Five Things to Know About Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway Cruise Ship
Best for: Families, stimulation-craving adults, and anyone who likes a big ship with lots of action
Sails: Bermuda, The Caribbean, Northern Europe, Transatlantic Crossing
At a Glance: Virtually identical to its sister ship Norwegian Breakaway, the Getaway, launched in 2014, packs so many restaurants, activities, and bars onto its decks, it’s almost impossible to try them all in one trip.
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There’s a Ship Within the Ship
If you’re looking for extra privacy and perks and don’t mind a splurge, reserve a stateroom in The Haven, an exclusive suites-only area with its own restaurant, lounge, courtyard, and pool. The largest suites on the ship are the 932-square-foot Deluxe Owner’s Suites, which come with a living room dining room, and a wraparound balcony. Not staying in a suite? Staterooms range in size from a 99-square-foot studio to a 513-square-foot Mini-Suite with a balcony.
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The Activities List Is Long
The AquaPark is the ship’s splashiest feature with two pools, four hot tubs, and five wild water slides. Among them is Free Fall, which Norwegian says is the fastest water slide at sea. (There’s also a kids’ AquaPark for the little ones.) For those who’d prefer to stay out of the water, there’s a rope course and The Plank, which allows passengers to walk eight feet beyond the edge of the ship on a, well, plank. You can also check out the sports complex, which has a rock-climbing wall and a mini golf course. Traveling with kids? The ship’s Splash Academy children’s program will keep them busy with scavenger hunts and pizza making.
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The Spa Soothes
With more than 50 treatments on offer from hot stone massages to acupuncture, the Mandara Spa might be the most relaxing spot on the ship. One of the biggest draws is the Thermal Suite, where passengers come to take a dip in the hot tub or thalassotherapy pool, or loll on heated lounge chairs while checking out the sea view through the forward-facing floor-to-ceiling windows. In the Salt Room, a salt aerosol machine fills the air with salt particles, said to relieve skin and respiratory issues. Spa suite guests have unlimited access to the Thermal Suite, while other passengers can purchase a pass.
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The Restaurants Are Abundant
There are 28 restaurants onboard, including the three main dining rooms. But the latter aren’t the only places to eat for free. O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill serves up complimentary pub grub like fish ‘n’ chips, while Shanghai’s Noodle Bar dishes out Asian favorites. But if you really want to treat yourself, make a reservation at one of the for-fee restaurants, most of which are à la carte. Wasabi doles out sushi and sashimi, while romantic Ocean Blue specializes in seafood. (Its outdoor extension on Norwegian’s Waterfront promenade is a great spot for lunch.) For oysters Rockefeller and bone-in rib eye, try Cagney’s, Norwegian’s signature steakhouse. Other for-fee options include Brazilian steakhouse Moderno Churrascaria, Italian eatery La Cucina, Japanese eatery Teppanyaki, and traditional French restaurant Le Bistro. The most popular poolside lunch spot is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, which serves up conch fritters and Cheeseburgers in Paradise à la carte. In the mood for dinner and a show? At Illusionarium, you can eat while magicians work their magic.
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The Nightlife Is Lively
The ship has more than a dozen bars onboard. The coolest spot on the ship is Svedka and Inniskillin Ice Bar, where the bar and your glass are hewn entirely from ice. Down rum drinks at Sugarcane Mojito Bar, hit the disco at Bliss Ultra Lounge, or check out an Ibiza-style outdoor dance party at Spice H20. As for entertainment, passengers can head to Headliners for comedy or hit the Broadway Theater for Broadway shows like Million Dollar Quartet and Burn the Floor.