A Balanced Review of the NCL Getaway: Pros and Cons

The Norwegian Getaway is a popular ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet, known for its large size and range of amenities. With a capacity of over 4,000 passengers, it offers a diverse cruising experience, but like any large ship, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Recent passenger reviews on CruiseCritic shed light on what makes the Getaway a great choice for some, and a challenging one for others.

The Good: Exceptional Service and Exclusive Experiences

One of the standout features of the Getaway is the level of service provided by the crew. A reviewer who recently sailed from NYC to the Bahamas praised the crew’s dedication, particularly highlighting their room steward, Bibi, who provided timely service and met specific requests. This kind of personalized attention significantly enhances the cruising experience.

Another reviewer had high praise for the Haven, NCL’s exclusive suite complex. They found the Haven facilities, staff, and dining options to be top-notch, stating, “The Haven facilities, staff, food, and beverages were fantastic.” The Haven restaurant, in particular, stood out as being superior to other specialty restaurants on the ship, with favorites like the smoked old fashioned and the brie burger being highly recommended. The exceptional service extended to their child, with staff going out of their way to bring up his preferred pizza from the Garden Café.

The Haven facilities, staff, food, and beverages were fantastic.

The Vibe Beach Club, another exclusive area on the ship, also received high marks. One passenger described it as a “wonderful refuge from the crowds,” highlighting the excellent bartending team and the overall atmosphere. This quiet, adults-only space offers a much-needed escape from the busy main decks.

Dining on the Getaway was another high point for many. The specialty restaurants, including Cagney’s and Ocean Blue, were particularly praised. “Cagney’s and Ocean Blue were the best meals I had all week,” said one reviewer, who appreciated the quality of the food and the attentive service. Teppanyaki and the Shanghai Noodle Bar also received favorable mentions for their unique offerings.

The Vibe Beach Club [was a] wonderful refuge from the crowds

The Bad: Overcrowding and Inconsistent Experiences

However, not everything was smooth sailing on the Getaway. The ship felt very full during the cruise, with one reviewer noting, “It was very, very full with 4200 +/- passengers.” This sense of overcrowding can detract from the overall experience, making some public areas feel cramped and busy.

Dining experiences were also mixed. While some specialty restaurants were praised, others, like Moderno and O’Sheehan’s, were less impressive. Moderno, once a favorite, disappointed with a diminished salad bar and overcooked meats. O’Sheehan’s, known for its casual fare, received criticism for its lukewarm food and limited menu. The change in recipe for O’Sheehan’s wings sparked a debate between one reviewer and their spouse, with one finding them “tasty” while the other deemed them “nothing short of disgusting.”

The Ugly: Missed Ports and Onboard Frustrations

One of the significant frustrations during the cruise was the cancellation of a stop at Great Stirrup Cay (GSC), NCL’s private island. This change upset many passengers, leading to complaints and dissatisfaction. Another reviewer also mentioned issues with missed ports, specifically pointing out the lack of clear communication regarding delays and itinerary changes. They noted, “We were supposed to arrive in PC at 1 p.m. We didn’t reach port until after 9 p.m.” This kind of delay can throw off carefully planned excursions and lead to frustration among passengers.

The ship’s capacity issues extended beyond just overcrowding. One reviewer mentioned that the ship ran out of certain beers early in the cruise, particularly during a period when the ship was full of spring breakers. While the Haven remained well-stocked, other parts of the ship struggled to keep up with demand, which led to some dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

When it comes to the Norwegian Getaway, it’s clear that everyone has their own perspective. What one passenger sees as a negative experience might be a highlight for someone else. While some travelers find the ship overcrowded and experience inconsistencies in dining, others praise the exceptional service, especially in exclusive areas like the Haven and Vibe Beach Club. On balance, however, the reviews for the Getaway are generally positive, with many passengers enjoying their time aboard this popular NCL ship.