NCL Getaway - Bermuda Cruise Observations (11/19/23 - 11/26/23)

 

The following are my unfiltered observations in regard to the Bermuda cruise we took on the NCL Getaway this November.  I will mention how we got around, along with options that a tourist without a car can use.  However, since my partner was injured less than an hour into the cruise, I was not able to focus much on Bermuda, save to note that the Dockyard area is a perfect place to visit if in Bermuda for a short time.

Embarkation/Settling in.

1. The check-in process for people moves quite quickly - even for people who don't have priority check-in.  However, the ship is so big, that one will get in a lot of walking before one gets to his/her cabin.
2. The cabins weren't officially available to cruisers when we boarded the ship.  Instead of waiting, we made sure that our room was ready and moved our bags to a safe place in the room.  (We were lucky not to be hassled for opening the door and walking the hall to our cabin.)

Restaurants.

1. Buffet. (Complementary).
   -  Compared to past NCL cruises, the selection did not seem as varied as in the past.
2. Savor and Taste Dining Rooms  (Complementary).
   - Service and food were acceptable, and up to NCL's usual standards.
3. Tropicana Dining Room (Complementary).
   - Service and food were acceptable, and up to NCL's usual standards.
   - 
4. Moderna Churrascaria (Specialty Restaurant).
   -  Service and food, as usual, were flawless.  
5. Cagney's Steakhouse (Specialty Restaurant)
   - Service and food, as usual, were flawless. 
6. Le Bistro (Specialty Restaurant)
   - Service and food, as usual, were flawless. 

Excursions.

1.  Self Directed - Bus to Hamilton / Ferry to Ship
   - We had been told that it was safe to take the buses and travel across Bermuda. This opinion was confirmed when we took the bus to Hamilton, and returned on the ferry.  Hamilton is a very safe place to be, and a good place to visit on a multi-day visit to the archipelago. 

Post-Cruise Debarkation.

1. Debarkation was very quick.  We were off the ship shortly after our color code was called, without having to wait on line.
2. Our luggage was easy to find at the pier.  Having Tile trackers in our bags insured that we'd have a good chance of locating them, if others had similar looking bags.
3. The lines to pass through customs were long, but moved quickly.

Miscellaneous Items of Note.

1. We caught a cab from Grand Central to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal at the Southeast Corner of the building, 42nd and Vanderbilt.  We allocated about $20 and 30 minutes for this crosstown ride, and everything was as expected, save that we were directed to the lower level of the terminal for baggage drop-off.
2. On previous returns to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, cab drivers refused short trips, such as a quick ride to Grand Central Terminal, only being willing to do airport runs.  This time, a TLC Inspector was manning his station at the cruise terminal, and there were no problems hailing a ride across town.
3. We purchased the "Free at Sea" package.  This allowed us to choose our own cabin, as well as getting 2 free specialty meals.  We opted out of getting the free drink package, as we didn't want to spend $180/pp on gratuities for the drink package, as we are not heavy drinkers.
4. Since I have Platinum loyalty status with NCL, we got an extra 2 free specialty restaurant meals on this cruise.  We used the coupon given to us at the beginning of the cruise to get a bottle of red wine which we enjoyed at each of our two meals at Cagney's.