https://www.flickr.com/photos/disneycampers/sets/72157644770387662/2014 Norwegian Getaway Cruise
This cruise was pretty much a last minute thing. I have never sailed on NCL and quite frankly have in the past heard the service was less than acceptable. While embarking on the MSC Divina in February I got a look at the Sparkling new Getaway as it was sailing out of Port of Miami. I had to check it out and as fate would have they were running a kids sail free sale (Actually 3 & 4 pax only paid taxes and fees) So I convinced my sister to book and take her 2 kids. We had a blast from the beginning.
Arrived at the port shortly before noon, the check in process was very quick – no waiting, got our boarding photo and on the ship we went. WOW she is a beauty, Meyer Werft builds awesome ships and this one did not disappoint. The staterooms were not quite ready so we explored a bit on our way to the buffet. The food on this ship was very good, good variety in the buffet and plenty of resturants to choose from both complementary and upcharge. We ate at O’Sheehans a couple times which is a complementary dining option that is open 24 hours – good food and we had great service.
The entertainment was great, the Burn the Floor show was amazing, the cast did other performances in dining rooms, some dance lesson events and a photo op. We also did the Illusionarium magic dinner show, we had floor seats close to the stage, my 8 yo nephew was called on stage at one point which he loved. The food menu is set and it was good. This show is an upcharge but was worth the cost.
Several nighttime parties in the Spice H2O area located aft with a large screen. The entertainment staff was always around to welcome people and keep the party going.
The spa thermal suite was large with a good size pool with multiple jets, a hot tub, sanarium, steam room, dry sauna along with the heated stone loungers and many of the padded loungers, hours were 8-10 everyday except the last night they close at 8. They limit the number of passes to 120 people but those booked in spa suites also get access, never really experienced it overly crowded. the weekly pass was 199.00 per person.
The crew was very friendly and helpful, never had any issues. Most of the inside activities are located on decks 6 7 8, casino located on deck 6 and had an awful cigarette smell, unfortunately you often have to pass through the casino to get to some venues. the atrium was used extensively for many shows and games. Deck 8 has the waterfront with several dining options where you can eat outside. The slides and ropes course were fun and did not have overly long lines most of the time, on the 3 times we did the ropes course we never had to wait more that a couple minutes.
NCL has a iphone app Iconcierge this app works once connected to the ships wifi, you can check your onboard account, make dining reservations and view menus as well as the daily activities. It is free to use unless you want the messaging and phone functions which will cost 7.95 to activate and is charged per device, it was convenient to text other people and call them through this app.
