Norwegian Getaway Tips & Secrets

These are tips specifically for the Norwegian Getaway to help you make the most out of your cruise aboard the newest NCL cruise ship. If you have your own to share, please feel free to add as replies to this blog.

1. If you have the Ultimate Dining Package, the Illusionarium may be free ($29.99 value) for embarkation day; otherwise, it may be 20% off just for the first day for everyone else.

2. Book Legally Blonde, Burn the Floor, and the Comedy Show online BEFORE going on the cruise to get the times you want.

3. But, if a showtime you want is full, simply show up 10 minutes beforehand and you most likely will still get in.

4. Buy Internet plan on the first day get extra minutes.

5. For breakfast at the Garden Cafe, if it is busy, don't stand in line but keep going and you may see the same items you want at another section, but without the wait. Also some omelet stations (there were 3 of them) have shorter lines than others.

6. A quick glance on the carpet in the stateroom hallway will let you know which way you are going- towards the front or the back of the ship. The "swimming fish" are always reaching for the Forward section of the ship. In the photo below, you are walking towards the "AFT", or the back of the ship.

7. If you go to Teppanyaki, and your dish doesn't come with udon, simply ask for it and they will give it to you free of charge. Also feel free to order more than 1 appetizer at all main dining or specialty restaurants, except for, of course, Ocean Blue (read our review).

8. There are many free dance classes, so go with a partner and have fun.

9. See a 3D movie at the Getaway theater, but arrive 10-15 minutes early to get a good seat.

10. Don't forget to go out and enjoy the fireworks display between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, usually during the first night at port (St Maarten).

11. Enjoy reasonably-priced, good quality oysters at the Raw Bar.

12. Book the French Specialty Restaurant Le Bistro when you first board the Getaway, or even online before your cruise, as it is the most difficult dining reservation to obtain on the ship.