NCL Getaway 1/31 - 2/14 B2B Week 1: Not so freestyle / Norwegians know how to queue

[KeithJenner]

I'm pretty sure those venues don't advertise themselves as "freestyle." That's the difference you people keep missing.

 

I'm assuming that I'm one of "you people"

 

You make the point that those venues don't advertise themselves as "freestyle". Can you point to where NCL advertises freestyle as meaning that you can just turn up to places without reservations, or that you don't need to make plans.

 

This is the description of Freestyle from the UK site. I note this statement, "you’re free to plan your days on your own schedule.". Your schedule, but you need to plan. This has always been the situation as far as I am aware.

 

http://www.ncl.co.uk/freestyle-cruising/

 

As I've said before, the requirement to plan and make reservations has always been part of freestyle as far as I am aware, or at least for a long time. I'm not talking about what people assume that freestyle is, but what NCL actually define it as.

 

I may be wrong, but I've asked the question a few times on this board and nobody has yet come up with anything.

[Sizzlechest]

You're a Brit, so I get you may not really "get" how freedom works. The phrase, "you’re free to plan your days on your own schedule," does not translate to "you're free to plan your days on your own schedule as long as that schedule is planned out 3 months in advance backed up by researching a hundred threads on a cruise ship forum unaffiliated with NCL to ensure you don't get shut out." People's "own schedule" doesn't usually involve that. My schedule does involve all those things, but I'm in the minority and I wouldn't impose my planning preferences on someone else. Because, you know, that's pretty much the antithesis of being free.

 

NCL saying "you’re free to plan your days on your own schedule" is like Henry Ford saying, "You can have it in any color you want as long as it's black." Not really freedom, is it?

[FreestyleNovice]

Thanks for your review. The differences between NCL and X are very recognizable.

[KeithJenner]

You're a Brit, so I get you may not really "get" how freedom works.

 

 

Hmm, that point where you realise that someone really isn't worth discussing with.

[zuke2323]

Hmm, that point where you realise that someone really isn't worth discussing with.

 

Lol I thought the same thing. Was interested in the discussion and then that pops up and it's just time to go.

[cruisejunkie76]

You're a Brit, so I get you may not really "get" how freedom works.

 

??? what is that suppose to mean? Didn't know british People have no clue about freedom......

Very interesting.

Where are you from??

[mjkacmom]

Freestyle started before the mega-away ships. On the smaller ships, you can just walk into a show, and before NCL started giving away dining promos, you could walk into a specialty restaurant. However, add 2000 or so additional passengers, and this is no longer possible. Can you imagine the lines if people couldn't make reservations ahead of time?

[jamkam97]

We were on the 1/31-2/7 sailing as well and I do agree with some points. It was a bit crowded and there were quite a few obnoxious people. We didn't like walking thru 678 either but found it worst on the casino level.

 

Our experience changed greatly when my husband fell on the deck by the pool 24 hours where it wasn't maintained while walking and dislocated his shoulder. Our pace had to slow quite a bit and he had to be careful for his shoulder which still today is in the sling (and expected for 2 more weeks) plus 3-4 months rehab. Some people were very aware and others openly slammed into him. :(

[MerDub]

I'm leaving on Sunday for my first NCL cruise on the Getaway and I'm also not totally understanding this whole "Freestyle" cruising concept.

 

I've cruised Celebrity, RCCL, and Carnival before and I've never had to schedule what shows I wanted to go to weeks in advance and book reservations. You would just... show up at the theatre and sit down.

 

I agree with the OP that this whole system of making reservations for everything you want to do weeks in advance is the opposite of "freestyle" it's like your whole week has to be heavily scheduled if you want to do anything the ship has to offer.

 

As an above poster has pointed out, NCL apparently defines Freestyle as "you’re free to plan your days on your own schedule." But I mean, I'm single and have no kids and pretty much every day of my life I'm free to plan my days on my own schedule? And I'm free to have NO schedule, if that's what I prefer.

 

Just doesn't seem to me like if that's what freestyle cruising is, that it would be very appealing. I'll actually have LESS freedom on an NCL cruise than I do in my day to day life.

 

And it seems like it would be difficult to coordinate plans with newfound friends if everyone has reservations for different things on different days and there's no flexibility. One of my favourite things about cruising is meeting new people, making new friends and going to the different shows at night with them. But since we'll all have pre-made reservations in advance, that won't work. It's just a strange concept.

 

We chose this cruise because the ship looks incredible and we liked the itinerary, not to mention it was quite a good deal, especially with our drink packages included, but given what they charge regularly for them, I'm astounded that bottled water, juice, energy drinks, and specialty coffees aren't included with the UBP. Terrible customer service on NCL's part.

 

Anyways I have no doubt we'll have fun regardless but I'm skeptical of becoming an NCL convert.

 

All of OPs cons are the exact things I've been concerned about.

Edited February 9, 2016 by MerDub

[wmwmarmstrong]

We were on the 1/31-2/7 sailing as well and I do agree with some points. It was a bit crowded and there were quite a few obnoxious people. We didn't like walking thru 678 either but found it worst on the casino level.

 

Our experience changed greatly when my husband fell on the deck by the pool 24 hours where it wasn't maintained while walking and dislocated his shoulder. Our pace had to slow quite a bit and he had to be careful for his shoulder which still today is in the sling (and expected for 2 more weeks) plus 3-4 months rehab. Some people were very aware and others openly slammed into him. :(

 

Oh dear, I wish for him a speedy recovery. I worry about something like that before the cruise happening, not on the cruise.

[Demonyte]

I agree with the OP that this whole system of making reservations for everything you want to do weeks in advance is the opposite of "freestyle" it's like your whole week has to be heavily scheduled if you want to do anything the ship has to offer.

 

 

I have to disagree. I don't agree with those that instruct NCL newbies to make reservations for everything on megaships either.

 

On our recent cruise on Getaway we had only few speciality restaurants booked in advance because of our group size (7ppl) but that I'd have done on traditional ships also.

 

Regarding shows we acted pretty much just like we would on ships with traditional entertainment - we went to see something if we felt like it on the day of. If we decided early enough, we did make reservation through iConcierge app/screens/cabin TV if there was availability (only Legally Blonde didn't work out this way but that was because of overlapping dinner) and if there wasn't, for example in the theatre there are still plenty of nice seats available 10 minutes before when the standby passengers are let in (that's when they also remove the velvet rope blocking out Haven section of several rows on left side).

 

I don't see the situation at least significantly worse than on ships with traditional entertainment - yes, it is different because the concept is different, but if something, now people additionally have the option to plan their evenings completely in advance if they want to guarantee that they see everything they want (reservation does not even guarantee a good seat), but IMO it is not required for getting similar experience like on older ships.

[KeithJenner]

I'm leaving on Sunday for my first NCL cruise on the Getaway and I'm also not totally understanding this whole "Freestyle" cruising concept.

 

Freestyle is about you choosing what you want to do, rather than being told by the cruise line.

 

A bit of background, it was introduced a while back as a kind of alternative to traditional cruising , where you were told where and when to eat, who to eat with and had to fit in with the dress code (formal nights etc).

 

I first cruised with NCL in 2003, and it was fairly half hearted back then. There were only a few restaurant options (one of which required reservations if my memory serves), and there was still one night where the same menu was served everywhere, a Captains night or something.

 

Soon after that, the new ships launched offered many more dining options, so the "freestyle dining" worked more effectively. You really have a choice, but if you want to be guaranteed a certain restaurant at a certain time then you need to make a reservation. However, entertainment was still done fairly traditionally, with a different show every night and that show being on early and late. If you don't fancy seeing a magician then you are largely out of luck that night.

 

With the new ships (from the Epic), the entertainment has also changed. There are now a smaller number of shows in the main theatre, which repeat during the week. There is also the dinner show venue (Cirque, Illusionarium etc) and then other venues like Fat Cats and the Comedy Club. You have a real choice about what entertainment you want to see each night. The entertainment has now also come into the freestyle concept, and it's for this reason that I say that I believe that the new ships are actually the best example of freestyle.

 

There is a downside though. As there are more venues, they are smaller. This means that if you want to be guaranteed to see a particular show without queueing then it is worth making reservations. Without reservations you will probably have to join the standby queue and it is probably worth getting there fairly early (I've never actually done it myself).

 

What does this mean for you practically? Well, first off it doesn't mean that you need your whole cruise planned out in detail. As Demonyte has said, you can still do a lot without any reservations.

 

As you are solo, you are actually in a perfect position. One person is fairly easy to fit in, and you can be flexible. If you decide to go to a particular restaurant any night then you probably will be able to get in. You may have to wait a while, but that's OK, you just have to worry about yourself.

 

You will also have the option of attending the solo meet ups. The NCL rep there will arrange shows, meals etc which you don't need a reservation for. If you are happy joining these groups then you really don't need anything booked prior to your cruise. You usually sign up for these the day before.

 

Last time I cruised solo I had no restaurant reservations booked before boarding, but I ended up eating in speciality restaurants five times. Very easy.

 

Usually, I cruise with my wife and son, so a bit of planning does help as waiting for spaces in restaurants would be more of a problem for us that I guess it will be for you. We usually prebook a theatre show for one night, if we fancy any of them, and maybe one or tow restaurants. That is the extent of the planning I have ever done for a NCL cruise. Most days, we decide during the day when and where we want to eat. We just accept that if we decide on a speciality restaurant then we may have to be flexible and go somewhere else if it is booked.

 

I have never even considered booking the MDR. There is absolutely no need unless you are a big group.

 

What has muddies the waters lately is the speciality dining package, and the fact that it has been given as a perk on booking. This does appear to have increased the number of pre bookings, and there have been some reports of restaurants being fully booked (although it seems that you may still be lucky when just turning up).

 

Basically, I would suggest booking anything that is critical (shows you really don't want to miss, meals where the location and time are important), and just being flexible. Also, remember that you can cancel bookings, so it doesn't hurt to make a booking for later in the week for a restaurant that you really want to try, but cancelling it if your flexible schedule means that you have been there earlier. Just remember to cancel 24 hours in advance.

[Trumpster]

Reservations are a must, if you want a specific time and specific venue.

 

Are you doing a btb on getaway?

 

Be interesting to see what could improve in a week.

 

Possibly things are likely to get worse.

 

Should have done Escape for week two, although those reviews are not encouraging either.

[Sizzlechest]

Reservations are a must, if you want a specific time and specific venue.

 

Yes, but you can't assume that being flexible about times/venues is a solution. Often you get "forced" into a specific time for a venue. Like in the example I gave with "Rock of Ages" on the Breakaway with kids. Rock of Ages is usually performed twice (7pm/9pm) on 2 different nights. First on a sea day and second on a port day. For a Bermuda cruise, it's usually on the same port day as "Hamilton Nights" in Bermuda. If you want to be in Hamilton and you passed up the first 9pm Rock of Ages, you're going to have to decide which is more important. You can't do both. "Oh, but I don't care about Rock of Ages or Hamilton Nights," you might say. That's good for you, but don't assume other people are going to walk away from that experience feeling satisfied after being told NCL is "freestyle."

[Demonyte]

Yes, but you can't assume that being flexible about times/venues is a solution. Often you get "forced" into a specific time for a venue. Like in the example I gave with "Rock of Ages" on the Breakaway with kids. Rock of Ages is usually performed twice (7pm/9pm) on 2 different nights. First on a sea day and second on a port day. For a Bermuda cruise, it's usually on the same port day as "Hamilton Nights" in Bermuda. If you want to be in Hamilton and you passed up the first 9pm Rock of Ages, you're going to have to decide which is more important. You can't do both.

 

 

That has nothing to do with Freestyle to begin with. Same thing happens if you go there on a ship that has traditional entertainment and you don't want to miss that night's show in the theatre.

 

On Breakaway you at least have the chance to see both on separate nights if that is what you want - you can't claim that you are flexible if you have too many things that you absolutely don't want to miss.

[punkincc]

Yes, but you can't assume that being flexible about times/venues is a solution. Often you get "forced" into a specific time for a venue. Like in the example I gave with "Rock of Ages" on the Breakaway with kids. Rock of Ages is usually performed twice (7pm/9pm) on 2 different nights. First on a sea day and second on a port day. For a Bermuda cruise, it's usually on the same port day as "Hamilton Nights" in Bermuda. If you want to be in Hamilton and you passed up the first 9pm Rock of Ages, you're going to have to decide which is more important. You can't do both. "Oh, but I don't care about Rock of Ages or Hamilton Nights," you might say. That's good for you, but don't assume other people are going to walk away from that experience feeling satisfied after being told NCL is "freestyle."

 

 

Do you seriously think that on one of the away ships with a multitude of options for both dining and entertainment, that you will be able to do exactly what you want, when you want, without having to make some tradeoffs? I never made it into the Five O'Clock Bar for the entertainment ( and they looked like they were having so much fun) ) because there were other places I wanted to be as well, and I had to make a choice. Should I blame NCL for that?

 

If you don't want to make choices, then sail on the older ships with a show in the theatre at 7:00 and 9:00 and call it Freestyle. It won't be the Broadway or Vegas caliber shows you get on the away ships, but you can just walk in. Some of us enjoy having 5 or more venues with entertainment all going on at the same time, even if we have to "choose".

 

As far as queues, the only ones I saw on Escape were the ones which formed while waiting for the doors to open about 30 minutes before showtime. If you don't want to queue, than come less than 30 minutes before, walk in, and choose your seat. We had tickets for every show, but there were many open seats available. Arriving 10 minutes or less before show time will get you in with no reservation and no waiting, and if that is not Freestyle, I don't know what is. Even at 5 min before showtime there were tons of seats available. Yet, the folks who could have had these seats with no waits and no reservations are probably the ones moaning that Freestyle is dead and and they were totally shut out.

[Lakes1]

Do you need reservations for howl at the moon?

[KeithJenner]

Do you need reservations for howl at the moon?

 

No reservations are available for Howl. The show goes on for about 4 hours, so people tend to walk in and out during the evening.

[Lakes1]

Thanks so much for the quick reply Keith!

[Lakes1]

What no charge drinks are available if we don't purchase the soda package?

[janpo]

I couldn't disagree more. The options that you have on the newer ships make them perfect for Freestyle.

 

Yes, you need to make reservations if you want to ensure that you can get into a venue at a certain time, but that has always been the case.

 

Freestyle has always been about being able to make your own decisions about what to do, where and with whom. The ability to do so without making reservations has never been part of it to my knowledge.

 

Your definition of lifestyle is really different than what it was meant to be. Freestyle used to mean..walk in, no reservations. You can still try to do that, but NCL is making freestyle a thing of the past.

[Roadrunnerelephant]

Very thorough review, thanks.

 

We did the same cruise and it was our first time with NCL. In general I agree with most of your points, my own observations are:

 

Embarkation was awful. We were asked on the NCL site to state what time we would arrive at the terminal, we stated 1000-1030, which we did. Only to be kept hanging around with what seemed like the entire passenger complement in the warehouse they use for over 2 hours, with no information from NCL staff. Worst embarkation we've ever experienced.

 

Freestyle suited us but we only queued once for the MDR. Thought the food here was generally pretty good and we enjoyed it. The French speciality restaurant was fantastic, the Italian so, so, the Brazilian a novel and enjoyable experience and the steakhouse was excellent. However I had a striploin steak in the MDR that was amazing and equal to that of the additional cost steakhouse!

 

We had the UBP and it was great. What we didn't realize initially was that the cocktail menus in every bar were identical, didn't list many cocktails and most of them seemed to be in the $15 plus range. We soon found out that the bar staff will make every conceivable cocktail you ask for and they were delicious. As a Brit I was amused to see Newcastle Brown Ale on tap. Couldn't resist although it's years since I've drunk the stuff.

 

We didn't like the smoking, supposedly in restricted areas, would you believe even by the pool, but the ship stank in some public areas.

The pool is way too small for this size ship. Some of the passengers (and I'm not a snob) looked and sounded as if they had come from a Jerry Springer audition.

 

Overall, despite the negatives, we really enjoyed this cruise. We wanted some winter sun and some good times and this we got. If a good deal came up with NCL I'd seriously consider trying them again.

[KeithJenner]

Your definition of lifestyle is really different than what it was meant to be. Freestyle used to mean..walk in, no reservations.

 

 

People keep saying that, but I've still seen nothing to back it up. I have still not seen a single thing to suggest that freestyle was "meant to be" about just walking into places with no reservations.

 

Back in 2003 when I first cruised with NCL, I'm almost certain that reservations were suggested for the speciality restaurant onboard. I'll see if I can find anything from that cruise to confirm that.

 

Yes, you did used to be able to walk into places easier than you currently can, but that seems to be more due to the current promos than any change to freestyle as such. The Epic is over five years old now, and I know from experience how easy it used to be to get seats in the restaurants previously.

 

My point, which seems to be confusing some people, is that being able to just walk in isn't what freestyle is about. It is about being able to decide for yourself what you want to do, but reservations have been part of it for a very long time.

 

I may be wrong, and am happy to be proved wrong, but I've been saying the same thing on here for a few years now and have often asked people to show me something to prove that I'm wrong. Nobody has yet done that.

[Moby0215]

Freestyle is mostly dead on the newer ships

 

 

Freestyle is more about not having set dinner times, set tables and waiters, and other families to have to sit with. Also has to do with being able to wear what you want and not having to dress up. With the bigger ships there are way more options for dining and shows and nightlife. It surely is freestyle as you get to choose what you want to do.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[garnet115]

In some ways, I think the free style concept is what dictates the need for reservations on the larger ships. Think about it: with traditional dining, half the ship was locked in early and late dinners, respectively, which also dictated when they could go to shows. Depending on your seating, you may not make a specific show because they overlap. If you are on a ship with 4,000 passengers, not everyone can fit into every venue at a given time. The fact that you can choose where to go, is what necessitates a reservation if you really want something. Even if they didn't accept any pre-reserving for any venue, you would still have the risk of not getting what you want - there are too many people for too few seats. That's the pitfall of having choices: More choices = smaller venues.

 

On the ships that I've been on with traditional dining, you still needed reservations for specialty dining. I remember racing to the reservation desk as soon as I got on board and standing in a long line during my first cruise on Princess. If you wanted the specialty dining on a specific night or at a specific time, you really needed to reserve ahead.

 

I love the choices on NCL and I am a planner by nature, so I don't mind having to pre-book. In fact, I prefer it. That said, I've never had trouble finding someplace to eat or something to entertain me when I didn't pre-reserve. I love not being tied to a specific dinner time - I can walk up to the MDR at just about any time and will not have a long wait for a table. Even when the lines look long, they move quickly. If I can't get into the main theater show, I'm pretty sure there are other things to keep me occupied. Am I frustrated if I can't do something I really want? Sure, but I understand that possibility going in. "Free Style" does not equal "Free Spirit".

Edited February 9, 2016 by garnet115
typos, typos, typos!