This Updated Cruise Ship Is the Ideal Pick for a Solo Getaway — Packed with Entertainment and a Soothing Atmosphere

Earlier this year, life felt overwhelmingly fast, prompting me to take a much-needed break. Seeking a way to unwind and rejuvenate, I recalled my father's advice from when he passed in 2015. Having served in the Navy, he often said I should experience crossing an ocean at least once. Inspired by his words, I booked a solo journey across the Atlantic on the Norwegian Getaway.

The journey would span from New York to Southampton, England, over two weeks in late April and early May. As a one-way adventure, this trip is known among insiders as a repositioning cruise, where a ship relocates to follow seasonal routes. (I planned to fly back home once I arrived in the U.K.)

This wasn't going to be one of those outdated, nonstop crossings: After departing from New York, our ship, accommodating 3,903 passengers, made a stop in Canada before spending five continuous days navigating the North Atlantic. On the European leg, we also explored Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, with Southampton as our final destination. I was definitely intrigued by the unique itinerary, but even more so by Norwegian Cruise Line’s dedication to solo travelers. They provide solo pricing, specially designed cabins for singles, and exclusive access to a private lounge for independent travelers. This solos-only area boasts the finest complimentary coffee on the ship.

Another revelation was how effortless it was to stay connected to work while at sea, thanks to the Starlink system on the Getaway. I opted for the upgraded Wi-Fi package and was pleasantly surprised by the strong and stable signal, even during some inclement weather. It worked exceptionally well from my inside cabin, which was unexpected, considering the ship was quite full: On sea days — especially given the cooler spring weather — many guests spent considerable time indoors and likely on their devices.

I relished the lengthy sea stretches, where I could choose to be as active or as relaxed as I desired. There was a wealth of entertainment available around the clock; a cutting-edge spa and fitness center; numerous hot tubs; and an outdoor running track with stunning views on Deck 16. Occasionally, I would step outside for fresh air and whale watching, binoculars ready, on the Waterfront, a quarter-mile promenade on Deck 8 featuring outdoor bars and inviting seating. At other times, I would retreat to one of the specialty dining restaurants, like Ocean Blue or La Cucina, which don’t serve during midday but still provide a tranquil spot to sit: window tables offering breathtaking ocean views.

Personally, I found it both soothing and exhilarating to sail for days without sighting land. Thankfully, we only encountered one day of rough seas, with swells reaching 15 feet. The over-the-counter remedies I brought worked wonders for me. Phew!

While the Getaway may not be among the newest ships in the Norwegian fleet, I found it to be quite comfortable and modern overall. I did miss having a spacious observation lounge like those on other ships, such as the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. However, several recent upgrades to this vessel, which first set sail in 2014, have enhanced the onboard experience. During a recent renovation, Norwegian redesigned the casino layout on the Getaway to better isolate the smoking area, which used to be next to a restaurant, and refreshed the main dining venue, now known as the Manhattan Room.

One lesson I learned the hard way is that I should have kicked off my adventure in Europe and sailed towards the U.S. Going in the opposite direction would have allowed me to gain rather than lose an hour of sleep most nights. I’ll remember this for my next repositioning cruise.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the staterooms, amenities, dining options, and other features available on the Norwegian Getaway.

The Staterooms

With 2,014 staterooms, the Getaway offers a cabin and price point to match nearly every travel preference. For guests seeking a more luxurious experience, there are 80 suites in the Haven, which Norwegian refers to as its exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” enclave, featuring a private restaurant, lounge, and pool. (It's worth mentioning that only 28 suites are actually located within the Haven, while the remaining 52 are elsewhere on the ship — although they still enjoy access to all the amenities.)

As a solo traveler, I opted for an inside cabin instead. Unfortunately, by the time I made my reservation, all the cabins designed specifically for solo travelers were already booked. (Getaway features 59 studio staterooms and 20 solo balcony cabins.) Instead, I received a solo pricing offer for a slightly larger interior cabin. Not one to turn down a good deal, I booked it even though the room lacked a balcony — or even a window. Decorated in warm brown tones accented with blue, Cabin 12455 was snug and inviting, with a stylish midcentury modern carpet. It was cleverly designed with ample storage options to stay organized, and the bathroom exceeded my expectations in size.

Bars and Restaurants

With nearly 20 dining options on the Getaway, I never felt short on choices, even during a 14-day voyage. All guests can enjoy three main dining rooms, along with the American Diner; the buffet, known as the Garden Cafe; Shanghai’s Noodle Bar; and O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, the ship’s 24-hour venue serving classic tavern dishes.

I was particularly thrilled by the eight specialty restaurants, which guests can access either à la carte or through an upgraded dining package. The Getaway is among the few Norwegian ships featuring Wasabi, a sushi restaurant, and the Raw Bar, an excellent spot for oysters and bubbly before a show. There are also Italian, Brazilian, and French dining options available. Two standout dishes for me were the poached pear dessert at Le Bistro and the roasted beets with goat cheese and truffle dressing at Ocean Blue.

The ship boasts around 20 bars, give or take, as some venues, like Sugarcane Mojito Bar and Syd Norman’s Pour House, feature both indoor and outdoor bars, and various entertainment spots serve drinks as well. If the popular Atrium Bar or Mixx Bar were too crowded for my liking, I would head to the sophisticated Prime Meridian Bar, which always felt like a hidden gem for a nightcap.

Where the Norwegian Getaway Sails

For summer 2024, the ship will be cruising the Greek islands from Athens, with itineraries that also feature stops in Turkey, Malta, Spain, and Portugal. The next transatlantic voyage, a 12-day journey in early October, will set sail from Lisbon to Miami, with visits to Nova Scotia, Canada; the Azores, Portugal; and New York. Following that, the Getaway will head back to Caribbean waters with fall and winter sailings from New Orleans to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras.

In 2025, the Getaway will focus on Caribbean destinations, visiting places like Curaçao, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Grand Cayman. Spring and summer itineraries will include various trips from New York to Bermuda, and late 2025 sailings will take the Getaway to Canada and the Bahamas.

Shore Excursions

I chose excursions in Zeebrugge, Belgium, and Le Havre, France, both requiring some travel to reach the sights I wanted to see. The “Bruges and Belgian Chocolates” excursion featured a leisurely walk through the medieval city center and a visit to the Chocolate Museum. In France, I took a full-day tour titled “Monet’s Giverny & Rouen,” which included a trip to Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. (Next time, I’ll avoid going on a busy holiday weekend!) The delightful trip concluded with a lunch at a charming countryside villa and a stop in Rouen, the capital of Normandy.

It's important to note that these excursions consisted of large groups, averaging around 40 participants per tour. Overall, the days were well-planned and transportation was efficient. However, there was a significant issue in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, where instead of docking, the ship anchored offshore. This meant guests had to use tenders to reach land. Norwegian allowed us to book time slots for the tenders, but many still faced waits of up to 90 minutes to disembark.

Amenities and Entertainment

On a vessel of this size, there’s always plenty to keep you entertained. Most passengers praised the Tony Award-winning musical “Million Dollar Quartet” and the creative “Broadway Unplugged” performance. Additionally, the Headliners Comedy Club featured both stand-up comedy and an energetic dueling pianos show. For those looking to dance late into the night, Bliss Ultra Lounge was the hotspot; the ship also boasted a casino and a cigar lounge.

For a more serene experience, the Mandara Spa offers treatment rooms and a Thermal Suite featuring heated tile loungers, saunas, a whirlpool, and a salt room. It tends to be quite busy on sea days, with many guests reporting a more enjoyable experience when the ship is docked.

Considering the time of year, only a handful of adventurous souls braved the main pools during my voyage. However, Getaway boasts two main pools, a water park for kids, and five thrilling waterslides. While I didn’t spot anyone utilizing the tranquil “wet lounge” in the adults-only Spice H2O, it was the perfect spot to enjoy a piña colada under the sun. With ten outdoor hot tubs—four by the main pools, two in Spice H2O, and four in the exclusive Vibe Beach Club and Haven—guests certainly took advantage of them. For those seeking adventure, a Ropes Course soars high above Deck 17, and participation is included in the cruise fare.

Family-friendly Offerings

Since I was on a two-week trip during the school year, I wasn’t surprised by the limited number of children onboard. However, on other sailings, Getaway is a fantastic choice for families. The ship features a complimentary Splash Academy for younger guests, while older kids can socialize at the Entourage teens’ club. There’s also a dedicated “aqua park” for kids, along with five multistory waterslides. Additional family amenities include an arcade, a small bowling alley, and a well-equipped sports area, which even hosted a makeshift pickleball court by popular demand during my cruise.

Accessibility

Getaway offers around 40 accessible rooms across various stateroom categories, including options in the Haven. These rooms feature wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and ample space for maneuvering mobility devices. The ship is designed to accommodate most wheelchairs and mobility scooters, with all dining and bar venues being accessible. Accessible public restrooms are available, and entertainment areas have necessary accommodations, including ADA pool lifts in the main pool, hot tub area, and Thermal Suite. All decks, except for 17 and 18, provide elevator access for guests, and the gangways for boarding and disembarking are sufficiently wide for most mobility scooters and wheelchairs.