We booked this Thanksgiving cruise well in advance and had been excited for months. We are not new to cruising, but this was our first trip with Norwegian Cruise Lines. The Getaway left from New Orleans, which we found to be a dump for a city. Finding a hotel that wasn't sprayed in gang graffiti was impossible, so we stayed downtown where 10 people were shot on the day we arrived back in port.

On to the cruise: We didn't leave New Orleans dock until after 6pm, which was highly unusual. Dining was a nightmare! All reservations booked up immediately leaving you waiting in line every time we dined. We never did get to try the Noodle bar because they only take reservations. The buffet was similar to hospital food. The bar and grill had the worst service I've ever experienced on a cruise. The formal dining halls had decent food, as long as you were prepared to stand in line. There were lines for everything on this boat!

The spa seemed like a good idea, so we bought a couple's massage and bath. Once we arrived for the services they were clueless. The bath was supposed to be before the massage to relax you, but they didn't know we had purchased that package so they threw it in at the end, then hovered over me while I filled out the tip portion of the ticket. Also, they started in at some long sales pitch once the massage was over. It's hard to relax when you are constantly having to tell them no, not another $400, please. Everything on this boat is taxed as 18-20% extra! Want a drink from your mini-fridge in the room, added tip. Drinks at the bar, added tip. Massage, added tip. Read more