Love your videos Jim! Always gets my wanderlust going wanting to try new ships. You should get sponsorships from the cruise lines if you don't already because you are an excellent salesman! :D
I love these vids! So professionally done all around the footage, narration, etc. I also enjoy that Jim includes excursions he hasn't gone to (ie the water park) so we can see all the options. Thanks for including your travel agent as well!
Thank you...Thank you Jim for your great pointers on the Norwegian Getaway and Miami Holiday Inn stay.. Our group will definitely be staying there for the next cruise vacation.
You're welcome! It's such a perfect location that I just had to include a plug for that hotel in the video. I have no financial ties with them... I just want cruisers to know about a great hotel with a view of the ships!
Thank you so much for doing this review. My challenge on reviews is usually focused on the Cabin Category I choice and approaching the benefits and perks on having a great time. My wife and I are going on the Getaway, out of New Orleans in November 2019. We are staying in a Haven Spa Suite. Later on in June next year, we are on the NCL Pearl cruising Canada with a Haven 2-bedroom Suite for the 5 people in my family. What made your video so great was it was complete. Thank you again. It is not easy doing these video's. Be well.
Looks like I was on the same ship , the same week. I had an awesome time... I totally missed the bird aviaries in costa maya. but I did manage to get a massage, and a few cigars for the Getaway cigar bar.. i enjoyed the thermal spa. and Le Bistsro. i live on Long Island and left for the airport in 19 degree weather and in a few hours i was swimming in the hotel's outdoor pool where it was a cool 80. Also marveled at the dancers and the $1,000,000 quartet.
Jim, I love your vlogs. I am going on my first cruise in 10 days on Carnival Glory. Never been to the ocean even though I lived in Jacksonville for a year. I now live in Utah. I have a feeling I am going to become a cruiser. I just wanted to let you know that you have a great voice and the way you explain and compare things is fantastic. I really like how you tell the truth about what you like and don't like. A lot of other vlogs just say everything is wonderful. Again, thank you for sharing your vacations with us and give your beautiful wife a hug from me. Thanks Robin
I agree with you, I absolutely love the Getaway. My son and I sailed December of 2017, a week before Christmas. We had a spa mini suite and I absolutely loved the convenience of being able to use the spa anytime I wanted too. I will be sailing on this ship again. Thanks for mentioning to use a travel agent, as one I take pride in making sure my clients are happy.
Hello Jim. I love your videos. Used yi be an only Royal cruiser.but now NCL. You sokd me on the Spa balcony. Can't wait to go in 46days. Thank you for an awsome info.
Your wonderful wife looks younger and more beautiful with each amazing video, keep up the great work Sir! I've only had the pleasure of one cruse in my life so far and it was onboard the Norweigan Getaway. A truly amazing experience thanks to your recommendations on the benefits of cruising in general. The industry should be paying you to be onboard! Thanks again!
Thank you sir for getting back with me so soon. Yes this was one of the videos I pressed like on. I will definitely study this again now that you have pointed out to me. Her and I like to have a few cocktails and have fun especially on a cruise. This will be her first and my forth cruise. I absolutely love to cruise.
Oh my gosh Jim! I just booked my parents on the Getaway for their FIRST CRUISE EVER and I am so excited for them, but even more excited that I just found your review of this ship, as you're the absolute best and give invaluable advice. Can't wait to show this to them. (No Haven, but Spa Mini-Suite, not too shabby!) YAY!
steph, me too ! except we went to harvest caye first stop, you remember ? Where Jim didn't ? Anyway Im sure we saw each other some ! THX Im still doing my laundry !
I don’t find the cost to be that high. I guess it all depends on ones own finances. But whenever I travel. I try to get best accommodations as possible. Makes the experience better
Great video! especially the latter part where the lifeboats on the MSC vs Getaway.. as a first time cruiser, i'd like to be able to see it for myself in person :) can't wait as we're set sail this Dec 8th-13th 2019! Great review nonetheless!..
Hi Jim, I wish you’d do a new review of this ship. We just completed a cruise on the Getaway (our 7th in the last 7 months) and it was by far the bottom of our list. Our cruise on the sister ship, the Escape, was our best. In order: NCL - Escape, 7 days, NCL - Dawn, 7 Days, MSC Meraviglia - 4 Days, RC Voyager OTS - 7 Days Baltics, MSC Meraviglia - 7 Days, RC Mariner OTS - 4 Days, NCL Getaway - 5 Days. You should also consider the MSC Meraviglia when it comes back to FL. The SPA is much better than other ships. They improved their food and shows from our first cruise with them. Food during the restart after Covid was bland but the last cruise in May was fantastic.
Caught this with one month out for our Getaway cruise. Jim you did a great job and really got our kids excited. Love that you cover both adults and family activities. Can you do one about the shore excursions to recommend and others to avoid? Thanks again and keep up the awesome work.
Cruising can be relative inexpensive as long as you book early and don’t mind staying in an inside cabin. We are platinum plus’s on NCL and diamond plus on RCL. We LOVE the Haven on NCL. It’s pricey but you can get cheaper rate by booking early. We have a cruise planner on NCL and he is awesome. He will call and let us know if there are specials on Haven suits. NCL and RCCL are my ships of choice.
Great video Jim. We have sailed on the Getaway not long after it was put into service and just a cruise on the Bliss in October and got off the Escape this week after a NYC embarked Christmas cruise. NCL knows how to look after their customers.
I was on this sailing Jim, we had a wonderful time despite the weather for the first few days. The Getaway is a wonderful ship very family friendly. Though in the 3yr span between Getaway sailings I did notice a lot of changes some not for the better. Our next sailing is on the Bliss Thanksgiving 2019. Your video from earlier this year on the the Bliss made me jump to book that ship. Thank you very much Jim Zimmerlin keep the videos coming.
A great video. You mentioned MSC Seaside in this video. We were sailing on its first cruise from Miami last December (2017) and it was a disappointment. Fist of all i think it is to crowded. At least 1000 passengers to many. There was´nt room for everyone on the sundecks. You could search for a free space for hours. The bufé-restaurants food was not hot enough and the drink service was bad. The rooms were good. This was our 4th cruise with MSC and the first in the Caribbean. The other was in Mediterranean with Fantasia, Armonia and Divina. So far we think the first with Fantasia was the best. Next time I thing we will try the NCL.
Hello, loved the video and I will be staying at the Holiday Inn, based on this video. I love the Bayside Marketplace. Hey, can you ask your wife, where did she get that great big beige bag she is carrying when you guys were boarding the ship, please, thanks.
Next time you’re in Costa Maya check out Maya Chan. It’s an all inclusive day resort created by some former cruisers. They are known for incredibly good service.
Colin McConnell the seaweed issue has ruined it. Was there 2 weeks ago Brown water and stench. They tried to rake it off the beach but it’s a losing battle. I will say MC did offer a full refund at the check in point after warning about the seaweed but we went anyway. Food and service was great
I went on this same itinerary! When I went to harvest caye, all of the excursions were so expensive, so we went to placencia in Belize. Next time you visit Cozumel you should try a cenote. They are amazing. If you ever go on a cruise in Europe, you should try MSC. They have amazing itineraries and food etc.. Again. Amazing video as usual.
I might do the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada some day. My wife and I have also tossed around the idea of an Amtrak trip from the east coast to California... to get home from one of our east coast cruises, in lieu of flying. It would make a great subject for a video.
I finally figured out who he has been reminding me of... if you remember that show Lost, his voice reminds me of Christian, Jack’s dad. I don’t know his real name, but I’m sure he’s been in a lot of other stuff.
I really liked Harvest Caye! I went last year and I thought it was so beautiful. Although I didn’t like the see there, smelled so strong the day I went, but I fell in love with the pool! I thought it was so cool to have a nice restaurant for you to buy some food, but what I liked the most about the original NCL’s island was the fact that they make a no charge self serving station with barbecue and salads at the island. If you don’t want to pay for lunch, you must go back to the ship and it can be a long journey back for people with reduced mobility or a tedious walk if you just want to relax. Love your videos, best wishes from Argentina!
Some of the more high pressure and unpleasant service areas, such as the laundry, seem to have the best camaraderie. Walk through the laundry on my last ship and you’d hear Indian music playing and people laughing and joking, same in the provision rooms, you’d have Jamaican music blasting out and the guys having a good time whilst they worked.
Thanks for this amazing video. We are on the Getaway right now. We too stayed in the Haven. We noticed you had a Haven hat. Where did you get this? My husband would like to purchase one.
Jim Zimmerlin Thanks for the reply. We asked our concierge about the hat and he said it must be a personal, homemade hat. Y’all could start a business!
Have you ever been on any of the RCL Oasis class ships me and my wife are booking one in October on the Harmony. This will be our second cruise. We went on the the Norwegian Epic last December. I’m hoping my wife has a better experience on the harmony since she wasn’t very pleased with Epic and also the group we went with wasn’t either. Me on the other hand I could of lived on the ship. Love watching your videos been watching them since we booked our first cruise.
I've been on Allure Of The Seas and Harmony Of The Seas, and I've done videos about Symphony Of The Seas using clips provided by Royal Caribbean. I always say that if you are in to cruising, you really should do at least one cruise on an Oasis-class ship... they have a lot of interesting unique features, such as Central Park, and the Aqua Theater. They do tend to attract a very international mix of passengers, though... so the buffet has to cater to a wide variety of tastes. It's not really one of the best buffets for American passengers. On a cruise like Norwegian Getaway of Norwegian Bliss, they're mostly trying to please the American passengers with the food choices. So, as an American passenger, I really like that better!
My wife and I head out January 19th on the Vista! It's for our honeymoon. We cant wait! 24 days. We were accepted for the Chef's Table as well. Will we see you there Jim?
Some people try to stay at a hotel very near the cruise port, so that they can just walk from their hotel to the cruise terminal on embarkation day. But I don't really recommend that, because even the closest hotel will be a very awkward walk, pulling all your luggage along with you, to the cruise terminal. I actually prefer to stay over near the French Quarter. Not right in the French Quarter... too noisy at night! But very near, so it's an easy walk to get to Bourbon Street and all the night life. Then, on embarkation day, you just use Lyft or Uber to get you to the cruise terminal. The hotel we stayed at during our most recent New Orleans trip was called "Homewood Suites by Hilton, New Orleans French Quarter". Another good one in that general area is the "Courtyard By Marriott, New Orleans French Quarter". On our next trip to New Orleans, I think we might actually stay there at the Courtyard By Marriott, because I like a big breakfast in the morning and that hotel is located on the same block as an IHOP. The Homewood Suites was a 5-block walk to IHOP. I am assuming that you're going to come in to New Orleans a couple of days before your cruise, so you can enjoy all the fun New Orleans has to offer. If you're not actually planning to come to New Orleans until the night before your cruise, you could also just look for a hotel near the airport, with a free airport shuttle. Again, on embarkation morning, just take a Lyft to the cruise terminal. Don't take cabs... Lyft is quite a bit less expensive. And in all of our travels, the one and only time that a cab driver cheated me was in New Orleans! I never took a cab after that!
@@JimZim Great information! I thank you Sir. We have 16 year old twin boys, if we go a couple days early do you happen to know if there are fun things to do in New Orleans for teens?
For sure! The zoo, the butterfly museum, a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River, a swamp tour to see alligators... just to name a few. Also, don't make the mistake of thinking the boys would be bored by the World War II museum. Google the WWII museum and check out all the really interesting things they have there. There are also streetcars, lots of live music, all sorts of restaurants... which the boys might enjoy. Also, check out the New Orleans River Walk and have lunch down in the food court at the mall, which may very well have a cruise ship docked right next to it, depending on the day you visit.
Thank you to all the folks that watch my videos! It's the advertising revenue from the videos that make it possible for me to afford some very nice vacations now. It's only been this way for the last couple of years. Up until then, we had to be pretty frugal in the Zim family. But TH-cam changed everything for me.
or get it for 'free' in return for a glowing video review..... here are free first class flights, free cruise all expenses paid, in return for a glowing review ;)
I've paid full price for every one of my 45 cruises, and the first class flights... except those flights where I redeemed frequent flyer miles. I have never been under any obligation to provide a positive review, because I've paid my own way every time. However, cruise #46, next month, will be the first exception to that. I'm going on a media cruise, where all the journalists will be cruising for free. But that's the next cruise, and up until then every one of the cruises was paid for in full by me, not any cruise line.
Deliberation Well does it? You and the other subscribers -> You Tube paying Jim lots and lots of money so that he can pay for the cruises and first class airfares -> alluding Jim to make more videos and get more subscriptions and rinse and repeat. And yes the airlines and cruise companies notice the viewership and do comp now and then since Jim is perceived to be s member of the press. So is he paying for all of this? Yes technically but when he says he pays for everything that’s a bit disingenuous.
@@thomaspoke8511 Well as youtube basically is his job i wouldn't be surprised for him to go on cruises which are very relaxing and fun and additionaly make a review of it, the youtube videos he posts on that cruise doesnt make up for the money spentfor that singular cruise for that singular video. In fact his monthly earning are less than most of the cruises expenses. Overall with the amount of money youtube is providing him he cant pay for cruises with it all so yeah it still genuine because he has to use money other than the youtube based money income
I have cruised on Getaway's sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, and I loved it, minus the first 2 days, as the first 2 days were cold sailing out of New York. How was the Getaway?
Good video Jim but you didn’t really explain why you wouldn’t recommend MSC. As a British guest I’ve also been warned off it but they seem really popular with some.
Hello Jim zim I don’t know for sure but me and my mom am have been going on cruises since I was in kindergarten and we might have been on the same one...
I do think that to work on a cruise ship could be a great experience for many people. I have talked to some of them and they tell me that they make very good money to send back home to their family.
I loved this video. I started washing the dishes and finished right as it ended. Great job. All I ask is you make a trains on a cruise ship video :) my son would love it !
Another great video Jim. Next time in Miami Bayside check out the restaurant Los Ranchos. Its a steak/chicken/seafood restaurant that is top notch table cloth service that is excellent. Its probably the only Bayside restaurant that Miami locals eat at since most of Bayside is really a tourist trap. Its second floor on the far end. The Getaway is a great ship but IMHO, the Breakaway class ships was an over correction from Epic. All the venues including the Haven got smaller and confined. I hope someday you cruise the Epic. The spa will blow you away. The ship is 10 years old and I believe its still the largest spa at sea including outdoor areas. The Haven is so much larger and better with Posh, etc. Also the Breakaway class ships really put the tables inches apart in the specialty restaurants. Glad you had a great time. Happy sailing!
@@JimZim The Epic does not have the Waterfront which is a fantastic feature on the Getaway. IMHO, everything else is bigger and better on Epic. Cant wait to get your opinion on Epic someday. She is the step child of the NCL fleet but she is by far better than the Breakaway class ships. NCL over-reacted and went too sterile and conservative on the Breakaway Class ships. Happy Sailings
Only a voyueristic idiot from NCL could have approved the glass bathroom and shower walls/doors on the Epic? I cannot imagine a family occupying the cabin suites. Insult to injury, they placed the only curtain between the bathroom/shower and the living space. How many bare assed gaffs from the hallway have occurred when someone entered the cabin? Some things cannot be unseen! Save your cruisemates from the embarrassment.
@@keithandrsn3319 LOL you are funny. You never lock the door to your cabin? On any cruise ship in the world a crew member could walk in on you if you are not dressed. That has nothing to do with Epic
That was the Mambo Cafe, on the first floor of Bayside. Most of their menu is Cuban/Caribbean, but the "Ultimate Fajitas" was quite a memorable meal and could have easily served three or four of us. mambocafemiami.com/
what the most relaxing cruise you ever been on. I really need help figuring this out. My wife and I sailed twice on allure of the seas. We want to be papered, we want care free cruising, and although privacy hard to get on a ship with thousands of people be nice to have some of that. What do you think ? Nothing beats morning coffee on the room deck my fav thing ever. Oh and wife and I are 34 , so although I sound like im 50, well I am at heart lol.
You sound like someone who would enjoy "The Haven" on Norwegian cruise line. It's pricey, though... so if your budget will not allow you to do The Haven, consider a Havana cabin on one of Carnival's Vista-class ships instead. There are videos about NCL's Haven and Carnival's Havana area here on my channel.
Jim, really enjoy your videos. What do you recommend as a first cruise out of the NYC area? I know there are a couple of large ships leaving Port Liberty NJ, do you recommend any of them? Would be traveling solo and just want a one week away. Thanks!
Royal Caribbean's "Anthem Of The Seas" is one of the best cruise ships in the world, and sails out of Cape Liberty, NJ. There are quite a few different itineraries to choose from, depending on what you're interested in... everything from Fall Foliage cruises in New England to 7-day Bahamas cruises and all the way up to the ultimate cruise from the New York area, a 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise. I did it a few years ago, and it was fantastic. Check out my web page about it at www.jimzim.net/AnthemOfTheSeas.html
great video. We (family of 4) just got off Breakaway in New Orleans today. Very similar to Getaway. Overall excellent, but we've cruised with NCL twice and both times the first incompetent boob that took the passports botched the photos/names/key card so that I had to get it rectified shortly after entering the ship, and this time the steward didn't keep track of the minibar and we were charged 12 bucks for a vodka taken by previous occupants (stupid of us to not clear out the minibar...). But guest services was quick and efficient, overall great experience. It looks like you didn't do O'Sheehan's this time(?). It's not the same as a Guys burger, but the O'Sheehan burger was a really good (and huge) pub-type burger. I actually wouldn't mind if it was a bit less beefy. I think Carnival forced competitors to improve their burgers. Agree that Mex night in buffet was one of the weaker nights. There was always good, authentic Asian and Indian food, but I'm not sure there are any Mexican workers to make good Mexican food (although Carnival has figured out how to make good taqueria type food). Breakaway wasn't really that hard to navigate since Haven takes up a good portion of the front of the ship. It's effectively like navigating a typical 100K tonnage displacement ship. It's the largest ship to sail from NO. We wish more bigger and more varied ships would go to NO, Mobile, Jacksonville.
@@JimZim should be extremely similar, but at least there are different shows (Burn the floor and Rock of Ages were both broadway quality). Rock of Ages is a bit raunchy, which I think does shock some viewers. 'Ashlie Amber Harris' did a Whitney Houston tribute that was really good. I'm sure your Haven shower will be better than the standard balcony room shower (was weak and shaped in some asymmetrical roundish shape---but at least it did keep the water in the shower).
Actually, for the all the shots in this video where the camera was in motion (not just panning) I was using a GoPro Hero 7 Black, on it's own, no gimbal. It has very good image stabilization built right in to it... which makes it super convenient to use because it is so small. I just mount it on a short selfie stick. For the shots where the camera is panning, most of those were done using a Canon EOS 80D on a tripod. The one quirk of the built-in image stabilization on the new GoPro is that it tries to correct for the movement when you are doing a pan. So, when I know I want to do a shot involving panning, I use the big Canon.
It looks like they replaced the complimentary Cuban restaurant on the Getaway with Margaritaville. That's too bad because the Cuban place was delicious (and free)!
Hey Jim, I love your videos they’re very great and useful, do which port do you recommend to leave from, Port of Miami or Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)?
Either way... they're both great ports. I'd look at which you can get a better flight to. If you're going to be staying in Ft Lauderdale for a day or two, think about a stay at the Margaritaville resort in Hollywood, Florida. It's a lot of fun. th-cam.com/video/qdn9MUDe8YE/w-d-xo.html
Oh, I see! Lucky you. You have access to all the best cruise ships in the world. Those are the two ports where the cruise lines always place their best ships. I'm jealous! So, in that case, I'd pick the ship first... and let the port be determined by where the ship is based. What ships have you cruised on, so far?
3 Disney (Wonder and Magic) 1 Costa (worst cruise ever) 4 Carnival (Victory, Spirit) 2 NCL (Sun and Sky) 7 RCL (Jewel, 4 Voyager class ships, Freedom) I guess you could say I am trying to catch up to you, haha.
You're doing a good job at it, Lucas! OK, looking at your cruise history I think you really need to experience Carnival Horizon, Symphony Of The Seas, and Norwegian Escape. Do you travel with kids, and if so... what ages?
I've never sailed on Holland America... so I can't offer any input on that. My impression is that it's one of the more formal lines. I like to remain dressed really casually on a vacation, and getting dressed up is just not my thing at vacation time. So that's why I've never sailed with Holland America. Freestyle cruising on NCL is perfect for me.
@@JimZim tbh, other than a couple of formal nights in the dining room (not in the buffet of course), it wasn't really more formal than other cruises. Or possibly men were more apt to wear khakis/collars at dinner than shorts/t-shirts, but nothing too oppressive. We did the 'my time' dining, not unlike freestyle. But definitely if you want to see the most amazing cirque-type shows, spectacular theatrical shows, go-karts, waterslides, etc. then those would be more apt to be on NCL or Royal. We didn't do the upgraded dining, but do choose the upgraded dining on NCL. So Hal might not be for you, but I don't think it would have to do with formality; it's not like the QM2, which I think is actually is pretty formal. Hal actually seemed to feature a lot of 1960s and 70s music, which I liked. If you see a good nearby deal on the Koningsdam (or the other new one), it could be worth trying--but just go in knowing that it's not going to have the 'ooh' and 'ahh' factor that an Oasis class or a really new NCL ship has.
@Jim Zimmerlin I ABSOLUTELY LOVED YOUR VIDEO! I have 9 Cruises under my Belt it would have been 12 but we passed on three. Nowhere close to what you have Cruised! But We follow the same plan. We fly in a day early. Stay on BISCAYNE BLVD, across from the CVS you mentioned. Get out supplies and beverages for the ship from there. Then head over to The BAYSIDE MARKET and Shop, Eat and listen to live music 🎶! The port of Miami is my favorite port! I have to say, when you mentioned That MSC SHIP I wasn’t expecting you to say what you did BUT YOU GET A BIG HIGH 5for it‼️ we Cruised The Mediterranean onThe MSC MERIVIGLIA And though a beautiful ship, IT WAS THE WORST CRUISE I’ve EVER BEEN ON‼️‼️‼️You said it best !”that line is not for Americans “” AT ALL‼️the crew was friendly but we were totally IGNORED THE ENTIRE TIME! We felt like this ship only catered to the European passengers! The Food.. HORRIBLE... the Entertainment..HORRIBLE! Cold weather prevented us from using the pool! We spent our days at sea talking to ourselves and standing in front of the Gelato stand, we’re the girls got to know us 🍧because we were their Best customers due to we were Board 😞NEVER AGAIN WILL MSC SEE ANY more of my hard earned money 💰 THANKS AGAIN FOR THAT GREAT VIDEO
Our next cruise, just a few weeks from now, will be on the Viking Sea. The cruise I mentioned for this spring, which will bring me back to Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, will be in The Haven on Norwegian Breakaway out of New Orleans. And towards the end of spring, we'll be in a Havana cabin on the Carnival Horizon. So, that's three really great cruises to look forward to between now and this summer!
Depends on what country you're from. There are cruise lines that cater to Brits, such as P&O. There are cruise lines that cater to Germans, such as AIDA. There are cruise lines that cater to Italians, such as Costa and MSC. I'm sure there are others that I don't know about, since I'm American and only really pay attention to the cruise lines that cater to American tastes.
Hi Jim, I have to say that my wife and I love your videos and insight int the cruise industry and ships. One thing I would like to say after seeing your video for Getaway, is that MSC is not for europeans as you suggest. We have cruised for the last 9 years all over the World with Cunard, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, P&O and regrettably fr us MSC. We are british and found all of the other cruis lines to be good to excellent in most cases, some issues, but ones that yo can live with. Unfortunately MSC Preziosa was the worst holiday or cruise that we have ever encountered in over 45 years as a married couple. That say a lot when you consider how little money we had as youngsters and had to have some pretty cheap holidays. So please refrain from saying MSC is for europeans. In our view it is for anybody who can accept MSC's way of doing things, which falls way short of what we expect as a minimum when on holiday. Also whilst we loved the video of Getaway, the prices for these cruises is now at such a level that we are unlikely to cruise with them. That said we have three cruises booked over the next 18 months. All the best for 2019. John
Thanks for the story, John! I bet you understand why I keep mentioning the MSC situation in my videos, almost a year after my cruise on MSC Seaside. I really want to warn off folks that thinking a cruise on MSC is going to be just as good as what they may be used to on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, etc.
Definitely! But one thing to watch for... I think they sneak a mandatory gratuity on to the bill, and then give you a chance to add a gratuity when you go to pay. So, if you didn't happen to notice that a gratuity is already in there, you could easily double tip... which is, I'm sure, exactly what they are trying to get you to do. So, be careful with the bill and make sure you only tip once.
Nice video! Love the plane too, and I always wanted to cruise on Norwegian. About dress code now, you don't need to dress so fancy anymore, for women I would suggest some blouse with glitter, it really looks so nice at night and people think you spent a lot money and it just look very classy for men a nice light pants, a nautical moccasin and a nice shirt that's it.
I recently went on the Norwegian Getaway to the western Caribbean. In my previous cruise, I stayed in the Star class on the Harmony of the Seas. This experience was completely different from my stay in the Haven on the Norwegian Getaway. Unfortunately, everything on the Norwegian Getaway was worse than the Harmony of the Seas. The entertainment was not comparable along with the overall service of the staff. I was disappointed by the haven area as it was boring and small. The ships overall size, not having the central park or boardwalk was a horrible step down. I found NCL Getaway to be a zoo on the top deck with crowds of people. As on the Harmony of the Seas, it was as if everyone was dispersed around perfectly on the ship. The spa in the Norwegian Getaway was crowded as if everyone on the ship was allowed access to it, with nowhere to sit, along with this the waterfall was loud and didn't allow you time to relax. Overall the quality of our trip on the Norwegian Getaway was not comparable to the Harmony of the Seas. NCL Getaway 4/10 Harmony of the Seas 9/10
Love your videos Jim! Always gets my wanderlust going wanting to try new ships. You should get sponsorships from the cruise lines if you don't already because you are an excellent salesman! :D
Great video!! Great narrator! Thanks Jim!
You're welcome! Thanks for leaving a comment.
By far the best video of this ship!
I love these vids! So professionally done all around the footage, narration, etc. I also enjoy that Jim includes excursions he hasn't gone to (ie the water park) so we can see all the options. Thanks for including your travel agent as well!
Thank you...Thank you Jim for your great pointers on the Norwegian Getaway and Miami Holiday Inn stay.. Our group will definitely be staying there for the next cruise vacation.
You're welcome! It's such a perfect location that I just had to include a plug for that hotel in the video. I have no financial ties with them... I just want cruisers to know about a great hotel with a view of the ships!
Very good video indeed.I love your voice and the detail description. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you so much for doing this review. My challenge on reviews is usually focused on the Cabin Category I choice and approaching the benefits and perks on having a great time. My wife and I are going on the Getaway, out of New Orleans in November 2019. We are staying in a Haven Spa Suite. Later on in June next year, we are on the NCL Pearl cruising Canada with a Haven 2-bedroom Suite for the 5 people in my family. What made your video so great was it was complete. Thank you again. It is not easy doing these video's. Be well.
You're going to have a really good time on those two cruises!
@@JimZim Thank you Jim, you are a gentlemen.
Looks like I was on the same ship , the same week. I had an awesome time... I totally missed the bird aviaries in costa maya. but I did manage to get a massage, and a few cigars for the Getaway cigar bar.. i enjoyed the thermal spa. and Le Bistsro. i live on Long Island and left for the airport in 19 degree weather and in a few hours i was swimming in the hotel's outdoor pool where it was a cool 80. Also marveled at the dancers and the $1,000,000 quartet.
These are the best cruise videos on the planet!!!
Thank you! That's very nice of you to say.
Jim, I love your vlogs. I am going on my first cruise in 10 days on Carnival Glory. Never been to the ocean even though I lived in Jacksonville for a year. I now live in Utah. I have a feeling I am going to become a cruiser. I just wanted to let you know that you have a great voice and the way you explain and compare things is fantastic. I really like how you tell the truth about what you like and don't like. A lot of other vlogs just say everything is wonderful. Again, thank you for sharing your vacations with us and give your beautiful wife a hug from me. Thanks Robin
I agree with you, I absolutely love the Getaway. My son and I sailed December of 2017, a week before Christmas. We had a spa mini suite and I absolutely loved the convenience of being able to use the spa anytime I wanted too. I will be sailing on this ship again. Thanks for mentioning to use a travel agent, as one I take pride in making sure my clients are happy.
Hello Jim. I love your videos. Used yi be an only Royal cruiser.but now NCL. You sokd me on the Spa balcony. Can't wait to go in 46days. Thank you for an awsome info.
Your wonderful wife looks younger and more beautiful with each amazing video, keep up the great work Sir! I've only had the pleasure of one cruse in my life so far and it was onboard the Norweigan Getaway. A truly amazing experience thanks to your recommendations on the benefits of cruising in general. The industry should be paying you to be onboard! Thanks again!
Thank you sir for getting back with me so soon. Yes this was one of the videos I pressed like on. I will definitely study this again now that you have pointed out to me. Her and I like to have a few cocktails and have fun especially on a cruise. This will be her first and my forth cruise. I absolutely love to cruise.
Oh my gosh Jim! I just booked my parents on the Getaway for their FIRST CRUISE EVER and I am so excited for them, but even more excited that I just found your review of this ship, as you're the absolute best and give invaluable advice. Can't wait to show this to them. (No Haven, but Spa Mini-Suite, not too shabby!) YAY!
I was on it from Dec 16 to 23. Everything seems so familiar! It's nice to see the working space!
steph, me too ! except we went to harvest caye first stop, you remember ? Where Jim didn't ? Anyway Im sure we saw each other some ! THX Im still doing my laundry !
Another great video, Jim. We've been on the Getaway two times and love this ship as well as our favorite server, Alma Monteron!
Thanks for this! We just took the same cruise over Christmas and you did a nice job of highlighting many things, and added a few we didn't know about.
I’ve stayed in the haven. And will never cruise any other way. Loved it!!!
brokebastage How do you justify the high cost?
I don’t find the cost to be that high. I guess it all depends on ones own finances. But whenever I travel. I try to get best accommodations as possible. Makes the experience better
Great video! especially the latter part where the lifeboats on the MSC vs Getaway.. as a first time cruiser, i'd like to be able to see it for myself in person :) can't wait as we're set sail this Dec 8th-13th 2019! Great review nonetheless!..
Hi Jim, I wish you’d do a new review of this ship. We just completed a cruise on the Getaway (our 7th in the last 7 months) and it was by far the bottom of our list. Our cruise on the sister ship, the Escape, was our best. In order: NCL - Escape, 7 days, NCL - Dawn, 7 Days, MSC Meraviglia - 4 Days, RC Voyager OTS - 7 Days Baltics, MSC Meraviglia - 7 Days, RC Mariner OTS - 4 Days, NCL Getaway - 5 Days. You should also consider the MSC Meraviglia when it comes back to FL. The SPA is much better than other ships. They improved their food and shows from our first cruise with them. Food during the restart after Covid was bland but the last cruise in May was fantastic.
Caught this with one month out for our Getaway cruise. Jim you did a great job and really got our kids excited. Love that you cover both adults and family activities. Can you do one about the shore excursions to recommend and others to avoid? Thanks again and keep up the awesome work.
What ports of call will you be visiting?
Great video. Going on Getaway for first time. Been on Escape few times. Thanks
My wife and I are booked on the Getaway in July for the Baltic Sea. It'll be our 20th Anniversary so needless to say, we're very excited about it!
Cruising can be relative inexpensive as long as you book early and don’t mind staying in an inside cabin. We are platinum plus’s on NCL and diamond plus on RCL. We LOVE the Haven on NCL. It’s pricey but you can get cheaper rate by booking early. We have a cruise planner on NCL and he is awesome. He will call and let us know if there are specials on Haven suits. NCL and RCCL are my ships of choice.
Great video Jim. We have sailed on the Getaway not long after it was put into service and just a cruise on the Bliss in October and got off the Escape this week after a NYC embarked Christmas cruise. NCL knows how to look after their customers.
Great video! Thanks for pointing out the advantages of using a knowledgable travel agent.
We're leaving for our cruise on the Getaway next week! Thanks for the heads up!
I was on this sailing Jim, we had a wonderful time despite the weather for the first few days. The Getaway is a wonderful ship very family friendly. Though in the 3yr span between Getaway sailings I did notice a lot of changes some not for the better. Our next sailing is on the Bliss Thanksgiving 2019. Your video from earlier this year on the the Bliss made me jump to book that ship. Thank you very much Jim Zimmerlin keep the videos coming.
You're welcome! You are going to enjoy your cruise on the Bliss... I'm sure!
Love the long videos Jim could watch you for days!
Great information and another great video! Thank you so much!
A great video. You mentioned MSC Seaside in this video. We were sailing on its first cruise from Miami last December (2017) and it was a disappointment. Fist of all i think it is to crowded. At least 1000 passengers to many. There was´nt room for everyone on the sundecks. You could search for a free space for hours. The bufé-restaurants food was not hot enough and the drink service was bad. The rooms were good. This was our 4th cruise with MSC and the first in the Caribbean. The other was in Mediterranean with Fantasia, Armonia and Divina. So far we think the first with Fantasia was the best.
Next time I thing we will try the NCL.
Thx for this video, I'm going on Getaway in March
Hello, loved the video and I will be staying at the Holiday Inn, based on this video. I love the Bayside Marketplace. Hey, can you ask your wife, where did she get that great big beige bag she is carrying when you guys were boarding the ship, please, thanks.
She says she got it at Forever 21's web site. It's pink.
@@JimZim Thanks, I'll go look for it!
Next time you’re in Costa Maya check out Maya Chan. It’s an all inclusive day resort created by some former cruisers. They are known for incredibly good service.
Colin McConnell the seaweed issue has ruined it. Was there 2 weeks ago Brown water and stench. They tried to rake it off the beach but it’s a losing battle. I will say MC did offer a full refund at the check in point after warning about the seaweed but we went anyway. Food and service was great
Amazing info Jim
I went on this same itinerary! When I went to harvest caye, all of the excursions were so expensive, so we went to placencia in Belize. Next time you visit Cozumel you should try a cenote. They are amazing. If you ever go on a cruise in Europe, you should try MSC. They have amazing itineraries and food etc.. Again. Amazing video as usual.
Enjoyed this very much , folks. Jim will you do a video sometime taking the rail across The States and or Europe and Canada ? Just a thought .
I might do the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada some day. My wife and I have also tossed around the idea of an Amtrak trip from the east coast to California... to get home from one of our east coast cruises, in lieu of flying. It would make a great subject for a video.
Been on this ship twice, and we love it too!
Great video!!
Great video!
Very well done video. I cruise often(55) and publish videos but your's is most excellent. Good info
In Texas we call the “American style” Mexican food TexMex and it’s delicious!
I love your voice it is hypnotic.
I finally figured out who he has been reminding me of... if you remember that show Lost, his voice reminds me of Christian, Jack’s dad. I don’t know his real name, but I’m sure he’s been in a lot of other stuff.
i really enjoyed ur naration
I really liked Harvest Caye! I went last year and I thought it was so beautiful.
Although I didn’t like the see there, smelled so strong the day I went, but I fell in love with the pool!
I thought it was so cool to have a nice restaurant for you to buy some food, but what I liked the most about the original NCL’s island was the fact that they make a no charge self serving station with barbecue and salads at the island. If you don’t want to pay for lunch, you must go back to the ship and it can be a long journey back for people with reduced mobility or a tedious walk if you just want to relax.
Love your videos, best wishes from Argentina!
Some of the more high pressure and unpleasant service areas, such as the laundry, seem to have the best camaraderie. Walk through the laundry on my last ship and you’d hear Indian music playing and people laughing and joking, same in the provision rooms, you’d have Jamaican music blasting out and the guys having a good time whilst they worked.
Thanks for this amazing video. We are on the Getaway right now. We too stayed in the Haven. We noticed you had a Haven hat. Where did you get this? My husband would like to purchase one.
It's one of a kind! My wife made it on her embroidery machine.
Jim Zimmerlin Thanks for the reply. We asked our concierge about the hat and he said it must be a personal, homemade hat. Y’all could start a business!
Have you ever been on any of the RCL Oasis class ships me and my wife are booking one in October on the Harmony. This will be our second cruise. We went on the the Norwegian Epic last December. I’m hoping my wife has a better experience on the harmony since she wasn’t very pleased with Epic and also the group we went with wasn’t either. Me on the other hand I could of lived on the ship. Love watching your videos been watching them since we booked our first cruise.
I've been on Allure Of The Seas and Harmony Of The Seas, and I've done videos about Symphony Of The Seas using clips provided by Royal Caribbean. I always say that if you are in to cruising, you really should do at least one cruise on an Oasis-class ship... they have a lot of interesting unique features, such as Central Park, and the Aqua Theater. They do tend to attract a very international mix of passengers, though... so the buffet has to cater to a wide variety of tastes. It's not really one of the best buffets for American passengers. On a cruise like Norwegian Getaway of Norwegian Bliss, they're mostly trying to please the American passengers with the food choices. So, as an American passenger, I really like that better!
This was probably one of your best videos! Now i want to go on the Norwegian getaway! Hope to someday
This is so cool cause I was in this ship on New Years
My wife and I head out January 19th on the Vista! It's for our honeymoon. We cant wait! 24 days. We were accepted for the Chef's Table as well. Will we see you there Jim?
Great video Sir! We're sailing on the Getaway in December. If you've ever sailed from New Orleans, what hotel do you recommend? Thank you
Some people try to stay at a hotel very near the cruise port, so that they can just walk from their hotel to the cruise terminal on embarkation day. But I don't really recommend that, because even the closest hotel will be a very awkward walk, pulling all your luggage along with you, to the cruise terminal.
I actually prefer to stay over near the French Quarter. Not right in the French Quarter... too noisy at night! But very near, so it's an easy walk to get to Bourbon Street and all the night life. Then, on embarkation day, you just use Lyft or Uber to get you to the cruise terminal.
The hotel we stayed at during our most recent New Orleans trip was called "Homewood Suites by Hilton, New Orleans French Quarter". Another good one in that general area is the "Courtyard By Marriott, New Orleans French Quarter". On our next trip to New Orleans, I think we might actually stay there at the Courtyard By Marriott, because I like a big breakfast in the morning and that hotel is located on the same block as an IHOP. The Homewood Suites was a 5-block walk to IHOP.
I am assuming that you're going to come in to New Orleans a couple of days before your cruise, so you can enjoy all the fun New Orleans has to offer. If you're not actually planning to come to New Orleans until the night before your cruise, you could also just look for a hotel near the airport, with a free airport shuttle. Again, on embarkation morning, just take a Lyft to the cruise terminal. Don't take cabs... Lyft is quite a bit less expensive. And in all of our travels, the one and only time that a cab driver cheated me was in New Orleans! I never took a cab after that!
@@JimZim Great information! I thank you Sir. We have 16 year old twin boys, if we go a couple days early do you happen to know if there are fun things to do in New Orleans for teens?
For sure! The zoo, the butterfly museum, a steamboat ride on the Mississippi River, a swamp tour to see alligators... just to name a few. Also, don't make the mistake of thinking the boys would be bored by the World War II museum. Google the WWII museum and check out all the really interesting things they have there. There are also streetcars, lots of live music, all sorts of restaurants... which the boys might enjoy. Also, check out the New Orleans River Walk and have lunch down in the food court at the mall, which may very well have a cruise ship docked right next to it, depending on the day you visit.
@@JimZim Sounds Amazing! Thank you!
Wow! First class on a Dreamliner then The Haven. Way to go Jim Zim!
Thank you to all the folks that watch my videos! It's the advertising revenue from the videos that make it possible for me to afford some very nice vacations now. It's only been this way for the last couple of years. Up until then, we had to be pretty frugal in the Zim family. But TH-cam changed everything for me.
You must have a large amount of money or alot of travel point for first class flights and these amazing cruise exclusive packages
or get it for 'free' in return for a glowing video review..... here are free first class flights, free cruise all expenses paid, in return for a glowing review ;)
I've paid full price for every one of my 45 cruises, and the first class flights... except those flights where I redeemed frequent flyer miles. I have never been under any obligation to provide a positive review, because I've paid my own way every time. However, cruise #46, next month, will be the first exception to that. I'm going on a media cruise, where all the journalists will be cruising for free. But that's the next cruise, and up until then every one of the cruises was paid for in full by me, not any cruise line.
Jim Zimmerlin Ahh ok, great that makes your videos/reviews much more genuine
Deliberation Well does it? You and the other subscribers -> You Tube paying Jim lots and lots of money so that he can pay for the cruises and first class airfares -> alluding Jim to make more videos and get more subscriptions and rinse and repeat. And yes the airlines and cruise companies notice the viewership and do comp now and then since Jim is perceived to be s member of the press. So is he paying for all of this? Yes technically but when he says he pays for everything that’s a bit disingenuous.
@@thomaspoke8511 Well as youtube basically is his job i wouldn't be surprised for him to go on cruises which are very relaxing and fun and additionaly make a review of it, the youtube videos he posts on that cruise doesnt make up for the money spentfor that singular cruise for that singular video. In fact his monthly earning are less than most of the cruises expenses. Overall with the amount of money youtube is providing him he cant pay for cruises with it all so yeah it still genuine because he has to use money other than the youtube based money income
I have cruised on Getaway's sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, and I loved it, minus the first 2 days, as the first 2 days were cold sailing out of New York. How was the Getaway?
Awesome video dude!!! Going to be on the exact same cruise and itinerary March 3rd.
👍😉
I was there on the 18th of December in Costa Maya
Good video Jim but you didn’t really explain why you wouldn’t recommend MSC. As a British guest I’ve also been warned off it but they seem really popular with some.
Hello Jim zim I don’t know for sure but me and my mom am have been going on cruises since I was in kindergarten and we might have been on the same one...
I do think that to work on a cruise ship could be a great experience for many people. I have talked to some of them and they tell me that they make very good money to send back home to their family.
That looks like a nice trip...and 38 years...congrats...lasted allot more than my 9 months 😂😂😂
What camera do you use?..its perfect clear... thanks
A Canon EOS 80D, which is a big DSLR camera. Also, for some shots where I can't use a big camera, I shoot with a GoPro Hero 7 Black.
I loved this video. I started washing the dishes and finished right as it ended. Great job. All I ask is you make a trains on a cruise ship video :) my son would love it !
I was in Cozumel,Mexico 20 of December
Another great video Jim. Next time in Miami Bayside check out the restaurant Los Ranchos. Its a steak/chicken/seafood restaurant that is top notch table cloth service that is excellent. Its probably the only Bayside restaurant that Miami locals eat at since most of Bayside is really a tourist trap. Its second floor on the far end. The Getaway is a great ship but IMHO, the Breakaway class ships was an over correction from Epic. All the venues including the Haven got smaller and confined. I hope someday you cruise the Epic. The spa will blow you away. The ship is 10 years old and I believe its still the largest spa at sea including outdoor areas. The Haven is so much larger and better with Posh, etc. Also the Breakaway class ships really put the tables inches apart in the specialty restaurants. Glad you had a great time. Happy sailing!
I will definitely sail the Epic at some point!
@@JimZim The Epic does not have the Waterfront which is a fantastic feature on the Getaway. IMHO, everything else is bigger and better on Epic. Cant wait to get your opinion on Epic someday. She is the step child of the NCL fleet but she is by far better than the Breakaway class ships. NCL over-reacted and went too sterile and conservative on the Breakaway Class ships. Happy Sailings
Taking this cruise jan20 good info
Only a voyueristic idiot from NCL could have approved the glass bathroom and shower walls/doors on the Epic? I cannot imagine a family occupying the cabin suites. Insult to injury, they placed the only curtain between the bathroom/shower and the living space. How many bare assed gaffs from the hallway have occurred when someone entered the cabin? Some things cannot be unseen! Save your cruisemates from the embarrassment.
@@keithandrsn3319 LOL you are funny. You never lock the door to your cabin? On any cruise ship in the world a crew member could walk in on you if you are not dressed. That has nothing to do with Epic
What restaurant was the Mexican food at Bayside? I'd love to go there on our fall cruise this year.
That was the Mambo Cafe, on the first floor of Bayside. Most of their menu is Cuban/Caribbean, but the "Ultimate Fajitas" was quite a memorable meal and could have easily served three or four of us. mambocafemiami.com/
what the most relaxing cruise you ever been on. I really need help figuring this out. My wife and I sailed twice on allure of the seas. We want to be papered, we want care free cruising, and although privacy hard to get on a ship with thousands of people be nice to have some of that. What do you think ? Nothing beats morning coffee on the room deck my fav thing ever. Oh and wife and I are 34 , so although I sound like im 50, well I am at heart lol.
You sound like someone who would enjoy "The Haven" on Norwegian cruise line. It's pricey, though... so if your budget will not allow you to do The Haven, consider a Havana cabin on one of Carnival's Vista-class ships instead. There are videos about NCL's Haven and Carnival's Havana area here on my channel.
Love your videos
I was on the royal princess and I saw that ship at Roatan
Jim, really enjoy your videos. What do you recommend as a first cruise out of the NYC area? I know there are a couple of large ships leaving Port Liberty NJ, do you recommend any of them? Would be traveling solo and just want a one week away. Thanks!
Royal Caribbean's "Anthem Of The Seas" is one of the best cruise ships in the world, and sails out of Cape Liberty, NJ. There are quite a few different itineraries to choose from, depending on what you're interested in... everything from Fall Foliage cruises in New England to 7-day Bahamas cruises and all the way up to the ultimate cruise from the New York area, a 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise. I did it a few years ago, and it was fantastic. Check out my web page about it at www.jimzim.net/AnthemOfTheSeas.html
great video. We (family of 4) just got off Breakaway in New Orleans today. Very similar to Getaway. Overall excellent, but we've cruised with NCL twice and both times the first incompetent boob that took the passports botched the photos/names/key card so that I had to get it rectified shortly after entering the ship, and this time the steward didn't keep track of the minibar and we were charged 12 bucks for a vodka taken by previous occupants (stupid of us to not clear out the minibar...). But guest services was quick and efficient, overall great experience. It looks like you didn't do O'Sheehan's this time(?). It's not the same as a Guys burger, but the O'Sheehan burger was a really good (and huge) pub-type burger. I actually wouldn't mind if it was a bit less beefy. I think Carnival forced competitors to improve their burgers.
Agree that Mex night in buffet was one of the weaker nights. There was always good, authentic Asian and Indian food, but I'm not sure there are any Mexican workers to make good Mexican food (although Carnival has figured out how to make good taqueria type food).
Breakaway wasn't really that hard to navigate since Haven takes up a good portion of the front of the ship. It's effectively like navigating a typical 100K tonnage displacement ship. It's the largest ship to sail from NO. We wish more bigger and more varied ships would go to NO, Mobile, Jacksonville.
Thanks for the notes! I'll be on Breakaway, out of New Orleans, a few months from now! You beat me to it.
@@JimZim should be extremely similar, but at least there are different shows (Burn the floor and Rock of Ages were both broadway quality). Rock of Ages is a bit raunchy, which I think does shock some viewers. 'Ashlie Amber Harris' did a Whitney Houston tribute that was really good. I'm sure your Haven shower will be better than the standard balcony room shower (was weak and shaped in some asymmetrical roundish shape---but at least it did keep the water in the shower).
Your videography is superb Jim. Can you share what equipment you use? Looks like you use a gimbal?
Actually, for the all the shots in this video where the camera was in motion (not just panning) I was using a GoPro Hero 7 Black, on it's own, no gimbal. It has very good image stabilization built right in to it... which makes it super convenient to use because it is so small. I just mount it on a short selfie stick.
For the shots where the camera is panning, most of those were done using a Canon EOS 80D on a tripod. The one quirk of the built-in image stabilization on the new GoPro is that it tries to correct for the movement when you are doing a pan. So, when I know I want to do a shot involving panning, I use the big Canon.
Thanks Jim! You have really helped me make my next vid cam decison!!
It looks like they replaced the complimentary Cuban restaurant on the Getaway with Margaritaville. That's too bad because the Cuban place was delicious (and free)!
Oh, yes... that happened quite a while ago. You must have sailed on Getaway when she was fairly new.
We loved the Cuban place on the getaway too. That's unfortunate.
I saw birds mating with was amazing!
I’m going there in April😀😀
Very good video
Hey Jim, I love your videos they’re very great and useful, do which port do you recommend to leave from, Port of Miami or Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)?
Either way... they're both great ports. I'd look at which you can get a better flight to. If you're going to be staying in Ft Lauderdale for a day or two, think about a stay at the Margaritaville resort in Hollywood, Florida. It's a lot of fun. th-cam.com/video/qdn9MUDe8YE/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Jim for the quick reply. I actual live the South Florida area and access to both ports are pretty easy, when their is no traffic.
Oh, I see! Lucky you. You have access to all the best cruise ships in the world. Those are the two ports where the cruise lines always place their best ships. I'm jealous! So, in that case, I'd pick the ship first... and let the port be determined by where the ship is based. What ships have you cruised on, so far?
3 Disney (Wonder and Magic)
1 Costa (worst cruise ever)
4 Carnival (Victory, Spirit)
2 NCL (Sun and Sky)
7 RCL (Jewel, 4 Voyager class ships, Freedom)
I guess you could say I am trying to catch up to you, haha.
You're doing a good job at it, Lucas!
OK, looking at your cruise history I think you really need to experience Carnival Horizon, Symphony Of The Seas, and Norwegian Escape. Do you travel with kids, and if so... what ages?
Jim Zimmerman I love your honest!
Seen 2/4/19
Sir. I would hire you. Your channel is informative.
From Beverly Hills, Good day.
We also were on this ship December 2-9!
Are you comped by NCL?
Not in any way. I paid full price for every one of the 45 cruises I've been on.
How do you guys feel about Holland America Line. Thanks.
I've never sailed on Holland America... so I can't offer any input on that. My impression is that it's one of the more formal lines. I like to remain dressed really casually on a vacation, and getting dressed up is just not my thing at vacation time. So that's why I've never sailed with Holland America. Freestyle cruising on NCL is perfect for me.
@@JimZim tbh, other than a couple of formal nights in the dining room (not in the buffet of course), it wasn't really more formal than other cruises. Or possibly men were more apt to wear khakis/collars at dinner than shorts/t-shirts, but nothing too oppressive. We did the 'my time' dining, not unlike freestyle. But definitely if you want to see the most amazing cirque-type shows, spectacular theatrical shows, go-karts, waterslides, etc. then those would be more apt to be on NCL or Royal. We didn't do the upgraded dining, but do choose the upgraded dining on NCL. So Hal might not be for you, but I don't think it would have to do with formality; it's not like the QM2, which I think is actually is pretty formal. Hal actually seemed to feature a lot of 1960s and 70s music, which I liked. If you see a good nearby deal on the Koningsdam (or the other new one), it could be worth trying--but just go in knowing that it's not going to have the 'ooh' and 'ahh' factor that an Oasis class or a really new NCL ship has.
I need to know what excursions had that zipline, where there we climbing that net thing, im going there next year.
@Jim Zimmerlin I ABSOLUTELY LOVED YOUR VIDEO! I have 9 Cruises under my Belt it would have been 12 but we passed on three. Nowhere close to what you have Cruised! But We follow the same plan. We fly in a day early. Stay on BISCAYNE BLVD, across from the CVS you mentioned. Get out supplies and beverages for the ship from there. Then head over to The BAYSIDE MARKET and Shop, Eat and listen to live music 🎶! The port of Miami is my favorite port! I have to say, when you mentioned That MSC SHIP I wasn’t expecting you to say what you did BUT YOU GET A BIG HIGH 5for it‼️ we Cruised The Mediterranean onThe MSC MERIVIGLIA And though a beautiful ship, IT WAS THE WORST CRUISE I’ve EVER BEEN ON‼️‼️‼️You said it best !”that line is not for Americans “” AT ALL‼️the crew was friendly but we were totally IGNORED THE ENTIRE TIME! We felt like this ship only catered to the European passengers! The Food.. HORRIBLE... the Entertainment..HORRIBLE! Cold weather prevented us from using the pool! We spent our days at sea talking to ourselves and standing in front of the Gelato stand, we’re the girls got to know us 🍧because we were their Best customers due to we were Board 😞NEVER AGAIN WILL MSC SEE ANY more of my hard earned money 💰 THANKS AGAIN FOR THAT GREAT VIDEO
Beautiful video, thanks for sharing.
What camera did you use on this video? Excellent quality!
Most of it was shot on a GoPro Hero 7 Black. A few of the clips were shot with a Canon EOS 80D.
I love your cruise videos Jim! keep em coming... what cruise are you going on in the spring?
Our next cruise, just a few weeks from now, will be on the Viking Sea. The cruise I mentioned for this spring, which will bring me back to Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, will be in The Haven on Norwegian Breakaway out of New Orleans. And towards the end of spring, we'll be in a Havana cabin on the Carnival Horizon. So, that's three really great cruises to look forward to between now and this summer!
Would you RECOMMEND NCL or PRINCESS or Royal Caribbean
Between just those three, my choice would be Norwegian.
Carnival will not allow cameras on the behind the scenes tour. do you have enough footage to make a video only about the behind the scenes tour?
I follow the same plan when we Cruise 🚢 out of MIAMI
Where can we find the Getaway’s info? (Capacity, length, etc.) thanks
Wikipedia!
HOW WAS THIS SHIP WE ARE BOOKED IN THE HAVE ROOM 9316. HOPE IT'S NICE
I’m going on this March 8-15 2020
What's a cruise line for Europeans then Jim?
Depends on what country you're from. There are cruise lines that cater to Brits, such as P&O. There are cruise lines that cater to Germans, such as AIDA. There are cruise lines that cater to Italians, such as Costa and MSC. I'm sure there are others that I don't know about, since I'm American and only really pay attention to the cruise lines that cater to American tastes.
Hi Jim, I have to say that my wife and I love your videos and insight int the cruise industry and ships.
One thing I would like to say after seeing your video for Getaway, is that MSC is not for europeans as you suggest.
We have cruised for the last 9 years all over the World with Cunard, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, P&O and regrettably fr us MSC.
We are british and found all of the other cruis lines to be good to excellent in most cases, some issues, but ones that yo can live with.
Unfortunately MSC Preziosa was the worst holiday or cruise that we have ever encountered in over 45 years as a married couple.
That say a lot when you consider how little money we had as youngsters and had to have some pretty cheap holidays.
So please refrain from saying MSC is for europeans. In our view it is for anybody who can accept MSC's way of doing things, which falls way short of what we expect as a minimum when on holiday.
Also whilst we loved the video of Getaway, the prices for these cruises is now at such a level that we are unlikely to cruise with them.
That said we have three cruises booked over the next 18 months.
All the best for 2019.
John
Thanks for the story, John! I bet you understand why I keep mentioning the MSC situation in my videos, almost a year after my cruise on MSC Seaside. I really want to warn off folks that thinking a cruise on MSC is going to be just as good as what they may be used to on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, etc.
What restaurant did you get those fajitas at Bayside?
The Mambo Cafe, on the first floor.
@@JimZim looks good, recommend it?
Definitely! But one thing to watch for... I think they sneak a mandatory gratuity on to the bill, and then give you a chance to add a gratuity when you go to pay. So, if you didn't happen to notice that a gratuity is already in there, you could easily double tip... which is, I'm sure, exactly what they are trying to get you to do. So, be careful with the bill and make sure you only tip once.
@@JimZim Ok good to know!!! Yea thats common here in Miami unfortunately
@@JimZim THX 4 pointing that out .the food looked ravishing!
Nice video! Love the plane too, and I always wanted to cruise on Norwegian.
About dress code now, you don't need to dress so fancy anymore, for women I would suggest some blouse with glitter, it really looks so nice at night and people think you spent a lot money and it just look very classy for men a nice light pants, a nautical moccasin and a nice shirt that's it.
1:34 Hey look! The Disney Magic!
Haha, i went on that same ship, and that same route, but i realized that it wasn't the same week i went, i went the 2-8th.
I recently went on the Norwegian Getaway to the western Caribbean. In my previous cruise, I stayed in the Star class on the Harmony of the Seas. This experience was completely different from my stay in the Haven on the Norwegian Getaway. Unfortunately, everything on the Norwegian Getaway was worse than the Harmony of the Seas. The entertainment was not comparable along with the overall service of the staff. I was disappointed by the haven area as it was boring and small. The ships overall size, not having the central park or boardwalk was a horrible step down. I found NCL Getaway to be a zoo on the top deck with crowds of people. As on the Harmony of the Seas, it was as if everyone was dispersed around perfectly on the ship. The spa in the Norwegian Getaway was crowded as if everyone on the ship was allowed access to it, with nowhere to sit, along with this the waterfall was loud and didn't allow you time to relax. Overall the quality of our trip on the Norwegian Getaway was not comparable to the Harmony of the Seas. NCL Getaway 4/10 Harmony of the Seas 9/10
If you are looking to go on a relaxing/fun cruise with amazing service, book the Quantum or Oasis class ships with Royal Caribbean.