New Cruiser NCL Getaway Q's - Leaving Soon!

[L1211]

Greetings Cruise Critic Friends - I've been following along and I feel like part of your community already! What a friendly bunch. I'm a bit of a planner (OK, a lot of a planner) so I feel as though I fit right in. I'm not a totally new cruiser, but it has been some time. We did a family cruise on RCI in 2008 just before a three year expat assignment to China. We had a wonderful time. After three years abroad followed by our return to the US dominated by 6 years of competitive travel volleyball (those teens seem to require parents to travel with them - hello Hampton Inn!), we finally have a chance to take a real family vacation again! So, we are sailing on the NCL Getaway on June 26. My sister has been my cruise mentor- she just returned from her 5th NCL cruise with my young adult nephews, this time cruising in two Haven suites on the Epic. She upgraded on the Up-sell line. We decided to stick with our side by side Large Balcony rooms on Deck 9.

 

My husband and I are traveling with my daughter to celebrate her 16th birthday and her best friend who is already 16. I have a litany of logistical questions (you've already helped me make the important decisions!). So, please weigh in and know I value your input -

- While boarding, I've read we'll need a health form - is that something we get while boarding or can I find that online?

 

- Taking on bottled water - we need to congratulate ourselves on raising a generation who doesn't drink soda! Can I put bottled water in checked luggage or do I have to hand carry that on? If the girls just bring water bottles (better for the planet...) will they find plenty of available places to fill those?

 

Hand carried luggage - I think I've read that some of you have dropped your hand luggage off at your room even upon entry, even if it is not ready - is that so?

 

Teen club - will the girls need money for video games, etc or is that free in the teen club? Will I need to allot them money for playing games or is that only in the arcade?

 

Teens and the UDP - My teens have their own room so they have the UDP - Anyone have experience with their teens finding friends to join them for dinner? The girls are balking at dinner with the old folks nightly. One of you very wise mentors mentioned picking your important family times and enjoying those, then ensuring the teens "had their cruise too" - that was so helpful! Advise I plan to follow.

 

Teens and the pool - seems there is a Adult pool and Children's pool - teens seem to be caught in the middle. Can the girls come to the adult pool with me? Will non-rowdy 16 year old's be questioned? Of course, I'm not sure they will be with me, but not sure where they will be comfortable going to the pool given the adult pool is 18 and over and they don't consider themselves children... Can they hand out in Spice H2O during the day or do they check ages? Anyone maneuvered this?

 

Tendering - I just read that you need to make reservations for a tender boats - good to know. Got the impression that it's about 45 minutes to an hour from reservation time to the port - is that about right? I booked only private tours and wasn't planning on the tender time but clearly important.

 

So, I think those are my last details to button up. Just for fun - here are the details you've already helped me with!

- Dining - we chose both UBP and dining package as our promos. But, we also purchased another 3 night dining package so we have 6 nights - we've chosen 2 nights at Cagney's, 2 nights at Ocean Blue (seafood is our fav), Teppanyaki with the girls, and LaCucina with the girls. The only main dining room we've booked is the Tropicana Room.

 

- Roatan - we booked a private tour at Anthony's Key for a dolphin swim. Their prices are about $50 cheaper than booking through NCL (although we didn't know this was NCL's vendor till we asked for assistance with directions). But, we'll have to provide our own transportation. I liked that we can do the afternoon not immediately upon arriving in port. And, I'm not a fan of big crowds (yes, I know I could be in trouble on a mega-ship!). Anthony's Key is a marine research institute - that's how I found it. The dolphins are not caged - free to come and go. Excursion offered in the shallow waters of the ocean, not a concrete enclosure. Someone posted about dolphins with scrubbed and bleeding noses and faces - I feel sure my daughter would have gone "Free Willie" on them and potentially arrested abroad for her animal cruelty protest. Not good...

 

- Belize - We booked a private tour to Altun Ha - only $42.50 each for 4 for a 4 hour tour - much cheaper than the NCL tours. Guessing it's no Angkor Watt like we found in Siam Reap, Cambodia, but the girls have never seen Mayan Ruins so looking forward to it! Went through Island Marketing, but of course, I know from you that is a clearing house. But, they have been in communication with us and provided good direction on meeting place. We shall see...

 

- Costa Maya - We are braving it and trying Blue Kay. What beautiful water! Of course, Maya Chan was booked. I was quite disappointed after reading your reviews. Question -anyone do the Hobbie Cat snorkeling for only $300 pesos - $18USD? I've emailed them about a reservation but with no reply...

 

- Cozumel - I let the teens choose - Mr. Sanchos Beach Break with water park passes and beach horseback riding.

 

- On the boat - Vibe passes - the pool deck sounds dreadful to me! Had I read the reviews before booking it may have scared me off. Of course, we have the large balcony rooms so that may be the respite I seek.

 

So, what a long-winded first post - especially from someone who hasn't sailed yet! I'm really looking forward to it and your experiences have made my planning both easier and special! Thanks cruise critic community!

[BirdTravels]

While boarding, I've read we'll need a health form - is that something we get while boarding or can I find that online?

You get it as you get in line for check-in. About 6 yes/no questions about whether you are sick. Answer all NO and sign date and room number on the form.

 

- Taking on bottled water - we need to congratulate ourselves on raising a generation who doesn't drink soda! Can I put bottled water in checked luggage or do I have to hand carry that on? If the girls just bring water bottles (better for the planet...) will they find plenty of available places to fill those?

You can tape a luggage tag on a case of water and have it delivered to your room by the porters. Water dispensers are in the buffet, but they ask that you use cups to fill your water bottles.

 

Hand carried luggage - I think I've read that some of you have dropped your hand luggage off at your room even upon entry, even if it is not ready - is that so?

The ship asks that you kindly not go to your stateroom until it is ready (1:30ish). The doors to the floors are usually shut. Can you go in,,, yes. Should you go in, no.

 

Teen club - will the girls need money for video games, etc or is that free in the teen club? Will I need to allot them money for playing games or is that only in the arcade?

Everything is done with your cruise card (room key). Just set a budget with your girls. Once they get to know the folks at the entourage teen club, you won't see them unless there are designated family times.

 

Teens and the UDP - My teens have their own room so they have the UDP - Anyone have experience with their teens finding friends to join them for dinner? The girls are balking at dinner with the old folks nightly. One of you very wise mentors mentioned picking your important family times and enjoying those, then ensuring the teens "had their cruise too" - that was so helpful! Advise I plan to follow.

Per response above, pick your family times and events. Most teens will find that dinners are family times and everyone will be [forced] to join the parents

 

Teens and the pool - seems there is a Adult pool and Children's pool - teens seem to be caught in the middle. Can the girls come to the adult pool with me? No Will non-rowdy 16 year old's be questioned? Yes Of course, I'm not sure they will be with me, but not sure where they will be comfortable going to the pool given the adult pool is 18 and over and they don't consider themselves children... Can they hand out in Spice H2O during the day or do they check ages? No. Anyone maneuvered this?

The girls probably will be more interested in endless cycles through the water slides, a go or two at the ropes course and walking the plank over the edge of the ship.

 

Tendering - I just read that you need to make reservations for a tender boats - good to know. Got the impression that it's about 45 minutes to an hour from reservation time to the port - is that about right? I booked only private tours and wasn't planning on the tender time but clearly important.

About right. You can book your tender times on your stateroom TV or at a touch screen in the public areas. Your ticket allows you to join the line for a tender,,,, it is not the exact time you leave the ship. Folks with NCL ShoreEx have priority as to frequent cruisers.

 

So, I think those are my last details to button up. Just for fun - here are the details you've already helped me with!

- Dining - we chose both UBP and dining package as our promos. But, we also purchased another 3 night dining package so we have 6 nights - we've chosen 2 nights at Cagney's, 2 nights at Ocean Blue (seafood is our fav), Teppanyaki with the girls, and LaCucina with the girls. The only main dining room we've booked is the Tropicana Room.

All Excellent Choices.

 

Have fun! We have 11 NCL mega-ship cruises under our belt (2 GA, 2 BA, 2 Escape, 5 Epic) and have enjoyed the large ship experience every time (also done a whole bunch of the small ships). And welcome to Cruise Critics!

Edited June 15, 2016 by BirdTravels

[L1211]

Thank so much. All quite helpful! I've got some cruise catching up to do!!

[roger001]

If you haven't done so and want to look her over, here's a large bunch of unedited pictures I took a year or so ago.

 

http://s241.photobucket.com/user/roganderson60/media/Getaway1/DSCN5596_zps8f68ea0b.jpg.html?sort=2&o=0

[samzing]

Hi L1211,

 

We just sailed the Getaway for the 3rd time 5/15 to 5/22. You will have a great time. We did not experience any crowded areas or waiting. We kept asking if the ship was full and everyone kept telling us it was. So I hope you won't experience a lot of crowding.

Greetings Cruise Critic Friends - I've been following along and I feel like part of your community already! What a friendly bunch. I'm a bit of a planner (OK, a lot of a planner) so I feel as though I fit right in. I'm not a totally new cruiser, but it has been some time. We did a family cruise on RCI in 2008 just before a three year expat assignment to China. We had a wonderful time. After three years abroad followed by our return to the US dominated by 6 years of competitive travel volleyball (those teens seem to require parents to travel with them - hello Hampton Inn!), we finally have a chance to take a real family vacation again! So, we are sailing on the NCL Getaway on June 26. My sister has been my cruise mentor- she just returned from her 5th NCL cruise with my young adult nephews, this time cruising in two Haven suites on the Epic. She upgraded on the Up-sell line. We decided to stick with our side by side Large Balcony rooms on Deck 9.

 

My husband and I are traveling with my daughter to celebrate her 16th birthday and her best friend who is already 16. I have a litany of logistical questions (you've already helped me make the important decisions!). So, please weigh in and know I value your input -

- While boarding, I've read we'll need a health form - is that something we get while boarding or can I find that online? Answered above

 

- Taking on bottled water - we need to congratulate ourselves on raising a generation who doesn't drink soda! Can I put bottled water in checked luggage or do I have to hand carry that on? If the girls just bring water bottles (better for the planet...) will they find plenty of available places to fill those? We didn't bring water because we got it free through Casinos at Sea, but as the OP said, just slap a luggage tag on it and it will be delivered to your room. We did this on Breakaway several years ago.

 

Hand carried luggage - I think I've read that some of you have dropped your hand luggage off at your room even upon entry, even if it is not ready - is that so? You can check if your room is ready when you get there. If it is, go ahead and leave your luggage. Or enjoy lunch in one of the dining rooms first and your room will probably be ready when you are finished. (I suggest the dining room so you don't have to drag your luggage around in the buffet which is usually crowded on embarkation day).

 

Teens and the pool - seems there is a Adult pool and Children's pool - teens seem to be caught in the middle. Can the girls come to the adult pool with me? Will non-rowdy 16 year old's be questioned? Of course, I'm not sure they will be with me, but not sure where they will be comfortable going to the pool given the adult pool is 18 and over and they don't consider themselves children... Can they hand out in Spice H2O during the day or do they check ages? Anyone maneuvered this? Have them enjoy the slides!

 

Tendering - I just read that you need to make reservations for a tender boats - good to know. Got the impression that it's about 45 minutes to an hour from reservation time to the port - is that about right? I booked only private tours and wasn't planning on the tender time but clearly important. We made a reservation the first day for the tender, but there are no tickets given so I don't know how they know who is supposed to disembark when. The ride to the port wasn't that long, but it did take awhile for them to load the tender.

 

So, I think those are my last details to button up. Just for fun - here are the details you've already helped me with!

- Dining - we chose both UBP and dining package as our promos. But, we also purchased another 3 night dining package so we have 6 nights - we've chosen 2 nights at Cagney's, 2 nights at Ocean Blue (seafood is our fav), Teppanyaki with the girls, and LaCucina with the girls. The only main dining room we've booked is the Tropicana Room.

 

Since you booked private excursions, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get back for "all aboard" time!

- Roatan - we booked a private tour at Anthony's Key for a dolphin swim. Their prices are about $50 cheaper than booking through NCL (although we didn't know this was NCL's vendor till we asked for assistance with directions). But, we'll have to provide our own transportation. I liked that we can do the afternoon not immediately upon arriving in port. And, I'm not a fan of big crowds (yes, I know I could be in trouble on a mega-ship!). Anthony's Key is a marine research institute - that's how I found it. The dolphins are not caged - free to come and go. Excursion offered in the shallow waters of the ocean, not a concrete enclosure. Someone posted about dolphins with scrubbed and bleeding noses and faces - I feel sure my daughter would have gone "Free Willie" on them and potentially arrested abroad for her animal cruelty protest. Not good...

 

- Belize - We booked a private tour to Altun Ha - only $42.50 each for 4 for a 4 hour tour - much cheaper than the NCL tours. Guessing it's no Angkor Watt like we found in Siam Reap, Cambodia, but the girls have never seen Mayan Ruins so looking forward to it! Went through Island Marketing, but of course, I know from you that is a clearing house. But, they have been in communication with us and provided good direction on meeting place. We shall see...We did the "Butts Up" cavetubing. There were multiple buses of NCL passengers. We arrived at the port around 4:00 p.m.

 

- Costa Maya - We are braving it and trying Blue Kay. What beautiful water! Of course, Maya Chan was booked. I was quite disappointed after reading your reviews. Question -anyone do the Hobbie Cat snorkeling for only $300 pesos - $18USD? I've emailed them about a reservation but with no reply...

 

- Cozumel - I let the teens choose - Mr. Sanchos Beach Break with water park passes and beach horseback riding.

 

- On the boat - Vibe passes - the pool deck sounds dreadful to me! Had I read the reviews before booking it may have scared me off. Of course, we have the large balcony rooms so that may be the respite I seek.

 

So, what a long-winded first post - especially from someone who hasn't sailed yet! I'm really looking forward to it and your experiences have made my planning both easier and special! Thanks cruise critic community!

I hope you have a great cruise with your family!!!

[Jenjer]

You can bring bottled water of empty's to fill around the ship. NCL allows people to carry on water so no worries about sneaking it on.

 

We find refillable bottles to work better and easier since we don't have to store the water or figure out who's bottle is who's.

 

 

Here is my experience with a child in the teens club, sea day: She eats breakfast with us and then goes off and meets up with friends for pool and water slides. Usually grabs lunch with friends sometimes she will meet up with us. We see her again around 4:30 or 5 to get ready for dinner. Most teens eat dinner with their parents. After dinner she goes back out with her friends. Might catch a show or two. On Port days, she spends the day with us and the evenings after dinner with friends.

 

get the iconcierge app it is $9.95 per device for the week but allows you to text (and call who calls anymore) all week.

 

 

I like to board the ship ASAP to get vacation started. We give everything but backpacks/purses and 1 carry on rolling case to the porters. We carry on swimwear and sunblock so after eating lunch the kids can hit the water slides. Its not a problem wheeling around 1 bag around before rooms are open.

 

Another idea since Vibe is hard to get would be a thermal spa pass they cost 179 if you prebook it and 199 on ship. Its a great, quiet, calm, relaxing area. Its all inside so not for the sun worshipper. You tube has plenty of videos

[L1211]

Thanks so much! Rethinking the bottled water and may just bring refillables. I have a 10:30 check-in time so will gone Vibe passes a go ASAP!