We will never go on the Getaway again. We have cruised a lot (Platinum members) and normally I do not comment about the cruise, but this was the worst designed ship that we have sailed on.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The ship holds 4000 passengers. The main dining room was small and there was always a waiting line. The 2nd day we got there when they opened at 5:00. We were seated at 5:15 and we did not see our waiter until 5:45. That evening took over 2 1/2 hrs. They blamed the wait on the older generation traveling on the ship, but I would say that excuse would not apply if you get there when they open.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
No problem with the fitness center. Plenty of machines. No waiting here.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Again you had 4000 people on board and a theater that held about 800. For Million Dollar Quartet, we arrived 20 minutes before the show and it was standing room only. Because of the limited seating we had to arrive 1 hr. early which was impossible since it took 2 plus hours in the main dining. Other venues held a small number of people, so we stood a lot or left. The Atrium was used for some entertainment. It is small and had 40 to 50 chairs. Again standing room only. Entertainment in bars were packed. The Getaway was poorly redesigned. A lot of the upper decks were restricted for Haven passengers.
Children's Programs
There were 8 children on board.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Our steward was great. I think many of the ship's employees were frustrated. It appeared to all the passengers we spoke with that NCL has cut back on employees.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
Worst design every! No seating. No quiet areas to read ( They did open Cagney's one day but also had beginners bridge there). Not enough seats in the theater, lounges, and dining areas. It seemed that a lot of the staff worked extra hours to keep it clean. It seemed that the captain was apologizing a lot over the loud speaker.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our steward, Harvy did a great job. He worked from 7 in the morning to about 9 at night everyday. No problems with the room.
Ship tip
Run. Don't book this ship. I never will again and I am a Platinum member.
Friendliest towns were visited. Volunteers from the towns were everywhere to assist you. A cannon was fired 3 times as we left as a salute. They were glad to see the cruise ships.
Captain claimed that was the first time in 18 yrs. that he did not make a port. We went thru Hurricane Pablo and Cyclone Rebekka before and after this port.
After missing Ponta Delgada, Azores and 7 days at sea, everyone was eager to get off the ship. Long lines were followed by another apology by the Captain.
4000 passengers had to endure long lines and frustration to get off then back on the boat. The food lines on Stirrup Cay took about 20 minutes. Captain apologized again and blamed it on the fact another NCL cruise ship got there first and were using the large tenders.
This should not be listed as a stop. Immigration and Customs required everyone to get off the ship for a face to face interview with all passengers (7:30 a.m. start) and crew (4:30 a.m. start), and we were schedule to meet at 9:30 to 10:30. Once the ship was totally empty, the port authority did an inspection of the ship. There is no where to go at this port without doing an excursion. Excursions got back at 12:30 and the ship was suppose to leave at 1:30. All 4000 passengers boarded at 2:30. Ship left the port about 2 hrs. late. Since no one had eaten and most of the restaurants were closed or had long lines, we ended up skipping our lunch. Again, another apology from the Captain while blaming Customs.
No excursions. Ready to get out of there! We have been there before. New Orleans is a fun port with a lot of history. Morning of disembarkation, another apology by the Captain over the loud speaker.
We decided to self assist and walk off. Once we were cleared we took our bags and got into another long line to exit the ship. We had decided to drive back home. No one at the port could tell us where the rental car shuttles pick up passenger. We finally walked dragging our luggage3 blocks to the Hilton to pick up the rental.
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