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It may be hard to find a cruise ship that pleases every member of your family, but your search might be over once you discover Norwegian Getaway. One of the largest ships sailing the Eastern and Western Caribbean and based in easy-to-get-to Miami, this ship offers a wide range of amenities for every kind of cruiser.
Want to know why this ship is the perfect vessel to please your entire crew? Here are 10 reasons your family will love Norwegian Getaway.
Norwegian Cruise Line has pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising. This means there are no set meal times or table assignments. This concept is perfect for families or couples who want to go with the flow and just enjoy a vacation. Are you an over planner? Well, you can still make dining reservations pre-cruise using the online portal. Whether you like to keep a strict schedule or prefer to handle things on the fly, Norwegian Getaway accommodates all types of vacationers.
Picky eaters have met their match with Norwegian Getaway. The Garden Café offers a casual dining atmosphere with a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Tropicana Room has the feel of a 1940s supper club with floor-to-ceiling windows, a dance floor and Latin jazz band. Still need more dining options? For dinner, you can choose from French, Italian, Asian, seafood, an American steakhouse and a top-notch Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, not to mention the rotating three-course menu in the main dining rooms. It is nearly impossible to go hungry on this ship.
With 18 decks of fun in the sun, your family will have plenty of room to spread out. With children-only areas, adult-only retreats, teen-only lounges and plenty of other dedicated spaces located throughout the ship, you can go your separate ways on a sea day, if you choose. But you’re still on a cruise ship, so you’ll never be too far away at any given time. So plan some “family time” — perhaps some evening dinners or some daytime sports court action — then reserve some “you” time as well.
My wife and I are still big kids at heart. So you’ll find us at all of the family attractions” on the ship. From the ropes course (with the famous Plank hanging off the side of the ship), to the mini-golf course, to the waterslides, we don’t skip a beat. Ping-Pong, family bingo and shuffleboard are other onboard activities for your family to enjoy as well. Now with the addition of an escape room experience called Escape the Big Top, you can challenge both your mind and body on Norwegian Getaway, no matter your age.
Norwegian Getaway has separate pool areas to let those with and without kids enjoy the sunny days in the Caribbean. There is the family pool, which is next to a pirate-themed aqua park for young children, so you can splash the day away as a family. And in the center of the outdoor decks is the main pool, which is considered the “adults only” pool. If you want even more seclusion, the Spice H20 sun deck (deck 16 aft) is adults only all day long. While there is no pool here, there are a few whirlpools and a waterfall feature that provide plenty of relief from the heat.
Norwegian knows how to throw a party. On virtually every night of the cruise you'll find a different deck party (weather permitting) at Spice H20. Among our favorites are the '80s Dance Party and the Glow Party. While the drinks are off limits to the young ones, they are always invited to join in on the fun. With flashing lights, decorations and a high-energy atmosphere, who wouldn’t have a blast? Of course, these parties do go late into the night, so whether your kids stay up to attend is purely up to you.
Nighttime entertainment on the ship is a mix of family-friendly and more adult offerings. The main theater shows are appropriate for most members of the family and quite entertaining. Early comedy shows are billed as family friendly while the 11 pm showtimes are reserved for a more mature audience. Throughout the evening, you'll also find live music, game shows and more that will appeal to both younger and older members of the family.
While Norwegian Getaway is great for families, the ship is also designed to give you and your spouse some time alone to enjoy. Children’s programs are open into the evenings to allow for some dinner and cocktails without the kids. You can also enjoy an afternoon in Spice H20, make an appointment for a couples massage in the spa, or get a day pass to the Thermal Suite, all while the kids are enjoying themselves and making new friends. Don’t worry, they will be fine without you for a few hours.
Whether it is just the two of you or the entire family, we can’t think of a better pastime than strolling the Waterfront, Norwegian’s outdoor promenade deck. On sea days, you can enjoy a seaside lunch at Ocean Blue’s takeout counter or grab some ice cream at the Gelato Shop (additional charges apply). Whether you enjoy some morning exercise, an afternoon break from the sun or an evening drink, the Waterfront is a go-to spot to unwind while still being connected to the rest of the ship and the ocean.
10All that Norwegian Getaway has to offer makes it an amazing vacation option already, but how about bringing the kids along for free? Well, if you time the booking of your cruise wisely, you can take advantage of the Norwegian Free at Sea promotions. Along with perks like a free beverage package or free specialty dining package, this program also offers “kids sail free” on select cruises. Yup, you can bring the children along without spending a dime on their cruise fare. Now, you have no excuse why the entire family can’t take a cruise vacation on Norwegian Getaway!
Interested in a cruise on Norwegian Getaway? Contact the Cruiseable Business Department to speak with a travel professional at 1-877-322-3773.
Republished and updated from an earlier version.
