Norwegian Getaway

[Mark@cfcmail.co.uk]

I have just come back from on overnight trip on the Norwegian Getaway. This is a reasonably big ship, but is found it easy to navigate and it didn't feel overly large. Our stateroom was very nicely appointed with one of the best bathrooms that I have had at sea, the balcony was small but plenty big enough to sit outside with a drink.

 

The theatre was well laid out and had waiter drinks service until the start of the show, but I wasn't keen on the acoustics and did find some of the songs difficult to understand (in Legally Blonde), but as I know the storey it wasn't a problem for me, but I did hear others comment on it. Even if you have booked a show, if you turn up at the last minute you might struggle to find two seats together, he theatre opens half an hour before the show starts, so if you can get there a bit earlier you more likely to get decent seats. Haven passengers do have a reserved area in there, so it's not such an issue for them.

 

There are smoking areas, the casino did smell of cigarets (which permeated into the atrium) and there were a couple of smoking "colonies" on decks, as well as a cigar lounge

 

The food in the buffet was good and plentiful, with pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads and much more for lunch. Breakfast was a bit American for me (but thats who will probably be mainly using the ship), with streaky bacon, turkey sausages (and some strange looking little "links"!); having said all that there was plenty of cereals, toast fruit etc. I didn't see what was on offer for dinner (in the buffet) as I ate in one of the MDRs.

 

Drinks wise, there is a bar (self and waiter service) in the buffet, but there are several flavours of complementary water, fruit juices, coffee (and decaf) as well as fruit teas; they do not do an "English" style tea, so if you are fond of a brew you might want to bring a few tea bags with you (it's machine water as well so not really properly boiled).

 

I had dinner in one of the MDRs, service was pleasant but slow but it was busy. Here a few more Americanisms crept in, the Mushroom Stroganoff came with fusilli pasta and not rice as I had expected and it was a bit lacking in sauce as well. All the cuts of beef etc had American descriptions etc; the food was ok, but not exceptional.

 

There are a considerable number of alternative dining venues ranging from about $10 - $50 per head. There are also entertainment venues at extra cost, which If you are used to cruising with NCL may not be news to you, but it did look to me like you got the basic cruise and then you could add to it at additional cost.

 

I hope this doesn't all sound too negative as the ship itself, it's facilities, entertainment etc are all very nice, there is lots for kids to do and apart from as previously said about the slow service in the MDR the service was generally friendly and efficient.

 

Don't forget that the prices are all in $, that there is an auto gratuity charge added to drinks (as well as the normal stateroom charges) and the plug sockets are all US style, which seems obvious when you board a ship abroad but slipped my mind as I was boarding in Southampton (one adapter and a multi gang extensions lead would be useful).

[YankeeFan4Ever]

Thanks for your review!

[Tiggertastic]

thanks for your review - jealous - we were invited and could not get down to southampton - so pleased to hear everyone had a good time

[Joyful100]

Thanks for your review. Going on a cruise on the Getaway in March so I am eagerly anticipating reviews on food, shows etc.

[3DBeach]

Thanks for the review. Just booked the Getaway for April and i'm super excited. Reading every bit of info I can find lol!

[PACRUISINNANA]

Just booked this ship for a march cruise. I'm reading every review. So far they seem on the postive side.

[mjkacmom]

Was there entertainment besides the Circ dinner that cost extra? We were recently on the Breakaway, and that was the only one with a cover charge. The rest we saw were free.

[SteveH2508]

Was there entertainment besides the Circ dinner that cost extra? We were recently on the Breakaway, and that was the only one with a cover charge. The rest we saw were free.

 

The Illusionarium is the only entertainment with an extra charge (because of the meal). (I do not count Bingo as entertainment BTW!;))

[deladypilot]

Thank you so much for your review.

[cruiseclues]

Thanks for your review. :):):):)