Regretting my Choice

[jamesboat]

that hit the islands that we haven't been to yet. It goes to Belize, Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.

 

I hate to make things worse, but most of those arent islands :(

[Binks240]

I was on the Breakaway (sister ship) last year and I liked the ship. It was pretty big but manageable. I think you will like deck 8. We found that to be the least crowded trying to go from front to back of the ship. Deck 6 is where the Atrium is located and that was crowded with some of the games/shows going on. Deck 7 was same issue, people hovering over the railing watching the shows plus O'Sheenan's and then you have the casino. Once we realized deck 8 wasn't bad, we used that most of the time.

 

As others have said the outside Waterfront is a nice area to relax or walk around without being very crowded.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[808cruisef]

I'm sorry felt the need to be rude about your question. Bottom line...your husband will be home for deployment and you will be celebrating a milestone birthday. Relax and enjoy your time together, splurge for the spa if you want, call ncl and tell them that it's your bday and his service and they may do something nice for you like a free specialty dinner. People love to bash the cruise line that isn't their first choice, but that's just silly. All cruise lines have their own perks, benefits, and shortcomings but I feel that they all can give us that special quality time with the ones we love. Yes, the more you spend the more you'll get. That's life. Ncl has treated us well for all of our cruises and have nothing but wonderful things to say about all of them. As a side note, one year I ordered a bottle of rum from room service and had the sofa package. DH had rum and Pepsi and I used the free juices to make mai tais. That was $80 approximately. It was also his birthday so they gave us a bottle of wine and dinner at Le bistro just because I said it was his bday. Enjoy you trip. Happy birthday and thank you and your hubby for his service.

 

 

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[KarlChilders]

Hey, we sail Saturday. How was the weather while at sea? We've never been on a December cruise. I LOVE the waterfront and enjoy dining outside. Is that possible on December evenings? Thanks for your thoughts!

 

The weather was great except our last sea day returning where it rained most of the day. The evenings on the waterfront could be a bit breezy but it was still warm. Days were hot but not unbearably so. We loved it.

[KarlChilders]

Karl, what snorkeling trip did you take in Roatan?

We actually just snorkeled right off the beach at West Bay. We did Tabyana beach through the ship, but if you want to book independently you can taxi to Bananarama or a couple of others and walk right out. The reef is just yards off the beach. If you want to go by boat check the Roatan message board for suggestions.

[L1211]

The weather was great except our last sea day returning where it rained most of the day. The evenings on the waterfront could be a bit breezy but it was still warm. Days were hot but not unbearably so. We loved it.

 

Thank you for your reply! We did Western Caribbean in June/July. So hot! Thought the weather has to be better in Dec. I've never experienced a rainy day at sea. Could be relaxing. Will certainly bring sweater/pants for evenings outside.

[cervezadrinker]

I am NOT an impulsive person, and I tend to research the heck out of just about everything. I didn't do that for our upcoming cruise... and I am seriously starting to regret my choice.

 

We are booked on the Norwegian Getaway for my 50th birthday in March. (We've never sailed Norwegian). I had taken a cursory look at all the cruise lines, and this was the only 7 day cruise that hit the islands that we haven't been to yet. It goes to Belize, Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. All new destinations for us. Also, we love to snorkel, and these are top notch snorkling locals.

 

Well... now that I'm starting to read more about this cruise, the more I'm getting that sinking feeling that is telling me I booked the wrong cruise. Here is what I discovered that was a surprise to me.

 

1. in order to get into the "good pool" (i.e. quiet and adult only) you have to get to the port and on the boat as early as possible.. rush to the guest services counter, and PAY $99 per person for the week, for the privilege of the nice pool.

2. We don't drink much, however, on cruises, we tend to drink a lot of frozen "umbrella" type drinks. the Ultimate Beverage Package costs more than our cruise. And I looked at the drink prices, and they are outrageous.. (20-30% more than on Princess, or Royal Caribbean).

3. I didn't realize that we weren't really going to Belize.. but, instead their private island, for a day on the beach. (they didn't really state that when we booked). Because of that... there are no snorkeling excursions there. One of the best places in the world to snorkel and dive... and we are going to miss it.

4. I didn't realize that the shows aren't included. From what I understand, there are currently 2 shows that are free. Any other shows we want to see. (Illusionarium, or comedy shows, etc... ) is additional.

5. You can have breakfast in your cabin.. but only if you get a cold breakfast. If you want a hot food... it'll cost you.

6. No promenade. One of our favorite things to do on a cruise is to walk the promenade, and enjoy, not only the exercise.. but the quietness. Instead, they put shops restaurants and bars along the short outside walkway. There goes the peace and quiet.

 

To me, it seems like this is more like the Carnival Cruise I took decades ago, when I swore that I would never cruise Carnival again.. it was a party ship. We aren't party people.

 

I'm just sick about this.

 

Can someone either reassure me that it won't be so bad, or

offer a suggestion to get out of it?

I once booked a cruise on Holland America because of the itinerary. Later I researched and found out it was geared more to the older clientele. My wife and I are late 30's and like to be active with music and entertainment. I told myself after that the main reason I was going on this cruise is because I wanted to go to these specific ports. The ship is a means to sleep and get me there. I was pleasantly surprised how much fun I had on Holland America. Hey it's a cruise, you'll have fun no matter what. But in the end remember it was the itinerary that made you book it. Have a open mind and I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.

[swmichigan cruiser]

I see where you upgraded your reservation. The Getaway is a great ship and you should have a great time. Especially with the new perks you got when you upgraded.

[scarlet-amelia]

I see where you upgraded your reservation. The Getaway is a great ship and you should have a great time. Especially with the new perks you got when you upgraded.

 

Thanks! I already feel better. I just really needed a few days to look at options, and deck plans, etc. should have done it in the beginning.. but no harm done.

[FloaterGirl]

The Getaway is our favorite NCL ship. We've sailed on it about 6 times and have enjoyed each cruise tremendously (read my reviews). Enjoy the pampering and the layout of the ship (including the outdoor walking areas!). The food was great and the service/staff were outstanding.

[scarlet-amelia]

The Getaway is our favorite NCL ship. We've sailed on it about 6 times and have enjoyed each cruise tremendously (read my reviews). Enjoy the pampering and the layout of the ship (including the outdoor walking areas!). The food was great and the service/staff were outstanding.

 

This really eases my mind. I am actually looking forward to trying some of the outdoor restaurants, which I probably wouldn't have done without the specialty dining package (that I've now got.. )

 

I certainly will let you know what I think of the cruise afterwords.

[Hoya NICU RN]

We booked "guaranteed balcony". The NCL agent we booked with advised that it was a better value.

 

What does "freestyle" mean?

 

"Guaranteed Balcony" means that you pay a lower cost, and the cruise line assigns you to an available stateroom. It might be in a really good place, depending on how many people are booked, or it could have a restricted view, or be in what is considered a less desirable location. (In my opinion, you'll be fine. There is so much to do on the ship that a lot of people don't spend a lot of time in their cabins.)

 

"Freestyle" means that there are not assigned dining times. There are lots of restaurants that don't have extra charges. I always enjoy the dining rooms, and the cafeteria has good variety and is convenient. There are a lot of other places that are fun-- O'Sheehans has breakfast, burgers, and other casual food. Go onto the website, and have a "lookaround" at the different options.

 

You are going to have a great time. Enjoy!!!!

[Justaddvodka68]

It was an extra $500 per person to get the "free drinks and dining"...

 

So you can have 34 fruity umbrella drinks for the same price you would have paid.

 

Yes, it's true, the "free" perks aren't really free. And I'm not saying that due to the gratuity.

 

You pay around $150-$200 per person more to book into a non-guarantee category to qualify for the perks.

 

This wasn't always so, but customers who aren't interested in the perks complained that there was no longer a base fare option, so now there is. The guarantee category and in some categories, some sailings you will also find a Norweigen rate listed that doesn't include perks.

 

You have only 3 choices at this point. Cancel and lose a bunch of money. Go and be miserable or go and have a good time.

 

Yes, you could have saved yourself some cash had you researched and taken the beverage and dining option instead of the guaranteed category.

 

Most of your original fears have been addressed.

 

I know it's ast final payment, but if you call and let them know you weren't advised there were perks you'd be giving up taking the guarantee, they'll likely let you switch to the next rate up and get the perks.

 

If you don't think you'll spend $500 drinking though - since you're not partiers - don't sweat it.

 

As for if it's a party line - yes and no. There's a lot there for everyone. You can find a party if you want one, you can avoid them and find quiet places if you don't. I have not in 3 cruises found myself surrounded by a bunch of loud drunk people when I didn't want to be, if that's what you're asking.

[scarlet-amelia]

I hate to make things worse, but most of those arent islands :(

 

LOL... Roatan... Belize (Harvest Caye) and Cozumel are all islands the last time I looked. :) Only place that's not on an island is Costa Maya...

[tempus137]

Freestyle means you can eat when you want, where you want & with whom you want. There are no fixed seatings in the MDRs, no early or late seating. You can eat by yourselves or with somebody you're sailing with or just met onboard.

 

There are no formal nights, although there will be one night where many passengers do dress up & get elegant photos taken. But even then, you probably won't see any tuxedos.

[jimdicap]

LOL... Roatan... Belize (Harvest Caye) and Cozumel are all islands the last time I looked. :) Only place that's not on an island is Costa Maya...

 

BTW to Scarlet---is your name a "pun" on Charlotte Amelie (the cruise port)?

[cage keeper]

We booked "guaranteed balcony". The NCL agent we booked with advised that it was a better value.

 

What does "freestyle" mean?

 

This is where you lost the perks, by booking guarantee. You paid maybe 200 pp less but lost the 600 to 700 pp in free perks. Can't comment on the ports but we really enjoyed NCL Breakaway. Not as fancy as some of the other lines but fun. Pools aren't great, slides are awesome. H2o is quiet. Lots of quiet places but more are outside. Always nice. We loved the jazz club and the dueling pianos so much. Best thing on any cruise.

[Lido_Deck]

LOL... Roatan... Belize (Harvest Caye) and Cozumel are all islands the last time I looked. Only place that's not on an island is Costa Maya...

 

Speaking of Costa Maya...

 

One of the best beaches in the Caribbean is located 3 miles south of the port in the old fishing village of Mahahual. I first discovered Old Mahahual a little over 10 years ago on my second cruise, I think. We had strayed off the beaten path the cruise lines try to keep you on (to keep their profits up) and wandered down the sandy main street past the villagers who were trying to figure out how to be vendors to these tourists that suddenly started appearing in their village. Since it was a fishing village, first and foremost, it was so easy to find fresh caught seafood to choose from and they would go to their kitchen and cook it for you. You could get a one hour massage on the beach or at palm tree top level on the upper deck of a tower for only $20. Drinks were cheap at the tiki-hut bar with swings for seats that was almost at the water's edge. The villagers treated us like VIPs and we had a wonderful day, so we made plans to book another cruise to go back a few months later. Unfortunately, in August 2007, Hurricane Dean made direct landfall and destroyed Mahahual before we could get back. We worried about all the people we had met and wondered if they were OK. Through contacts we made on Cruise Critic we were able to contact a couple of American Expats that were organizing relief to what was left of the village. We found out through them the Mexican Government was going to rebuild Mahahual as long as everyone moved their tiki-huts off the beach, back behind the new malecon they would build.

 

Now Mahahual is what I would call a Disneyland Beach, but it's a great place to spend the day. You can still get one hour massages on the beach, but I think they've inflated up to $25 now. You can still get fresh caught seafood, fresh guacamole and cheap drinks served to you on the beach under the shade of a palm tree.

 

All you have to do is make your way through the "theatric port" of Costa Maya to the back and the taxi stand where they will get you to the beach at Mahahual for $3 or $4 per person. If you keep walking out the back gate of the port the taxis get even cheaper. I encourage you to get off the ship as fast as possible and visit Mahahual.

 

Then...

Now...

[SuiteCruiser]

LOL... I guess I"m showing my age! I really miss the days when a cruise was "all inclusive". I think $1000 for "free drinks and 3 meals" is outrageous. that's our grocery bill for 2 months!

 

... and people wonder how my husband and I are able to retire at 50

 

Which cruise line gives your free drinks? Crystal?

 

You still get free meals in all of the main dining rooms and O'Sheehan's and the buffet. The dining plan is if you want to eat in a specialty restaurant.

 

I agree, you're going into this as a glass half empty scenario, if you try hard enough you can have a crappy time, even on NCL.

[scarlet-amelia]

BTW to Scarlet---is your name a "pun" on Charlotte Amelie (the cruise port)?

 

LOL!!! nope.. but that is funny!

[scarlet-amelia]

 

I agree, you're going into this as a glass half empty scenario, if you try hard enough you can have a crappy time, even on NCL.

 

I started another thread where I mentioned that I rebooked my cruise. I upgraded our room to a spa suite, (to get a bigger room, and spa access) and then also did added the "free" drink passage, and specialty dining.

 

We've also made some decisions on excursions.. we did book for Roatan and Cozumel, but we are leaving Belize and Costa Maya open. we can enjoy the beach, or walk into town for some shopping...

 

The other issues were addressed by previous posters. I feel really good about our cruise now, and I'm very much looking forward to it.

 

Thanks to everyone who helped me out on this one. Cruising with an unfamiliar line, (especially with my, unusual, lack of preparation) can be a little scary, and you all have alleviated my fears. :)

[Lido_Deck]

I started another thread where I mentioned that I rebooked my cruise. I upgraded our room to a spa suite, (to get a bigger room, and spa access) and then also did added the "free" drink passage, and specialty dining.

 

We've also made some decisions on excursions.. we did book for Roatan and Cozumel, but we are leaving Belize and Costa Maya open. we can enjoy the beach, or walk into town for some shopping...

 

The other issues were addressed by previous posters. I feel really good about our cruise now, and I'm very much looking forward to it.

 

Thanks to everyone who helped me out on this one. Cruising with an unfamiliar line, (especially with my, unusual, lack of preparation) can be a little scary, and you all have alleviated my fears. :)

 

There is no "town" to walk into at the ports of Costa Maya or Harvest Caye, just the same old same old tourist trap shops in the ports. There is no such town as Costa Maya and if you can get to the mainland of Belize, it is not a pleasant place to walk and it is not safe for foreigners.

[SuiteCruiser]

I started another thread where I mentioned that I rebooked my cruise. I upgraded our room to a spa suite, (to get a bigger room, and spa access) and then also did added the "free" drink passage, and specialty dining.

 

We've also made some decisions on excursions.. we did book for Roatan and Cozumel, but we are leaving Belize and Costa Maya open. we can enjoy the beach, or walk into town for some shopping...

 

The other issues were addressed by previous posters. I feel really good about our cruise now, and I'm very much looking forward to it.

 

Thanks to everyone who helped me out on this one. Cruising with an unfamiliar line, (especially with my, unusual, lack of preparation) can be a little scary, and you all have alleviated my fears. :)

 

Excellent news :) Enjoy your cruise!

[Lido_Deck]

Cozumel is a great island to explore on your own and get away from the crowds of San Miguel. I usually rent a taxi and driver for four hours or so and "Go East" to the "Wild Side" of Cozumel. The posted price for chartering a taxi and driver for 3 1/2 - 4 hours is usually about $120, but I've negotiated it down to $85-$90 when I tell the driver I plan on giving him a $20 tip if he shows us a good time. When your time is up and you would like to extend I've offered the the driver $20 for another hour and they were happy to wait at Chen Rio's while we downed some more cervezas and margaritas.

 

Almost all of the development on Cozumel is on the west side. That’s where the island’s only town is where hotels, bars, and restaurants pepper the west coast as you move north and south from the town. The water on this side of the island is crystal clear and calm.

 

The other side of the island is a different story. There are no permanent settlements or hotels there, though there are some bars and restaurants that run off of generators. The water here is a deeper shade of blue, the waves are bigger, and the currents are stronger. Another difference is that the shore on the western side of the island is mostly rocky (“ironshore”); there aren’t too many sandy beaches. The east side of the island has beautiful beaches with soft, white sand, but there are a few very rocky sections.

 

https://cruisemaven.com/cozumel-other-side-of-the-island/

 

If you do choose to spend time in San Miguel and want to go to a great local restaurant then head straight to La Choza...

https://www.facebook.com/lachozaczm/

 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-choza-cozumel

[Cruzn Bills Fan]

LOL! And you said you did research. SMH