Norwegian Getaway Review
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Having attained by Gold Status, and one cruise away from platinum, Ive had many cruises with NCL over the past few years. Ive done the Breakaway twice from NYC to Bermuda, and the Star from LA last Xmas. I have noticed a huge shift in service and attitude since the new CEO has come in place. The Getaway which we just sailed on was the same ship from what we could see as the Breakaway. I do think these are beautiful ships, well appointed, elegant dining areas, and specialty restaurants. Fantastic water slides which you have to try, especially the ones where the floor drops out and you fall a few stories. The gang plank walk is also unique and quite a thrill.
Our experiences come from the Haven suites as that is what we chose specifically. Its an excellent ship within a ship concept, and NCL did it very well. However recently, you have lazy Butlers, and careless concierge staff. The haven has poor bar staff, including no one to serve drinks on the upper private decks. In fact you can find many dishes left there even overnight!! No one seems to go and clean up. The dining room staff however in the haven are still excellent. The menu not so much. The same menu for years!! Its boring and old.
Burn the floor remains fantastic a worth to see. Legally blonde not so much. Le Bistro is still excellent, and we found the sunset bar on the getaway to have the best bar staff. The other bars all you did was wait for service. Wait to get a drink on a ship? really... Oh yes they offered the free drink package on this cruise for 90% of the cruisers. That made a difference for sure as you almost are begging for service. The removed the fireworks saying that the coast guard has eliminated it from ships. Yet an Royal caribbean ship still does it? I think costs are the issue.
Cabin Review
The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony
This is one of the best cabins in my opinion. Its not in the Haven itself, however you dont really need to be. With their lack of good food and service, you may as well enjoy a nice cabin. The regular haven suites within the haven have terribly small balconies for what you pay. These aft cabins have excellent huge wrap around decks. You can have a dining table for four, and two to three loungers and room to spare. Its a great view from the back, just enough wind, and lots of sun, and shade. The bathrooms on the back rooms, from deck 13 down NOT on deck 14, offer full floor to ceiling ocean views. I loved having a shower at sunset each night before dinner. The bathrooms are spacious and well appointed. I do still find the curtain a weird way to close it off from the bedroom. This part is a bit tight with the king bed, but there is lots of closet room. The second 3 piece bath from the main area is excellent also as the shower is useful to clean off sand or have a quick rinse off. I find the 13th floor to be at the right level with only 2 floors to the haven area and or spa. Its a few floors down to the restaurants etc but the elevators at the back seem to be less busy! A great room choice. (keep in mind you do feel a bit more movement at the back of the ship)
Port Reviews
St. Thomas
We rented a jeep from Avis which is right by the terminal. So is Budget. This is the best way to get around the Island. Magens bay is full of tourists. brewers bay and the beaches right by the university/ airport are excellent and empty!
Tortola
One of my favourite islands. itgo car rentals are right by the cruise terminal and offer great deals. We drove to smugglers cove and spend the day at the beach and went to the sugar mill for lunch. Its a lovely island with friendly people, and easy to get around
Nassau
We took a 4$ cab ride to the public beach which was nice, as long as you walk a long way away from the tourists. The town itself is a dump in my opinion. Perhaps the other parts of the bahamas are nicer and cleaner.