Honest review from a NCL loyalist and veteran cruiser

Item: Norwegian Getaway
Rating: 5
Author: MiamiCruiser305

Norwegian Getaway Cruise Review

MiamiCruiser305

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 7

Helpful Votes: 131

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

12 Night Southern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 08, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Getaway

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 13712

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Food was delicious. Cagneys was very good. Moderno was FANTASTIC. Garden Buffet was excellent most days. Breakfast was always top notch. Lunch and Dinner were very good most of the time but a few of the days it was underwhelming selection.. Some of the lunches were absolutely amazing. Overall food was excellent. The chefs and staff in the garden cafe were incredible. Couple issues were the crowds, and at times out of control people fighting for food. Also despite being very clean, many of the people were disgusting coughing around food and most did not wash hands and used sanitizer instead. Buffet closed at 9:30 and no snacks available after that hour. Very disappointed in that regard. Sometimes at 11 pm you want a quick snack and cookie instead of going to Osheehans… all crew were FANTASTIC. Ship is getting a little rough. Engine has problems. Ship was crowded at times. This ship is well below the Escape, Bliss and even the Breakaway. Needs some TLC. Vibe (up charge area)area takes up too much space in my opinion. Deck 8 waterfront was very nice as always on the Breakaway class ships. Day 1 of the cruise was a zoo when it came to eating at the buffet or main dining restaurants. Main dining became less busy throughout the cruise. Buffet was a zoo most of the time. By the end of the cruise I just wanted to go home and eat healthy foods again. Moderno was outstanding. Highly recommend skipping the bread and going light on the salad bar to enjoy the meats. Opt for the beef selections. They will try to fill you up on chicken and other meats. The pichana sirloin was the best beef there, even beating the filet mignon. The flank steak throughout the ship was outstanding.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Arrived at the port around noon and it was very crowded. I was shocked. Crowd moved decently fast. About 25 mins to get through security in a crowded line. About 10-15 mins to check in without much of a line and another 10-15 mins to board the ship. Not bad. But definitely not great. I would recommend to arrive early and wait longer to board versus waiting in that line to get through security as it is very packed and not a comfortable feeling in todays climate. I would have still given 5 stars anyway but upon entering the ship, it was absolute madness trying to get food. The buffet was the busiest I’ve ever seen in all of my cruises. There was nowhere to sit. Not even outside. Had to bring food by the pool to eat

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The food was spectacular. Most of it unhealthy and cooked in vegetable oils but delicious none the less. The steaks were all great. Asian food’s delicious. Deserts and ice cream wonderful. Ice cream machines were unavailable though. But the hard ice cream did the job. Breakfast was absolutely wonderful. Very happy with the food. Moderno was absolutely amazing. Cagneys was very good. Moderno was better. Osheehans was solid. Did not hit the main dining rooms but others spoke fairly highly of them. Bar staff, top notch. They work so hard and handled the crowds like top flight pros. Never had to wait long no matter how crowded any bar was

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Pools and spas good. Fitness center very good but to many people in there using equipment improperly and getting in your way. Basketball court was nice but full of diesel silt. Onboard entertainment staff were very nice. Cruise director was great as always Alvin is fun and personable and very active. Party’s at spice H20 were very fun. The band at Syd Normans poorhouse did some nice things.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Top notch service and staff. The bartenders were as good as it gets and handled crowds like pros. Restaurant service was as expected, room steward was phenomenal as always. All staff worked hard and had great attitudes.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Love the breakaway class ships. Getaway is no different. Ship is super clean and well designed but can use a little TLC

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Good cabin. Has a connecting door but not a big deal if neighbors are quiet. Views are really good. Quiet area of the ship. Long walk to the elevator but doesn’t bother me. Balcony view slightly obstructed by bridge and cameras pointed straight at balcony but a very good view none the less.