We wanted our boys ages 12 and 15 to have a good cruise experience during their fall break, so we chose the Norwegian Getaway because of the on board rock climbing wall, the ropes course, the water slides, the miniature golf, basketball court, and the youth program that we knew would appeal to them. We were not disappointed in the ship itself, but something I did not count on is how the Unlimited Beverage Package option offered to passengers would affect the quality of our experience: It seemed like the pools and pool areas were always overcrowded with drunk 20 somethings dancing and acting in ways that made our teen boys very uncomfortable. This really did affect the quality of their experience, so if you are travelling with a family or if you dislike that sort of thing, be warned.

We were somewhat disappointed in the quality of the food on the Getaway, especially with the breakfast options at Taste and Savor because the food on the menu is exactly the food offered at the buffet, only plated more nicely. Additionally the service is rather slow. Otherwise the food was okay, but not as good as the buffet food on Carnival or Disney. However we did enjoy dining in the Tropicana Room with live music and dancing in the evenings, but the food there, while good was not equal in quality to the dining on other cruise lines either. We did not eat at the specialty restaurants.

Our ports of call included Roatan, Belize City, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Read more