Loyal Royal cruises NCL's Getaway

[TexCruise371]

We just got off of the Getaway Sunday and here are some quick thoughts.

 

We received this cruise through Harrah's casino. We had been thinking of branching out and trying some different lines so, this was a great opportunity to do so. We upgraded to a mini suite and the paid our taxes and fees.

 

Embarkation was a long, long wait as we arrived at the terminal around 11 but, did not get on the ship until 1:25. Fortunately, the rooms were ready and we dropped our stuff and headed out to explore the ship.

 

Getaway is a beautiful ship but certainly different than a Royal ship. The decor is much darker overall with the dark carpets, dark wood and lasts of purple. The waterslides looked fun and folks really seemed to be having fun. There is a kids pool area too. The main pool looked pretty small for a ship the size of Getaway.

Also, there were arcade games scattered around the ship for all to enjoy

 

Dining: I have to say the Geteaway wins this hands down. The indoor- outdoor setting of the specialty restaurants is great. Instead of the indoor promenade, the Getaway has the Market Place where you can access the restaurants from the outside or inside. We dined at Cagney's Staehouse, La Cucina (Italian) and Moderno (Brazilian) with our three night dining package. All were very good but we were a little disappointed with Moderno as some of the offerings were just not up to par with other Brazilian steakhouses we have been to.

 

The Garden Cafe ( buffet) is by far the best ship buffet we have been to. The evening offerings has great options with many different offerings such as grilled New York steak, grilled salmon, turkey, ribs, an ice cream bar.....great buffet.

 

A big difference in The Getaway and any Royal ship is O'Sheehan's. This is a 24/7 pub style restaurant serving breakfast and a pub style menu. Royal has nothing like this. This is a great option.

 

Wine Lovers the Musical: What a great fun option for a wine tasting. A great comedy show/ dinner with a filet and shrimp and great wine. Much less money and much more fun then the Chef's Table on Royal in my opinion.

 

Illusionarium: A great magic show along with a very good dinner of steak. Don't miss this as its a fun evening.

 

Entertainment is great too. Be sure to take in Burn the Floor. A great high energy show. We also saw Million Dollar Quartet, very good show.

 

All in all, we had a great time. We certainly would cruise the Getaway again if the opportunity presents itself.

 

I'm running out of time, have to run.

[Clarea]

Thanks for the comparison report, I find the differences interesting. The 24/7 pub thing is a great idea.

[rickdent]

Thank you for the ship review. What did you think of your stateroom/suite?

[TexCruise371]

Sheesh.....The outside Promenade is called the Waterfront, not the Market Place :eek::roll eyes: This is why I don't do many reviews. CRS syndrome setting in.:rolleyes:

[jamesboat]

Thanks for the comparison report, I find the differences interesting. The 24/7 pub thing is a great idea.

 

I was very surprised to see that the pub on anthem isnt open that late, and is at an additional charge. Pub food is usually cheap to make!

[TexCruise371]

Thank you for the ship review. What did you think of your stateroom/suite?

 

Very nice and extremely clean. I didn't do my homework very well and I was expecting a room like a jr.suite on Royal. Room seemed narrow and long (239 sq ft) and the balcony was very small (32 sq. ft, now I look):roll eyes: However, we got along very well and were quite comfortable.

 

The bathroom had a shower/tub combination with sliding glass doors. Plenty of hot water at all times. It had a twin faucet set up but, with one big sink. There was not much cabinet space but a long shelf that easily held all of our things.

 

Not want drawers or shelving in the room, but, here was plenty of closet space with lots of hangers along with shelves and a safe.

 

There is also a refrigerator, hair dryer and a couch.

[M&JfromSDL]

My wife and I cruised the Getaway last winter and had similar takeaways. We wished we could take Royal staff/service and food on the NCL cruise. We are planning a cruise for this March and are a little torn as to which line to choose.

[Bootman4U]

I cannot begin to say how many times I have read, "The food was bad" on reviews of BOTH Royal and NCL so I've stopped even trying to decide on that one.

 

We have always thought NCL balconies were "small" and I still do and that includes some of the balconies in The Haven, too.

 

Remember back when Carnival seemed to be the ONLY ships with a waterslide? And now, Royal has finally decided to have them (and I think that's what "competition" does: makes everybody look around, take notice, and get with the program).

 

The whole "Haven" or ship-within-a-ship concept has obviously driven Royal to come up with their own "Suite" program with the dedicated restaurant, the "genie" and so forth.

 

We started out with RCCL and have had very good luck with them; we've also had excellent trips on NCL. Yes, it can be VERY hard to decide.

Edited December 14, 2016 by Bootman4U

[Openbar82]

Thanks for the review, refreshing to hear a more positive review about the food especially the buffet, the cruise is what you make of it!