Norwegian Getaway Cruise Review: 7 Days of Dining, Entertainment, and Caribbean Bliss from Miami
The view from my Miami living room window overlooks the azure Florida Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean, separated only by bustling South Beach streets and the Port of Miami—home to majestic cruise ships like the Norwegian Getaway. This ship caught my eye daily, inviting me aboard. And I answered the call.
Under a shining sun, we arrived at the Port of Miami. The Norwegian Getaway loomed larger than expected, its hull adorned with whimsical artwork by local artist LEBO. We brought two magnum bottles of wine—750mL bottles incur a $15 corkage fee, while 1500mL bottles cost $30. This fee lets guests enjoy their wine at any bar, restaurant, or stateroom, charged upfront or to your onboard account.
We eagerly settled into mini-suite 8114, a spacious 269-square-foot haven with a generous balcony featuring two lounge chairs, a table, and two upright chairs. The bathroom boasted double sinks and an expansive glass shower—the largest I've encountered on a cruise ship. This became our luxurious home for seven unforgettable days.
Must-Experience Highlights on the Norwegian Getaway:
Upscale Dining
Photo from Flickr by Jorge Cortell
Linguine with roasted mushrooms and sautéed Gulf shrimp, slow-cooked short rib gnocchi, shrimp burgers on pretzel buns topped with avocado and crispy onions, and indulgent hazelnut chocolate desserts layered with Nutella crème—every dish was a culinary masterpiece. Breakfasts at the Garden Café buffet were expansive and complimentary, available until 10:30 a.m. on port days and 11 a.m. on sea days, with diverse international lunch and dinner options included in your fare. Most evenings, we dined in one of three complimentary main dining rooms with daily rotating menus. Other free spots include O’Sheehan’s Irish pub and Shanghai’s Noodle Bar. With 28 venues onboard, options are endless.
Daytime Entertainment
By day, venues like the Headliners Comedy Club, Getaway Theater, atrium, and pool deck host free bingo, Deal or No Deal game shows, art auctions, performer Q&As, movies, towel-folding demos, and dance classes. Paid extras include cupcake decorating, wine tastings with themed lunches, magic shows, and ship tours.
Evening Shows
Cruise entertainment has evolved far beyond the basics. Legally Blonde the musical featured Broadway-caliber vocals, comedians delivered sharp, relevant humor, and dancers performed jaw-dropping acrobatics. Shows drew packed houses—book reservations upon boarding for the week. Enjoy live music casually in lounges and pool areas, or dance at Bliss Ultra Lounge nightclub.
Free Perks
Day one brings spa raffles with prizes like $50–$200 gift certificates for manicures or massages—enter multiple cards for better odds. Sea-day art auctions offer free-flowing champagne and a complimentary 8x11 print.
Exceptional Service
The staff's genuine kindness was unparalleled. At cruise end, select a “Vacation Hero” for standout service. I nominated four: our waitress Shielo recreated a dairy-free dish on request; the bartender memorized my order; and Hazel at Le Bistro celebrated my birthday with an electric candle and a heartfelt offer to perform if needed. These touches elevate any vacation.
Idyllic Ports
St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas brimmed with shops, eateries, and adventures. Yet the voyage's endless blue seas, shimmering turquoise shallows, embodied pure paradise.
The Norwegian Getaway offers vast amenities for nonstop activities, dining, and exploration—ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers.
