getting to do a whole lot of research since every minute was costing us $$. Kind of glad we didn't go down to the shore excursion desk.. Too much craziness! The first time I heard grumbling about the port changes was in Falmouth. There was an irate couple, mostly the husband actually, who went on a rant about how he hated Jamaica and how he was going to demand that NCL give him all this stuff for free. We were really glad they changed course though, crew/passenger safety is the #1 priority and going straight into a hurricane is downright dangerous.Maybe I should write a review about the cruise and I can elaborate on my experiences on the ship and in the port. Mostly about the crazy day in Jamaica... Anyway, I loved reading your review and it reminds me of our fun times on the Getaway! Sounds like you and your family had an awesome time! We are hooked on cruising and can't wait to go again!

[Heyref]

We are booked in 13220 in January, just curious, were you able to see the fireworks from the balcony?

 

Which January sailing? We are booked for Jan 17.

[Susie51]

Maybe I should write a review about the cruise and I can elaborate on my experiences on the ship and in the port. Mostly about the crazy day in Jamaica... Anyway, I loved reading your review and it reminds me of our fun times on the Getaway! Sounds like you and your family had an awesome time! We are hooked on cruising and can't wait to go again!

 

Welcome to CC. It would be nice to read your review also.

 

Funredhead, thank you for sharing your review with us. You have a great attitude.

Edited November 20, 2014 by Susie51

[Winston Wolf]

Great review!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[leah94]

"One very loud, very angry man who was demanding cash back for his excursion caused quite a stir."

 

He wasn't cruising like a Norwegian, he was cruising as an idiot!

Edited November 21, 2014 by leah94

[bustedbuddha]

What were the blinds at the poker table? the last cruise I was on there was a rumor going around that the tables were shifting from a 1/2 to a 2/5.

[MandyMommyof2]

I really enjoyed reading your report! Those hurricanes :eek: We have always cruised in hurricane season so we know theres always that chance. I can't believe the attitudes of adults sometimes. I would just be thankful to be sailing out of harms way. My family and are booked on the Getaway in July 2015 in a category BA room (mid ship balcony). I hope we will not feel all squeezed together. Our girls are 12 and 8. The girls and myself included are looking forward to the slides. It has been 5 years since we cruised. I can't believe the attitude of adults at times!

[aklee]

I was on this cruise as well! I am enjoying your review, it reminds me of a great vacation!!

[mitchizumi]

So excited. We are heading Soon. Great review!!