Norwegian Getaway 1/24-1/31 Review

[JaxCruiseGambler]

Hello there everyone. This is my first attempt at a CC review, and I hope to do it justice, as previous reviews were so helpful to my wife and I in planning this vacation.

 

So, I will start with the particulars, and then try to break down each day in later replies to this thread.

 

I am 36, wife is 30. We sailed on 1/24 out of Miami. We have only been on one previous cruise, the Carnival Pride out of Tampa in January of 2015 for our honeymoon. This was sort of an anniversary trip, as well as a celebration for her completing her Master's Program. So we had plenty to celebrate this week.

 

We booked with the "Pick 2" promotion, so we took the Unlimited Beverage and Ultimate Dining... So all alcohol is included, and we got to select 4 specialty dining options. We did Tepanaki, the Japanese steak house, Illusionarium, La Cucina, and Cagney's Steakhouse. I will review each of them as they arrive in the review later on.

 

We also got the Vibe pass, with a cabana!!! This was a last minute decision, and we ran to customer service in hopes there was still one available. As it turns out, in boarding group 6, we were able to get the LAST cabana (Of course, there is only 5). I was skeptical as to whether this would be worth it, but trust me it was!!!

 

The price was $329, and that allowed access for the week as well as our own private cabana inside of the VIBE adults only area of the ship, located on the top deck, forward, right next to Haven. There are two hot tubs, a bar, lounge chairs, lounge BEDS, and a Port side view. Best part, you get a $100 credit, so we actually only paid $30 more for a cabana than the regular passes would have cost ($99x2).

 

Being away from screaming children, being away from constant bad DJ music, and having hot tubs that were available, rather than the ones at the main pool area, was so very nice. So yeah, it's worth it if you want some peace and quiet on your vacation.

 

As for the rest of the review, it will be coming in parts later on. I hope to have the entire trip complete within the next 7-10 days. My wife will also offer some of her observations along the way. She is also the schedule keeper, so she will be helping me to remember what happened on what days.

 

Cheers!!!:)

[Lorey2007]

Looking forward to your review we leave Friday for Miami for our Gewaway cruise on Feb 7th.

 

Were you able to use the $100 credit you got for the cabana on anything on the ship?

Edited February 2, 2016 by Lorey2007

[abitcloudy]

Excited to see your review! We board 2/28 :)

[JaxCruiseGambler]

So we left Jacksonville on Saturday morning, and wouldn't you know it, 3 flakes of snow. So even WE got to say we left the snow to go on our vacation.

 

Down to Palm Beach to drop off our kids (a lab and a hound) and quick visit with my in-laws. Dinner at Roccos Tacos downtown, which was pretty good. Couple of margarita pitchers to help sleep, and get in the right mindset.

 

Wake up on Sunday, and its time to head to Miami. About an hour and change to get to the port. Being our first time out of Miami, we were nervous about the route to take considering the Miami Marathon was happening. Well, upon arrival at the Causeway and tunnel, all was clear, and it was wide open all the way to the terminal. WOOHOO

 

Drop the bags, a little green in the hand of the porter, and to the garage. Now, some of you may say parking in the garage for $140 is too high. I agree, but having the car there when we finish, and not worrying about waiting on a shuttle... Totally worth it for me.

 

Now, the weather. What the hell!!!! Its Miami, and its COLD!!! I realize, people coming from north of the state line probably found it pleasant, but the wind was brutal. We're talking 25+ miles per hour... No bueno amigos

 

Blow through security, no line!! We arrived at 10:30, and it was straight to the counter. Got our cards, and up the escalator. First bit of drama, what will our boarding group be? Well, as was said earlier, it was 6. Was kinda surprised.

 

Waited 75 minutes, and we started to line up. Up the ramp, towards that great feeling of seeing my vacation finally being official. Doesn't take too long, and we are finally off the ground and on the boat.

 

Hate to finish the boarding section with a drag.... But how do they think its ok to board passengers through the casino. First impression of the ship is the stale smell of cigarettes. I smoke, have for half my life ( I know I know) and it turned ME off. Beautiful lights, beautiful ship, and its almost ruined by the smell of smoke. If you don't smoke, I can only imagine how horrible it must be.

 

We are on board, though. Its time to rush to Guest Services to scoop up the last of the VIBE cabanas ($329 for both and totally worth it). Then up to deck 15 for lunch and our first experience with the Getaway food.....

[Cruisermom2nick]

Was the menu at O Sheehan's new? :)

[kpjb]

It's still the old one. I was hoping for some of the new burgers.

[Michelem11]

Can't wait to hear more!

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report.

[Musclengrace]

wasn't o'sheehan's open when the ship opened? or was the only option the buffet? was the haven open?

[kpjb]

O Sheehans is open as you board, as is Savor. We went directly to Savor and were surprised to find it mostly empty.

[Clarea]

Enjoying the review.

[IsanTom]

More please!