Reader be warned... My wife and I have VERY positive and have realistic attitudes about cruising and find a great number of Cruise Critic reviews to be petty and whiny. Besides complaining about things like the pool being closed for a few hours and having to wait 20 mins (gasp!) to play ping pong, there are many others that critique non-related issues to the ship or the cruise line itself. Yes, security is supposed to take away a knife from you to keep things safe and no, that has nothing to do with the cruise itself. Get it straight, folks!

We went on the NCL Getaway for what was probably the BEST cruise we've been on (RCCL Liberty & NCL Epic coming close). First of all, we got the Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP) included in our price so we did not have to think once about paying for drinks. That was great, as you could imagine. Please note, if you get the UBP, you will be rung up for your drinks and gratuity and will have to sign the slip that reflects the full amount. It will post to your folio but then the drinks get zeroed out by the next day, leaving only the gratuity. To clarify - $10 drink + $1.50 tip = $11.50 slip you will sign. You'll see $11.50 on your folio immediately. Next day, you'll only see the $1.50. If you are the type to follow every expense, every day, this can prove to be a moving target but I can say that in the end, all my alcohol and other drinks were free! There is a $11 limit to the free drinks but not once did I come across a beverage that was that high, not even at Sugarcane - Mojito Bar which is one of the best hangouts and arguably the best bar on the ship with the nicest view of the 3 story atrium and chandelier.

~~The WATERFRONT~~ Read more