Getaway Review with photos

[rbird]

Just wanted to post a quick review with a few photos. I did a lot of research via CC prior to our cruise and gained a lot of valuable information. Hope this helps someone.

 

NCL Getaway 6/27-7/4

 

My travel crew consisted of my husband and our two son's ages 18 and 16.

We flew into FLL the day before and stayed one night at the Hampton Inn/ Brickell. This was a great pre cruise night for under 200$ a night with Queen Beds, Welcome Drink coupons, Welcome snack tote and free wifi for HH participants. Nice roof top pool and plenty of cabs waiting on Saturday morning right out front. It was cheaper for all 4 of us to grab a cab to the port on our own time. It cost about $25 bucks with tip from the Hampton to POM.

 

We arrived at POM at ~11:15 am. The check in agent was able to promptly and pleasantly correct some info on our booking right at check in. We were walking up the gangway at ~12:00 noon. We went against our plan of eating at Flamingos and stayed at the Garden Buffet. This was one of the best buffet areas we have encountered on our cruises.

 

Our Cabins were ready between 1:30-3pm. We had two large Balcony B6? cabins. The price was only 20$ (not per day, for the whole week!)higher than a regular balcony at the time of booking. These are a real bargain in my book. Cabins were side by side with no adjoining door. Each balcony came with 2 chairs, a dining table and one lounger.

 

Of note - the cabins are beneath the bridge and can be seen by the bridge. We noticed a security camera as well. You can see down on the Mini Suite balconies. However at sea and in port you can enjoy a sea view and a quiet retreat from the busy pool deck. You can hear your neighbors if they speak loudly.

 

Our cabin steward Morgan met us upon entry and explained how things worked. He told us about the two balcony door locks. One lower that locks the door from the inside and the upper that locks the door from the outside. He also provided us with a card to put in the electric slot since I could not remember to take my card out when I left. He probably got tired of me locking myself out. In any case, he showed us how to tip the card slightly to turn off the lights while leaving it in the slot. He offered us bathrobes which I happily accepted. He made up several towel animals which we enjoyed.

 

 

We also opted for the UDP as our free perk with booking. We ate in specialty dining all 7 nights. I booked in advance on-line for the same time most nights. That way the teens knew what time to meet up. I did not buy the iConcierge app as we made the teens go un-plugged for the week. We survived the old fashion way with either a face to face discussion or post it.

[rbird]

Sorry for the duplicate. Never posted photos before with my posts...

Thank you in advance for your patience.

 

Just wanted to post a quick review with a few photos. I did a lot of research via CC prior to our cruise and gained a lot of valuable information. Hope this helps someone.

 

NCL Getaway 6/27-7/4

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745507638/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

My travel crew consisted of my husband and our two son's ages 18 and 16.

We flew into FLL the day before and stayed one night at the Hampton Inn/ Brickell. This was a great pre cruise night for under 200$ a night with Queen Beds, Welcome Drink coupons, Welcome snack tote and free wifi for HH participants. Nice roof top pool and plenty of cabs waiting on Saturday morning right out front. It was cheaper for all 4 of us to grab a cab to the port on our own time. It cost about $25 bucks with tip from the Hampton to POM.

 

We arrived at POM at ~11:15 am. The check in agent was able to promptly and pleasantly correct some info on our booking right at check in. We were walking up the gangway at ~12:00 noon. We went against our plan of eating at Flamingos and stayed at the Garden Buffet. This was one of the best buffet areas we have encountered on our cruises.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745504507/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Our Cabins were ready between 1:30-3pm. We had two large Balcony B6? cabins. The price was only 20$ (not per day, for the whole week!)higher than a regular balcony at the time of booking. These are a real bargain in my book. Cabins were side by side with no adjoining door. Each balcony came with 2 chairs, a dining table and one lounger.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745504485/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745508456/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745507653/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Of note - the cabins are beneath the bridge and can be seen by the bridge. We noticed a security camera as well. You can see down on the Mini Suite balconies. However at sea and in port you can enjoy a sea view and a quiet retreat from the busy pool deck. You can hear your neighbors if they speak loudly.

 

Our cabin steward Morgan met us upon entry and explained how things worked. He told us about the two balcony door locks. One lower that locks the door from the inside and the upper that locks the door from the outside. He also provided us with a card to put in the electric slot since I could not remember to take my card out when I left. He probably got tired of me locking myself out. In any case, he showed us how to tip the card slightly to turn off the lights while leaving it in the slot. He offered us bathrobes which I happily accepted. He made up several towel animals which we enjoyed.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745523169/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

We also opted for the UDP as our free perk with booking. We ate in specialty dining all 7 nights. I booked in advance on-line for the same time most nights. That way the teens knew what time to meet up. I did not buy the iConcierge app as we made the teens go un-plugged for the week. We survived the old fashion way with either a face to face discussion or post it.

Edited July 14, 2015 by rbird

[rbird]

Continued...

 

We found the food outstanding with the exception of one entrée during the entire week. We interacted with different staff every night and found them eager to please and engage in friendly conversations. We tried dining al fresco at LaCucina. Wow, what a great thing to eat outdoors on the waterfront! I was prepared to pay the 18% gratuity after each meal on the UDP. My son's tried Wasabi sushi and enjoyed it with the 25% discount from the UDP. My husband and I tried Ocean window during the sea day. The chief engineer officer was eating there as well. We tried three of the four items on the menu.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745535326/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

 

 

We ate breakfast in the MDR's a couple of times. But we found that the buffet offered an omelet chef. Most items found in the restaurants can be found at the Garden buffet with minimal waiting times.

 

My teens enjoyed the choices of hard scoop ice cream available at the buffet along with the soft serve.

We did indulge in a cocktail everyday. The best bargain for beer were the 20 oz beers at O'sheehans. The Martini tasting was also priced well. And my favorite Caipirinha was made properly in Moderno's.

 

We enjoyed the entertainment Burn the Floor, Howl at the Moon, the comedian and the live bands that played in the atrium.

 

I will note however that the music in the pool area is just to loud for my liking. We went to the pool area everyday. Yes, people reserve chairs. As long as we were out by 10am we were able to locate chairs. The adult pool area is small. I did research ahead of time so I wasn't disappointed. I booked beach/water excursions in every port to make up for our loss of swim time on board. You could enjoy the adult pool the early mornings or port days. It was simply wall to wall people other afternoons. Spice H2o offers waterfalls but no pool. I was impressed by the staff that monitored the adult pool area and kept it strictly for adults. Speaking on this the staff was trying to enforce rules during the week. We witnessed a staff member ask a women to cover her bikini top as she started through the buffet line.

 

There were tons of kid's on board during this summer cruise. The cruise demographic seemed to be young families and multi generation families traveling together. I loved the touch screens located throughout the ship as well as being able to view your account from the TV in your cabin. The My NCL website needs work in my opinion. It was difficult to navigate at times.

 

We used the Casino a few nights. Indeed, it was smoky but they do have a section of slot machines in a less smoky area.

 

I was however disappointed with the shopping on board. No NCL branded beach towels, robes or t shirts for sale early on during the sailing.

 

The GLOW party was an impressive production and party for the night.

 

My family was impressed with the chilled towel service, drinks, music, shaded seating and frozen pops upon return to the ship in some ports. It was a nice touch and we appreciated it.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745541020/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

 

The staff we encountered were all kind and greeted us when we spoke to them.

 

I booked excursions through NCL this time for convenience. Each outing was to short in my opinion. We booked Meghan's Bay, The Baths in Virgin Gorda and Blue Lagoon. All were fun but just to short.

 

Meghan's Bay was the shortest with about 75 minutes at the beach. It is supposed to be one of the best beaches but I think it was just average. Also there was an odor from the bathhouse/room that was unpleasant.

We had the best time on The Bath's excursion. It is true that you should be in good physical condition. The trail is not clearly marked through the boulders and at one point my husband and some swam in deep water around some rocks. I opted to trek back and find the easier way since I don't swim well. You can take a small backpack through the trail and just leave it on the beach at Devil's bay. No one bothers them other that the stray rooster roaming. Currents are strong in devils bay but it is beautiful. I recommend taking the entire trail starting with the harder one to Devils Bay and taking the easy one back to the parking lot. We enjoyed the long path back seeing the lizards, catus, plants and trees.

Blue Lagoon was a nice alternative to crowded Atlantis. The staff are fun and attentive. It is worth noting that the water is only knee deep in most of the lagoon. The beach and drinks were good though. They offer a simple lunch with the excursion.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745535366/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

 

Overall we liked the Norwegian product. We did not feel overcrowded on the ship and we experienced great service throughout our sailing.

 

 

Cabin notes

Our cabins 9714 and 9716 provided ample storage and closet space. These staterooms are in the same alcove in the hallway, meaning the doors are side by side. Both cabins had beds next to the closet. We had one room with split twin beds at our request and the other with the queen/king size. Each of the two balconies had a sun chaise, two chairs and a table. The bridge sticks out directly above these cabins. Others can look down on part of your balcony. The balconies always had some shade on them throughout some of the day. We experienced a good bit of motion being so far forward this cruise. But it also cut down on hall noise since it was near the end of the hallway. I must mention that you can hear some noise on occasion. A loud bang here or there. We could never tell what it was but it didn't bother us either as we expect ship noises and motion while underway. Robes were available upon request.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745524474/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745535313/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745524478/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745540415/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745518072/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=122751286995/PictureID=847745518050/a=28235443_28235443/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

[Sand and Seas]

Thank you for sharing your review and pictures with us! We will be going back on the Getaway next month. Looking forward to that Lobster Roll at the walk-up window:D

[Sauer-kraut]

To embed photos in your review just click on the yellow "post card" and enter the URL that snapfish assigned your picture and it will post within the review.

[Cruise-mom]

Great review, thank you! Can I ask about the beds; as they were beside the closet, when they were split did it take that space between the bed and closet?

[rbird]

The bed was split into twins. It was quite tight between the bed and closet. Maybe 10"between the bed and closet? One would have side step it in the small walk way beside the bed to get to the closet. Since my big teen boys were in there, I didn't care. I was just glad they put some clothing IN the closet:D

Hope this helps.

Edited July 15, 2015 by rbird

[Nola26]

The bed was split into twins. It was quite tight between the bed and closet. Maybe 10"between the bed and closet? One would have side step it in the small walk way beside the bed to get to the closet. Since my big teen boys were in there, I didn't care. I was just glad they put some clothing IN the closet:D

Hope this helps.

 

Your room layout is the same as ours. Did you have more room by the closet w/o the split bed? Overall how was maneuvering around the bed closer to the door? We are a family of three spry grandmother, daughter and 13yo grandson, so we'll use the sofa bed too.

[Cruise-mom]

The bed was split into twins. It was quite tight between the bed and closet. Maybe 10"between the bed and closet? One would have side step it in the small walk way beside the bed to get to the closet. Since my big teen boys were in there, I didn't care. I was just glad they put some clothing IN the closet:D

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you :) Ha ha! I hear you with the teens voluntarily putting clothes in a closet :eek:

[rbird]

There was more room to get around without the bed split. The bed was definately bigger than a standard queen not split. The amount of storage within the room was great. Giant drawers under the sofa, storage cube, closet night stands (small but open shelves). Nice closet with big upper shelf across entire closet. Cabinet storage by the TV and lots of storage inthe bathroom. Should be ample space for three people.

Have a great trip.

[bradleyk]

We are booked for 9110 did you find it to be a hassle being so forward on the ship? Or was it just a nice walk?