Iglu Cruise staff reviews: Chloe’s incredible Caribbean escape with Norwegian Cruise Line
Iglu Cruise’s Commercial Executive cruises from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau aboard Norwegian Getaway
Cruising is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding ways to travel the world right now, with cruises inviting you to explore some of the most exciting destinations around the world, from the Caribbean and the Mediterranean to Alaska, Asia, and beyond. When cruising, you’ll have the chance to travel in complete comfort, wanting for nothing, while you enjoy fantastic food and engaging entertainment, and make lasting memories.
If you’re browsing Iglu Cruise’s latest cruise deals and wondering what it’s like to embark on a Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, you should check out this cruise review from Chloe, Iglu Cruise’s Commercial Executive. Recently, she visited Miami, the private island destination Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau with Norwegian Cruise Line, spending several nights aboard Norwegian Getaway. Below, she's shared her expert opinion on this exciting experience and some insider tips to keep in mind when you embark on an adventure like this yourself.
What destinations did you visit during your cruise?
Miami, Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau.
Who would you recommend this ship to?
I would say someone who is very outgoing in their personality and loves a party. Most nights, people were up until 3am enjoying a drink. The pool was always full and had a DJ set, so definitely for someone who is looking for that 'party' cruise experience whilst enjoying everything else the ship has to offer.
Did you have a chance to see multiple cabin types? What were they like, and what’s one insider tip you’d like to share?
I was in a Club Balcony Mini Suite, which was the same size as a regular balcony, except for the bathroom, which was bigger as it had two sinks and a shower over the bath.
The spacious mini suite in question
Did your accommodation have enough storage space for a full 7-night cruise?
Yes, there were multiple storage solutions. Wardrobe with rail & hangers, shelf above, cubby holes, 2 cupboards under the TV, ottoman stool, and two drawers underneath the sofa.
How was the noise inside your accommodation? Are there any areas you advise avoiding for those selecting their own cabin?
We found the cabin itself very quiet. We were in cabin 12232 and were far enough away from the elevators. The only noise we found was people walking back to their cabins late at night and not speaking quietly. We were in an interconnecting cabin, and I would like to say that we heard nothing from our neighbours
If you could only eat in one complimentary restaurant for the whole trip, which one would you choose, and what’s one must-try dish you recommend?
So we ate at most of the complimentary dining venues (the only ones we didn't get a chance to eat at were Manhattan and Singapore), and we really liked the American Diner, which is open for Lunch and Dinner. The sliders & fish burger were so fresh, and it was one of our fave spots for lunch.
The American Diner on Norwegian Getaway
What about the speciality dining on Norwegian Getaway?
Yes! So worth it, if you upgrade to Free At Sea, you can get at least one sitting included; we ate at Cagneys Steakhouse and Teppanyaki.
And, if you upgrade to the Free At Sea plus package, you actually get 50% off any other speciality dining sittings if you use them all.
We ate at:
- Teppanyaki - this is mostly for the show that the chefs put on; the food was great and such an entertaining meal (however, it is very loud and there is not much time to talk to one another). The waiters will come round and let you know what the chef recommends to eat, but don't feel like you have to have that!
- Cagneys Steakhouse - this is my all-time favourite. It has the best steak at sea in my opinion, and the portions are great. I would highly recommend the seven-layer chocolate cake for dessert!
If you had a drinks package, would you recommend it?
Yes, and yes.
What was the most surprising or under-the-radar activity that a first-time cruiser would miss?
The entertainment in the atrium! It was so fun, and we actually made sure we knew what was happening for us to watch our favourites, which were 'majority wins' and 'music mania'.
Also, Spice H20 at the back on deck 16 is an adults-only sundeck with a bar and jacuzzis! Make sure you don't miss this if you are not a fan of the constant DJ music, haha!
What was the vibe of the pool deck onboard?
Lively party atmosphere!
Norwegian Getaway's Pool Deck
Did you check out the kids’ facilities available onboard? What were the highlights?
Splash Club is for the younger generation and was perfect in terms of size and activities. They also had a sensory room.
Meanwhile, Entourage is the teen room and again, perfect! They actually had evening clubs for them. In the club, they had a foosball table, PS5, XBOX, and Switch gaming, along with seating for them to just hang out."
Which destination was the biggest surprise, and why?
Great Stirrup Cay!!
This is NCL's own private island, and it has SO much to do when you are there. We were invited to the VIP celebration of the Great Tides Waterpark, and it was honestly one of the best days I've had at a port. It is a cost to go into the waterpark, but it's totally worth it in my opinion. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this is perfect. You had slides that went backwards, propelled you faster, mat racing, and double-seater slides. There was a 'not-so-lazy river' which was fantastic if you wanted to just sit and enjoy the day (it also ended at a bar, so there is always that incentive!). There is also a cliff-jumping pool, which was so fun but scary, ha! There is also a splash park with a tipping bucket and 4 other slides for the kids.
There are some food vans that are not included, and they range from $10 to $ 20 per item.
If you have Free At Sea, your drinks package is actually included on the island, so we didn't have to pay for any food or drink on the island! And the bar staff are from the cruise ship.
If you have booked a cabin in The Haven, you will have access to Silver Cove, which is a separate section of the island (but still within walking distance to the waterpark). You're collected by buggy and taken to the reception, where the butler will be on hand. They can upgrade to have an Ocean View Studio/Apartment overlooking the beach, but if not, the cabana-style beds on the beach are beautiful. There is also a section for The Vibe, which, again, you will need to purchase to access.
The main beach areas are free of charge, and there are plenty of beach sunloungers. There is also a lagoon pool, which most people go to, so a top tip is that if the customers keep walking, there are sections of the beach that are empty! There is also a children's splash park near the lagoon. With all these different areas you cannot hear anything, even the waterpark which had music playing all day.
If you have snorkelling equipment you can take them with them and use, they have a snorkelling section at the main beach area where they have created a little treasure hunting dive and includes things like a buried grand piano!
More from Great Stirrup Cay and Great Tides Waterpark
For those who prefer to explore independently, what’s the best thing to do within walking distance of the dock at your favourite destination?
Everything is walkable on Great Stirrup Cay, so you can do as you please.
If you get off at Nassau, Junkanoo Beach is walkable, and the Queens Staircase is about a 20-minute walk away, too. There will be lots of local vendors trying to get you to use them for taxis, ATV's etc but a polite no and they will go onto the next person :)
What was disembarking like?
Really easy, you just need your cruise card with you. If you need a credit card/ID, they will advise on your daily 'what's on' flyer you get every night.
Compared to other cruise experiences, what makes this one stand out? Where could it improve?
A few things.
- Freestyle Dining - no need to pre-book complimentary dining.
- Free At Sea! This is worth its money and should be offered to every customer with its value!
- Drinks package - GREAT value for money in my opinion. When cocktails are $15+, you easily make your money back; even with the non-alcoholic drinks, it's worth it.
- Speciality Dining Credit - this is worth $60pp and the customer gets to experience one of the many amazing speciality dining venues!
- Wi-Fi - 150 minutes for each guest
- Shore Excursion credit - $50 per port!! (does not include excursions that are a transfer/hop-on/hop-off bus) but this can really help bring the prices down of some of the excursions.
- FREE AT SEA PLUS! - I was lucky enough to have this upgrade provided by NCL, and we used it to its fullest. Unlimited Starbucks of ANY size (we had one every morning, sometimes twice a day), Energy Drinks & Juices Included, bottled water included, 50% off any additional speciality dining nights, prepaid gratuity, unlimited streaming Wi-Fi and premium wine by the glass.
Prime Meridian, Norwegian Getaway's waterpark, and movie nights with fresh popcorn!
What's your one-sentence summary of your experience?
A must for waterpark & party lovers!
Interested in embarking on your own cruise adventure? Check out a selection of similar sailings below:
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