We were slightly apprehensive going on our first NCL cruise on a large ship like the Getaway given some of the negative reviews. However, we had a great time and can’t believe why some people are so critical. There are, to be fair a few areas that could be improved but overall a lovely ship with pleasant, helpful staff.
We had a balcony cabin which was very spacious with a lovely shower (glass door – no clingy curtain) with plenty of hot water. There was plenty of storage space and tea/coffee making facilities. The only negative was the extremely small balcony, we thought the balcony on the P&O Britannia was small but it was huge compared to this one!
Our biggest worry before going on the ship was the, to us ‘Britishers’ the extremely unpleasant smoking policy on NCL. Smoking is permitted in the Casino! This is supposedly just if you are playing but I saw people just watching, smoking as well and staff just ignored this. In Scotland we have had a no smoking policy in any indoor public place for many years and I can’t quite believe that NCL are so backward in this respect. The casino opens onto the atrium and many reviewers said the smell of smoke permeated throughout. To be fair, we did not find this. I only had to leave my ‘spot’ in the casino twice due to someone smoking next to me. I feel that NCL are allowing a few smokers to spoil the non-smoking majority of passengers’ experience.