Impression of the Getaway

[roger001]

We just got home from a Getaway cruise, our 12th NCL cruise. All the other cruises were on the smaller ships, especially the Pearl and Sun. We said we would not ever cruise on one of the big ships. However, a last minute booking on the Getaway was in the stars and we did it.

 

Actually to my surprise, I now think the Getaway is an excellent cruise ship. I thought she was very pretty and very well designed. In my opinion, the decor is a great balance between the darker traditional look in some areas (some bars and restaurants) to Miami brighter festive in others. The various facilities are nicely located in a guest friendly way on decks 6, 7, and 8. I loved the idea of the "Waterfront" promenade deck 8, it being lined with bars and restaurant outside eating areas. The buffet was large and all the food I tried, very good. We ate in 3 specialty restaurants and the MDR once. In all of them, the atmosphere and service was great and the food just fine, except one. The crew was typical NCL and just great.

 

We saw two shows which for a cruise ship offering, I thought were super good. I especially was impressed at the skill and extreme energy of the Burn the Floor dancers. Wow. They were good and have my respect.

 

Back to food, I usually really like the La Cuchina on the other ships. This time, although the decor, atmosphere, and service was excellent, the food just wasn't as good as I had expected. But then.....we discovered the Mojito bar and for the rest of the cruise found the jalapeno and cucumber mojito to be super fine...our choice for the rest of the cruise.

 

That all being said, although I would happily sail on her again anytime, for the reasons that we cruise (we're older and like a quiet escape) , for us we still prefer the smaller ships. I think the Getaway would be a great choice though for a family (kids) or couples that are more socially inclined. On a 7 day cruise, there was so much we did not have a chance to do (like in eat and drink...or clubs or shows to see). I did gain 5 lbs in 7 days....the best I could do I guess.

 

Anyhow, she's a fine ship. My opinion.

[bear3412]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear she surprised you. :)

[2Cruise4Ever]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise! Thanks for the honest review.

[Squidward Q Tentacles]

I booked a cruise in Aug 2015 for my missus and I on the Getaway. I am really forward to it! Thanks for your review.

[roger001]

One thing I forgot that the Getaway has that the smaller and older ships don't, is in your room TV screen access to your account, dining, show reservations, restaurant menus and reservations and a bunch more. Much of this is available on touch screen monitors at various locations around the ship also. About all the information you might need was available through that system. Pretty neat I thought.

[sdmike]

Thanks for sharing your point of view, Roger. I know lots of people have posted their disdain for the larger ships without having ever sailed on one. This might help open things up a little for some of them

[Cruisercl]

Thank you so much for this review!

 

I have cruised on the Breakaway, which I loved, but not yet on the Getaway. I know they are sister ships but I am not 100% like my sisters!! :p

 

It goes on the list of future ships to cruise on.

 

Happy and safe cruising all!!! :D :D

Edited June 2, 2014 by Cruisercl

[AF-1]

roger001, i was in Nassau on business and saw Geteway parked next to Disney Dream. did you go to Senior Frogs?

[roger001]

roger001, i was in Nassau on business and saw Geteway parked next to Disney Dream. did you go to Senior Frogs?

 

No. I saw the Senor Frogs, also saw the one in St. Thomas, but didn't partake in the festivities I could hear coming from within those establishments. I did tell my wife that someday I do intend to spend a port day hanging out at a Senor Frogs. Just come and get me though before the ship sails.

[cliffd64]

Thanks for sharing your point of view, Roger. I know lots of people have posted their disdain for the larger ships without having ever sailed on one. This might help open things up a little for some of them

 

I've avoided the larger ships so far (until this Nov/Dec) but not because they are larger, but because the itineraries for the larger ships seem to be a little limited by the ports that they can visit. I have no doubts that the ship itself will be gorgeous... I just wish they could visit more places :)

[roger001]

I've avoided the larger ships so far (until this Nov/Dec) but not because they are larger, but because the itineraries for the larger ships seem to be a little limited by the ports that they can visit. I have no doubts that the ship itself will be gorgeous... I just wish they could visit more places :)

 

It is true. The choice of ports are indeed limited. With these larger ships and so much activity to choose from, these cruises might be intended to be more about the journey rather than the destinations. The Getaway 7 day cruise does have 3 sea days.

[Ladyc2538]

Hello Roger001 My husband and I sailed on the Getaway 7day in March 2015, we have sailed on many of NCL's smaller ships. I really liked the Getaway my husband did not.I would have liked more time on the ship, to get to know the ship better. We ate at Cagneys several times, the food was outstanding. I did not like the layout of the casino we never knew if we were in smoking or non-smoking and trying to get a drink we waited for hours. The attitude from the bar staff was poor. Ever other crew member was awesome.

[mugtech]

I had those big ship doubts when we sailed the BA, but I did not feel crowded any more than on smaller ships. Since it was only 7 days I feel I need to take another BA cruise to see what I missed. Good to know GA is up to her sister ship, hope to catch her out of Miami. My cruises are usually itinerary-driven, so I got used to the smaller ships, but the new innovations are great also. Very interested in the magic room, did you attend?

[MandyMommyof2]

Thanks for your review of the Getaway! We sail on her in 31 days I think :) It's our first NCL cruise, so we are pretty excited about it! We have only sailed with Disney in the past. I had read about being able to view your account on your tv in your cabin. Pretty neat I thought. We are booked on the Sky in November too. I'm excited to be able to compare the smaller and bigger ships after that cruise.

[roger001]

We still prefer the smaller ships. However, like the Getaway enough to have booked her again. With early booking, got a good price on one of the larger deck 8 balcony mini suites. For us, all cruises are wonderful, just some more wonderful than others

Edited June 3, 2015 by roger001

[Ladytee47]

Thank for your review, my DH and I will be on the Getaway in 18 days:D:D. We were on the Epic a few years ago and loved it, but we have not been on the smaller NCL ships as of yet but we might try them to get a different itnerary. We are going to try to Alaska cruise with NCL and that itnerary seems to be GREAT!:D

 

Ladytee

[dolita22]

My parents were a bit like you in that they prefer the smaller ships. (They sailed the Epic 3 times, as well as the Pearl, the Dawn [twice], and the Sky.) Then they got a super deal on a Getaway cruise in April and absolutely loved it - so much so that they booked the 12-day cruise on her in October and a 7-day next January. And now I want to sail on her.

 

Thanks for posting your thoughts and impressions. Glad you had a good time!