Bigger isn't always better...

Norwegian Getaway Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 41

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Getaway

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 20, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Getaway

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 11693

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

This was my 3rd cruise (1st with Norwegian).  I was very pleased with the ports of call and I would definitely recommend this itinerary.  The Getaway was the biggest ship I have been on and it was nice & clean and the staff was very friendly but it was definitely crowded in certain areas @ certain times.   On sea days you must get up early if you want to get a nice seat by the pool or at least somewhere close.  Also the Garden Cafe is absolute chaos -apparently everyone there is starving and cannot pay attention to where they are going or use their manners.  It's best to eat early or in one of the dining rooms.  If you wish to go to any type of entertainment shows make reservations early or arrive early to get a seat.  The children's programs were absolutely fabulous!!  I have a 5 year old and a 13 year old and they loved going to their groups.  My 5 year old even got to be part of a farewell performance in the theatre which was so exciting.  I would definitely cruise with Norwegian again but I may choose a smaller ship next time.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
The food was very good and there was a nice selection but I would definitely recommend avoiding the Garden Cafe @ peak times.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The entertainment was excellent but you need to make reservations or arrive early if you want a seat.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5
These were fabulous! My kids enjoyed every minute!!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Go to Margaritaville for breakfast. It has a free buffet and isn't crowded at all. There is less of a selection but it sure beats the crowd in the Garden Cafe.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

3 out of 5

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5
Absolutely beautiful!! Take a tour of the island and learn a little about its history. Stop @ the monkey park, zip line & go to the beach!! Everyone was so friendly.

Harvest Caye, Belize

3 out of 5
It was very beautiful but unfortunately food & drinks are not included so be prepared. The shops are also pricey - so plan to get better deals at the other ports.

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5
I thoroughly enjoyed this stop. Take a taxi to the beach but be sure not to pay to sit at the beach. Tropicante was free and they were very helpful. The locals that worked there gave us a lot of good information. The food was good also.

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 41

3 Comments

BAK1061    8 years ago

Welcome to the world of mega ships.  Sadly, the situation probably won't get better any time soon.  These days it's about volume.  Bigger ships, more people......Perhaps if the people who designed the ships actually cruised on them, they might get a better understanding. A company executive gets to stay in their suite all week and never mingle with the peons, so they wouldn't get it either. Heaven forbid the butler makes a mistake.

noname111    8 years ago

Thank you for posting your review. I particularly liked your comment "Also the Garden Cafe is absolute chaos -apparently everyone there is starving and cannot pay attention to where they are going or use their manners."  We have the same experience on every single one of the popular cruise lines, so it is not particular to NCL. What does that say about the general population's behavior and etiquette? LOL.

capeman    8 years ago

Thanks giving is a bad week to travel unless you like the crowds.  

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