My wife and I just returned from our cruise on the Getaway May 31st to June 7th and it was exactly what we needed. This was a great vacation with the variety of opportunities to let everyone find lots to enjoy. I think that is the goal of the free style they were hoping to achieve with this wonderful ship. This was our third cruise in about 12 years, the previous two with Carnival and Princess.
SHIP: The ship was wonderful and has spaces for all of your different goals for the voyage. Whether you are a sun worshiper, foodie, looking for unique entertainment, or really want to experience the wonderful programs going on throughout the day and evening. The style was very appealing, the only place with in-your-face decoration is the hull of the ship and the rest is tasteful, functional and with that wonderful wow factor you expect from the larger ships. I did agree with people who felt the one negative was when everyone wanted to gather for sun around small pool area.
EMBARKATION: My wife’s goal was to experience the vibe club and it’s uncrowded and private amenities. She wanted a cabana for the week and people were right about how you had to plan to get the small number of passes. So we arrived at the terminal a little before 10 AM and being the third family in line. We boarded with Group 1 and rushed to Guest Relations on deck 6 to snag the last of 5 cabanas that can be reserved for the week.
The room was wonderful. Really loved the size of the shower and the balcony at the curve of the ship gives 8736 a larger front with a great view back along the ship that the other balconies do not have. Our room steward insured that the room always looked like you just arrived,