Cruising enthusiasts now can enjoy the ultimate getaway and you only have to go as far as PortMiami. The Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, is sailing weekly from Miami on seven-day cruises to the Caribbean.
The 4,000-passenger ship (based on double occupancy) is the largest sailing regularly from PortMiami. At 1,068 feet in length, the 146,000-ton ship has 18 decks packed with restaurants, entertainment, a wide range of accommodations and the latest amenities available to cruisers.
While NCL’s ads tout cruising like a Norwegian, you may feel more like you’re cruising like a Miamian. From the artwork on the ship’s hull designed by local artist David “LEBO” Le Batard to the bright interiors and themed restaurants and bars, the Getaway is filled with a tropical atmosphere. Here you will find the Tropicana Room, Flamingo Bar and Grill, Sunset Bar and Sugarcane Bar.
“Norwegian Getaway is Miami’s ultimate ship, so her unique venues celebrate the heritage and culture of Miami and South Florida,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO. “With these themed venues, we want all of our guests to experience a taste of Miami with food and drinks that reflect what the city is known for.”
There literally are dozens of restaurants and bars on board and many of the dining venues are complimentary, while others have small additional charges. NCL ships feature “freestyle cruising” with no set seating or dining times so you pretty much can eat anywhere at anytime. Reservations are suggested in some locations as popular dining venues fill fast.
A must experience is the Illusionarium. A first of its kind at sea, the dinner/show takes the audience into a world of magicians and magic. The Illusionarium offers two shows per night — 12 performances per cruise.
There is entertainment galore featuring a full-scale Broadway-style production of the musical Legally Blonde, Headliners Comedy Club and The GRAMMY Experience spotlighting some of the world’s top musical talent. And to get a real bang out of your cruise, the Getaway features a fireworks show one night during the sailing.
In addition to entertainment for adults, there is an extensive program for the younger guests at the Splash Academy for ages 3-12, Entourage for teens and a nursery for the little ones.
Through a partnership with Nickelodeon, guests sailing on Norwegian Getaway have the opportunity to cruise with SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Diego, among other favorite Nickelodeon characters, as well as participate in a variety of exciting interactive Nickelodeon experiences.
The ship offers one of the largest aqua parks at sea with the thrill of multi-story water slides as well more appropriate water fun for the little ones.
Accommodations range in size and price from the Deluxe Owner’s Suite through Family Villa, Penthouse, Spa Suite, Mini Suite, Balcony, Ocean View to Inside and the Studio designed for the solo traveler. Some suites feature deluxe bathrooms with full-size showers and doublewide sinks.
A special section of the ship is The Haven. Guests staying in the 42 suites on Decks 15 and 16 in The Haven will be pampered with privacy, personalized service and a deluxe array of complimentary amenities so they can experience everything a luxury vacation should offer. The Haven includes a private restaurant, cocktail bar and concierge desk where Haven guests can relax, have a drink and make dining, entertainment or spa reservations through the dedicated concierge.
You get all this and seven days in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Ports include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Nassau, Bahamas.
The Norwegian Getaway has been generating a lot of interest since its arrival in Miami in early February reports travel agent Karen Krugliak of Brit Olom Tours Inc. in West Kendall.
“My husband, Zvi, and I were invited to sail on the inaugural cruise for travel professionals onboard the brand new Norwegian Getaway,” Krugliak said. “We loved the energy level and variety of venues onboard. Norwegian Cruise Lines has really upped the ante in offerings with the new Getaway, especially for the family demographic. I regularly recommend the Getaway to clients.
“In fact, I just had a family sail for spring break and they returned ecstatic about their cruise vacation,” she added. “They said they took advantage of everything the ship had to offer and their family experience could not have been better.”
For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit <www.ncl.com> or call 1- 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784).
