Newbie cruiser- will I be disappointed after Getaway?

[Carolina Girl 99]

Just took our very first cruise last month, decided we are hooked and can't wait to go again. We were on the Getaway and loved pretty much everything about the ship, but sad that we ran out of time to do some of the things we wanted to do onboard. We really liked the ship "vibe" and activities/entertainment/dining.

 

We are planning to take another cruise in Nov 2016 for my 50th b-day and are looking at itineraries, prices, etc. I'm also open to trying another cruise line if that's how it works out. I'm nervous that I was spoiled by taking a nice, new ship for my first cruise and that I will be disappointed on future cruises if I try another ship/cruise line. Am I being foolish, or have you experienced this as well? Guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm not alone!

[Mimorison]

Yes you would be disappointed don't take any ship that was built before 2008 i know a lot of people like the old

Ships but I know what I'm saying you are hooked into the mega new comfort smelling good ships now

Edited July 8, 2015 by Mimorison

[rbird]

You are not foolish to being open to trying other cruise lines. As you can tell from my signature that I have just repeated a line for the first time last week. I have tried a variety of cruise lines. It's hard not to compare but you really have to go in with no expectations or open expectations in order to appreciate various things about other ships and lines. Just about any day cruising is better than a day at work I say. Doesn't matter if your cruising a big mega ship or older smaller ship. Good Luck in whatever you decide.

[thatjoeguy]

There's a "charm" to the smaller, older ships that a lot of people enjoy. I think a lot of it comes down to room at the pool, and the small town feel. I've done both, and cruised as a child long before the megaships existed at all. That said, it comes down to what you're looking for in a vacation. If you're cruising for your destination, and mostly using the ship as a floating hotel, it's not going to matter (much) to you whether you have a new or old ship. If you're cruising for the experience of the ship itself, you'll want to go with one of the newer ones. If you're going for a value cruise (or, in the opposite direction, a 6,000 sf stateroom) the older ships will be a better fit.

 

THAT said, NCL has added a lot of the "newer" amenities to their older ships when they've been in dry dock, so you'll have the waterslides, etc. on some of the older ships.

[Siora7777]

Yes you will be and you'll be constantly comparing the experience:) The Getaway is my favorite but I don't want to just sail on one ship forever. It will always be there when you're ready to go again. Since I sail for the price and islands I choose other ships and wish I was on the Getaway! But really I'm just happy to be cruising.

[Nola26]

Did you purchase a future cruise certificate onboard? If you did that could serve as your full deposit on NCL, a nice cashflow savings given that your trip is over a year away. If you didn't and you decide to book NCL soon I understand you can call to purchase one. You may be with days of that option expiring, I'm not sure but it may only be an option if it's within 30 days of your cruise.

 

NCL's Escape will be ready for your next timeframe, take a look and see if it suits your preferences. NCL also have some great specials at the moment. Also you've started to earn Latitude points check to see how close you are to moving up a level.

 

If you move to another line I'd suggest you really list the things you loved about your time on Getaway, rank the things your really want next time. If you can find the mix on another line with an itinerary and the budget, well you may have a decision to make.

[cheaperts]

You never know till you try, we have sailed Getaway twice after having sailed several smaller/older ships. We don't care for the mega ship, very nice very big but not for us. Even the oldest ship in the fleet is very well maintained and clean. Can't speak of the other lines, sorry

[Kingmaker_inc]

Even the oldest ship in the fleet is very well maintained and clean.

 

That's what I was thinking when another person mentioned the 2008 cut-off. That would rule out about half of the NCL fleet, including the Jewel Class ships. All of the older ones have been refitted and refurbished, and speaking for the Gem - it is a great ship. OK, if your priority of booking is to ride the big water slides - the Gem is not for you; but otherwise - great itineraries and a wonderful ship.

 

OP, you need to decide what you like to do onboard and where you want to go - then see which ships are appropriate. But remember, if you like the NCL Freestyle thing, you may not like something more rigid. Do your research before you book on another line so you know what things are like vis a vis reserved meal times, etc.

[LrgPizza]

You won't know until you try. We sailed Getaway and thought it was the greatest thing ever. 6 months later we sailed Epic and liked it better. I've only been on a few ships in my life, but I liked them all for many different reasons.

[edin_cruiser]

I started my cruising days with a couple of "megaships" and then went "down" to NCL Jade and it was as good, if not even better than my other cruises.

 

 

Ask yourself, what does the Getaway have that other don't that you would miss. If it's something that's central to your enjoyment of the trip then you might not want to select a smaller ship but it's definitely something to think about.

[chrisc71]

The contemporary lines are pretty similar. Each has features that are their own. Norwegian has Freestyle, although most are replicating this, while one of Royal's signatures features is the Flowrider.

 

As someone posted there is a difference in the newer ships and older ones. One is not better just a different experience.

 

My feeling is you either love cruising or it is not for you. Yes some ships will appeal more but as long as you check the ship features you will have a good time on a future cruise no matter the line.

[weltek]

I started my cruising days with a couple of "megaships" and then went "down" to NCL Jade and it was as good, if not even better than my other cruises.

 

 

Ask yourself, what does the Getaway have that other don't that you would miss. If it's something that's central to your enjoyment of the trip then you might not want to select a smaller ship but it's definitely something to think about.

 

What edin said. For us, we worked our way up to the Getaway, and also loved it. Could I go "back" to an older ship? Yes, if it was the right price/itinerary.

 

I'd definitely miss:

-The "cool factor" of the Getaway's decor

-Great outdoor lounge spaces

-Howl at the Moon

-Flamingo Grill as a lunch option

 

I'd sort of miss:

-Spice H20 as a kid-free awesome sunbathing and hot-tubbing spot.

-Quality and experience of the Raw Bar at Ocean Blue

-Waterfront dining and bar options

-Ropes course

-Pristine shape of rooms/carpets

 

I would welcome (from older ships):

-More live music options in the bars

-Easier to avoid casino

 

So I can find a few things about the older ships I like, and if the price was right, I'd absolutely do it. I've never had a "bad" cruise! You already sound like you know it won't be an exact experience on an older ship, so that's half the battle. :-)

[zqvol]

Personally I will never get on a ship pas large as Gateway, while it does have a wow factor, it is simply too big and has too many bells and whistles. We cruise for the destinations not the ship and the big ships are too limited in where they can visit.

[Medtech2]

Just took our very first cruise last month, decided we are hooked and can't wait to go again. We were on the Getaway and loved pretty much everything about the ship, but sad that we ran out of time to do some of the things we wanted to do onboard. We really liked the ship "vibe" and activities/entertainment/dining.

 

We are planning to take another cruise in Nov 2016 for my 50th b-day and are looking at itineraries, prices, etc. I'm also open to trying another cruise line if that's how it works out. I'm nervous that I was spoiled by taking a nice, new ship for my first cruise and that I will be disappointed on future cruises if I try another ship/cruise line. Am I being foolish, or have you experienced this as well? Guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm not alone!

Nothing has ever compared to our Epic cruise in 2010. It was the most perfect storm of ship, ports, activities, crew, not to mention doing 2 weeks so that we hurried to do everything the 1st week, then relaxed and enjoyed the 2nd week.

 

That said, we then did the Sun, a total opposite in terms of size and activities but still enjoyed it. I compared the 2 in my review even though people said it was apples and oranges. Perhaps, but I still felt a comparison was in order because I was trying to determine if it was the ship or the line I liked so much.

 

I am definitely a Norwegisn fan because I love the Freestyle concept. However, if friends or family insisted upon another line I'm sure I'd enjoy it as long as I based my expectations on what that line was like or what that ship offered.

 

Case in point I actually enjoyed my time with my daughter on the CCL Fantasy out of Charleston because I knew there would be nothing to do but relax, and that is what we did. Entertainment was horrible. Our steward was not good. But I still enjoyed the food, the ports (even though they are my least favorite) because I was spending time with my daughter.

 

You'll definitely love the Breakaway if you love Getaway. Airfare to NYC is relatively cheap compared to other ports. Bermuda was very nice. If you try other lines keep in mind dinner might be more formal, but you may enjoy that.

 

Even though you are a Carolina girl I wouldn't recommend Fantasy unless you are sure you would be happy just sitting in a deck chair. Other than that caveat it sounds like you will enjoy most main stream cruises.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising!

[Carolina Girl 99]

Lots of valid points and some good insight given by CC members! Thanks for the input everyone, still have plenty of time to make that decision before the next cruise. Looks like I have some research to do :)

[canadiancruiser13]

Lots of valid points and some good insight given by CC members! Thanks for the input everyone, still have plenty of time to make that decision before the next cruise. Looks like I have some research to do :)

I agree there are a lot good points made.

 

An extre point if I may - go with an open mind, your vacation is what you make it.

 

Have fun and enjoy.

[happygo]

Our first cruise was on the oldest RCL ship. I thought it was spectacular! Then we cruised DCL Dream and that first cruise didn't seem so special anymore. Then we started with the mega ships and the Dream stopped being spectacular. All of our cruises since have been on the mega ships until spring break this year. Found a cheap deal for the three of us on the Sun. $2100 balcony with UDP. Hated it! We still had a good time and met some great ppl but the ship bored the heck out of us all. We learned that we are mega ship people. That's our gig and we have no intention of going small again unless we have to. We love the ship being the destination as much as the actual ports. All previous posters are correct. Depends on what you loved about the Getaway. My guess is you loved having so much to do, the endless options and activities. If so, stick with other ships that offer similar. Definitely try other cruise lines though....lots of amazing ships with just as much to offer. We are booked on the Escape for March which will be our 4th NCL cruise but started out as loyal RCL cruisers with some Disney sprinkled in from time to time. And we are now going to book the Carnival Vista for next summer. Hell is about to freeze over because I swore I'd never cruise CCL. We found our thing but have an open mind to find yours!!

[CruisinHarvey]

Staying with NCL. If you are happy with the Getaway, then you should be happy with Epic(only cruising the Med now), Breakaway and the new Escape(October 2015). All very similar ships as far as venues go.

 

There's basically 2 unique attributes to NCL and they are both around dining.

1. NCL has more dining venues, than other cruise lines. Even if you go back to the older ships, comparing those to ships of the same age on other lines.
   
2. Freestyle. - while more lines are moving toward it, no other line is as casual for dining as NCL. You can wear shorts in the specialty restaurants, with the exception of Le Bistro.
   

For the newer ships I mentioned above, you can also add entertainment options. They have more entertainment venues than other lines.

 

 

Happy cruising.

[Carolina Girl 99]

Our first cruise was on the oldest RCL ship. I thought it was spectacular! Then we cruised DCL Dream and that first cruise didn't seem so special anymore. Then we started with the mega ships and the Dream stopped being spectacular. All of our cruises since have been on the mega ships until spring break this year. Found a cheap deal for the three of us on the Sun. $2100 balcony with UDP. Hated it! We still had a good time and met some great ppl but the ship bored the heck out of us all. We learned that we are mega ship people. That's our gig and we have no intention of going small again unless we have to. We love the ship being the destination as much as the actual ports. All previous posters are correct. Depends on what you loved about the Getaway. My guess is you loved having so much to do, the endless options and activities. If so, stick with other ships that offer similar. Definitely try other cruise lines though....lots of amazing ships with just as much to offer. We are booked on the Escape for March which will be our 4th NCL cruise but started out as loyal RCL cruisers with some Disney sprinkled in from time to time. And we are now going to book the Carnival Vista for next summer. Hell is about to freeze over because I swore I'd never cruise CCL. We found our thing but have an open mind to find yours!!

 

 

Exactly!! We loved having the options of so many activities or taking in a quiet spot to just chill out and not having to dress up for dinner unless we wanted to. My 18 yr old son was with us and both of us love water slides and amusement parks, so we enjoyed the ropes course as well. My mom would chill in the cabin around 11 pm and read her book before going to sleep and myself and son would hit Spice H20 where we knew almost all of the songs being played.

 

My Mom wants to give RCL a try when we cruise with 4 of us. Can you recommend a ship in their fleet that would be similar to the Getaway? Ideally looking for a Caribbean cruise from any FL port as we can drive vs having to pony up for airfare.

[Sauer-kraut]

 

My Mom wants to give RCL a try when we cruise with 4 of us. Can you recommend a ship in their fleet that would be similar to the Getaway? Ideally looking for a Caribbean cruise from any FL port as we can drive vs having to pony up for airfare.

 

Quantum of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas

Check out the webpage for the Quantum Class ships, one of them won't be ready until next year, but you can always have a look at it.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/home.do