Norwegian Getaway Review
Rating by category
Additional details
My husband and I chose this cruise because we wanted to travel when international travel opened and wanted to hit some warmer countries. While we have tried other cruise lines, we continually come back to NCL, especially for the Haven.
The pre-cruise communication was a miss as only some people were informed that we would not be going to Turkey. I found out through social media, and even then, when questioning NCL staff online and on the phone, they lied to me about these port cancellations. Even on the ship when we missed Mykonos, there was very little clarity about why and when this was decided. This was chalked up to wind.
The ports we did visit were a mixed bag. The highlights were Santorini, Patmos, Volos, Cyprus, and Heraklion. Though, at the Cyprus Port my husband and I were part of the last minute random sample of guests to COVID test, and that put us behind others in getting to our excursions.
Cabin Review
The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony
The cabin was so spacious and we had so much storage that we didn't even use. The layout was perfect for a couple (and I could see a family staying as well). My husband used the second bedroom for his clothing and for getting ready. The bedroom was just the perfect size and the living area was spacious for our part of 8 people!
Port Reviews
Athens (Piraeus)
Loved eating/drinking and touring in Athens. It's just a great city! So much to do (our second time).
Crete (Heraklion)
We went with SGP Travel Services and were blown away by what Kostas prepared for us. He was able to accommodate our date change and even made some excellent suggestions when our day tour turned into an afternoon/evening tour.
We fit into a nice, updated party van! He continued to impress us as he kept giving us food to try (local cuisines) and bottled water. He arranged a nice visit for us with a guide at Knossos and then took us to this amazing spot of an aqueduct where we took photos and were adventurous! Then, we went to a restaurant that he suggested and tried more local food. When they didn't have something on my list to try, he went to a local bakery and bought it for the group. YUM.
Kostas was amazing and I can't recommend a better guide! The trip was unforgettable.
Patmos
There isn't too much to do in Patmos and rather than take the $100+ NCL tour pp, we took a taxi for 40 euros total and visited the monastery, church of the apocalypse and had some time to walk around on our own to see the windmills and cats!
Santorini
We booked a tour with Santorini Road Trips (George). When NCL changed our dates in Santorini, George was no longer available but booked us with another guide who was amazing! Since we had visited Santorini before, we saw the 3 villages and Akrotiri this time. And, we ended at the black beach at a local restaurant. Everything was superb!
If we visit a third time, we will book with George again!