With more than a dozen dining options, and close to two dozen bars and lounges, you’ll never go hungry or thirsty when cruising on Norwegian Getaway.
Luckily, Norwegian Cruise Line offers both a specialty dining package and Ultimate Beverage Package so you can sample as much as you want while sailing the Caribbean or Baltic Sea. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve put together this list of the top food and drink items that you need to try on Norwegian Getaway based on our Caribbean cruise on the ship last month. Enjoy!
Raspberry-Guava mojito
You’ll need to drink about two mojitos a day to sample all of the varieties found at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, located on deck 8 in 678 Ocean Place. Or, you can stick with our favorite, the Raspberry-Guava mojito. A fruity and sweet combination of white rum, fresh raspberries and guava puree, this drink is one worth going back for again and again.
Lobster roll
This hidden gem is so good, you might want to keep the secret to yourself. On sea days, Ocean Blue (located mid-ship on the Waterfront) offers a “take-out” window serving up traditional seafood-style light bites. Head straight for the lobster roll, which pairs giant chunks of lobster in a light mustard dressing with a toasted brioche bun. Do ask for extra napkins, as this is going to get a bit messy.
Noodles
Make sure you get to Shanghai Noodle Bar, on deck 7 near the Casino, fairly early as fellow passengers flock to this complimentary Asian–style restaurant. Almost everything we sampled here was delicious, but you really have to try the namesake noodles. In a broth or from the wok? No matter. Once you’ve sampled the noodles, you’ll understand why there is always such a long wait time.
Mango Meltdown
What better way to ward off the Caribbean sun than with a frosty concoction from one of the outdoor bars? While you certainly can’t go wrong with many of the popular choices, we suggest that you try the Mango Meltdown. A combination of rum, amaretto and frozen strawberry and mango blended together with ice, it can only be described as totally refreshing!
Perfectly seared steak
When it comes to steak, you will want to head to the cruise line’s signature steakhouse, Cagney’s. There is a reason why this place books up as soon as reservations become available. The open kitchen will give you an uninhibited view as the chefs sear and grill some of the largest cuts of beef at sea, including a xxxxxx rib eye steak. Make sure you bring your appetite, as these steaks are for serious meat lovers only.
The perfect margarita
If you’ve been searching for the perfect margarita, look no further than Margaritaville at Sea. Jimmy Buffett’s Perfect Margarita combines gold and silver tequila, fresh lime juice and triple sec for serious margarita aficionados. You could also sip on one of the other 10 signature cocktails offered at the restaurant and at Chill Bar. Just don’t forget your shaker of salt!
Volcano nachos
Erupting with cheese, chili, pico de gallo, hot peppers and guacamole, the Volcano nachos at Margaritaville at Sea are piled high enough to feed a megaship crew. They’re just an appetizer, so you may want to save some room for other popular dishes like the Cheeseburger in Paradise. Or, you can make this cheesy delight a meal in itself. (It’s our little secret.)
New England clam chowder
It’s usually hard to impress us New Englanders when it comes to seafood on a cruise. Somehow, Ocean Blue was able to take the creamy and smooth consistency of true New England clam chowder and perfectly replicate it for dinner. This will be the start of a beautiful relationship as you dine on fare from the sea at this specialty restaurant on the ship’s Waterfront.
Tiramisu
While your senses may be overwhelmed with all of the sweets on board, one traditional dessert topped our list. The tiramisu at La Cucina, found mid-ship on deck 8, delivered the soft, smooth and rich taste we’ve come to expect. Rivaling the desserts that you’d find in a fine Italian restaurant in Boston, this classic Italian treat from La Cucina shone.
Late-night snacks
At least one night during your cruise, you’re likely to find yourself craving some late-night munchies. That is when you join the crowd at O’Sheehan’s Pub. Open 24 hours a day, O’Sheehan’s offers a late-night menu of traditional pub food such as chicken wings and french fries. The food is always fast, hot and seasoned just right. Once you’ve been satiated, feel free to return to partying.
While you can certainly fit all of these items into a weeklong cruise, whether you will fit into your clothes at the end of the trip is a different story. Of course, there are also plenty of other great options to try on the ship, from the three-course dinners at the Tropicana Room to sushi, gourmet French cuisine and Florida-inspired signature cocktails at the Sunset Bar.
So, no matter what you do on your Norwegian Getaway cruise, be sure to explore as many venues as possible, and let us know what tops your list of things to try on the ship.