Discover the Ultimate Solo Vacation: Exploring the Newly Refreshed Cruise Ship with Endless Entertainment and a Soothing Atmosphere

During a journey across the Atlantic Ocean, a traveler enjoys the unique experiences offered by the Norwegian Getaway, immersing in two weeks of maritime tranquility.

At the start of the year, life seemed overly hectic, prompting me to take a significant hiatus. Reflecting on my late father’s advice—a former Navy man who advocated experiencing an ocean crossing—I embarked on a solo voyage across the Atlantic on the Norwegian Getaway.

This voyage began in New York and concluded in Southampton, England, spanning two weeks in late April and early May. This type of journey is known as a repositioning cruise, where the ship relocates to a different region, typically to accommodate seasonal changes. Upon reaching the UK, my plan was to return home by plane.

This journey wasn’t just any ordinary sea crossing; after departing from New York, our vessel capable of hosting 3,903 passengers made stops in Canada prior to braving the North Atlantic for five consecutive days. The European segment of our voyage encompassed visits to Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, culminating at Southampton. The route itself was fascinating, but I was equally captivated by Norwegian Cruise Line’s dedication to solo travelers. They provide single occupancy pricing, specially designed single cabins, and exclusive access to a lounge reserved for solo voyagers where the best complimentary coffee on the ship can be enjoyed.

An additional revelation was the efficacy of maintaining productivity while aboard, facilitated by Starlink technology onboard the Getaway. I indulged in the premium Wi-Fi package and was pleased by the strong and stable connection, which was unexpectedly reliable even from my inner cabin and during the busy indoor sea days stimulated by the brisk spring climate.

I relished the extended periods at sea, free to engage in activities or relax as I pleased. The ship boasted a plethora of entertainment options, a cutting-edge spa and gym, numerous jacuzzis, and an exquisite outdoor running track on Deck 16 that offered stellar views. Occasionally, I ventured out with binoculars for some whale watching on the Waterfront, a quarter-mile long promenade on Deck 8 featuring outdoor bars and intimate seating. At other times, I found solace in specialty dining venues like Ocean Blue or La Cucina, which provided tranquil seascapes from their window tables, despite being closed midday.

Related: 15 of the Best River Cruises in Europe

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Being at sea for several days without seeing land was both calming and exhilarating for me. Fortunately, the rough seas were limited to just one day where we encountered 15-foot swells. The over-the-counter medications I brought were perfectly sufficient for the conditions. Phew!

The Getaway may not be the latest ship in the Norwegian fleet, but overall, it was cozy and modern. I found myself missing the large “observation lounge” present on other ships like the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. Nonetheless, recent refurbishments since its 2014 inaugural launch have enhanced the onboard experience. In one past refurbishment, alterations were made to the casino layout aboard Getaway, efficiently segregating the smoking area from an adjacent restaurant, and the main dining area received an upgrade and was renamed the Manhattan Room.

A lesson I learned the hard way was the benefit of starting my journey in Europe to sail towards the U.S.—it would have meant gaining an hour each night instead of losing one. It’s a tip I’ll remember for my next repositioning cruise.

Now, here’s a closer look at the staterooms, amenities, food, and other features on Norwegian Getaway.

With 2,014 cabins, Norwegian Getaway offers an array of amenities on a ship that’s notably smaller than some of the largest ones currently at sea.

The staterooms are thoughtfully designed for efficiency, featuring expansive bathrooms with ample storage space.

Getaway caters excellently to solo travelers with its studio cabins and the Studio Lounge, a dedicated space for solo guests offering coffee, light snacks, and cocktails.

Tony Award–winning musicals and other entertainment is as excellent as you’d expect on a large ship.

Starlink Wi-Fi makes it possible to “work from sea” while on longer itineraries.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

With 2,014 staterooms, Getaway has a cabin and price point to suit almost any travel style. Guests looking for an elevated experience can choose from 80 suites in the Haven, what Norwegian calls its exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” area, complete with a private restaurant, lounge, and pool. (One thing to note: Only 28 suites on Getaway are truly within the Haven, with the remaining 52 elsewhere on the ship — though they do have access to all of the amenities.)

As a solo traveler, I opted for an inside cabin. By the time I made my reservation, the designated solo cabins were fully booked. (Getaway offers 59 studio staterooms and 20 solo balcony cabins specifically for single occupants.) I received a solo rate for a slightly larger, windowless interior cabin and decided to book it. The cabin, numbered 12455, featured warm brown and blue tones, a midcentury modern carpet, smart layout, several storage spaces, and a surprisingly spacious bathroom.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

The Getaway boasts nearly 20 dining options, ensuring a variety even over a 14-day journey. All passengers have access to three main dining areas, the American Diner, the buffet-style Garden Cafe, Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, and O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, which operates around the clock and serves classic pub dishes.

I found myself particularly enthused by the eight specialty restaurants, which offer entry via a meal package or à la carte pricing. On the Getaway, unique dining spots include Wasabi for sushi and the Raw Bar for oysters and champagne. The ship also hosts Italian, Brazilian, and French dining venues. Highlights of my dining experience were the poached pear at Le Bistro and roasted beets with goat cheese and truffle dressing at Ocean Blue.

The vessel boasts around 20 bars, with numbers fluctuating as certain venues like Sugarcane Mojito Bar and Syd Norman’s Pour House feature both indoor and outdoor serving areas, alongside other entertainment spots that also offer libations. When the bustling Atrium Bar or Mixx Bar seemed too crowded, I would slip away to the sophisticated Prime Meridian Bar, which provided a secluded ambiance perfect for an evening drink.

In the summer of 2024, the vessel will navigate through the Greek islands departing from Athens, and the routes also cover Turkey, Malta, Spain, and Portugal. The subsequent transatlantic journey, which spans 12 days in early October, will start in Lisbon and make its way to Miami, stopping at Nova Scotia in Canada, the Azores in Portugal, and New York. Following this, Getaway will re-enter the Caribbean region for autumn and winter voyages initiating from New Orleans to destinations like Mexico, Belize, and Honduras.

By 2025, Getaway will explore the Caribbean, visiting locales such as Curaçao, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Grand Cayman. The spring and summer schedules feature numerous voyages from New York to Bermuda, and towards the end of 2025, Getaway will cruise to Canada and the Bahamas.

My selected excursions included stops in Zeebrugge, Belgium, and Le Havre, France—both of which necessitated a bit of travel to reach the desired attractions. The excursion “Bruges and Belgian Chocolates” involved a leisurely walk through the medieval city center and a tour of the Chocolate Museum. In France, I embarked on the “Monet’s Giverny & Rouen” full-day tour, which included a visit to Claude Monet’s picturesque house and gardens in Giverny (though I would avoid a busy holiday weekend next time). This delightful journey concluded with a lunch at a quaint countryside villa and a visit to Rouen, Normandy’s capital.

These excursions typically comprised large groups of about 40 people per tour. Organizational aspects were well-handled, and transportation was efficient. However, a noticeable delay occurred in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland. As the ship was anchored rather than docked, passengers needed to take a tender to reach shore. Despite the ability to book tender time slots with Norwegian, many experienced up to a 90-minute wait to disembark.

With a ship of substantial size, activities were plentiful. Passengers particularly enjoyed the Tony Award-winning “Million Dollar Quartet” and the unique “Broadway Unplugged” performances. The Headliners Comedy Club offered both stand-up comedy and lively dueling pianos, while the Bliss Ultra Lounge provided a space for dancing late into the night. Additionally, the ship featured a casino and a cigar lounge.

For those seeking relaxation, the Mandara Spa was available with numerous treatment rooms and a Thermal Suite that included heated tile loungers, saunas, a whirlpool, and a salt room. It was noted that these amenities were less crowded and more enjoyable on days when the ship was at port.

Despite the season, few ventured into the main pools during my visit to Getaway, which houses two large pools and an aqua park designed for children, featuring five slides. While I observed no one in the “wet lounge” at the adults-only Spice H2O area, it became a popular spot for enjoying a piña colada on sunny days. The ten outdoor hot tubs, however, saw extensive use: four near the main pools, two in Spice H2O, and four across the private Vibe Beach Club and the Haven areas. An exciting Ropes Course stretches above Deck 17, adding an adrenaline rush to the cruise offerings at no extra cost.

My two-week journey during the school term meant fewer children on board, but Getaway would typically be more family-oriented. The ship offers a complimentary Splash Academy for younger guests and a dedicated teen hangout in the Entourage. Besides a specialized “aqua park” for children, there are five large waterslides. Additional family-friendly facilities include an arcade, a small bowling alley, and a comprehensive sports area, which was temporarily transformed into a pickleball court at cruisers’ request.

Getaway features about 40 accessible cabins across various categories, including in the luxurious Haven, tailored with wider entryways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and ample space for mobility aids. The ship accommodates most wheelchairs and mobility scooters, providing accessible routes to all dining and bar locations. There are accessible public restrooms, entertainment venues with appropriate accommodations, and ADA-compliant pool lifts at the primary pool and hot tub section, plus the Thermal Suite. Except for Decks 17 and 18, elevators serve all levels, and gangways are suitably wide for most wheelchairs and mobility scooters during embarkation and disembarkation.

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