Norwegian Getaway 2015

My husband and I have cruised over 6 times, and we had cruised Norwegian once before (2004) when our children were younger. Norwegian has come a long way since then. The Getaway is in fact the Grandest ship we have been on. Royal Caribbean was our favorite in those days. Yet we aren't just impressed with the Vessel. The entire staff (except for the guest service man who ignored our plea for help with internet access) was exceptional. Let us begin by stating that a cruise director (in this case Mr. J.C. Sanchez) can make such a difference.  So many great activities. But the shows went far beyond our expectations.  Free style dining is a great way to cruise.  You actually choose among so many excellent Real Restaurants.  French, Italian, Japan Hibachi, Brazilian Steak house and so many others.  You can just go to the Buffet and have at it too. But we really felt we were on a floating small town.  I can go on and on but let us summarize the cruise with absolutely the best.  Now...to our shore excursions. Our ship went Miami, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Nassau.  In St. Thomas, the Catamaran sailing and snorkel was wonderful. In Tortola the Speed boat adventure was amazing (The Best!!). As for Nassau...you can keep it! I can best describe it as getting off the ship into a pool of piranhas!  From the moment you leave the security area they attach you from all angles almost to insult you for not braiding you hair or buying their trinkets.  The very worst was the "Glass bottom Kayak and Snorkel excursion" It was a run down double deck rusty boat that took forever to get us near a deserted little piece of land and by the time they untangled the Kayaks, and gave us smelly dirty life vests in was well over one and a half hours. For those who snorkeled we pity them. The snorkels and masks were taken right out of a trash container from the previous tour without sanitizing. Finally, if not because a "crew member" had chunks of bread we wouldn't even have seen any marine life except the 12 striped yellow and black "Sargent"fish that came to nibble on the bread. When returning us to the Getaway, the crew made us feel as though we were going to be taken somewhere else.  They circled the longest way back and then dropped us at the farthest point from the ship back in the heart of the shops.  So we had to weave back to the ship dripping wet and through the "piranhas" once more. Keep Nassau. Its no longer funky, it no longer has soul.