NCL Getaway July 9-16, 2022-H9-Live w/pics

[graphicguy]

I’ll have service/tipping, bars and entertainment thoughts coming soon…..

[graphicguy]

SERVICE/TIPPING

 

As you would imagine, service in the Haven is exemplary.  I NEVER waited more than a couple of minutes to be seated in the Haven Restaurant.  The Haven bartenders are the best on the ship (almost, which I'll talk about in a moment).  The cabin stewards are also the best on the ship.  Even at the pool, the wait staff was always around if you ever wanted a drink, an extra towel, etc.

 

However, I spent more time outside the Haven than I did inside.  I favored the outside bars along the WATERFRONT.  That's where I met "DANG" (short for his real name, which I can't pronounce and certainly, can't spell).  He was the main bartender at the Sunset Bar, right outside of Syd Normans.  I went there before dinners and shows and after the shows.  On sea days, I hung out there to meet up with the new cruise friends I had met.  The Haven Bar was the "hangout" before being escorted to the shows (where yes, we had priority seating) and to meet up with my "Haven Friends".  But, Sunset was outside, which given the warm weather, was great.

 

DANG was a Haven Bartender at one point.  But, he chose to go back to the Sunset Bar given the wider array of passengers he could interface with and the change of scenery he had every day.  His bartending skills showed how I could imagine him being a Haven Bartender.  He was VERY GOOD.  Anyone who is going on any upcoming Getaway cruises, look him up at the Sunset Bar.  Also, ask him to make a "DANGALICIOUS" or a "DANGALANG" for you.  Great drinks.

 

Everyone else, from the staff at the specialty restaurants to the staff at the Garden Cafe Buffet were glad to assist and help.  

 

Not really a "gotcha", but I'll note it anyway.  Haven guests have a Butler.  For me, I don't require much.  I didn't have any meals served in my suite.  I didn't ask for anything at all, really.  He introduced himself the first day, and I didn't see him again.  Not an issue, as I wasn't looking for him, either.  I knew he stopped by, as there were "treats" dropped off to the room every day.  Aside from that, I had forgotten what he looked like.....

 

UNTIL....the last day of the cruise.  He made it a point to "run into me" several times outside of my cabin.

 

This is where the tipping discussion starts.  Again, he seemed to be a nice person.  I'm sure he was pleasant enough.  And maybe it was a coincidence he hovered around my cabin on the last day.  I doubt it, but maybe.  

 

Here's the thing.  Regardless of how they're compensated, if you don't do anything for me, and I don't require anything of you, I do not feel the least bit obligated to tip you, which I didn't.

 

My cabin steward?  Different story.  I saw her several times a day. She was in and out of my cabin every day, giving me extra towels, picking up and delivering my laundry.  She knew when I left (and would hurry to clean my cabin) and when I returned.  Sometimes, I would leave for just 45 minutes, sure enough, my cabin would be clean when I got back.  She was excellent.

 

TIPPING....

 

-Butler I tipped nothing as noted.  Had I asked him to do something for me, different story.

-Cabin Steward I tipped $50.  If my GF had been with me, it would have been $100.

-Concierge I tipped $50, again if my GF had been with me, it would have been $100.  There wasn't a restaurant he couldn't get me into at the time I wanted.  He was there to escort me onto the ship and off the ship (bypassing all the lines).  He was there to escort me to the entertainment venues and seated me in the best seats in the house.  He took care of the billing issues (mostly just getting my Latitudes discounts applied.

-DANG-Sunset Bar I tipped $1/drink.  Madi, the Haven Bartender I tipped $1/drink

-the Haven Hostess I tipped $25.

-Haven Waitstaff I tipped $50 but gave it to the concierge to hand to whomever distributes it.

-There is a note at the bottom of every receipt I got from the Specialty Restaurants (why I needed a receipt, I don't know since it was no charge) that states a 20% tip was included in the dinner.  I'm good with that. I tip that at home.

 

I've seen those who argue against tipping.  And, I've read where some tip crazy amounts (if they're to be believed). I tip what I feel it's worth.  I advise everyone else do the same and not follow ANY recommendations you might read here.

 

Edited July 17, 2022 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

[LisaDee]

14 hours ago, graphicguy said:

He was there to escort me to the entertainment venues and seated me in the best seats in the house.

Does this include seating at Syd’s?  Your description of the evening entertainment there has me very excited for our October Getaway cruise.

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, LisaDee said:

Does this include seating at Syd’s?  Your description of the evening entertainment there has me very excited for our October Getaway cruise.

Yes....we would be escorted the "back way" into Syd's.  While there was a line in front, we would get front row seats.  Granted, we had to be there 45 minutes before the show.  But, we would have cocktails amongst ourselves to pass the time quickly.

 

That offers a good segue.....

Edited July 18, 2022 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

ENTERTAINMENT...

 

Quite simply, the best entertainment at sea.  That includes the what I saw on Royal and Celebrity cruises I've sailed in the last year.

 

The entertainers all remind me of the fact that if they ever chose an entertainment career on land, they'd be on Broadway or Vegas.

 

I'll speak mainly about the shows...

 

Million Dollar Quartet...as mentioned, no pics were allowed, so I didn't take any.  And, I've seen the show before (also on NCL).  High energy, good story (and true to boot), supremely talented entertainers.

 

Just a rousing good time could be had at Syd's.  The group who I've posted pics about just looked like they really loved what they were doing.  Their show changed from night to night and had a different theme.  But, most of it was centered right in the wheel house of my teen years.  But, I saw a significant amount of current teens at the show enjoying them as well.  From the singers to the players, again, probably all could front their own bands and be highly successful based on their level of talent, alone.

 

NCL puts special emphasis on their entertainment, and it shows.  They don't skimp on it.

 

The rest?  Trivia in the atrium is, well.....trivia.   Pretty tough to screw that up.

 

Late nights at Spice H20 were fun.  If you're looking for rowdy, that's where you want to be late at night (morning?).

 

Kibitzing with my fellow Haven-ites at the Haven bar was always fun, too.  But, the venue closed at 11:00 p.m.  The bartenders would not leave until we did, though.  So, sometimes 11:30.

 

Sunset Bar was always my last stop, though.  It was great, seeing the moon light up the water, feeling the warm breeze, hearing the ship cut quietly through the water while sipping on a Buffalo Trace before heading (zig-zagging?) back to my cabin for the night.

 

But, I get into a rhythm of a cruise. I have my own "likes".    Some liked the Sugarcane Mojito bar.  I can see that.  Some liked hanging at O'Sheehans.  I get that, too.  Point is, if you can't find a way to have a good time at the venues on the Getaway, the issue isn't with the ship.

[graphicguy]

CASINO....in brief, I got crushed.  That's OK.  I didn't bring anything I wasn't prepared to lose.  

 

Smoking is something that needs to be addressed on NCL's older ships.  In the casino, there were times I just had to leave and quit gambling because I could not handle it.

 

Guests on the ship, make the ship.  I ran into some in the casino that I enjoyed playing with (mostly craps table, 3 card poker and BlackJack).  But, as I pointed to earlier, my favorite game is Hold'Em.  And, I love to play in cash games.  

 

Mentioned earlier, there was a sphincter who was always at the Hold'em table.  Why he played is beyond me.  He did not like the NCL house rules, he criticized everyone's play at the table (which, in addition to being really irritating, drained him of his chip stack pretty quickly), and was generally just a miserable person.  Finally, I quit playing early on the cruise.

 

Saw him sitting by himself with the dealer at the Hold'em table the last couple of nights.  Looks like they couldn't get enough people to play.  Wonder why?

 

Still, the casino is part of my entertainment.  And, while I hate losing, I still mostly had fun.

[workingmom200112]

On 7/17/2022 at 8:51 AM, graphicguy said:

LOL….when I was checking all the cabin closets when packing to leave, I found the nylon laundry bag that I could have used for my dirty laundry when I sent it out.  My oversight.  Should have looked a little harder.  Too bad I found it the last day of the cruise.

 

 

This is good news!  LOL  🙂

[graphicguy]

Someone asked about the Haven compared to Celebrity's Retreat.

 

That's a tough one.  They're both very good.  The two cruise lines just go about it differently.

 

Celebrity's Retreat is a reflection of their passengers.  That is, older and more accustomed to being hand held.  The Retreat is DEAD by 9:00 p.m.  The Haven bar is just waking up at 8:00-ish.

 

The Haven pool, bar and restaurant are all in the same general vicinity, grouped together.  The Retreat's pool, bar and Luminae Restaurant are separate from the Retreat Lounge.

 

Service?  Both are good.  In Celebrity's Retreat, there are concierges.  But, you will interface with your Personal Retreat Host (PRH) the most.  The PRH is a hybrid Butler and Concierge.  Mine were always around my cabin.  How they knew where I'd be, when I'd be there is something of a minor miracle. But, they handled my reservations, my billing issues, getting my laundry delivered, my room service requests, etc.

 

What they didn't do (and the Haven Concierge could do, on a consistent basis) is get me a reservation in an alleged sold out restaurant.  Or, escort me to the best seats in the house for entertainment.  It always seemed like the Haven Concierge was able to work miracles for me.  

 

The big difference though, was the way the Butler and Concierges in the Haven (and all ship crew) treated tipping.  In some subtle, (and sometimes not so subtle ways), the Haven personnel made it known they rely on tips.  Tips are included on Celebrity's Retreat (and all over the ship).  Now, did that preclude me from tipping more in the Retreat?  Nope.  My PRHs went over and above.  I tipped them even more.  

 

My example of the Haven Butler not being required by me, but hovering around for a tip the last day of the cruise is a perfect example.  I knew what he wanted.  He didn't have to ask.  He just didn't do anything for me the entire cruise to justify it.

 

The physical spaces?  I was in Sky Suites on my Celebrity cruises.  Very nice suites and probably some of the coolest suites I've stayed in on ANY ship.  My bed faced the balcony.  And, I could open my drapes, in bed, from my iPhone, using the app.  That is just too cool.  Like my Spa Suite on the Getaway, the Sky Suite was separated from the Retreat Lounge.  

 

Both are key card entry only.

 

My Haven Spa suite was maybe 2 minutes from the Haven Bar and Restaurant, though.  And, it was even closer to the Spa, which I really liked.

 

Is one better than the other?  Flip a coin.  I'd gladly sail in either, to anywhere, at any time.

 

 

[Red-Sol]

Sounds like you had a really pleasurable cruise cruise @graphicguy Happy for you! We haven't done the Getawy yet but will be in January out of NYC. I very much appreciate you taking us along for your adventure. Getting mad at Corporate can be very easy at times. Missing the vibe of  an NCL cruise is very hard! 😉

[graphicguy]

PORTS/EXCURSIONS...

 

I really liked the ports on this cruise.  I didn't use any of the ship's excursions and preferred to go it alone.  DR was a beach day for me.  I found one off the beaten path.  Set up my towel.  Got a book and "hung out".  Not for long, as it was hotter than Hades.  But, enjoyed the water.

 

NCL's private island, Great Stirrup Cay  (GSC) was quite nice.  Again, just kind of wandered about.  Nice beach area.  Nice buffet and bar area.  I found a lounger.  Parked myself with my book.  Hit the water every once in a while, and generally just enjoyed the few hours I stayed.  Never wanted for anything to eat or drink while I was there.

 

The jewel port, at least for me, was Puerto Rico (PR).  I hadn't been there since well before the devastating hurricane 4-5 years ago.  You can still see some of the beautiful island's scars. But, I just went off ship and found a tour bus for $25 that took us to the Fort, Old San Juan, new San Juan and the shopping areas.  I got off in new San Juan/Shopping areas to explore.  I found a hole in the wall restaurant that had the best seafood tacos I've ever had.  Plus, I was able to wander around the Fort and other areas on my own.

 

Icing on the cake, I was able to spread some dollars to my fellow Americans, who showed their resolve by rebuilding their island.  Tour guide said he was without power for 2 months, and that some, who live in the more remote mountain regions, had to abandon their homes because they still don't have power.

 

San Juan is beautiful.  That beauty is only exceeded by the beauty of its people.

[graphicguy]

Well....that's it.

 

I hope I was able to help some.  Maybe provide a little insight to what I consider one of NCL's best class of ship.  

 

I think (fingers crossed) I got to everyone's questions.  If not, ask away.

 

Would I do it again?  You ask me to leave this afternoon, I just finished my last cruise laundry.  I'll pack right now and head to the airport within an hour.

 

I do love the Encore, and it's great views for Alaska.  But, the Away ships have never ever disappointed me.  Matter of fact, they're probably my favorite NCL ships.

 

In the end, it's about the friends I made on this ship.  Whether crew or fellow passengers, we all were drawn together in rounds of laughter and camaraderie.    Surrounded by beauty and big fun.  And, that is what makes any cruise the best (until the next one).

 

If the GF ever gets motivated, she's looking at a Celebrity Cruise out of LA in October in a Sky Suite.  We'll see.

[Travelicious]

Thanks for another great review!

[GALSews]

18 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

 

 

 

Thanks again for letting us follow. We've been on 3 of the BA/BA+ ships. Escape twice. The first time was with the artist AND Ph. D marine biologist who designed her hull art. Would love the opportunity to another sailing with him as Dr. Harvey is very interesting when it comes to marine biology, Plus we got to watch him great a painting which was available for sale the last sea day of the cruise. 

 

I'm hoping I can organize a family cruise to Alaska on the Encore in '24. Your article gives us things to consider.

 

Thanks,

 

 

[Skeletor77]

Thanks @graphicguy for sharing your experience.  My wife and I will be in 14142 on the Getaway for the 15-22 October cruise to celebrate our 20th Anniversary! Your posts really got us looking forward to  The Haven, the Thermal Suite, and all the amazing entertainment options on board. We've been in The Haven on the Epic several years ago, but this will be our first time on the Getaway. This cruise will put us at Platinum with NCL as well, which we're happy about for future cruises.

 

Best regards!

[graphicguy]

25 minutes ago, Skeletor77 said:

Thanks @graphicguy for sharing your experience.  My wife and I will be in 14142 on the Getaway for the 15-22 October cruise to celebrate our 20th Anniversary! Your posts really got us looking forward to  The Haven, the Thermal Suite, and all the amazing entertainment options on board. We've been in The Haven on the Epic several years ago, but this will be our first time on the Getaway. This cruise will put us at Platinum with NCL as well, which we're happy about for future cruises.

 

Best regards!

You'll be exactly on the other side of the elevators from where I stayed (14742).  Should be identical cabin to mine and location distance the same, except on the other side.  Have fun!

[SenatorsFan]

Thanks for another great review! I've sailed twice on the lovely Getaway and your non-Haven pictures brought back great memories. Syd Norman's Pour House wasn't there yet, but we always enjoyed Sugarcane Mojito and loved the Waterfront.

[JIMESOPUS]

@graphicguy Thanks again for the " virtual cruise ". We might have had the same butler, we had an HI cabin on deck #14, first time we met him was on day #3 and then on day #6, the cabin steward did everything for us, even dropped off the snack's.

 

Edited July 18, 2022 by JIMESOPUS

[wasidremin]

So overall I was pretty disappointed in the live music on the ship but it sounds like it was there just not where I could get to it (Syd Normans).  I think NCL could do a better job with there entertainment locations.  A lot of what was in the atrium should have been moved to a larger venue and Syds was great but it is waaaaaay to small.  

[graphicguy]

4 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

@graphicguy Thanks again for the " virtual cruise ". We might have had the same butler, we had an HI cabin on deck #14, first time we met him was on day #3 and then on day #6, the cabin steward did everything for us, even dropped off the snack's.

 

So welcome!  My cabin steward was on top of everything, all the time….to the point I never needed my Butler!

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, wasidremin said:

So overall I was pretty disappointed in the live music on the ship but it sounds like it was there just not where I could get to it (Syd Normans).  I think NCL could do a better job with there entertainment locations.  A lot of what was in the atrium should have been moved to a larger venue and Syds was great but it is waaaaaay to small.  

Entertainment was highlighted in the planner.  So, you had to get to Syd’s early to get a seat.  I had no issue in the main theater for Million Dollar Quartet.  The band on GSC was very good, too.  It was open air, too.

 

I missed JUNK, Howl at the Moon and Burn the Floor.

 

Lots of venues for live music!

Edited July 19, 2022 by graphicguy

[Shidah]

Thank you so much for taking the time to take us along with you!  Looking forward to my August Getaway cruise more than ever now!

[cruiseny4life]

8 hours ago, Shidah said:

Thank you so much for taking the time to take us along with you!  Looking forward to my August Getaway cruise more than ever now!

I echo these thanks and can't wait for my August Getaway either! @Shidah, we're on the August 29th sailing out of NYC.

 

@graphicguy I knew your live would be worthwhile (and make me envious)...you did both! Thanks for sharing everything - I may have found a couple new places to hit up (Syd Normal's) when I board.

 

Hope you get those land legs back shortly.

[graphicguy]

2 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I echo these thanks and can't wait for my August Getaway either! @Shidah, we're on the August 29th sailing out of NYC.

 

@graphicguy I knew your live would be worthwhile (and make me envious)...you did both! Thanks for sharing everything - I may have found a couple new places to hit up (Syd Normal's) when I board.

 

Hope you get those land legs back shortly.

Awww...thank you!  Always happy to provide info that might help.

[TenForward]

Thanks for the great review.  I love the away ships as well.  Will be on the Getaway for New Year's Eve.  Sounds like you had a great time.  Heading out on the Joy next week to hold me over until December!