Here at CruiseKings, our Product Manager, Angela, recently joined Norwegian Getaway for an unforgettable adventure through some of the most thrilling destinations in the Caribbean and beyond. From the lively streets of New Orleans, the tranquil beaches of Costa Maya, the colourful coral reefs of Roatan, the private paradise island of Harvest Caye and the unique cultural experiences of Cozumel... Angela's journey was jam-packed with extraordinary memories. So, sit back and enjoy as Angela presents an expert’s guide on what to truly expect on this bucket list cruise holiday adventure, from her own personal highlights, insider travel tips and must-do activities from each port of call.
Norwegian Getaway
Step on board this vibrant and innovative ship, offering a delightful mix of fun-filled adventures, calming relaxation areas and an array of world-class dining venues and bars. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Spice H2O, the adults-only pool! Connect with the sea like never before along The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars and spectacular panoramic views. Sample the onboard seafood venues in the form of Ocean Blue and The Raw Bar, or treat yourself to a truly mouthwatering steak at Cagney’s Steakhouse. For entertainment, catch a Broadway-style show like "Burn The Floor” or take in the live music and karaoke found across the ship! To cool off, be sure to visit the Aqua Park with the thrilling Free Fall, and if you are feeling lucky, try your hand at the Casino. Norwegian Getaway truly offers the perfect base for any bucket list adventure.
“Norwegian Getaway blew me away, from the service and facilities, to the dining and entertainment – it had it all! My favourite show on board was “Bring Back the 90’s”... the music here was 2nd to none! I also absolutely loved “Rumours” – the Fleetwood Mac tribute. To make your cruise extra special, I would suggest upgrading to the Vibe Beach Club. Here, you will enjoy an exclusive adults-only oasis that boasts plush sun loungers, hot tubs and exceptional service, with some lovely added extras in the form of iced water, cold towels and fruit! What’s more, as it has its very own bar, there are no long queues for your cocktails!”
New Orleans
A wonderful city that boasts the perfect blend of get-up-and-go and laid-back relaxation! When in New Orleans, be sure to visit the legendary French Quarter! Here, you will find the dream combination of vibrant bars and live music as you stroll through the iconic Bourbon Street. For art, history and culture lovers, a trip to Royal Street is a must, with beautiful boutique shops and incredible street performers surrounding you. Or, perhaps take a trip to the National WWII Museum – one of the USA’s top-rated museums. For a tasty pit stop, be sure to check out Café du Monde – famous for its delightful coffee and beignets. Or, if you are looking for a more unique experience, be sure to check out the swamp or plantation tours to catch a first-hand glimpse of alligators in their natural bayou habitat!
“New Orleans was an absolute joy to experience. This place offers something for everyone to enjoy, and the vibes you feel within the city are just fantastic. A nice detail is that the ship gets berthed right in the centre! This meant the sail-away party was truly spectacular as you got to enjoy magnificent views whilst you sailed down the Mississippi!”
Costa Maya
Celebrated around the world for its unspoiled white-sand beaches and its dreamy crystal-clear waters, a trip to Costa Maya should be on everyone’s bucket list. For those keen to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the laid-back vibes of the locals, a trip to Malecon beachfront is a must! Here you will find an array of beach clubs, exquisite restaurants and cool bars overlooking some truly gorgeous views. As part of the 2nd largest reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Costa Maya boasts the perfect location to enjoy some snorkelling and scuba diving. You can expect to see vibrant coral reefs packed with colourful marine life, including sea turtles and nurse sharks! The biggest attraction to Costa Maya, however, is arguably the jaw-dropping Mayan archaeological sites. The likes of Chacchoben present restored pyramids, temples and stelae amidst the most breathtaking jungle setting – offering an unprecedented insight into ancient Mayan civilisation.
“This was such a beautiful port and it had some of the most lovely beaches and swimming pools I’ve ever seen. What’s more, they were just steps away from the ship! If you are not in the mood to explore the historical sites on offer, Costa Maya also boasts many boutique shops, quirky bars and cosy restaurants that all looked fabulous! You could easily spend an entire day here simply relaxing at your own pace.”
Roatan
A tropical haven renowned for its dramatic coral reefs, fascinating wildlife and rich cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking unique adventures, are enthusiastic about nature, or simply want to relax and unwind... Roatan offers the perfect base to suit every traveller. For those who wish to see one of the most stunning starfish spots in the world, a trip to Starfish Alley is a must! Perhaps you would rather zipline through the jungle at Gumbalimba Park, where you can also interact with monkeys and macaws as you explore the beautiful botanical gardens. Or, maybe you’d rather simply chill out at the dreamy backdrop of West Bay Beach – celebrated as one of the most stunning beaches you can see on a Caribbean cruise.
“We enjoyed a private tour in Roatan, which allowed us to tick off all the sights of the island in a few hours. The tour finished off at the beautiful West Bay Beach, which had pristine white sands and clear waters – I would highly recommend! For adventure seekers, there are lots of zip line parks through the rainforests, or you can even visit the Sloth Sanctuary. The cruise port also has swimming pools and shops for those who don’t want to venture too far from the ship.”
Harvest Caye
Experience Norwegian Cruise Line’s very own private island in the Caribbean, Harvest Caye. This man-made, 7-acre, white-sand beach comes beautifully decorated with fresh palm trees, cascading waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries and peaceful lagoons. You can expect beautifully designed lounge areas to relax and unwind, age-specific waterparks for the whole family to enjoy and fascinating wildlife areas like the Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary. Or, perhaps you’d prefer more daredevilish activities in the form of a 1,300-foot zipline or energetic water sports such as jet-skis and kayaking. And, when you get hungry after having so much fun, you can take your pick from a whole host of eateries like the Landshark Bar and Grill, before wandering through the Shopping Village and the Spice Farm with Botanical Gardens!
“This was such an unexpected gem and my favourite cruise port by far! We spent most of our time relaxing on the beautiful beaches and swimming in the clear blue seas, before doing a bit of shopping and having a spot of lunch in one of the restaurants on NCL’s private island. The island was also great for families with lagoon-style pools and a wildlife adventure area.”
Cozumel
This Mexican gem is home to some of the most inspiring backdrops and unique destinations on earth. Visit the natural pools that are remarkably formed by rocky barriers at Chen Rio, explore the ancient structures of the San Gervasio Ruins that were dedicated to the goddess Ix Chel and uncover the white-sand beaches, lagoons and wildlife found at Punta Sur Eco Park. No visit to Mexico would be complete without sampling the delicious cuisine. For a true taste of the local flavours, be sure to treat yourself to some Tacos al Pastor and Sopa de Lima!
“Cozumel just has so much to offer. You can enjoy calming beach breaks or experience some of the most unique snorkelling trips due to the natural pools that reside here. It also has some great shops, so we combined some wonderful retail therapy with some relaxing time at the beach – the perfect day for me!”
