RCI Navigator or NCL Getaway? Has anyone been on both?

[CamaCama]

I've been on Navigator but it was years ago before we had kids. Probably had upgrades since then too. The getaway looks awesome and would be about the same price for 2 connecting interiors vs. 2 connecting OV rooms on navigator. I LOVE RCI but thinking of trying the getaway since it's so new.

 

We will have our 2 yo and 6yo with us along with several family members of all ages. Has anyone been on both navigator and getaway? How do they compare? Would you rec one over the other for our family? We are a young, active family and a kids splash area is important! TIA!

[rednose83]

Haven't been on either. I'd choose the Getaway though.

[JasonV1]

Is the Solarium (16+) important to you? Sail Navigator.

 

Are water slides/water features and specialty restaurants important? Sail Getaway.

 

It is more complex than that, but those two come to mind immediately.

 

The Breakaway class ships are nice, but I'm not sure I would sail one in anything but a Haven suite. While not 16+ only, the Haven courtyard pool and hot tubs were our defacto Solarium onboard. It was wonderful.

 

NCL has the Vibe beach club, but unless you are on board early the passes will likely be sold out.

 

While the waterslides/rope course on the Getaway were awesome, they use deck space that would otherwise be used for more pools. As it is, when the ship is full the pool is a nut house (well, when I was there).

 

I thought that 678 on Getaway was cool, but the placement of several doors (such as near the Mojito bar, these are doors that led to the waterfront) meant that if you were underway and it was windy you'd be blasted by wind every time someone/waitstaff went in/out. I really likely the bar so this frustrated me a small amount.

 

I felt that having the Casino surround the 678 atrium seemed odd since it is a smoking area. It wasn't bad, but there were times you got a hint of smoke on the other decks near the atrium. I only mention this because some are overly sensitive to smoke.

 

I felt the design of the Getaway lead to more crowding at times, compared to Royal ships with a promenade. Not a huge deal, but as someone who has sailed Oasis class ships I can say without a doubt they do a better job of distributing guests.

[vie lee]

I have been on both and I would choose the Getaway but I didn't travel with children.....For me a little old lady - on the Getaway we saw one of the best shows I have seen on any ship - Burn The Floor!! Also loved the casino and the Spa (had a Spa Suite) and had lots of great places to eat....There is a place to eat right in the middle of ship that serves comfort food - loved it and ate a lot of meals there. I only went to the pool area once and found it very crowded but did mange to find a spot (not near the pool) to get a little sun....Hope this helps.................

[CamaCama]

Thank you! Still torn... we ultimately want a great pool area with splash area for kids, good food (we eat in the dining room every night -- we aren't the type to spend extra $ on food) and open spaces (like the promenade) to hang out and people watch.

[CamaCama]

No H20 Zone on navigator??? Might be a deal breaker!!

[George C]

Navigator was totally refurbished 1 year ago added specialty restaurants and flow rider etc. I like having the early and late seating which NCL does not have (rccl does have the open seating option also) , I used to like NCL but would never sail on them again

[paulh84]

Very interested in the replies as I am also comparing this two ships for similar itineraries, however the kid attractions are NOT what I'm looking for.

 

Pool deck/sundeck areas and being able to see the water are important to us. I love those sea days. The NCL ships seem pretty sterile with tight small sundeck areas given the size of the Getaway.

[Kdiamond55]

The Getaway is great for the kids. Nothing beats the water slides if your 6 year old is into them. Plus it's a one year old ship as opposed to a much older ship. I've been on both and I'd go on the Getaway again before Navigator if it came down to cost and same amount of days, etc.

[bradleyk]

We don't have kids, but we canceled our Navigator cruise for this October and booked the Getaway instead. We are interested in the dining options on board... having restaurant style instead of the traditional banquet hall setting.

Also the Getaway does have a great kids pool area. You tube search ncl splash academy and you should have a ton of videos (some from Getaway and some from Breakaway) that should be give a feel for it.