This was only my 6th cruise, but 5th cruise line, so I feel I can be unbiased with my review of NCL. The NCL Getaway was my 1st Norwegian experience. I'd like to preface this review by saying we had a wonderful vacation and enjoyed ourselves. We arrived in Miami 1 day prior, stayed at the Marriott International Airport Hotel, booking their pre-cruise package. The hotel itself was an older building, but renovations have made it modern and chic. Staff couldn't be more friendly. The NCL Getaway has a slight advantage over other ships in that she is less than 18 months old, so she is still a clean ship, except for the lack of attendants in the "public" bathrooms, particularly by the small pools, go back to your cabin. So here's the deal, as big as the ship is, you don't feel like you're walking long corridors to get from forward to aft. On the other hand, the ship felt very narrow. Cabins were nice.

The casino was positioned on opposite sides of the main atrium, and near the slots, one feels like you're walking in a high school hallway, pushing your way through the crowds to try your chance or just pass through. Cigarette smoke traveled thru the entire casino, not just the "smokers' side". Speaking of smokers, there are A LOT of places to smoke on this ship, feel free, after all it is FREESTYLE. Unless you like a cigar, you may only smoke in the cigar lounge, which is very nice and located at the Sunset bar, where you may enjoy an excellent french martini. The atrium had presentations for which there isn't enough seating so folding chairs are brought out. Really? Also, don't lounge near the windows in the atrium approaching dinner time, you'll be asked to move so that they can set up for photos exactly where you are sitting, not to interfere with their unused concierge desk. The shopping was mainly kiosks and again, positioned in a high school hallway, enter here at your own risk at sale time. Decks 16/17 were mostly wasted space. On deck 16 go to the aft of the ship to find a small bar all alone. There should be more ADULT patio style seating here, not stacks of lounge chairs. NCL, here's a tip: learn from the Silouhette sunset bar on the upper deck, you're welcome.

Now, the food...tuna fish served daily at the Garden Cafe (buffet) was the quality you can expect and a complete turn off. The layout of this buffet is by far the worse design I've every experienced at any buffet anywhere. Passengers are in line in the same alley way others are just trying to get to a table or pass through to get to an elevator, very crowded and chaotic. The same menu everyday for breakfast/lunch and the lack of fresh vegetables to make yourself a tossed salad was disappointing. HELLOOOO, May 5, tacos, nachos, chili and fajitas, EASY BREEZY. I ended up eating here for breakfast (hard boiled egg and bacon) only once and threw my 1 lunch plate away. Microwaved cooked burgers may be freestyle, but not my style. Read more