Midweek Getaway!!!!

Last week  I was excited to join the brand new NCL Getaway in Southampton for 1 night, I had really been look forward to seeing this very flamboyant ship ever since my colleague’s returned last year from her sister ship “The Breakaway” and she didn’t disappoint.

Along for the trip I was  lucky enough to take my husband and a few of our close friends as it was our friend Garys birthday and what better way to celebrate. As well as having a good night away child free I was really interested in what the group would think of her, as they were split in previous cruise experience. Four of them had previously cruised and actually married on a Princess ship and also been on a couple of P&O mini breaks. But one couple had never cruised before or seen a cruise liner. I couldn’t wait to see their faces when we arrived in Southampton Port  faced with this super liner.

So back to the Getaway my first impression was “WOW” she was so bright and colourful, truly a work of art. I love how the used the hull to personalise her and make her stand out from the rest. I have always thought when looking at other ships in the past that this was always a waste of a opportunity to really bring the feel of the ship to the outside. It reminds me a little bit of standing in a airport and you know what airline you are watching take off by their tail. Much like this you can see from afar that this is “the Getaway” where as others you need to get right up close before you can see the name and know the ship. She certainly stands out amongst her piers.

On board the colour didn’t stop at the hull. Everywhere you looks it was colourful, vibrant and modern I was really impressed and so were our friends. We said as soon as you walk on you can tell it is a fun and lively ship, but even with fun it hasn’t comprised its class. The Main atrium was simply stunning with the modern centre and huge chandelier it was the main focal point of the whole ship.

We had a inside cabin on the 13th deck, and although I wouldn’t normally choose a inside cabin this was really nice. More space then I have had in previous experience’s. There was the option to book this for 4 with upper Pullmans. Bathroom was very modern with a good size and powerful shower. Lots of amenities you would need hair dryer along with a  decent wardrobe space.

As she was mainly filled with travel agents and press there were other sample cabins open to view. All we very impressive in size and standards

*Inside made into Quad

*Balcony cabin

Entertainment on board was the best I have ever seen, a thrill seekers paradise , starting with the kids (Including the Big kids). You can not miss the activities on deck 17.

*Sponge Bob Square Pants theme water park., with 5 multi story water slides.

*Two Swimming pools

*Four Hot tubs

and if that’s not enough to get your pulses racing how about Rocking climbing, the largest over head rope course at sea, 9 hole golf course or bungee trampoline.

Once we had had a little look around the ship we headed straight to the “GardenCafe” for lunch, we were so surprised by the choice of different . This buffet style restaurant, Situated at the front of the ship it was made up of a large number of counters are with different clearly mark with the theme, including Asian, American Burger building, Oriental, Carvery, Salads bar, My friend Kelly commented on how different this was from the P&O Azura she had been on in October. She said the range of different food was so much better than the very british food they offer.

Our Evening Meal due to the size of our party we booked a table in one of the three complimentary main dinning rooms “Taste” on deck 6  . The atmosphere in there was lovely candlelit area. What NCL have done is great!  they have split the normal big double floor main dinning area into the one large and 2 smaller locations and spread them out slightly allowing for a more intimate dinning experience. The food was delicious, all the food was beautifully displayed my main of chicken Parma Jana was yummy but the pudding was the best part of the meal something I wouldn’t normally go for Passion soufflés but it was cooked well and they even brought me a cheeky second one it was so good. With there being 27 restaurant’s to choose from onboard but I was pleased with our choice,  alternative dining options, including a seafood venue created by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, who made his debut on NCL breakaway last year, O’Sheehans Irish pub serving traditional pub grub or Le Bistro, serving fancy French and continental cuisine. The choice is yours I’m sure over a longer duration the choice would be easier by just trying them all.

After dinner you could really feel the ship come alive with music playing everywhere you went. I had been given the opportunity to pre book “Legally Blonde” prior to leaving however given that we only had the one night onboard and the show lasted 1 1/2 hours we decided to not see this on this trip but reviews from others said it had been a great show and the cast were amazing. One of the attractions we were disappointed to miss out on was the Florida-inspired SVEDKA Ice bar. This specialty bar is pre bookable only and very popular serving 8c, however fully booked when we went to tried.  (SO BIG TIP BOOK AS SOON AS YOU GET ONBOARD)

After we had visited the Headliners comedy club for some live music ended our evening at Bliss nights club.

Now for our group of friends this was a running joke, as in our local town “Bliss” is also a nightclub but we were pleased to find that the similarities ended at the name. This modern bar , had a great atmosphere, good variety of music to suit most taste. Bar staff were friendly and the range of drinks and cocktails was good too. Although for passengers planning to cruise with the Getaway I would recommend the Drinks packages as drink can at time be pricey.  We had a great time dancing into the early hours finishing our evening off perfectly.

All in all a great Getaway we had a fabulous time on a fantastic ship and she is definitely added to my bucket list of ships I want to do a full cruise on. My friends also loved this ship, we all just wished we could have spent more time to really enjoy all she had to offer, And those friends that had never cruised before were amazed they just could believe how the Getaway had fit everything in and was still afloat. ( I think she will be a new customer of mine very soon)

So if you have any questions about the Getaway or would like information and prices about her future sailings please feel free to call me directly on 0800 408 6160 or email me at [email protected], I can tell you all about it!!!!!!