Norwegian Getaway Jan 2016 Western Caribbean

Item: Norwegian Getaway
Rating: 3
Author: pame24

Norwegian Getaway Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

pame24

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 65

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 10, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Getaway

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 12202

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Bigger is not always better and that's what we found on the NCL Getaway. This is a huge ship and there isn't enough public areas for all the people. Out of 7 cruises that DH and I have been on, this is the first time we felt the ship was crowded. Usually once everyone is on board and goes there separate ways you don't notice all the people. This ship you do! We found it difficult to find a quiet place to go. It is geared towards families and because of the kids club and teens area it is great for them. Even though it is freestyle dining, most nights we made reservations at the complimentary restaurants to avoid a wait. Food was average, nothing special. Seems if a person wants "special" you have to go to the specialty restaurants. We do not feel the need to spend more money to eat when that cost has been included in the cruise price. Buffet food was never hot but did always have a good selection. Service in the restaurants was excellent. Shows were pretty good, but you must make reservations. We never got to see the comedy shows because we failed to reserve early enough and they were booked the whole cruise. There were other shows that we could have paid for, but we refused to be nickled and dimed. Entertainment and food should be included when on a cruise. We ended up with only the gratuities and a few gift shop purchases on our account so kept the costs down. We had the beverage package which was great but it was one of the freebies we got for booking so no cost to us except for the gratuities on it. All in all a good cruise, but DH and I decided mega ships are not for us.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Food was fine, but wasn't the quality of previous cruises.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

The not so newlywed game and celebrity dance off are not to be missed! Get to the atrium early though or you won't have a seat. Too many people on board!

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Too many people on the ship. Make reservations well in advance if there's something you really want to see. I resent having to pay for entertainment on a cruise ship so didn't go to any of those shows.

Children's Programs

From appearances it loos like a great ship for families. Lots for kids to do.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Our cabin needed some repairs and deep cleaning. DH and I did not prefer the layout to this ship. Others might love it. We found it difficult to get around. No elevator in middle of ship, just at each end. Elevators always very crowded.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Cabin was a family mini suite with a small balcony. For a ship only 2 years old it showed wear and tear. Stains on carpet and the sink leaked into the drawer underneath getting everything wet I had put in there. We reported it twice but it was never fixed during our cruise. The kids club entrance is on deck 12 and there were always kids running up and down the hall. This deck would be great if you are traveling with children, but otherwise avoid it. This cabin had a king bed, a sofa that made into a bed and a bunk. Would easily sleep 4. Bathroom was huge with a tub. Again great if you have young children, but I would have preferred a shower stall. No icky shower curtains on the Getaway!

Ship tip

The Tropicana is the nicest complimentary restaurant. I overheard many people saying it was a specialty that you have to pay for. No, it's free, and we ate there 4 nights. They had entertainment while eating and also a dance floor. Best to make reservations.

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