Just spent a week on the Getaway, January 26 - February 2. I see others have reviewed this cruise and wonder...were we actually on the same cruise?? We have cruised Princess, Cunard and Avalon (river) prior, first time on Norwegian. We loved it and are sold on mega ships! Yes, there can be a little crowding in some places at some times, but you can just avoid those places and go somewhere else. People act SHOCKED that there 4,000 people on this cruise...did you do your research? It's not a secret people. You simply cannot beat the value for the money with Norwegian. If you are not looking for a huge boat with casual atmosphere, then look at another cruiseline. It's not the cruiseline's fault...they deliver what they advertise. You just chose the wrong cruise for you. So here's our summary of the trip:
Were were a group of eight. Four "50-somethings" and Four "20-somethings".
Ebarkation: Flew into New Orleans a day early with the "free" Norwegian flights. Arrived at 11am, had the whole day to explore the city. Next morning took Uber approx. 1.5 miles from our hotel to cruiseport at 10:30 am. He dropped us right next to the luggage drop area. Walked into terminal, about 2 minutes to registration desk, a couple of minutes there, got boarding group 6. Waited about 20 minutes - was on the ship by 11:30am. Easy peasy. Had lunch in Taste dining room, our room was ready after that and our luggage showed up about 2pm. Could not have been easier.
Loved having the extra large balcony with two loungers and table with two chairs. Tons of storage in the cabin, they thought of everything. Quick walk to the mid-ship elevators and stairs.