First Cruise a Success!

Norwegian Getaway Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

MAR57

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 17

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 12, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Getaway

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9416

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

As first time cruisers we were thrilled with the amenities and the quality of the vessel, food and entertainment. We have been to many All Inclusive Resorts and found this way of travelling a much higher quality, right down to how Excursion Operators treated us. I felt more respected than when we have gone on excursions from hotels. We had the Beverage Package, Gratuities Package and bought a 3 Restaurant Dining Package. Although the meals in those "extra" restaurants were very good, the dining in the "included" venues were also very good and we didn't really need the extra expense. Our Steward was friendly and polite and he worked very long days keeping everyone in his section happy.

Only complaints, and certainly not a deal breaker, was that the pool area was very small and crowded and cramped. I guess with two bars, the kiddie pool and water slides, those of us without kids had to squish into the left over space. I would definitely look for a ship that did not have such a set up. We tried to hang out in the adults only section but it got very hot and the only relief were "hot" hot tubs. We definitely would look for a ship that allowed for more water spaces, especially with two "at sea" days.

Overall it was a terrific experience. i am not sure how I feel about cruising in general. I had a very hard time being "herded" everywhere I wanted to go, and wait in lines. Norwegian kept the waiting times to a minimum and were very efficient but I really found it hard to pretend I wasn't shoulder to shoulder with strangers no matter where I was on the ship. If crowds aren't an issue for you, and you can ignore people in your personal space, then Norwegian Getaway is a great time and good value. We actually spent less to cruise, including air and excursions then we normally did at a Hotel. That was surprising.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Quality was very good in every venue, even the buffet it was tasty and hot.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Lots to do all the time. You can be as busy, or not, that you want too. Something for everyone.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Price for Bingo and Deal or No Deal was a bit steep. I'd thought half of what they were charging would have been fair. I'd probably end up spending the same but get to play more often.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Staff was very respectful and polite but certainly not friendly.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Central pool area design wasn't good. We parked beside a Carnival Cruise Ship and although it was a smaller ship, they had a great pool design with stadium seating for loungers, bigger pool, bandstand at one end. It looked like a much better "central space" to gather.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Room was very comfortable. Bed was great. Pillows a bit too soft but lots of them. Balcony a must just to give the feel of more space. I thought it was a "cheap" touch to have the fridge in the room stocked with overpriced stuff and not included in the Beverage Package.

Ship tip

Use "Super Shuttle" to and from the airport in Miami. Great service and less expensive then any other. You can book ahead but you don't have to. You can get them right at the airport and they were waiting when we docked so no need to book ahead.

Thumbs up