Testing the waters

Item: Norwegian Getaway
Rating: 4.9
Author: pannellopek

Norwegian Getaway Cruise Review

pannellopek

Contributor Level: Purser

17 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 75

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 29, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Getaway

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10914

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and all our ports. I have sailed RC, Princess, Carnival and now twice on NCL. They all have the good and the better. (I liked them all) What I like the most about NCL are the high quality shows and flexibility in dining. Next cruise is already booked and countdown has started.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

This was a breeze. Very little wait and very organized.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We tried a variety of venues as and booked dinners in advance. Overall the food was great. There was a very slight issue in the main dining room where the pad thai was like cardboard. The staff was nearby and brought me another dish that was tasty within minutes. Great service. All of our meals were served professionally, promptly and with a smile. One suggestion would be to expand the selection of craft beer. We were so thankful to have a decent IPA to choose from, but more variety would be nice. Having said that, we did not have a chance to visit the Beer and Whiskey bar or Syd Norman’s to see if they have more selection. Next time.

Teppanyaki

5 out of 5

This was my favorite meal and dining experience on the ship. Food was yummy (except the green tea cake wasn’t for me, but I’m always willing to try something new), chef was entertaining and meeting people on the first night that we saw over and over again onboard was a delight. It does get loud in there though, so if that bothers you choose one of the other dining venues. I loved it.

The Tropicana Room (Main Dining Room)

5 out of 5

Great food and service.

Savor Restaurant

5 out of 5

Great food, great service.

O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar and Grille

4 out of 5

Great place for midday (or midnight) snacks, drinks or breakfast. We liked the spinach artichoke dip and the wings.

Le Bistro French Restaurant

5 out of 5

Standard French cuisine. Impeccable service. A fine evening.

La Cucina Italian Restaurant

5 out of 5

So delicious. We each tried something different and were all pleased.

Garden Café

4 out of 5

It’s a buffet. There was plenty of food and variety. A good option when ease and limited time are your priorities.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Mandara Spa

5 out of 5

Loved getting pampered. I had two very relaxing massages and a pedicure. I only wish they could have lasted even longer. Perfect.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

For me, this is what sets Norwegian apart from the other cruiselines I’ve tried. Wine Lovers the Musical was so fun (and with lots of wine!) we will probably do it again. Million Dollar Quartet was fantastic. We didn’t even get to try half of what was offered. All the shows are of high quality, not “cruiseship” quality.

Howl at the Moon

4 out of 5

Very entertaining. Easy for a short person to see with TVs around the room, entertainers were talented and fun. Can play a wide variety of genre. Like any piano bar, bring cash if you want your tune played.

Cirque Dreams & Steam

5 out of 5

Wow. So professional and the food was delicious.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

They took very good care of us.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

A very clean and easy to navigate ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Beautiful aft facing balcony. Very clean. Roomier bathroom than on some other aft balconies we’ve stayed in. The closets are a bit of a stretch to get to because the sofa is right in front, but not a problem.