DECK 8: THE DECK FOR PAX WHO LIKE SMALLER SHIPS!

At Sea / NCL Getaway

Friday, February 5, 2016

68 F, sunny

I forgot how much the wind would affect the ship on the 14^th deck! From our vantage point, we were rockin’ and rollin’ by 3 a.m. But, that only makes me sleep better!

By morning waves were 11 ft. according to the ship’s weather station, but that isn’t enough to make us worry. 

After breakfast at O’Sheehan’s, we watched the Cupcake Decorating Demonstration in the Atrium from 2 decks up. The dynamics were interesting from that perspective. The Chief Pastry Chef demonstrated two different ways to decorate, a “beehive” on one cupcake and a rose on another. The Getaway has a Carlos’ Bake Shop, and that is Carlos from Cake Boss. Blank cupcakes and tubes of icing were available so passengers, especially children, could practice their icing skills. It reminded us a little of B2’s birthday party last May! But this group was different. Instead of decorating one or two and then allowing others to participate, children and adults were taking 4 to 6 blank cupcakes, icing them, and then taking selfies or regular photos, taking their time.. One redheaded boy about ten years old waited his turn very patiently (wearing a “Blood and Whiskey” t-shirt by the way). Finally after a long wait it was his turn. He spent quite a while carefully decorating his cupcakes. His father appeared with another boy, about the same age but disabled. The redheaded boy patiently helped his brother decorate those cupcakes. That sight made up for the previous rude behavior by others.

O'Sheehan's / NCL Getaway

We set up our day on Deck 8 where it was a little cool. The wicker settees are comfortable with thick cushions and large pillows. We started meeting like-minded people enjoying the shade but feeling the warmth of the sun—away from the craziness. One lady from northern Ontario said she has the Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP) but she wanted ginger ale. The only way she could get just ginger ale was to ask for a shot of rye with ginger ale on the side. Does that make sense to anyone?? A nearby lady from Belgium agreed. She also was commented to the Canadian lady who was ordering a beer that Belgians consider Stella d’Artois dish water and they even live about 5 blocks from the brewery. The Canadian replied that’s the way they think of Molson’s. What one learns on a cruise ship.

A view of the Atrium/NCL Getaway

Pros for the Getaway:

Our stateroom is about 12 steps from the aft elevators.

There are more bread choices and the breads taste better on this ship
Less formal (but maybe that is carried too far. I am quite sure that shorts are not allowed in the dining 

Diet Pepsi

Pretzel rolls

Crepes are available in the Garden Café

The ship’s areas are sleek

The public toilets flush automatically

The shows are varied and special (Illusionarium, Burn the Floor, Legally Blonde)

More performers

Cons

Not enough seating in public areas (a definite problem when the weather is not good)

Anytime dining really is anytime dining

room for dinner though)

Saltwater in the pools

Food in the dining rooms for breakfast and lunch do not change at all

Food in the buffet does not change (the Regal had special dinners for special nights, e.g. German night, Scottish night)

No drawers in our tiny room

The public toilets flush automatically (that’s what TK says)

 TK just said he wants more time to add to both lists.