Norwegian Getaway Review
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Additional details
I recently cruised on the Getaway and want to offer my input on what to expect. First, the ship is beautiful! It has a different arrangement and “feel” from the more traditional designs I’ve seen on other cruise lines – although not necessarily better.
Embarkation and disembarkation went smoothly and quickly. Staff members were very friendly and helpful. The casino is huge by cruise ship standards. There are many bars throughout the ship, a piano bar/karaoke bar, an ice bar, small disco, bingo, trivia, cigar lounge, art auction, shopping arcade – all the usual things you might expect.
On the downside, NCL seems to be leading the way in finding ways to nickel and dime passengers with extra charges. Start with the big push to buy “packages” – bottled water, sodas, wine, alcohol, photographs, internet time, specialty dining. Add to that the new $7.95 “convenience charge” for so-called complimentary room service. No matter what you call it, when there is a fee added for food, it is no longer “complimentary.” The automatic gratuity for alcoholic beverages has risen to 18%. Daily gratuities have recently been raised to $12.95 (or $14.95 for suites). The ship has a staggering number of “specialty restaurants” with varying additional charges. Some of the entertainment production shows even have a fee added, and many of them require reservations. Forget about spontaneity and an almost-all-inclusive vacation.
Cabin Review
Studio Stateroom
I booked a Studio Cabin because I wanted to experience the smaller cabin with no single supplement. Personally, I loved it! The cabin was plenty big enough for one person, with ample storage space for a one week cruise. It offered all the necessary amenities with 2 sliding door closets, numerous shelves and cubbies for storage, a narrow desk with flat panel TV, wash basin, shower, and toilet. The bed was queen-sized and comfortable. The porthole window (with a view of the hallway) kept the room from feeling claustrophobic. The only thing I missed was drawers for storage.
The private Studio Lounge shared by single travelers was wonderful – plenty of seating/tables on two levels, a coffee machine which included cappuccino, latte, macchiato, espresso, and hot water dispenser for a variety of teas, orange juice, fresh fruit, a wide assortment of pastries in the morning or cookies and cake in the evening. There is a (for fee) wine dispensing machine and a soda machine as well as a bartender for a few hours in the evening for mixed drinks.
Port Reviews
Tortola
docked at a new pier with very little around it except construction - walked several blocks to a local crafts shopping area, but that was about the only thing of interest near the dock
Nassau
In general, the area near the dock is dirty and nasty. When we were there, even the Straw Market was closed for repairs, so there were just a few booths set up outside on a rainy day.