Bigger ISN"T always better

Norwegian Getaway Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Kasey0312

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 5

Helpful Votes: 142

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 29, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Getaway

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 13286

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

I love cruising and will continue to do so but never again on a MEGA ship like Getaway.

First the PROS: Loved O'Sheehans ~ good food with friendly servers and a good view of the activities below. The Waterfront was a comfortable place to sit and people watch or read a book. The Garden Buffet ~ good food, good variety, good servers. The photography staff ~ they took plenty of great pictures using care to put you in a good pose. The comedy performers and the dance troop of Burn the Floor. The port of Costa Maya ~ especially the Krazy Lobster. The fish in the hall carpet swim forward to help you distinguish forward from aft.

CONS: embarkation and debarkation were chaos at it's best. Staff unfriendly and didn't have the same instructions. Many places had additional charges ~ gelato, bakery, and even certain menu offerings in the complimentary dining rooms. Same tired old games. Lacklust entertainment and poor venues to hold it in. Many activities were held in the Atrium where noise and a poor sound system made it less than enjoyable. Long lines for most things. Heavy smoking in the casino and guests smoking in prohibited areas with no consequences.

I could keep going with my list of disappointments but I'm sure you are tired of my gripes. Thanks for reading.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Good Tasting but lacking in variety. Best offerings were at O'Sheehans ~ awesome Reuben sandwich and Shepard's pie. Second Choice was the buffet at the Garden Buffet.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Same tired old Bingo, Trivia, and art auction. One game sunk to an all time disgusting low ~ mid evening on the last night "The Perfect Couple" had the wife on her knees and the man with a tennis ball in his pants. The cruise director in charge of the games changed rules as the game went along to benefit his "pet" cruisers.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The comedy team and Burn the Floor Dance group were terrific. My husband enjoyed the Milliondollar Quartet. The remainder of the entertainment was unremarkable

Children's Programs

We didn't have a need for Children's programs

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Service was generally good. Sometimes the wait between courses in the main dining rooms was a little long but possibly being spaced because of the entertainment. Staff during the cruise was friendly and ready to help. During embarkation and debarkation ~ not so much'

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The ship was nicely designed with the exception of only two sets of elevator banks ~ one forward and one aft. Our aft cabin was served well with this design. Staff were always cleaning.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Our cabin was always clean, but not necessarily early in the day. There was very ample storage space and hanger room in the closet though only hanger width. Loved the bathroom. Unbelievably spacious and probably bigger than our balcony which snugly accommodated 2 chairs and a small table. My side of the bed was 8 inches away from the wall (I measured) and there was only 19 inches clearance between the wall and foot of the bed. Our mini bar was never unlocked. Our mattresses were designed so you couldn't accidentally roll out (if you get my meaning). It was in a great location though ~ quick access to dining areas and pool.