Getaway, Dec 9-16, A middle aged, middle class opinion

[BlueWaterBaby]

3 hours ago, MrMike45 said:

With all due respect...you booked a balcony guarantee room, without taking any perks, to save money.  Which I am sure was a very good deal price wise for you.  That got you on the ship, and everything included for free with your cruise.  

 

Complaining about nickles and dimes you seems to counter your frugal room choice.  You did not have to do any of that.  You knew doing so would cost a fee.  You started your review saying the money you saved on the room would counter any you spent on drinks/meals.  

 

 Other lines are more all inclusive...and more expensive.  Or, you could have included those options (drink package, dining package) when booking your room with NCL at a much more expensive rate than what you chose.  Can't have it both ways.

 

You want more, have to pay more.  Be in as add-ons/fees, etc with NCL, or part of the cost of the room when you book with Royal.  Same thing/different wording-names 

 This is the only time we have ever booked a sale away rate and we did it expressly to see if there would be a difference in experience/cost one way or the other, we realized from the start it could maybe end up costing us more (It did not)

 

I had several complaints about my most recent cruise experience, the nickel and diming was only one of them. We sailed the Epic last year for seven nights with all the free at sea "perks" so it was a fair comparison to ship size, duration, Caribbean etc.  this year with us sailing the Getaway but at sale away pricing. 

 

We encountered the same irritating issues last year, only this year they were even worse as far as the crew attitudes and base behavior by other cruisers. I'm sure that would not have been any different had we prepaid a bunch of gratuities on "free" perks. I would gladly pay more for a better experience but I've lost faith in NCL. I don't want to keep giving them more and more money as service dwindles. Because I have to fly outside the US several times a year for family obligations, we can not afford to pay several thousands of dollars extra to book Haven rooms, perhaps one day that will be different. We don't expect white glove treatment, we are very casual people. We do however expect polite, respectful and friendly crew no matter how much our cruise cost.( Many were great , but many were not)  We want decent, correct and timely service in restaurants. We want to breathe clean air. We want to be able to play and get drink service in the casino. We DON'T want to see extremely drunk people doing extremely rude things in public or see people blatantly breaking ship rules and having it ignored. I guess I'm just weird that way with my cruise vacation expectations. 

 

Like I stated in title of this thread, this was my OPINION and it was MY experience, no matter what anyone else's opinion is of how I choose to cruise. Having conversed with Liz a bit on here, we MAY consider a longer, more costly cruise in the future so that we can avoid the riffraff...which in turn may result in a better experience with a less weary and jaded crew as well. 

 

 

 

 

[newmexicoNita]

17 hours ago, MrMike45 said:

With all due respect...you booked a balcony guarantee room, without taking any perks, to save money.  Which I am sure was a very good deal price wise for you.  That got you on the ship, and everything included for free with your cruise.  

 

Complaining about nickles and dimes you seems to counter your frugal room choice.  You did not have to do any of that.  You knew doing so would cost a fee.  You started your review saying the money you saved on the room would counter any you spent on drinks/meals.  

 

 Other lines are more all inclusive...and more expensive.  Or, you could have included those options (drink package, dining package) when booking your room with NCL at a much more expensive rate than what you chose.  Can't have it both ways.

 

You want more, have to pay more.  Be in as add-ons/fees, etc with NCL, or part of the cost of the room when you book with Royal.  Same thing/different wording-names 

Mike, I totally agree This is not to put down the OPs review or how she feels by any means But with today's pricing choices, you are going to more or less get what you pay for and if you choose the lowest possible you will get the lowest possible. this is why so many of us do not take the sail away pricing. Using the perk package one can almost get off the ship with only owing the gratuities. In fact on our last cruise we were lucky enough to have some OBC and our DSC was a perk. We ended up having trouble spending all our OBC and left the ship with no charges. I do realize this is an exceptional situation and it will never happen to us again, but it did happen.  

[newmexicoNita]

17 hours ago, FPJC03 said:

Mr Mike45 - couldn't have said it better! While I respect everyone's critique and honest reviews, looking at CC is like Olympic scoring - you throw out the highest and lowest scores and make up your own mind as to what is the most important part of a cruise and go with that line and ship that fulfills those priorities the most. Many people believe that the upgrade fairy will grant them a huge upgrade for next to nothing. Some posters will fib a bit to get their point across. My philosophy is that every vacation is special and different and I want to get the best service and cabin location that I can reasonably afford. So if by going from a mini-suite to Haven is available for $500/pp, then I will spring for it. As others have said, flying first class or coach gets you to the destination at the same time, but with different comfort levels. So you make your choices and accept it as it is..l

outstanding comments; we usually do about the same; take reviews, regardless of what is being reviewed with a grain of salt: some are too negative, some to positive; concentrate on the middle and what is important to you. 

[rwf1]

15 hours ago, BlueWaterBaby said:

 This is the only time we have ever booked a sale away rate and we did it expressly to see if there would be a difference in experience/cost one way or the other, we realized from the start it could maybe end up costing us more (It did not)

 

I had several complaints about my most recent cruise experience, the nickel and diming was only one of them. We sailed the Epic last year for seven nights with all the free at sea "perks" so it was a fair comparison to ship size, duration, Caribbean etc.  this year with us sailing the Getaway but at sale away pricing. 

 

We encountered the same irritating issues last year, only this year they were even worse as far as the crew attitudes and base behavior by other cruisers. I'm sure that would not have been any different had we prepaid a bunch of gratuities on "free" perks. I would gladly pay more for a better experience but I've lost faith in NCL. I don't want to keep giving them more and more money as service dwindles. Because I have to fly outside the US several times a year for family obligations, we can not afford to pay several thousands of dollars extra to book Haven rooms, perhaps one day that will be different. We don't expect white glove treatment, we are very casual people. We do however expect polite, respectful and friendly crew no matter how much our cruise cost.( Many were great , but many were not)  We want decent, correct and timely service in restaurants. We want to breathe clean air. We want to be able to play and get drink service in the casino. We DON'T want to see extremely drunk people doing extremely rude things in public or see people blatantly breaking ship rules and having it ignored. I guess I'm just weird that way with my cruise vacation expectations. 

 

Like I stated in title of this thread, this was my OPINION and it was MY experience, no matter what anyone else's opinion is of how I choose to cruise. Having conversed with Liz a bit on here, we MAY consider a longer, more costly cruise in the future so that we can avoid the riffraff...which in turn may result in a better experience with a less weary and jaded crew as well. 

 

 

 

 

BlueWaterBaby:

Do you mind sharing some of the inappropriate/drunken behavior you experienced?  I continue to debate whether or not we will cancel our Escape cruise next June due to reports like this.

 

By the way, I appreciated your honest review.  I want to know what people have experienced. The Good, the Bad, and the Really Bad.

 

Like you, I have done a lot of research in order to prepare for our cruise.  I want to know ahead of time the things that will bother us so that we are not surprised (smoky atrium, for instance). However, it is a gamble whether or not the things that bother you will merely be annoyances, or issues that significantly detract from your vacation. It seems you have reached this point with NCL.

 

I also know that we could have a bad experience on any cruise line, or any vacation for that matter.  Every trip is somewhat of a gamble. I am just trying to decided if our upcoming cruise is worth the gamble.

 

We travel as a family and a more luxury line is not really the best fit for us right now. The Escape really has the best combination of activities for us. 

[BlueWaterBaby]

1 hour ago, rwf1 said:

BlueWaterBaby:

Do you mind sharing some of the inappropriate/drunken behavior you experienced?  I continue to debate whether or not we will cancel our Escape cruise next June due to reports like this.

 

By the way, I appreciated your honest review.  I want to know what people have experienced. The Good, the Bad, and the Really Bad.

 

Like you, I have done a lot of research in order to prepare for our cruise.  I want to know ahead of time the things that will bother us so that we are not surprised (smoky atrium, for instance). However, it is a gamble whether or not the things that bother you will merely be annoyances, or issues that significantly detract from your vacation. It seems you have reached this point with NCL.

 

I also know that we could have a bad experience on any cruise line, or any vacation for that matter.  Every trip is somewhat of a gamble. I am just trying to decided if our upcoming cruise is worth the gamble.

 

We travel as a family and a more luxury line is not really the best fit for us right now. The Escape really has the best combination of activities for us. 

 

 I hesitate to post in this public form the one thing that disturbed me the most. I can't blame NCL for the behavior of drunk people, I can and do blame them for not containing and diffusing the situation. I do think NCL are chasing a certain demographic with their "free" drink promotion, and unfortunately it appears to me, to be working. I tried to send you a private message with details but I haven't posted enough yet  to have those privileges.  

 

Just like me, people had paid (what they could  afford) for their vacation and they deserved to have fun the way they wanted to. I am fully aware that I am a middle aged person with a much lower tolerance then I used to have for witnessing drunken shenanigans. I'm am capable of removing myself from situations I don't enjoy, that's what we did. 

 

What I will say, is, that if you have children in your group, or older folks with a sense of propriety,  you will probably want to avoid the atrium during some of the ship endorsed activities...  I am NOT a prude,  what I saw was inappropriate for the venue and it was not stopped. If it had of been a man that pushed down that woman instead of another woman, I wonder if they would have stopped it... that's all the details I will give here.

 

I am sure many smokers respect the smoking "laws" on the ship.... MANY do not. I saw a lot of smoking where smoking should not be. Twice we ended up with cigarette butts on our balcony. We do not smoke...

 

I agree that what bothers one person, will not phase another. That's life. For me, experiencing any one of the negative issues I commented about would not have been a such problem. It was the abundance of small irritants that added up, thereby  diminishing our cruise experience. 

 

There were many aspects to the cruise that I did indeed enjoy. I tried to be fair, balanced and concise in what my experiences were. I'm a bit shocked that people here have actually said that I basically deserved a negative experience because I can't afford to purchase the luxury experience!  Mind boggling really, but I've read enough at CC that I guess I should not have been surprised. Keyboard warriors abound!

 

I hope what ever you and your family chose to do, you have an amazing vacation!

 

 

 

 

 

[rwf1]

BlueWaterBaby:  Thanks for the reply.  I really appreciate it!  I am sure we will still take our cruise.  And most likely, everything will be great and I will wonder why I was concerned.  However, I also know that the dynamic of passengers and crew on a ship can vary greatly.  Perhaps if you had cruised the week before, your experience would have been completely different. Either way, I am glad you shared your experience so that I am more aware of what can occur.

[lisakoivu]

I am so sorry that you didn't like Roatan. It is hands down my favourite Caribbean port. I've spent two weeks there on land vacations too, I just love it. If you find yourself there again, book a tour with Cleve's tours, you will not be taken ANYWHERE that has shopping and you will learn the absolutely amazing history of this island. I really hope you will give the island another chance!

[BlueWaterBaby]

On 12/22/2018 at 5:35 AM, lisakoivu said:

I am so sorry that you didn't like Roatan. It is hands down my favourite Caribbean port. I've spent two weeks there on land vacations too, I just love it. If you find yourself there again, book a tour with Cleve's tours, you will not be taken ANYWHERE that has shopping and you will learn the absolutely amazing history of this island. I really hope you will give the island another chance!

Thanks Lisa. You know, before this last cruise, Roatan was the port we were most looking forward to. We'd seen some TV shows and looked on line and saw a much different version of Roatan than what we saw when we actually got there. It was quite shocking and I was so saddened to see some of the things we saw. I am glad to hear that a much more positive experience can indeed be had on the island. Thank you for your suggestion. If we ever do end up going back to Roatan I will look into your suggestion. Appreciate the advice! 

[my3sonsnj]

On 12/19/2018 at 2:35 PM, robinpow said:

. 

 

For smokers it was hell on water! Between the ship layout and heavy restrictions sets up an issue for smokers and non-smoker to butt heads! Only four places to smoke on the whole ship, and only one if it’s raining (not counting the tiny corner of the casino). Not near enough space, not convenient,  and pretty much sucked.  The old way of having port side for smokers was much better. Heck we weren’t even allowed to smoke in the cigar bar! 

 

New smoking restrictions . . . 

 

Hi, wondering if you could update where the designated smoking areas are now on the Getaway for my spreadsheet? https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IwhHuxFGVf8GRxIe1V30Bj0elmkPLRuQUxOpmI8LiFE/edit?usp=sharing

 

Also, could you elaborate on NCL's new smoking restrictions since their policy has not been updated in close to 5 years on the NCL website.

 

Thanks so much!

[Sand and Seas]

Thanks for sharing your review with us!  

It's been a couple of years since we were on the Getaway but we are now scheduled to be on her next year in an extended balcony on deck 8.   Nice to hear that you enjoyed your balcony. 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

On 12/21/2018 at 9:50 AM, rwf1 said:

Do you mind sharing some of the inappropriate/drunken behavior you experienced?  I continue to debate whether or not we will cancel our Escape cruise next June due to reports like this.

we were on the Getaway last week, doing the same itinerary, and honestly - I personally didn't see a single drunk person.

I have found other rather unpleasant things about the ship (like smoke that seemed to be everywhere and inferior food), but no drunken people.

We did enjoy the cruise, and I'll be writing a review shortly. :)

[zqvol]

I was on the Getaway the same week as OP, and had a completely different experience and am in the same demographic as OP. I did not see any drunks anywhere on the ship at any time.

 

It is a shame that the Op stuck to the buffet. The service in the MR's was exceptional. No problem with drink refills, or sow service. The worse problem was the table next to us one night was full of loud mouths who did not know how to behave and all appeared to be well north of 50.

 

The weather was not the best for four of our days (both sea days, plus Roatan, and Harvest Caye) but that is not in NCL's control, and nether are the complaints about the ports.

 

IMO OP would be better off on the luxury lines, but having ailed them as often as I have NCL, I'm not sure that they would satisfy OP.

 

 

[FPJC03]

Agree with Zqvol that if you are seeking a calmer quieter cruise, then Celebrity, HAL and Regent or Crystal is the way to go. Have sailed on 3 of 4 of them and can tell you that the experience is quite enjoyable and luxurious. Celebrity and Holland are about the same price range of NCL and Royal but the demographics are older and calmer. But as many have said, the crowd can vary according to the seasons and itinerary. MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL.

[robinpow]

On 12/24/2018 at 9:07 AM, my3sonsnj said:

Hi, wondering if you could update where the designated smoking areas are now on the Getaway for my spreadsheet? https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IwhHuxFGVf8GRxIe1V30Bj0elmkPLRuQUxOpmI8LiFE/edit?usp=sharing

 

Also, could you elaborate on NCL's new smoking restrictions since their policy has not been updated in close to 5 years on the NCL website.

 

Thanks so much!

Very restricted!

Back left corner of casino, and only if active on a machine. 

8 port side mid ship, outside bar, has several stools and a couple of tables. Limited protection from rain. However if you get there before 8am, you might luck out and get coffee!

16 aft starboard side bar. Has tables and chairs, no protection from weather.

Dec 15 mid ship, the big hot plexiglass box. 30 chairs, 4 tiny cocktail tables and horrible acoustics! 

Thats it! Can’t even smoke in the cigar bar anymore.

Simply not enough accommodations for the amount of smokers. 

 

Hope me this helps.

[Trimone]

On 12/23/2018 at 2:49 PM, BlueWaterBaby said:

Thanks Lisa. You know, before this last cruise, Roatan was the port we were most looking forward to. We'd seen some TV shows and looked on line and saw a much different version of Roatan than what we saw when we actually got there. It was quite shocking and I was so saddened to see some of the things we saw. I am glad to hear that a much more positive experience can indeed be had on the island. Thank you for your suggestion. If we ever do end up going back to Roatan I will look into your suggestion. Appreciate the advice! 

Thank you for a great review, we are trying smaller ships from now on, or at least until our cruise now vouchers are used up, I see similar issues to you on larger ships, however the Epic was fine in Europe.

We try to cruise twice a year, we plan, save and make holidays something to remember, when it’s not perfect, we know it’s not our fault, some posters on here just accept this happens, and defend NCL to the hilt, we have very little holiday time and we expect our cruise to be perfect.

We meet cruisers from all cruise lines on a daily basis in our business, and hear horror stories of them all, however one thing they all seem to be looking forward to is Virgin arrival, maybe that might make cruise companies think again.

[my3sonsnj]

6 hours ago, robinpow said:

Very restricted!

Back left corner of casino, and only if active on a machine. 

8 port side mid ship, outside bar, has several stools and a couple of tables. Limited protection from rain. However if you get there before 8am, you might luck out and get coffee!

16 aft starboard side bar. Has tables and chairs, no protection from weather.

Dec 15 mid ship, the big hot plexiglass box. 30 chairs, 4 tiny cocktail tables and horrible acoustics! 

Thats it! Can’t even smoke in the cigar bar anymore.

Simply not enough accommodations for the amount of smokers. 

 

Hope me this helps.

Thanks so much! I have updated the spreadsheet to include your information. It is very much appreciated!

 

Do you know if the Vibe still has a designated smoking area?  

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IwhHuxFGVf8GRxIe1V30Bj0elmkPLRuQUxOpmI8LiFE/edit?usp=sharing

[myjillian]

First of all, we have been cruising to Roatan for over a decade.  When we go we bring a suitcase for $tree items for the orphanage there.  We met Andrew as our "walking guide" when he was only 8 yrs old.  Over the years we have met his grandmother and other family members.  We have seen his neighborhood have paved roads and his house go from almost cardboard to tin.  The last time we saw him was 2 yrs ago and he was covered with mud because he was helping the neighbors dig a house out of a mud landslide from the top of a hill.  People ask us all the time why we like to go back to some ports and we say it's to make friends.  We have taken Andrew and his cousin on snorkeling trips etc.  The locals can't always afford to do the things that the "tourists" do. Sometimes it's much more rewarding to not do "tourist " things.  Most Caribbean beaches are the same...the food and drinks are too.  For the price of a drink you can buy a family 10lbs of rice.  For those of you who complain about being ripped off etc....try a different approach in visiting the Islands.  

[Linda the Book Lover]

Thank you for your review. Everyone has a different experience and no two people will see or hear the exact same thing. We have sailed to Roatan and Costa Maya on NCL a few times. We booked private excursions and had a great time. Unfortunately, sometimes all things do not go to plan. We went to Belize (pre-Harvest Caye) one time and by the time we reached Belize even with priority we missed the ferry and another one left too late. We said forget about it and found a place to have drinks and walked around a bit. In our years of cruising, we definitely had disappointments and even a canceled cruise by NCL. My DD likes NCL and we recently sailed on POA and I went with low expectations (based on some CC review) and I have to say it was a great cruise. We will be sailing on the Getaway next year, so I enjoy reviews and will make up my mind when we sail. The DH and I have switched to MSC but based on my POA I am now open to sailing on NCL again.