Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway is the second and final ship in the Breakaway Class, joining Norwegian Breakaway, which launched just one year earlier. As the name implies, this is a ship for those who want to enjoy a quick, fun family weekend getaway, with some pretty attractive prices for 3 and 4-day cruises. 

Want to pay less than $250 to enjoy a private island and some of the most beautiful views in the world? If your answer is “yes,” then your interest in this review just went up considerably.

What we like about Norwegian Getaway

One of the best things about Norwegian Getaway is the price. We’re talking about a ship that first launched in 2014 but went through a big refurbishment in 2019, making it feel new and fresh again. While Norwegian Breakaway focuses on week-long trips from New York, Norwegian Getaway sticks to Florida, offering plenty of 3 and 4-day cruises out of Miami. Prices are fantastic, with short 4-day cruises starting at just $220… a steal considering families and kids can still have a ton of fun onboard.

As expected from a mega-resort at sea, there’s plenty to keep you busy once you’re onboard. Sure, it doesn’t pack quite as many entertainment options as the Breakaway-Plus or Prima Class ships, but it still brings a lot to the table and basically the same entertainment options as sister Norwegian Breakaway. 

Norwegian Getaway comes with two waterparks (including the Freefall waterslide, which is still impressively fast), a sports court, an arcade, and a ropes course complete with an eight-foot plank that hangs over the edge of the ship. It’s the kind of playground kids will love, with ziplines and climbing challenges that let them see the ship from a whole new angle. You won’t find the wild, over-the-top attractions you see on newer ships, like go-kart tracks, roller coasters, or bumper cars, but there’s still plenty to enjoy, and more than enough to keep you entertained on a 4-day cruise.

Norwegian Getaway also features the Waterfront, an idea that first debuted a year earlier on Norwegian Breakaway. It’s a wide promenade-style deck that wraps around half the ship, offering outdoor seating for the deck 8 restaurants along with plenty of quiet nooks for anyone who just wants to relax with a drink in hand. It’s much more peaceful than the busy pool areas, and the port side has some especially comfy chairs that are perfect for lounging. Add in the bars and restaurants here, and you’ve got one of the best spots for outdoor dining.

You might be wondering if there are any big differences between Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, and the answer is… not really. The interior décor has a few changes, and Breakaway has a movable roof over the Haven pool while Getaway doesn’t. Getaway carries a Miami theme, while Breakaway leans into a New York vibe. Some bars have different names, but the menus are basically the same. 

What we don’t like about Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway can feel pretty crowded, with nearly 4,000 passengers onboard. That’s actually more than ships like Norwegian Prima, and sometimes it seems like there just aren’t enough spaces to go around. The pool and deck areas fill up quickly, which makes the Waterfront a real hidden gem if you’re looking to escape the chaos. 

If lounging by the pool is your thing, be warned… it's not always easy to snag a chair. Much like Norwegian Breakaway, the Getaway has a rule against saving spots, and crew members will tag and clear unattended chairs after 15 minutes. You can pick up your stuff later at the towel station, which sounds fair enough, except that there’s usually a line of people circling, waiting to pounce the second a seat opens up. In other words, getting a chair feels like winning the lottery.

Conclusion

Norwegian Getaway is fun for one big reason: you can enjoy a weekend or holiday in the Caribbean without breaking the bank. Paying less than $250 per person for a ship that offers so much is a steal, even if it can feel crowded at times. And if things get a little too noisy, head straight to your new best friend onboard. Yes, we are talking about the Waterfront.