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Getaway 2/14 - 2/21 Sailing - Western Caribbean

garnet115

By garnet115,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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garnet115

garnet115

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I’ve never done a lengthy, detailed review like this, but since I enjoy reading them when I am in prep mode (which is pretty much all the time), I want to try to pay back and do one of my own. As you can see from my signature line, I’ve sailed on the Breakaway a number of times and it has turned me into a bit of a cruise addict. It seems that I am always either cruising or planning my next cruise. I started planning for this trip about a year ago, and actually booked it in April 2015. I am a single mom living in NYC, and usually travel with my 12 yo dd, who reaps the benefits of my cruising addition. As a single mom, I love cruise vacations: they are easy and there is lots for us to do both together and apart. Everyone is happy. 2 years ago we sailed on the Breakaway out of NY in February, and while we had a great trip, I am not wild about the FL/Bahamas itinerary, or the colder sea days at either end of the trip (although I certainly love the ease of vacationing without flying). This time, I decided to try a cruise out of Miami on the Getaway.

 

I decided fairly early on that I wanted to splurge on a Haven suite for a few reasons: 1) we were travelling President’s Week, so I figured the ship would be packed and I wanted some relief from the hustle and bustle; 2) the four perk promo made it all the more appealing (we received UBP, UDP, $75 Shor Ex per port, and gratuities); and 3) I like the perks of the Haven, especially the priority boarding and the like. I spend enough of my life stressed, so anything I can do to make my vacation easier and more enjoyable is worth it to me. More relaxed mom = more relaxed kid, and I really treasure our vacation bonding and memories. Initially, I booked the H7 forward facing suite, which was the most economical suite on offer, but a week later the prices dropped, and it put the H6 aft penthouse within my reach. (Also, the AARP discount is well worth the cost of membership, especially when booking a suite!) I have been coveting that aft suite corner balcony since I first saw pictures of the ones on the Breakaway back in 2013. Now I was REALLY excited. I also made a decision to let the suite be a surprise for my dd. I told her I booked the trip, but in a B1 aft balcony room. I don’t know how I kept this secret for so long, but I managed to keep that little detail to myself until we were on the ship.

 

Around the time that I booked the cruise, I cashed in my Amex points to offset the cost of our airfare, and also used hotwire to book a room at the Intercontinental Miami Downtown for 1 night pre-cruise. I wanted to fly in the day before since NY winter weather can be unpredictable and I was worried about flight cancellations. Then all of my obsessive planning really began: researching ports, excursions, etc. I pre-booked 3 NCL excursions (Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios, Tiki Beach All Inclusive in Grand Cayman, and the Fury Catamaran/Snorkel/Beach excursion in Cozumel). A few months after the cruise was booked, our itinerary changed, and I was informed that we would be calling on Costa Maya instead of Great Stirrup Cay. After researching Costa Maya, I decided to privately book a day at Maya Chan resort. It killed me to leave that last $75 excursion credit on the table, but I still thought it would be worth it. When the booking window opened up 100 days out, I booked all of my dining and entertainment. Although we could use the concierge for this on board, I was concerned that we might have difficulty getting the reservations that we wanted, so I decided to pre book everything and make any changes on board if necessary.

 

One Day Pre Cruise – Saturday February 13th – NYC to MIA

We had a 6:45am flight out of JFK, so we got up in the wee hours of the morning, said good bye to our kitty, and we were off. We arrived at the airport around 5 am, checked our luggage, waited our turn to go through security, and sat at the gate. The flight was uneventful. I mostly slept. DD dozed play around on her ipad. Unfortunately there were no personal tv screens on this flight. We landed in MIA around 10 am, and took a cab to the Intercontinental, which cost approximately $25+tip.

 

Check in at the Intercontinental was easy and painless. I had requested an early check-in, and by some stroke of luck (perhaps the only room available that early??), we were assigned a room on the executive floor, which included access to the executive lounge with snacks, beverages, and a buffet breakfast. The room had a beautiful view of the bay. I found it kind of strange that the closet was inside the bathroom, but otherwise no complaints. The room was spacious and very comfortable.

 

We had a full day to spend, so we explored the neighborhood. We walked to the Bayside Marketplace and looked around at the stores and restaurants. Being tourists, we grabbed lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, but by early afternoon we were exhausted, so we went back to the hotel to nap, and ordered room service for dinner. I had a medical issue that evening, and I have to commend the Intercontinental. When I called the front desk, they assisted in finding me a doctor who would come to the hotel. It cost a small fortune for the house call, but I didn’t want to drag dd all over town, and I wanted to make sure that I would be able to travel without any issues once on the ship. The doctor who came was quite nice, and very helpful. He gave me the all-clear to continue with my vacation, and my dd and I were happy to go to bed early so we could board the ship the next morning. The hotel personnel were lovely and followed up with me later in the evening to make sure I was ok and didn’t need anything further. I would highly recommend the Intercontinental to anyone traveling out of Miami.

 

Day 1 – Sunday, February 14th – Miami

We were up early and had breakfast at the hotel in the executive lounge. The buffet up there was really quite nice - fruits, meats, eggs, cereals, coffee, juices, etc. It saved me what I would have paid for a similar breakfast elsewhere and was very enjoyable. A little wrinkle in my plans to get to the port early was that I had to go have a prescription filled, and the earliest pharmacy didn’t open until 10. After that errand was done, we put our luggage tags on our bags, checked out of the hotel and got an Uber car to the port – just a quick ride away – and arrived at the port around 11:30 am. I am amazed at how cheap Uber is in Miami. It seems like any time I’ve used Uber in NYC, it was at a premium over what a cab would have cost. In Miami, the rides I used it for were relatively short differences, but were maybe 5 dollars or so. Based on what my cab from the airport cost, I have to think that Uber was a real bargain. One of the drivers even tried to decline a tip when I offered it (I insisted he take it). We made it through security, and got on the line for suite passengers. I had told dd that because we had been on so many NCL cruises, our travel agent had managed to get us VIP status for check in, which would allow us access to the suite lounge and priority embarkation. We were told to stay in the downstairs check in area, as the upstairs suite area was already crowded. We were quickly checked in (dd enjoyed some cookies while I took care of the paperwork), and a few minutes later, suite passengers began boarding. DD was starting to suspect something, especially when we were escorted up to the Haven lounge, where our butler, Jorge, was waiting to introduce himself. Dd was now getting a little giddy as she was starting to realize my surprise, but I stuck to my story – I told that we boarded with the suite passengers, so it was really just a mistake that we were escorted up to the Haven. I told her to take a good look around as it would be the last look of the Haven that she would get for the next week. We sat in the Haven Courtyard for a while, sipping tropical punch that was being passed around. At this point dd pretty much called me out on my secret and the cat was out of the bag. We were told that bags could be dropped in our rooms, so off we went to find our cabin. I opened the door and entered that beautiful H6 suite that I had been dreaming about. All I can say is “WOW!”

 

We were in room 11308. If you’ve seen pictures of these suites, you pretty much know what they look like. This one had the layout with the bedroom by the balcony so there is a second door leading outside. Dd was delighted to have her own bathroom (something she doesn’t have at home), small as it was. I loved the bedroom and enormous master bath. I can’t figure out why that bathroom has no door. I find it strange. There were little things about the room that could have been designed better, but all in all, it was pretty spectacular. There was more storage space then we knew what to do with. I don’t think another three people could have filled all of the available space. I felt a little silly in such a fancy room for just the two of us. Jorge, the butler, stopped by to check on us and show me around the suite (how to work the lights, coffee machine, etc). He already had a list of my requests to the pre-cruise concierge and went over them with me. I was very impressed, especially since other CC members have reported that nothing sent to the pre-cruise concierge ever actually makes it to the ship.

 

We opted for lunch in the Haven restaurant. We just had hamburgers and french fries, but they were very good. And of course, service was friendly and solicitous.

 

Our muster drill was in the Tropicana Room. It was nice to be in a place that had seats available to everyone (on our last cruise we mustered in the Atrium and that was uncomfortable and chaotic). The drill was fast. There was something wrong with the PA system, because we never heard a word of the safety announcements. The next thing we knew, it was over.

 

Illusionarium

I had pre-booked the 5:30 seating in the Illusionarium . On our first Breakaway trip we had gone to the Cirque show the first evening and we decided that the dinner show was a good way to start our vacation. We met the concierge in the Haven lounge at 4:45, and we were escorted to the Illusionarium to be seated early. While waiting for the concierge, I overheard another passenger already complaining that the Courtyard was being over-run by a large family group with unruly kids. Uh oh - if the complaints were starting that quickly, it might be a long week ahead (in the end, we spent little time in the Haven complex, so it didn’t really impact us. More on that later.) We found prime seats in front for the show, and waited for the fun to start.

 

We really enjoyed the show. People seem to love it or hate it. I guess you can put us in the love it category. We were impressed with some of the tricks. More than once, dd turned to me and said “How did they DO that???” The meal was less impressive. I found the main course (shrimp and steak, with potatoes and broccoli) to be overly seasoned and somewhat inedible. Dd had a kids menu meal of chicken fingers and french fries, which she was happy with. The dessert trio was equally unimpressive. It’s rare for me to leave dessert on the table, but these just got a bite each, and then they sat.

 

After the show, we walked around a bit. We were already familiar with the ship and public spaces, since it is pretty much identical to the Breakaway. We decided to call it a night fairly early and went back to our beautiful suite where we watched a movie (free movies on demand included for suite guests).

 

More to come tomorrow…

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garnet115

garnet115

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This is a fabulous review. Can't wait to hear more! I'm curious how significant the AARP discount is. I may need to check that out for future. :)

 

 

I believe it is a 5% discount on cruises booked more than 9 months out, so it is a significant savings. You don't need to be over 50 to join. I think I may have also gotten a $50 OBC for the AARP membership.

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Chesneygirl

Chesneygirl

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This is a fabulous review. Can't wait to hear more! I'm curious how significant the AARP discount is. I may need to check that out for future. :)

 

My TA suggested that we join AARP for $16 to get a savings of $85 for our February 2017 cruise. I wasn't sure we would be able to join since we aren't 50 years old - turns out we were able to. Definitely worth looking into it...you can also use it for savings on hotels and many other things. :)

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Rpeter

Rpeter

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Thrilled to read your review. We are booked in 11308 for our April 17 cruise on the Getaway and can not wait to see that suite. Did you happen to take any photos of it and, if so, can you post them?

 

Did you find the walk from the aft PH to the Haven to be long? What was the best route for you? I am thinking going up to 16 and across the upper sun deck may be easier than going forward all the way on deck 11.

 

Anxious to read the rest of your review. I am sure your daughter absolutely loved the suite and her own private bathroom!

 

Thanks,

Bobbie

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flipper32

flipper32

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There is really no difference in layout between Getaway and Breakaway, the only difference is the Miami theme vs NYC theme. After being on Breakaway twice my first time on Getaway I instantly knew where everything was as if it was my third cruise.

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garnet115

garnet115

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Thrilled to read your review. We are booked in 11308 for our April 17 cruise on the Getaway and can not wait to see that suite. Did you happen to take any photos of it and, if so, can you post them?

 

Did you find the walk from the aft PH to the Haven to be long? What was the best route for you? I am thinking going up to 16 and across the upper sun deck may be easier than going forward all the way on deck 11.

 

Anxious to read the rest of your review. I am sure your daughter absolutely loved the suite and her own private bathroom!

 

Thanks,

Bobbie

 

I am still going through pictures, but will try to post some when I can. We did find it a bit far from the Haven, and spent very little time in the Haven complex (courtyard, restaurant, lounge). Before this cruise, I really thought the distance would be no big deal. We enjoyed our suite immensely, but I did feel like I missed some of the experience (and some of what I paid for!) as a result. If I ever have the fortune to book another Haven suite, I will make a point of booking one inside the Haven.

 

That said, maybe we are just lazy and you will make full use of the Haven facilities. It may also have been that we were enjoying our lovely suite so much, that we just didn't want to leave it all that often. When we did go to the Haven, I would say either walk forward on deck 11 and take the elevator up from there, or as you were thinking, walk on the deck 16 sundeck across. However, on sunny afternoons, the sundeck areas can be crowded and difficult to navigate. Same goes for the deck 15 pool area.

 

Enjoy your suite! She is a beauty.

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garnet115

garnet115

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Great review so far. I just wanted to ask what are the differences to the layout of the Breakaway and the Getaway?

 

There is really no difference in layout between Getaway and Breakaway, the only difference is the Miami theme vs NYC theme. After being on Breakaway twice my first time on Getaway I instantly knew where everything was as if it was my third cruise.

 

I agree - very few differences. Maybe different names for some of the venues. Slight differences in entertainment, but the layout is pretty much identical. We felt right at home!

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garnet115

garnet115

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Day 2 – Monday, February 15th – at Sea

That morning we had the butler deliver breakfast to the room. I was not going to let that gorgeous balcony go to waste. I had been dreaming of meals on the balcony, so now was my chance. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how wet the balcony would get overnight, making it not the nicest place to sit first thing in the morning, so we ate at the table in the room. We received everything as ordered (egg white omelette for me and scrambled eggs for dd, a side of bacon and some fresh sliced fruit as well. I had a little difficulty with the lavazza machine, but once I figured it out, coffee was good.

 

Dd was anxious to get on the water slides, so we headed up to deck 15 and got there just before the slides opened at 10 am. Unfortunately there was a lot of motion on the ship, and it was extremely windy, so after going down the slides a few times dd decided she had enough. There were some chair hogs out, but I think not so many due to the chilly weather conditions resulting from the wind. It really wasn’t a pleasant place to be at that time. Dd was then disappointed to find that it was too early to get any ice cream from the buffet, which was still serving breakfast. She LOVES that soft serve machine. (FYI - when she did finally get to the machine another day, it was not self serve. There was an attendant filling the cones for passengers).

 

Dd changed into dry clothes and we headed down to Cagney’s for the Meet & Greet. Many thanks to CC member JimGray for organizing. We had a nice showing from the roll call. This was one of the nicest M&Gs that I’ve been to. The Getaway staff went all out. Not only did we have officers in attendance, but they also had staff passing around fresh muffins and cute little smoothies, in addition to the usual spread that they put out. One of the roll call members had come from Sweden and brought some swedish chocolate with him to pass around to everyone. That was a nice treat!

 

As the roll call was winding down, I was starting to not feel well and we headed back to the room to relax. Did I mention that there was a LOT of movement on the ship? I was surprised at how much I was feeling the movement. I’ve never really had an issue with seasickness, but by mid-afternoon we were both feeling queasy. A quick call to the butler, and he brought sliced green apples for us. We never made it to lunch and just spent the afternoon relaxing, resting and watching movies.

 

Cagney’s

Because we were scheduled to see Burn the Floor at 7:30, I had made a 5:30 reservation for dinner at Cagney’s. I started with the Lobster Bisque, which I enjoyed. I also ordered the petit fillet, which was very good, but arrived a little undercooked (I had asked for medium, but it arrived rare). I had the mashed potatoes and sauteed zuchini, both of which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, I was still a little seasick, so passed on dessert.

 

Burn the Floor

We arrived at the theater around 7:15, to find it already pretty full. We were happy for the Haven reserved seating. We have seen the Breakaway version of this show 3 times, and enjoy it. This was no exception. A slight variation from the Breakaway version, with something of a latin theme, but the dancing was phenomenal.

 

Knowing we had a full day ahead in Jamaica the next day, we headed back to the room for the night after the show.

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swaterbury

swaterbury

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Enjoying the review so far!

 

Glad to hear that your "medical problem" wasn't one that cancelled your travel plans! Just to share: as a nurse, after reading that I couldn't stop running scenarios through my head... lol...

 

I surprised my other half with a cruise for her birthday one time - she loved it! It was hard keeping the secret! Tried to get an upsell for sailing this Sunday, but no dice... they said the Haven is all sold out. Maybe next time. :-)

 

Can't wait to hear the rest!

 

Sara

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garnet115

garnet115

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Enjoying the review so far!

 

Glad to hear that your "medical problem" wasn't one that cancelled your travel plans! Just to share: as a nurse, after reading that I couldn't stop running scenarios through my head... lol...

 

I surprised my other half with a cruise for her birthday one time - she loved it! It was hard keeping the secret! Tried to get an upsell for sailing this Sunday, but no dice... they said the Haven is all sold out. Maybe next time. :-)

 

Can't wait to hear the rest!

 

Sara

 

Thanks, nothing serious, just felt I needed to see a dr to be sure before I got on a ship. Sorry you couldn't get the upsell this time, but I'm sure you will still have a wonderful cruise.

 

Looking forward to the rest of your review. Anxious to hear about your excursions.

 

I am hoping to post more over the weekend. Have been busy trying to catch up on work and my real-world life in general!

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Working_To_Cruise

Working_To_Cruise

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Thrilled to read your review. We are booked in 11308 for our April 17 cruise on the Getaway and can not wait to see that suite. Did you happen to take any photos of it and, if so, can you post them?

 

Did you find the walk from the aft PH to the Haven to be long? What was the best route for you? I am thinking going up to 16 and across the upper sun deck may be easier than going forward all the way on deck 11.

 

Anxious to read the rest of your review. I am sure your daughter absolutely loved the suite and her own private bathroom!

 

Thanks,

Bobbie

Hey Bobbie, I will be on same cruise. I will be in aft penthouse 9316. It is a very long walk up to the Haven, but well worth it.

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