I mentioned in my previous post that The Moms (@themoms) have been keeping me on my toes with all these great events this month but I think this one is my best event so far. My family and I were beyond thrilled when we found out Denise and Melissa were planning a “Family Fun Day” with Norwegian Cruise on their new ship “The Getaway”. Not only have we never been on a vacation but we’ve never been on a cruise and have always wanted to know what it looks like and dream of going on one and actually traveling to the Caribbean. The night before the big event we couldn’t sleep because we were so excited.
I took 3 of my 4 kids this time because my oldest son had to work so he couldn’t attend. The Norwegian was docked at Pier 88 on the west side in NY. Seeing this ship up close and how big and beautiful it was just had me and the kids jumping for joy and wanting to go back home and get our luggage so we can take a cruise anywhere it was going. Once we arrived we checked in with I.D’s. I took the kids birth certificates just to be on the safe side. They kept my drivers’s license to make sure we didn’t become stowaways on the ship. Lol. We were also given badges to wear while on board to be recognized as guests of Norwegian.
We boarded the ship into blissful heaven. Our Badges were scanned and we were taken to a room called the “Illusionarium”. This dining room is where we enjoyed our entertainment of the day and had our delicious gourmet lunch. Tables were set up beautifully and we were treated the way all Norwegian guests are treated, with exceptional service and a friendly and warm staff.
This time not only did I see my mom friends but my kids also got to have fun with their friends as well. I couldn’t see myself on a cruise without them.
Denise and Melissa talked a bit and welcomed families to a fun filled afternoon then introduced us to our cruise director, Julie. “Paging Captain Stubing.” Lol. The waiters came around and took our orders. My kids loved everything on the menu as well as I. Every bite was heaven in my mouth. Food was incredible. The coconut shrimp were my favorite. This is how you eat everyday when you’re on the ship. I would definitely have to fast before I go and workout on the ship because I would be stuffing my face non-stop. Lol. I took a picture of what we ate and of the menu below.
So while we were eating the entertainment started with a very energetic dance group called “Burn the Floor”. They sure were burning it up with their dance moves and flips. I couldn’t stop clapping. They started out the show pumping. Next up was “Lysander the magician” who had everyone’s eyed glued to his trick we are still wondering how he lifted that table with a candle into mid air. We’ve been to quite a few Broadway plays but never seen “Legally Blonde The Musical” who performed next. Their performance also had me tapping and clapping. Last but not least what all the kids were waiting for were the Nickelodeon characters, “Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick Star, Dora, and Diego.” My daughter was the most excited. She couldn’t wait to take pictures with all of them.
After pictures it was time for a tour of the enormous ship. You had a choice of leaving your kids with staff in “Splash Academy” where they play video games, sing, dance, arts & crafts , etc for ages 3-12 or they could tour with you. My kids wanted to see everything so they stayed with me. They made a great choice because we saw just about everything. There are so many restaurants. I believe 15 on board. Some have a cover charge but that’s okay because you would be paying three times that amount if you ate at one of those restaurants in NY. So it is worth $30 or $50. One of the restaurants our tour guide showed us is open 24 hours a day so I would order room service all night. (There’s a gym on board you forgot. Lol). There are also about 9 bars and lounges on board as well as a bar called “The Svedka Ice Bar” where 25 guest can experience temperatures 17 degrees Fahrenheit. You must wear a parka and gloves that are provided because everything is made out of ice, where you sit and what you drink out of.
What girl goes on a vacation and doesn’t shop? I know where I would have been while we were at sea. The shops on the ship made us all want to shop at that moment but they were closed. One day. Hey, a girl can dream. The second best thin to shopping is relaxing in a spa. Boy did they have a spa on board. It even had a barber shop for the men and hair salon for the women. The heated pools, heated lounge chairs , and other amenities is where I would be half the time as well. I love being pampered. The heated chairs felt so good my kids and I almost fell asleep. Lol
When I told the kids we were going on the ship they asked can they bring their bathing suits and get on the water slides. I had to let them know this wasn’t a vacation we were just touring even though I wish it was a vacation. I think every kid asked that question as some of the moms told me. I would have loved for them to get on a water slide but it was so cold and the slide is outside on the top deck that they would have freezed. They did however get to see what it looked like up close and personal and boy were they amazed. I even wanted to get on. The Aqua Park has 5 water slides, 4 hot tubs, and 2 swimming pools. I wanted to jump in the hot tub because it was cold. Wherever there is fun you will find my kids there.
We ended our tour at “Splash Academy” where it was my kids turn to play and the rest of the adults went on an adventure to look at the staterooms. I personally wanted to see how roomy these rooms were and how big the deck was. These rooms are absolutely gorgeous. There are 2,014 rooms. Anywhere from 4-6 people can be accompanied and some beds come out of the ceiling. The beds are very comfortable. Different size tubs and some even had rose petals, very pretty, also nice size flat screen t.v., cappuccino or espresso maker, safe, closet, drawers, and in one room the bathroom is in a glass door which I thought was the shower at first. Loved everything. Okay, we’re moving in. I also forgot to mention the 18,000 square foot casino for those who like to gamble.
The Sports Complex has basketball, mini golf, rock climbing, a bungee trampoline, and web climbing cage. As we finished up a fun filled day we came across arcade games and played bowling, basketball, car race driving, skeeball, pool, etc, etc. The kids really didn’t want to leave.
I believe this is the longest post I’ve ever written and that’s because this was the best event my family and I ever went on. We love and appreciate all the events but to experience this and see what everyone tells us about we are glad we got to see what it is all about. Hopefully my next long post will be of us actually going on a cruise and enjoying all the luxuries. We are all going to pray even harder this year that the Universe hears us and someone bless us with a much needed vacation.
I cannot thank Denise and Melissa (@themoms) enough. We really enjoyed ourselves. I’d also like to thank Norwegian Cruise for allowing us aboard “The Getaway”. I know trying to accommodate us and travelers at the same time is a lot of work. We hope to travel with you on your sister ship that ports from NY one day. Really I don’t care where it ports from we just want to go. Follow Norwegian Cruise on Twitter @CruiseNorwegian
Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. My family and I were guests for a tour of The Getaway and received lunch, a tote bag, and hat. These are 100% my own opinions.
As I wrote this post my kids asked me “when are we going on a cruise?”, about 5 times. Lol.
Enjoy the pics!! Courtesy of myself and my kids.
Five Little Words 