NCL Getaway Live Journey - 9/3 - 9/12

[cruiseny4life]

21 hours ago, WorkingForOBC said:

Is that an elusive picture of you and your husband? Looking good!

Thankfully, I showed him the post after the edit period was over. I almost thought he was going to make me self-report my own post!

[cruiseny4life]

One day's worth of snacks....good lord, folks, I can barely stand up as it is!

 

[cruiseny4life]

Day 8 Freestyle:

 

 

 

 

[ChiefMateJRK]

46 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

I likely won't go to another though. 

You're right there with me. 😎

Edited September 10, 2022 by ChiefMateJRK

[The Shrike]

5 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

One day's worth of snacks....good lord, folks, I can barely stand up as it is!

 

Yep, we learned our lesson our first time in the Haven.  We now tell the butler on the first day that we don't want any cookies or cakes for the snacks; a small amount of fruit, cheese, and crackers is sufficient...or the hors d'oeuvre plate, if that's what the kitchen has put together.

[cruiseny4life]

This week, all types of breakfast potatoes seem to be by request only. We already know hash browns are out, but the last three days, unless specifically requested, country potatoes did not show up either. Sometimes it took a couple of reminders to get them. This is not normal in the Haven, so I'm thinking they are rationing potatoes. 

 

This morning, we both asked for (and the server confirmed) country potatoes. As you can see, there are none on our plates. I suppose my husband was just in the mood for a giant protein plate! They did show up after a second request. 

 

Even though the potatoes are tricky to receive, service and food quality is still very good! There are many reasons to love the Haven!

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

I saw a recent post about what ladies should/could wear on an eleven day cruise, so figured I would show folks what I have worn on this nine day cruise. I bet you'll be surprised....or, not! I will also add that we discussed participating in the $29/bag deal, then forgot to use it, so no laundry has been done on the cruise.

 

For the thermal suite, beaches, and Haven Courtyard, my outfit is this pair of shorts:

 

 

Here's my fancy dress which was worn to the captain's cocktail party and to the casino for our slot pull, plus a few other random times:

 

 

And the rest of the time, including all meals in the Haven Restaurant and La Cucina. I also wore these outfits to Million Dollar Quartet and Broadway Unplugged.

 

 

 

 

 

I did mix and match all clothes, so it's not like I wore these clothes only with each other. I had four shorts and pants, plus four tops. As for undies, well. I packed five pairs, but have only used two. Oftentimes it's commando anyway as I'm wearing those blue shorts in some form of water. I've used two pairs of socks as I've worn sneakers only three times. The rest of the time it's my flippie floppies, and yes, that includes to dinner and shows.

 

I have never felt cleaner though! I take at least three to four showers a day to cool down after the sauna, rime in the sun, or lounging on the balcony. 

 

I hope this helps everyone understand how few clothes you actually need to pack, even for a nine day Haven cruise. As I look around at fellow guests, they are re-wearing their clothes as well. Most clothing I see in the Haven are shorts and t-shirts. Outside the Haven are a few super dressed up people, but they are rare to encounter.

[cruiseny4life]

Day 9 Freestyle....the sad, last full day:

 

 

 

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

10 hours ago, The Shrike said:

Yep, we learned our lesson our first time in the Haven.  We now tell the butler on the first day that we don't want any cookies or cakes for the snacks; a small amount of fruit, cheese, and crackers is sufficient...or the hors d'oeuvre plate, if that's what the kitchen has put together.

I do wonder if the quantity is based on the total occupancy of the room. On our last cruise, we received normal amounts of food (still too much), but were in a Haven Penthouse, similar to the Haven Spa rooms. This time, the Aft Suite were in is rated for up to four guests, not two...but yes, we will be telling our next butler to only bring a few items...certainly not this smorgasbord, yummy as it is. 

[cruiseny4life]

It took me eight days, but I finally found the officer board! If you're boarding in the next few weeks, know that these officers will change. There will be a new captain in 2.5 weeks. The chief engineer will be going on vacation tomorrow, as well the Assistant GM. 

 

 

[dexddd]

I have not read all pages yet, but how did you get breakfast filet vs the new steak listed?

[cruiseny4life]

3 hours ago, dexddd said:

I have not read all pages yet, but how did you get breakfast filet vs the new steak listed?

You can request a filet the night before. Or, in my husband's case, you can have a standing order for filet every morning. That's how I was able to get crab cakes yesterday morning for my eggs benedict, as well. 

[cruiseny4life]

Today I tried the burger again. I was able to eat a bit more. The main point though, is I asked for Swiss Cheese. Our server came to let us know they were preparing our meal, after we had waited a while. 

 

After eating, Dusan, the Haven Restaurant Manager apologized for the wait as they had to go downstairs to get the cheese. I told him he should have just told me and I would have ordered a different cheese...anyway, the Haven did manage to serve all guests even though a runner had to go grab some Swiss Cheese for an entitled Haven passenger (you need to have read a different thread to get the joke).

[The Shrike]

9 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Today I tried the burger again. I was able to eat a bit more. The main point though, is I asked for Swiss Cheese. Our server came to let us know they were preparing our meal, after we had waited a while. 

 

After eating, Dusan, the Haven Restaurant Manager apologized for the wait as they had to go downstairs to get the cheese. I told him he should have just told me and I would have ordered a different cheese...anyway, the Haven did manage to serve all guests even though a runner had to go grab some Swiss Cheese for an entitled Haven passenger (you need to have read a different thread to get the joke).

😜

[cruiseny4life]

For those NFL fans (I haven't been one since 2003ish), I am happy to share that the Getaway has three games showing.

 

[Seas2mountains]

Thank you so much, @cruiseny4life for your wonderful live review. We appreciate  you for taking the time to share so many details, photos and the dailies. 
 

We are in NYC and ready to board the beautiful Getaway in the morning.  We will also be in the Haven. I guess if there are no hash browns, we will make do with the almond croissants in the Haven as a carb offset. 

We can’t wait to hear one of our favorite  NCL duos, Prelude Duo. 
 

We hope you have safe travels home. Do you have your next cruise booked? 

 

[cruiseny4life]

Before any more posts, the sad truth as told to me by multiple NCL staff - if you add a "gratuity" to your check when ordering a drink or a meal, the server receives nothing. Prior to tipping on paper, I was encouraged by unnamed bar tenders that they would not receive the tip. I made sure to hand out real cash tips to those that made my trip most enjoyable.

 

I'm saddened,  but not surprised, that NCL steals from their crew.

 

Here's my first Mango Madness from this cruise.

 

[cruiseny4life]

22 minutes ago, Seas2mountains said:

Thank you so much, @cruiseny4life for your wonderful live review. We appreciate  you for taking the time to share so many details, photos and the dailies. 
 

We are in NYC and ready to board the beautiful Getaway in the morning.  We will also be in the Haven. I guess if there are no hash browns, we will make do with the almond croissants in the Haven as a carb offset. 

We can’t wait to hear one of our favorite  NCL duos, Prelude Duo. 
 

We hope you have safe travels home. Do you have your next cruise booked? 

 

You are far too kind! I enjoyed sharing our journey with everyone. I'm sure I'll add more here and write a review for everyone.

 

I sure hope you get those hash browns! The almond croissant is a fine substitute though!

 

Absolutely enjoy your trip and the staff! I'll have a crew shout out later on. I have about ten minutes of internet left, so don't have time to write their kudos!

 

Hope to hear of your travels during, or after! Have a lovely time onboard!!

[Wedgie Wedgie]

4 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

For those NFL fans (I haven't been one since 2003ish), I am happy to share that the Getaway has three games showing.

 

Thanks for the NFL post. I went on a cruise out of PC on the Epic a few years ago and the 4:00 game had the Steelers on a sea day. I was in O'Sheehans and when the first game ended suddenly at least 100 Pitt fans showed up in full jersey attire. They rocked the place! The Steelers really travel well!

[cruiseny4life]

We are slowly making our way into the Hudson. Of course it's the last day which means I woke up at 3 AM. Now, I'm hoping it means I'll sleep well tonight. Gotta pay the next month's bills starting tomorrow.

 

What a glorious, foggy morning. The fog is ensuring we smell the smell of NYC before arriving. Ahh, that sweet smell of garbage, millions of swarming masses, and steamy subways.

 

[pixiedust777]

Thank you for all your posts over your cruise.

we shall be enjoying the Getaway in just a couple weeks.

The only thing I noticed is Syd Norman’s had no times in the dailies. Was it not opened in the evenings?

[shof515]

33 minutes ago, pixiedust777 said:

The only thing I noticed is Syd Norman’s had no times in the dailies. Was it not opened in the evenings?

i see the bar hours listed and they also list the entertainment that is there at night. during the day the door is always open but the venue is sometimes empty

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, pixiedust777 said:

Thank you for all your posts over your cruise.

we shall be enjoying the Getaway in just a couple weeks.

The only thing I noticed is Syd Norman’s had no times in the dailies. Was it not opened in the evenings?

Oh, it was open and super crowded! Like. Beyond crowded! Apparently the band's  contract is up today so everyone wanted to be a part of their "farewell tour."

[ggTexasGal]

11 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Before any more posts, the sad truth as told to me by multiple NCL staff - if you add a "gratuity" to your check when ordering a drink or a meal, the server receives nothing. Prior to tipping on paper, I was encouraged by unnamed bar tenders that they would not receive the tip. I made sure to hand out real cash tips to those that made my trip most enjoyable.

 

I'm saddened,  but not surprised, that NCL steals from their crew.

 

Here's my first Mango Madness from this cruise.

 

Just wondering...

Is this called a Mango Madness or Mango Meltdown?   (Likely the same thing!😁)

[cruiseny4life]

Welcome to NY! Unlike, Taylor Swift sings, it's not been waiting for you! But, still, welcome home!