Norwegian Getaway Review
First time on NCL after Carnival and Princess.
Rating by category
Additional details
I chose this cruise so that I could experience a non-Carnival owned line. I also chose it because the ship seemed to have a lot of activities, dining options, and amenities. In addition I was ready for a 7 night cruise as opposed to my usual 4 nights. This was also our first departure from Miami and first Western Caribbean trip.
The ship is beautiful but felt much smaller in person than in pictures. The staff seemed tired in the main dining rooms and always screwed up our orders. The food in the MDR was pretty terrible as well. It was either overcooked, bland, or dry. The buffet food is pretty standard but wasn't tasty in the least. Desserts on NCL are the worst I've ever had.
We ate at three specialty restaurants during our trip: Ocean Blue, Cagney's (twice), and Moderno. Both steak houses were great. Ocean Blue was worse than the MDR. I had lobster bisque to start. The best way for me to describe it is that it tasted like brown. If the color brown had a taste- it would have been that. My main course was Lobster tail. It was overcooked, chewy, and flavorless. I believe they used Caribbean Rock Lobster which would be fine but it was just horribly prepared. I had to ask for drawn butter twice and when it was brought to the table it was cold.
Cabin Review
Aft-Facing Balcony Stateroom
The cabin was a great size. It had the bed by the closet and couch by the balcony. The bed was terrible. Probably the most stiff bed I have ever slept on. I had to ask for an egg crate mattress pad because it was that stiff. The pillows are very flat and I also had to request extras. Balcony size is amazing and it was very usable because there is hardly any wind back there. However- the noise from Spice H2O in the evenings- specifically the base- can be felt inside the room even with the balcony door closed. It made it difficult to fall asleep on some nights. Furthermore you feel every single shifting and rocking motion of the ship back there. After the first two days I got used to it but I am pretty sensitive to motion sickness at sea so it was a difficult start. I wouldn't get one again but I did enjoy the room and the size of the balcony.
Port Reviews
Miami
Embarkation was smooth but debarkation in this port is a mess.
Harvest Caye
Jelly Fish and pay-for restaurants.