Norwegian Getaway Review

4.5 / 5.0
3,272 reviews

Brief review of the NCL getaway Western Caribbean cruise in a Haven suite

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Getaway
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randyjock
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2018
Cabin: The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony

A group of 6 of us, friends and family, took 3 cabins on the getaway for the Western Caribbean cruise. We distressed in South Beach for 2 days prior to boarding. 4 of us had mini- suite spa cabins on deck 14 and the others had a regular balcony cabin on deck 11 aft. Several weeks prior to sailing. We were offered to bid on a Haven upgrade which I and my partner did and got it. We were excited to get the Haven, but knew that some of our time would need to be spent with our traveling on Haven companions, and especially that we had all of our regular and specialty restaurants prearranged.

Since originally booking almost a year ago. I have come down with a neurological issue with limited mobility and am using a walker. So this change my perspective and chance to enjoy the ship and shore excursions. So my review will be biased. With that in mind, but also reflect some of the viewpoints of my non-handicapped traveling companions.

First, we selected the first embarkation slot for arrival at the terminal. We arrived a bit early, but still they didn't open security until a half-hour later in around 10 AM. That was fairly quick and the 2 of us enjoyed Haven check-in immediately passed security screening. However, the Haven check in area was not much bigger than my private office at work and very congested with about 10 people. Haven guests are escorted in small groups to the ship before regular boarding. However, I was shuttled to add off area because wheelchair service would not be available until general boarding. So I had to wait an hour and 45 minutes to board. So much for Haven special privileges in early access, not cool NCL.

Cabin Review

The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony

Cabin H9

One of the nicest cabins we have had on any cruise ship. Generally well appointed, extremely comfortable bed, spacious, very nice bathroom with full sliding door, walk in shower with rain head and body jets. Nice TV well situated, plenty of storage, coffee/espresso maker. Major criticism is the uncomfortable far too low daybed, which was unusable for anyone with knee or mobility issues to get up and out of. Also, only one minuscule table and no chairs. Balconies on the shipper run small tiny however because our cabin was more square than long and rectangular the balcony was quite wide, but very shallow.

Port Reviews

Harvest Caye

We were looking forward to harvest caye as it is generally great reviews and I would say it lived up to its name. Paved walkways everywhere made access fairly easy. The large pool was comfortable and accessible even though I need a cane and a walker. It is a sprawling compound so if you have mobility issues, especially on a hot day. It is not very pleasant. The various shops and restaurants are not located very close to one another so there is a lot of walking. The wildlife exhibit only have shows at scheduled times. So if you just plan on going. It random you may be disappointed. The food at the restaurants was okay but nothing to rave about. With things like the zip line and other activities. It is probably more enjoyable for the younger crowd.

Costa Maya

This is a newer cruise port and has built a very nice shopping plaza right at the pier. They did a very nice job with it, retaining a Mexican town feel in a new development. There was some live entertainment, which made it interesting and a pool area similar to a Margaritaville which was very crowded and people seem to be having a good time. Shopping was adequate and worth a few hours. If you are looking for free Wi-Fi, not here,

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