TIPS FOR 1ST TIME CRUISERS ON NORWEIGN GETAWAY

This boat is massive- 16 floors, holds 3969 guests and 1640 crew members.It’s like Las Vegas on water. Your luggage “should” be delivered to your room by 7:00 pm.On day 2 of the cruise we received a flier in our room that a couple’s luggage had been lost.I would recommend you take your carry-on to your room.Each cruise member will be given a keycard, try not to lose it as you will need it to get on/off the boat, purchase store items, arcade usage, shows etc. For kids buy a strong necklace lanyard, like for a credit card, prior to the cruise. To orient yourself, the fish on the carpet swim towards the front of the ship.There is a mandatory life boat drill the 1st day that is 2 minutes long but it takes 40+ minutes to get everyone together; each cruise member will need their keycard as proof you attended.If you don’t go to this they will come looking for you and have you attend the second day.

The Stateroom- So if you are a party of 5 or 3 and wondering where the extra bed is hidden at, it comes out of the ceiling. Rather than wait an hour in the Guest Services line to have the bed setup push the button (in your room) for housekeeping services with a note stating you would like the bed setup and an extra towel.Our stateroom, party of 5, only had 1 outlet (2 plugins); with 4 females in the room this did not work very well.I would suggest you bring a power cord.Since your cell phones do not work most of the cruise, bring a waterproof watch (one that you can use in the ocean if you plan to do any shore/beach excursions). Bring a good waterproof camera and have other cruise members take your family photo or you can purchase an 8X10 print for $25 each with Norwegian.

For Kids- They have a great teen program called Entourage (13-17 year olds) but not so great kids program called Splash-Dolphins (10-12 year olds).The Dolphins are intermingled with younger kids and they felt more like they were in daycare than in an activity for their age.Parents are charged $6 an hour for Splash groups + tips.You have to enroll your kids into the program before they can go; do this on the first day.Note: kids have to have their keycards on them and you will need to make up a password to pick up your child for those 12 years old and younger.I saw several fathers who went to pick up their child but did not know the password.They were surprised and frustrated.

Pool/Slides- For the size of this boat, there is a small Sponge Bob water play area for kids 8 and younger. Beside it, is the kids pool, which is the size of 2 king beds stuck together- typically parents are sitting on the edge, feet in the pool, side-by-side watching their child stand in the water.The largest pool is for adults only.No place for kids 17 years old and younger to actually swim. The policy of the ship is you remove all jewelry before going on the waterslides (for your safety), this includes belly button ring, bars and yes your wedding ring.I thought I would tie my wedding ring (of 25 years) to my bathing suit strap but the strap came undone and I lost it.Make the trip to your room and place your jewelry in the locked safe (4 digit code that you make up to lock and unlock it).They do not make announcements for you if you have lost someone or something.Use the cruise towels for shore excursions but don’t forget to return them or you will be charged $25 per towel.

Entertainment/Shows- For being a Nickelodeon cruise it was not kid focused. Legally Blonde the Musical and Burn the Floor are not the shows I would consider kid friendly. If you plan to attend a show, make reservations before you get on the boat and go to the shows at least 30 minutes early to get a good seat.If you go to the Comedy Show, go early, they will give away your seats to those in the “stand-by” line if you are not there 10 minutes before show time.The 70’s Disco Grove Dance Party, Awesome 80’s Deck Party, 90’s Dance Mix and Glow Party were more suited for the 21 year old drinking partier.Things we did enjoy on the cruise as a family- firework show, waterslides, rope course, library, over-sized chess board, Comedy show and climbing wall.

Water/Drinks- Bring your own water container you can easily fill in The Café, this is also recommended for coffee mugs.There are no water fountains on the ship and a six pack of bottled water cost $25. An added note, mixed drinks cost $9 and they will store any alcohol you try to bring on the boat.You will be given your alcohol back at the end of the trip (we watched a couple try to bring a cooler of wine). The ultimate beverage package is $59 per day per person. There are cover charges for some of the bars.Soda is basically $7 per day per person or $3 per drink.

Food- Top Notch though not allergy friendly.If you have a family member that has a life threatening food allergy be on high alert in The Café.Norwegian has a Guest Special Request Information form that you can fill out prior to the cruise (accommodations form for food allergies, asthma, diabetes, disabilities, etc.) but it is pretty much meaningless. The serve is inconsistent and many food serve staff are unaware of cross contamination or the need to read label ingredients.The Freestyle Dining (meaning the places you are not charged an additional fee like $30 per person) are more allergy friendly but again not consistent and they only serve dinner (Taste, Savor, The Tropicana and Shanghai’s Noodle Bar).The restaurants open at 5:30, no reservations needed for 6 people or under, and its first come first served.

Medical Care- I spoke with one parent who had his son treated for an ear infection.They do not take insurance (you will have to submit a claim once home) and his out-of-pocket cost was $200.