NCL Getaway November Cruise

The NCL Getaway is big and beautiful!  We had a balcony cabin, which was  fine for the two of us, but would have been cramped with another person.  There was ample storage with cabinets and under-sofa drawers, and suitcases fit well under the bed.

The ship has a "Miami Latin " theme.  We would have liked more diversity in music and shows, but the Latin flavor prevailed.  The Bang The Floor show was, for us, too loud and too long, with too much of the same beat.

We enjoyed dining at Cagneys, Moderno, LeBistro, LaCucina, O'Sheehan's, the Noodle Bar, Savor and Tropicana.  All had excellent choices and delicious food.  Service was outstanding.

However, with NCL introducing their new ship, Joy, in Asia, there were many Chinese aboard who were training for their respective positions on the Joy.   Unfortunately, among the trainees was the Cruise Director, who would normally provide the entire passenger population with a wealth of information, be amply visible during the entire cruise, participate in shows and games and generally be a presence.  This did not happen and was very disappointing.  From the emergency drill (a 1 1/2 hour debacle with hardly an announcement we could understand) to debarkation (2 hours on a line just to swipe off the ship, and we are Platinum with Priority Debarkation!), we were amazed that the trainees - in particular the Cruise Director - were not "shadowing" a working CD instead of assuming the actual position.  We hope that was a lesson learned for NCL.

The Safety Drill, Debarkation and Trainees aside, we enjoyed our Getaway cruise, and were excited to visit the newest island, Harvest Caye.  

Be prepared to pay for everything on the island, though, since this is not a NCL private island but a joint venture with Belize.  Your Ultimate Beverage Package is not honored on the island as it is on Great Stirrup Cay.  There is a beautiful, but crowded, pool at the LandShark Bar & Grill with a swim-up bar.  The beach has ample seating, but the water was not what one is used to when visiting Caribbean beaches.  It was not turquoise blue, nor could you see your toes.  It is more brownish, likely due to to the mangroves and local vegetation.  The Villas look amazing and people were having a ball zip-lining!  Not everything was open yet, but it will be a great place to visit as an alternative to tendering into Belize City, since the ships will dock right at the island.  Passengers have about a quarter mile covered walk from the ship to the island entrance.  Be sure to wear sunscreen!