Just off GETAWAY. Rumors of her demise unfounded!

[Annmeat]

Waiting for our flight home after our BEST trip on Getaway to date. This is the first time that we have ever cruised without the kids since becoming parents almost 18 years ago. I highly recommend it.

 

We booked in February in an H6 aft - suite.

Beautiful room , with one or two caveats . We were on deck 11, the third largest balcony. The balcony is not as big as it looks on YouTube . It is bigger than the munchkins sized balconies in the Haven proper and in the regular balcony rooms, but those claiming to party with 462 of their dearest friends on this balcony are deluded or drunk. I personally would not stay in this suite with other than my kids. Not enough internal privacy for two couples unless they are very close.

Everything else was close to perfect.Rex was our butler and took care of the all important Lavazza machine, removing the decaf and supplying extra creamers. We didn't see him often but he was there when we needed him.

 

 

It was great for breakfast or just chilling, but our family of 5 would have been comfy without any other people around. I am comparing it to the aft FS balconies on RCCL

 

The location was perfect for us and absolutely dead quiet. No smoke from other balcomies( yes, I know it is not allowed) no noise from spice parties , not a sound from either cabins near us.

 

Steward service started off in a disappointing manner . Someone else's soap and dirty q tips were left in the shower and trash and I had a heck of a time getting more than one conditioner for my mane of Tasmanian devil-like curls. It all got taken care of and Dale the steward took ended up taking excellent care of us.

 

Concierge was John DSouza. We saw him exactly twice-during the embarkation lecture on not to bring non-Haven guests to Haven and it debarkation . Kadek the assistant was always available and took care of changing our reservations, getting us in to allegedly sold out shows, getting me conditioner, etc. the other guests to whom we spoke never saw Mr DSouza either. No biggie.

 

Oops- boarding

Adios for a few hours

 

Quick summary- best second honeymoon ever.

.

[ibrinn]

Could you tell me if the coffee maker was a Lavazza or Nespresso machine Thanks

[david_sobe]

Welcome back. Congrats on the second honeymoon. Glad you had a great time.

What do you mean rumors of the demise?

[FreestyleNovice]

Could you tell me if the coffee maker was a Lavazza or Nespresso machine Thanks

 

OP wrote:

 

Rex was our butler and took care of the all important Lavazza machine, removing the decaf and supplying extra creamers.

Edited October 2, 2016 by FreestyleNovice
had to hit the minimum 3 characters besides the quotes..

[pisenor]

Could you tell me if the coffee maker was a Lavazza or Nespresso machine Thanks

 

I believe that question has been answered by OP's statement in her original post.

 

 

Everything else was close to perfect.Rex was our butler and took care of the all important Lavazza machine, removing the decaf and supplying extra creamers. We didn't see him often but he was there when we needed him.

 

 

EDIT: Looks like FreestyleNovice and I were typing at the same time lol.

Edited October 2, 2016 by pisenor

[FreestyleNovice]

Great minds think alike. :D

[NayRN]

Can't wait to read more of your review! I'll be sailing on the Getaway for the second time 8 weeks from today! We were in 9316 last year and will be in 9916 this year - HUGE aft balcony! :cool:

[Annmeat]

Welcome back. Congrats on the second honeymoon. Glad you had a great time.

What do you mean rumors of the demise?

 

Too many times I read here on CC about how NCL in general is dead thanks to Frank EL DIABLO Del Rio.

 

Our cruise experience was the best yet, no nickel and Diming, and the only cranky faces we saw the whole trip were on one of our flights.

[Annmeat]

Great minds think alike. :D

 

And the Lavazza machines are not going anywhere. We used the heck outta that machine!

[Annmeat]

Alrighty-0n the plane. I'll do a non-conventional series of musings as opposed to a traditional review.

 

Arrived night before the cruise, stayed at Marriott Biscayne Bay. Not impressed but possibly because we each had one mojito which must have contained beyond-bottom shelf alcohol as we both awoke with screaming headaches. The pain was mitigated by waking at 6 am to watch Getaway arrive during an amazing lightening storm. Absolutely breathtaking.

After a buffet breakfast we hailed a cab to the port at 10:00am. Check in was a breeze and we were asked to wait in the downstairs Haven area due to " heat reasons" . The beeping sounds from security were very unpleasant on the collective headaches so we headed upstairs to the Haven waiting area.

 

 

 

Digression- water was being confiscated .The best explanation by an elderly and Fiesty woman for why she

had 20 bottles in her case was "to protect " her delicates and breakables .She was SCREAMING at the poor NCL rep. The rep even offered to take her delicates and breakables and get her a special box for them with padding and everything. She was having none of this and promised to "steal as much sh$t as I can cuz you are breaking my delicates". It was quite a sight.

 

Haven/Vip lounge upstairs was a joke. Although being roped off there was a constant parade of people simply wandering in and taking muffins, cookies, beverages, etc. we also found this both obnoxious and funny at the same time. At one point there was a whole extended family with matching tee shirts parading in and out getting banana bread and tea. I don't mean one or two.i mean 15. While I admire their moxie I dislike the lesson that they are teaching their kids. Actually I admire nothing. SO I take that back. But I wasn't going on this cruise to become a social justice warrior or a member of the behavior police so I just watched . It was crowded and loud in the waiting area.

 

Taken to the Haven at 11:30. Long lecture from John DSouza on not bringing non-Haven guests to the bar or pool or deck areas. Virgin rum punch was served and the usual fries and sliders. We chose to wander the ship and our suite was ready. This was the only time that we saw him until we got off the ship this morning. We were completely unimpressed by Mr DSouza but his assistant , Kadek "special K" was charming, friendly and helpful. I know a lot of you love John but he was never around .

Kadek and a rotating assortment of other assistants ran the show.

 

In no particular order, my rambling about this cruise post- Del Rio .

 

ADIOS! FLAMINGO!

 

Margaritaville opened on our sailing. It is wretched.Period. The drinks were good, the service tremendous and the food appallingly bad. While the famous nachos were huge, having more of a crappy product doesn't make it better. The chips were stale and they used velveeta with a few stray shreds of cheddar jack .The conch fritters were conchless.

A BIG NO for Margaritaville. The location is lovely as Flamingo was and they did play Jimmy Buffet all day.

There was a breakfast buffet of non-Maragritaville breakfast foods gratis in the morning to take the strain off of the main buffet. The rock wall remains. The place was deserted most days.

 

 

CROWD CONTROL to MAJOR TOM

 

I must say that although the staff kept saying that there were 4300 guests aboard there is no way that this ship was full. There were 17 chair hogs ( to use the vernacular ) on any given day, including seas days. No lines, no crowds and seats available at even the "sold out" shows. Such a pleasant change from our usual summer cruises.

 

Great mix of guests. There were possibly 3 angry people aboard. From the bars to the pool deck to the comedy club and even on the Belize tender there were very few people whom I wanted to slap.

 

The Haven had the loudest, most obnoxious mix that we have encountered to date, however. One couple could not speak below the decibel rating for a rocket ship. Oh my goodness! I know about their diarrhea, the wife's mom's booger problem, how sister Amy hates her, the price they paid for their golf home, how many drinks they still need to have....and this was in the restaurant. Apparently we were on a trip with Haven experts in every field from Donald Trump's game plan to Clinton's body double to geophysics, real estate, literature

tv programming, holistic medicine . I do not recall the acoustics in the Haven restaurant as loud as this in the past. All these folks broadcast personal info as though with a megaphone . It made the Haven bar a place to grab a drink and RUN!

Note to everyone on a ship-you ain't the only ones here!

 

 

THE DOCTOR IS IN

 

 

Let's jump to the medical center. My husband had an injury ,we went to the center and found the emergency care absolutely top notch. From signing in to discharge was less than an hour, his exam was thorough, meds given and issue resolved over the next few days

During our time there a patient was brought with a ? Heart attack The intensive care units are state of the art. I have to add that I am an advanced practice nurse and my husband a physician and we were both very impressed. Prices reasonable and a full list of costs is provided with everything from suturing to intubation . The physician was skillfull, professional ---(and very handsome!)

 

When the center is not open there is a little vending machine outside with meds, band aids, condoms and other things that one may have forgotten to pack . Very smart and handy if you have a need and the shoppes are not open.

 

NOTE TO THOSE TRAVELING WITH ELDERLY PARENTS

 

Please make sure that you have a key to their cabin. Our first night a gentlemen fell out of bed and his elderly wife, who was so sweet but very confused, was locked out of the room and wandering the hall in a state of undress .She made it all the way to the stairs and was heading down them. We tried to help her find her room and get her a robe , she did not know her name. As we were calling security her son came out of a cabin and found her with us. He was so kind to her that it really was touching. He had no key to the elderly parent's cabin but had heard a fall and woke up. His wife called security to get them into the room and check on Dad. The gentleness of the son was lovely. But this situation could have ended up very badly.

 

The GREAT LOBSTER ISSUE

 

I did no research. Lobster was available nightly for an upcharge in the MDR. The lobster in Haven was as a bisque. The lobster meat is presented in a soup plate and the bisque poured over it. Very nice portion. They also have lobster chunks - big ones- in the seafood eggs Benedict of which my beloved partook each morning. No lobster in LeBistro.

 

Ocean Blue had Maine lobster and lobster tail at dinner

The ocean blue lobster rolls are as full of meat and tasty as they have been for the past two years and still priced at $9.95.

 

I have no other lobster knowledge.

 

CHOPPED!

 

We found the food has stepped up a notch with a few exceptions. Haven menu and MDR menus lovely and yummy.

 

I already spoke of the Margaritaville mistake. The other venue that was less than stellar was Ocean Blue for dinner . Both should have been Chopped but Ted wasn't around!

Ocean Blue-

I had crab legs appetizer. They tasted quite freezer burned and were not worth the trouble. I had Maine lobster for entree and it was pathetic. My parents hail from Maine, I grew up in New England. Lobster was just not right. The claws were okay but the tail had it's own issues. The side dishes were the best part of the meal. Couscous and something else. I wouldn't bother with this place again.

 

On the other hand, the food from the take

out window on sea days was better than ever. Spot on delicious. Calamari was greaseless and flavorful, lobster rolls stuffed with big chunks of cold water meat. Phenomenal. Although no longer associated with his moniker, Mr Zakarain would be proud.

 

Haven restaurant was spectacular for real fast, lunch and dinner. Not a complaint except that my husband and I apparently have a tattoo on our foreheads that says" never, ever, ever give these two coffee." We had our coffee forgotten at every single meal. They were batting a thousand on making us wait for caffeine !

 

LeBistro- great escargot and lamb, the duck dish was more like duck loaf but almost tasty. Wouldn't have gone but hubs love escargot and we had a free meal there. The MDRs also had escargot on the nights we peeked at the menus.

 

LaCucina

 

Mama Mia! I have heard such bad things about this place that I almost didn't go. You should try it. I had an amazing angel hair dish, my husband had something good with pasta and seafood. We were not hungry so only ordered the small size pasta which was perfect.

Couldn't get coffee for a while. We were exhausted this day and I can't remember why.

 

Moderno

 

We ate here because we had the SDP. It was just okay. Service was not good. This was the only place that seemed to require sloooow waiters. Meats very tasty when cooked. Apparently medium to medium rare means "can be used as a bovine blood transfusion" . Also got raw bacon. Ewww.

The salad bar was better than I remember . Will skip if we cruise NCL without kids again.

 

Speaking of kids-

 

ONE RINGIE DINGIE

 

Our teens were home with grams. We had little problem calling and texting. Except on the morning that there was no water in the house. They could not reach us by cell so tried the boat (that's right- I said BOAT!). After 30 minutes they called a friend who is a teacher. She finally got us and said it took her 3 tries, half an hour and that it was harder than taking an AP exam without having taken the class. Other than that and the 45 dollar in-room phone bill everything was fine. Hubs and I have different carriers so we had varying levels of service.

 

I have to tell you- getting a call on the ship at 6am from our friend made my heart stop just a bit. I immediately thought the worst- my parents are almost 90- but am glad all is well. The calls that the kids made to our cell phones went to voice mail which came through as we pulled in to Miami this morning.

 

WHERE THERE IS SMOKE

There is winning!

 

First day on the ship the casino was overwhelmingly smoky. Smoke doesn't usually bother me, but this was nuts! Even the Non- smoking side was nasty.

This only lasted that one night. I don't know if the filters were changed or if the scrubbers were not working, but after the first night neither of us, and hubs is asthmatic, had a problem.

 

Casino was fun fun fun! We are not big gamblers. We never left a session down. We played maybe 3 times . I was 650 up on slots, husband who does NOT EVER play slots , won 810 bucks yesterday on one spin as we were wandering through the casino! Yup, we were the couple with the Pinot Grigio dancing by the Phoenix machine. The Blue Jin machine gave me my most money. But we didn't spend much time in the casino. Probably should have! For non big shot, big time gamblers , this was very, very exciting.

 

Great crowd in the casino. So friendly. Sometimes too friendly, but what's an accidental butt grab to an old broad like me?

Did see some parent letting kids assist at slots- eeeeeh

 

ELVIS has NOT left the GETAWAY

 

Million Dollar Quartet was simply over-the -top with talent. If you don't like this show you are truly a party pooper and need to not cruise. No sense explaining it. It was probably the best that we have seen on many cruises. Had the chance to talk to Kurt ( he plays Carl Pickens) after the show. What a great kid. Mom is here on cruise critic, I made sure to drop her name!

People loved this show so much that they went 2 and 3 times. We saw the next to last show .

 

Also saw Burn the Floor. This was our third time and the dancing is still amazing.

 

HOWL at the MOON

 

This was our favorite entertainment on past cruises. We had a terrific time with this group but they three pianists just didn't have the magic camaraderie as the groups on previous cruises. We only went once this cruise but almost closed the place. A great, raucous crowd but the musicians just did not have that wow factor. They did have a guest drummer- an actual guest, a newlywed, and he was a monster on the drums. Really really great drummist. (I attempted the drums a few years ago and prefer the term"drummist" to "drummer". Drummer reminds me of the horse in "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" . So drummist it is!)

 

NO CRUISE SHIP TOILET JOKES ALLOWED

and there weren't any for once!

 

The comedians were quite wonderful on this trip. Frank Townsend had been on two of our precious Getaway cruises and he was there! Scott Henry and an emcee whom I cannot name at this moment were very funny as well. We never went to the adults only shows but did attend the event in the theater where all three perform. Very good time.

 

I'm getting prepared for landing so will finish this later in the week.

Be happy to answer any non-lobster related questions!

[Two Wheels Only]

Long lecture from John DSouza on not bringing non-Haven guests to the bar or pool or deck areas.

 

Sadly, the lecture has to be done since some feel that the rules don't apply to them.

[Linda the Book Lover]

I loved your review. The humor was perfect and I truly could picture the scenes and my own interpretation of what the "loud talkers" looked like. I am glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[SuiteTraveler]

Great review! I think those "loud talkers" were also on our Breakaway cruise with their 40+-year old daughter. We got to hear about their diarrhea, a sewage problem at their house, all about their surgeries, how the sister still hates them and how their daughter is still not married. How could that be? Such a sweet 40-something young woman! Well, if their conversation at table is an example of how and what she talks about on dates, I'm sure men RUN from her! I would be horrified to be sitting at her table. My husband and I were incredulous about the bizarre and completely inappropriate table conversations going on over there.

[Seminole1975]

Alrighty-0n the plane. I'll do a non-conventional series of musings as opposed to a traditional review.

 

ELVIS has NOT left the GETAWAY

 

Million Dollar Quartet was simply over-the -top with talent. If you don't like this show you are truly a party pooper and need to not cruise. No sense explaining it. It was probably the best that we have seen on many cruises. Had the chance to talk to Kurt ( he plays Carl Pickens) after the show. What a great kid. Mom is here on cruise critic, I made sure to drop her name!

People loved this show so much that they went 2 and 3 times. We saw the next to last show .

 

Also saw Burn the Floor. This was our third time and the dancing is still amazing.

 

 

Ann, I am enjoying your funny and insightful review. Sorry your husband had to go to the Medical Center but it was interesting hearing about it because I am a nurse as well (a CNS). It is good to know that it is there if anyone needs it!

 

I am glad that you enjoyed the cruise and MDQ!! I spoke to Kurt (Carl Perkins) today. He told me that some folks from CC talked to him and mentioned me! haha. He gets a "kick" out of it. He is also the understudy for the Burn the Floor singer. He told me that he will be covering Burn the Floor for one week in December until the new cast gets settled in. I am tempted to book another cruise to see that! I wish!

Edited October 2, 2016 by Seminole1975

[Annmeat]

I paid special attention to al the alleged nickel and Diming as well as pushy sales attempts that occurs on board the evil NCL craft these day.

 

We were asked once if we wanted our picture taken. We had not a single expense that we didn't want or for which we were not prepared with the exception of the trip to Doctor Dreamy...

 

I did hear one gent complaining that there was sales tax on our drinks in Miami and he claimed that it was the bartenders just "stickin' it" to the guests. If looks could vaporize this gent would be no more, as the bartender was not pleased. NEither was I so I just HAD to educate the man but another guest beat me to it.

 

We didn't play Bingo, Deal or No Deal no hubster bought only one pack of the lucky winner strips ( woo-Ho! 4 dollars on a 20$ investment!) but none of that should be included anyway.

 

Our drinks were never charged over the 15$ limit because I don't think we ordered anything pricey.

 

We received one bottle of water I our suite and then actually ARGH!!! Purchased one on the way out to an excursion.

 

I can say with complete honesty that there was not a single expense that we felt cheated by paying or found ridiculous. We have been on other cruise lines and the same items are a charge on those vessels as well.

 

We spent plenty of money but not on hidden fees or on unscrupulous practices. No pressure to buy...and then there is the SPA

[Annmeat]

We purchased the thermal suite passes ahead of time . Even though we did not use this fabulous retreat every day, there were no day passes left but the 3rd (?) day when I decided to ask the receptionist.

 

The descriptions that you have read in other reviews are so accurate. THe smells, the sounds and sights in the thermal suite are addicting.

 

Despite all the passes being sold, we did not ever encounter more than 6 other people on the loungers and a few strays , fully clothed on the non-tile loungers.

 

NOTE : I sawa review that said bar servers come to the thermal spa. This is not the case. First of all, one must hand their lifeline /room key to the receptionist when entering the locked spa area. This would make purchasing or ordering via UBP difficult. I also highly doubt that it is recommended to really tie one on whilst sitting in a 180 degree sauna followed by salt room followed by whirlpool.

It doesn't jibe with the whole tranquility think that they have going on.

 

On advice of another CC member- and I apologize to all of from whom I stole ideas without properly giving a hat tip- we took a spa tour. The rationale was that those taking the brief tour would receive a raffle ticket . Spa services were raffled an the idea was that many take the tour but do not come to the drawing

 

On this particular sailing, not so many toured but everyone ON the ship showed up for the raffle! It was the biggest crowd that we saw on ship, bigger than the Jewel Box shop raffles. You did not need the tour to qualify for entry.

 

After our tour free demonstrations were given of shoulder massages using a variety of kitchen utensils like a rolling pin that they claimed was bamboo and a poultice like my Yia Yia used to use when we had bronchitis. This is when the gorgeous gals fawned over all of us trying quite convincingly yo some to sign up for the deals- the 10/20/30% off special was going that day BUT ONLY IF YOU BOOK NOW!!!

 

During the raffle we were introduced to all the miracle workers who were going to turn me into A svelte, shiny-haired, porcelain toothed relaxed beauty with great posture and amazing nails! AND SO LOW COST- just for ME!!!

 

In real life ,my husband had a massage and I hadn't mani -epi. My nails state great until last night when I chipped one. Despite having a light pink on my other finger I painted the chipped nail "hooker red". A little Penn Gilette moment as it was the only color that I had with me. Didn't feel like oin to the spa and asking them to repair.

 

On a port day I also had reflexology on my feet, of course. I love the way it feels. Whether or not it clears my liver and keeps me regular is up for debate, but I enjoy the procedure.

After my gal was done I was given a list of products that I need . Products that I need for my BACK!?! Hmm?

 

My husband was given the are list after his massage-$40 dollar cactus-hair back brush, anyone? It had no handle so I dont know how since folk would use it...I compared our cards and we each had a total of $$450 of NECESSARY products.

We forgot to buy them.

 

The therapists were overly pushy after the treatments, simply giving us the cards and he explanation. And trying to schedule more, more , more. And after that tour- MAN! Those girls are good and could make a killing at a Tesla dealership!

[lindseyn06]

What stateroom where you in? And if you have any pictures of your room can you post them?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Annmeat]

I have been typing on an iPad and the typos are numerous.

I apologize !

[Annmeat]

What stateroom where you in? And if you have any pictures of your room can you post them?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

We had suite 11308. Perfect location.

I didn't take pictures but I'll see what my husband has.

[leekel619]

I am really enjoying myself reading your review. That 'poor elderly woman wandering the hall in a state of undress.' I hope it never happens to me. [emoji52]

Thanks for sharing your comments!

[Evangaline]

Love your review! Now I'm really geared up to get on board. Did you try out any of the crazy water slides? I was thinking about that trap door thing, although it does sound terrifying, especially when I hear stories of people getting stuck half way down. Maybe stick to the wimpy purple one.

 

Also was there a band in the Tropicana Room throughout the evening? There was a really nice jazz band in the Manhattan Room on the Epic which I thought was special.

[Annmeat]

Love your review! Now I'm really geared up to get on board. Did you try out any of the crazy water slides? I was thinking about that trap door thing, although it does sound terrifying, especially when I hear stories of people getting stuck half way down. Maybe stick to the wimpy purple one.

 

Also was there a band in the Tropicana Room throughout the evening? There was a really nice jazz band in the Manhattan Room on the Epic which I thought was special.

 

We never made it to the Tropican room tis trip. Fat Ctas had wonderful JAzz/BLues musicians each evening. THis trip had all excellent musicians, from Beau Tahana ( I may have butchered this name) to all the various groups in the Atrium and by the pool.

 

Mum husband and kis used the slides a LOT on our prior cruises. I somehow "forgot" to use them this time.

 

The weather was so pleasant on the last sea day that I regret not giving it a go.

But my family attests that they are the bomb- enjoy!

[Annmeat]

I was very tuned in to employee attitude on this cruise. After reading some comments about the sullen, dark, gloomy , morose staff on every NCL vessel since Del Rio's takeover , I felt the need to monitor and assess for myself .

 

This was absolutely the most pleasant staff on any cruise that we have taken. Period, hands-down, without a doubt.

 

We were HAven guests but not in the Haven area, so we can remove that as a factor. Walking in any hallway, at the bars, the buffet, the gangway, casino,clubs-we saw smiling, friendly faces. We experienced only courtesy and really good service, with the few exceptions that I have previously noted. But even the slow servers were pleasant and smiling.

 

We had a very good mix of fellow guests on this ship. The only obnoxious folk were encountered pre-boarding and in the Haven. Met interesting and fun people even in the steam room. We didn't join our roll call group as this was our first ALONE vacation in many years but still made friends on the ship. Some great conversations were had outside of the elevators !

[Annmeat]

When we booked the Western itinerary we were supposed to go to the Harvest Caye. I am not a fan of Belize City, I did not want to do the cave tours, zip lining or a long drive to pyramids. We have spent a bit of time at the major Mayan sites on other trips And the thought of a long bus ride didn't sit well.

 

First stop was Roatan. On our prior visit here we docked at Coxen Hole. This trip we were at that other place. We had the excusrsions credit with NCL so did choose 3 of their excursions, one of them the Jolly Roger catamaran in Roatan.

 

We docked and had an hour or so before our meet up time. IT WAS HOT !!!!-

I had a specific item that wanted to buy for one of my sons. He had a wooden guitar-shaped puzzle box with a secret compartment that was damaged during a move that we made.

 

WE found him a lovely one as well as a monkey box for son #2, some cute small purses and a shirt. We had ample time to return to our room and deposit the goodies, re-apply sunscreen and head to the meeting point.

 

Our favorite snorkeling tours via NCL and RCL have been in St John and St Thomas. We were divided into groups of 25 or so, herded onto small buses and taken to the pier. It was an interesting 20 minute ride . Our timing coinciding with elementary school release, so many adorable school kids in their plaid uniforms were walking, biking or scooter in home from school. The lower grades attend in the morning, the afternoon is for upper grades.As we passed through each village , the plaid pattern of the girl's skirts changed.

 

The poverty was very apparant. The beaches on the way to the pier were filthy. Garbage was everywhere- in the water, on the sand. Quite yucky and very sad.

 

We reached the pier and were swiftly loaded on to the "Betty". One of my bassets is Betty so I knew that we would have a great trip!

 

While many signed up for this excursion, there were at least 5 different vessels so there was not any crowding. We took a lovely trip to the snorkel site and were the first boat to arrive. You are divided into novice ad experienced snorkelers and must follow a guide. While I appreciate this as in St John we saw idiots standing on coral and destroying the reefs, I like a little more freedom. But it was not a huge issue.

 

ALSO- if you have snorkeled once when you were 7 and are now 58, you are STILL a novice.We had several gals in our group who really had a difficult time and needed assistance from the guide in the kyack more than once. You will have a better time if you take it slow-snorkeling is NOT the same has doing the the crawl!

 

We saw a lot of fish but none of the cool turtles and lobster like we have seen on previous snorkel trips. It was lovely just the same. We snorkeled at the edge of a shelf and it was breath taking and very cool.

 

The trip back was filled with a substantial meal of rice, beans, pastas and chicken as well as all the rum punch or just plain rum that one wanted! Sodas are also available. There was no pushy tipping-talk, just a quick mention of the tip jar. Tee Shirts were also for sale, hubs always gets one from our snorkel trips but never seems to wear them!

 

You will be accosted by many kids and adults selling stuff as you walk to and from the buses.

 

Our trip back to the Getaway was marred only by another LOUD talker. Seriously- we are in an elongated van, everyone is happy, we don't care that 30 years ago you found a nurse leaving your on-again, off again obstetrical resident semi-boyfriend's apartment during a surprise visit so now you DONT drive a Mercedes. And all nurses are NOT tramps, BTW, lady!!! She went on about the slutty nurses- not the fact that her boyfriend was a pig. I MAY have had to whisper to her that not all nurses are loose as we exited the van-Hubby almost died trying to stifle a laugh.

 

Marred is not the proper word. We actually find this type of guest entertaining.

 

The grade for this excursion was a B+- would have been an A if we had more freedom and time in the water. A good trip, I would do it again.

 

 

BELIZE was our next port. We had a pleasant tender ride after all the excursions had left. If you are not leaving early in the morning you do not need a tender ticket. We left around 11am and walked righ on. The tender filled within 10 minutes and the ride was a blast. Our tender team was quite entertaining.

 

If you don't have an excursion poked there is little to do in Belize City. YOu are advised to stay behind the gates. We did exit after a security guard pointed us to the "flea market". It was the same shops as in the gated area at the pier.

 

Prescription drug sales are a big hit in this port-stopped for some Chapstick and was met with crowds using all sorts of pills. Some of them were handed out in zip loc style bags! Whatever, folks!

 

We tendered back after about an hour. VEry pleasant day despite Belize City being BLAH. AGAIN- we did not do an excursion so your mileage may vary!

Pleasant and relaxing day on the ship with zero crowds.

 

NOTE TO HAVEN GUESTS- you have a priority tender from 3pm-4pm back to the ship. We did not stay that late but hopped right on a tender and we're back on the Getaway swiftly.

 

COSTA MAYA

 

For this stop we scheduled the Segway tour. It was AMAZING! We have Segwayed(?) in the past and our 8:30 am group had only 4 of us.

 

What I did not realize, nor did the other couple, is that you can Segawy to the beach AND STAY THERE, taking a pre-paid cab back at your leisure. This is not well explained in the description. Since none of the 4 of us were beach ready, we had the treat of also taking the Segway ride back to the pier.

 

This was one of the best excusrsions that we have ever done. The guides took us to a light house, to several beaches, through small towns with colorful and wonderful shop! We stopped at 2 beached for 30 minutes each and walked the sand, shopped, had beverages. The prices at this strip of beach were lower than at the port itself. Not by a huge amount, but at least 10 percent.

 

We decided to go back to the ship, get our bathing suits on and return to the beach area by taxi but we didn't. We did some shopping on the way back to the ship, had a too-leisurely lunch in the HAven and then decided we didn't want to cut it too close.

 

The cab ride is 2 dollars and 5 minutes. I would have returned to either the Crazy Lobster or Kimbara beach. If we go again we will again take this tour and then stay at the each or simply take the cab on our own, bypassing the SEgways. Our small group made it fun- we were able to go full speed and had a blast! The guides will carry anything that you purchase. Excellent time.

The group leaving at 11:30 or so had 15 people in it. The guide told us that on the last tour of the day, they do 3, there are sometimes 25 people so the SEgway line is almost two blocks long.

 

While we worried about not having enough beach time, others were a little less concerned. All aboard was 4:30 pm and we watched folks strolling down the long pier until at least 4:55pm. I was disappointed not to see any runners!!!

 

This is a long , long pier walk, by the way. Give yourself at least 12 minutes walking time if your excursion mets at the end of the pier.

 

COZUMEL:

 

We had our best excursion here.

One warning, food smiling folks- your bags will be sniffed by dogs when you leave the ship- not at the gangway, but at the end of the pier. OH MY GOODNESS! I cannot believe how many people IGNORE the explicit warning not to take fruits or meat products off the ship! Every 4th person seems to be a smuggler. It was fun to watch. I had two packs of saltines and they were allowed- it is okay to take pre-packaged crackers.

I forgot that they were in my cross body bag but that cute doggie caught me! I was able to keep them. I tossed them anyway. While I had a memory lapse, I doubt that the family with the 5 bananas and sandwiches ahead of us "forgot" that they were in the backpacks. So in Cozumel, fools- buy your won lunch or go back to the ship!

 

We chose the Passion Island beach day. It is actually 3 hours on the island and boat rides back and forth.

 

THIS WAS THE BEST BEACH TRIP WE HAVE EVER TAKEN ON A CRUISE>EVER!

 

Although 4 ships were in port, we were the first to arrive to this amazing beach. The sand was like baby powder, no rocks or sticky junk in the ocean, very, very clean. Vendors do not come up to you, you can go to their shops. Lunch and certain drinks are included . We stuck to diet cola but free alcoholic beverages were of questionable brands. After the headache we got in Miami we weren't drinking any brain basement alcohol. Hubby didn't even feel like a cerveza, I did have one.

 

There is plenty of shade from tikis to umbrellas and hammocks . There are also water hammocks. Best thing ever. TIP_ if your hammock is too low in the water, simply swing it over the wooden bar above you to shorten. We had delightful naps on these.

 

I also had an amazing massage on the beach. I believe it was 60 dollars for over an hour. Whole body plus extra time on face ,neck and scalp. Truly relaxing and good, deep tissue coverage if you so desired. I did so desire and was very pleased.

 

There are also monster inflatables in the water but we left those for the few kids as we looked lie fools trying to climb them- hubs was on one side, didn't see me swim up on the other and as he jumped off it smashed my head- but just a little.

 

We arrived at Passion Island at 10. Two other ships came and still there was no crowd. I had been skeptical about this tour as I imagined the Dsiney and RCCL private islands with every inch of beach covered by loungers smushed in together and throngs of hungry cruisers clamor in for chicken. This is not owned by the crusie lines and isn't free, so there was none of that nonsense.

 

We feltt as though the beach was our own. Waiters would bring drinks if requested and cleared the launch plates from our under-umbrella table.

LOVED this tranquil island and would return in a heartbeat.

 

We went back to the ship- our transfer vessel was a great trip with music and cruisers line dancing on the top deck. REally great crown and lots of fun.

 

We returned to Getaway, showered and headed back out to Cozumel. Did a bit of shopping and had an amazing snack, which turned not our dinner, at Senor Chiles. It is about an 8 minute walk from the escalators. We order stuffed jalapeño and ceviche. The peppers were 6-8 inches long and so yummy. The ceviche was srimp, octopus and cilantro with lime. It was served on a platter with enough for 6 people. But we did our duty and ate it all. Heavenly. Simply delicious food.

 

We walked back to the ship watching a fantastic lightening storm in the distance. This was such an enjoyable day that I am almost embarrassed that I had second thoughts about the western itinerary.

 

Excursion wise we were completely satisfied. Two A pluses and one Bplus is a pretty excellent EPA- excursion point average!!

Edited October 3, 2016 by Annmeat

[lindseyn06]

That's the room I will be in :)

If your husband happens to have any pictures of the room or any of the haven areas I would love to see them.