Second time not as good as the first

Norwegian Getaway Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 17

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Getaway

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 10, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Getaway

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 11216

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

I would not suggest booking through BJ'S Travel.  I booked a year in advance and had nothing but trouble with my reservation, spent approximately 12 hours total on the phone with them having to take time out of work to do so and only to arrived at the airport the day of the cruise to find out yet another mistake had occurred we had no transfers to the airport that were paid for a year in advance.  Once aboard I spent half the cruise fixing my reservation.  I didn't have fun.  The cruise staff, food and ports overall were great once we had everything straightened out.  I was a second time cruiser on this ship and was disappointed to see that the shows were all the same as the year before when we went.  Also was disappointed that the specialty dining package did not include the illusionarium show which was included the year before.  The food however, was excellent.  The "free" beverage package is however not free as a gratuity tax is now charged that did not exist a year ago.  I would like to recognize the wait staff as all work very hard to please their guests.  There was also a lot of confusion with the walk off disembarkment procedure this time as we were given several different answers as to the process depending on who you asked.  I don't think I'll cruise with Norwegian anytime soon and am considering giving Royal a try.          

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
excellent food

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
could have had more nightlife activities for young cruisers over 21 they were board

Entertainment

1 out of 5
same shows as last year

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Angus a waiter at the poolside bar deserves a big raise as he works very hard

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
cabin was great had no issues with the room

Ship tip

Don't book through BJ's Travel go directly through Norwegian

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

3 out of 5

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5
was a fun island would have been better if the weather was sunny

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

3 out of 5
people selling things chase you too much

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5
nice island

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
appeared a little dirty
Was this review helpful? 17

11 Comments

tony1123    8 years ago

The gratuity fee has always been charged I believe on all cruise lines you also have the opportunity to prepay gratuities on a flat rate per person. When in the port of Miami you will pay a tax on each drink. This is all ships.

stephanielutsky    8 years ago

We just booked a 7 day cruise...the tax on alcohol pkg was $87. tax on soda pkg was $10.

Travelgirl27    8 years ago

RC is one of the best...

lovescrusing23    8 years ago

There is only tax on alcohol in Miami Not all drinks throughout your holiday... I got off it last week after being in for 14 nites

StevenItsSteven    8 years ago

Noreen you will pay an 18% gratuity on the package purchase.

neiko0174    8 years ago

And they saved a dollar- book directly

noreen    8 years ago

tax on drinks package did not know about that how much do we have to pay kalin94 thanks

StevenItsSteven    8 years ago

Good to know. I've always been hesitant booking Thur a 3rd party so I don't.

JusMe    8 years ago

It is not fair to down grade the cruise because you had issues with your travel agent ?  Doing this does not give an accurate reflection of the ship and its crew.

blondietsv    8 years ago

Sorry you had so much stress. I used BJs travel and it couldn't have been better. We cruised on the Getaway as well and was aware of the service fees attached to each of the free offers because the BJs travel agent informed of them before I made my selection. She even followed up with me a few days before the cruise to make sure all was in order.

cruiseaddict13    8 years ago

how much is the gratuity tax?

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