Table for One, Please: My Unfiltered Review of Solo Cruising on the NCL Getaway
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there is a certain "new kid on the school bus" feeling when you walk onto a cruise ship alone. I recently wrapped up a solo getaway on the NCL Getaway, and between the "Freestyle" vibes and the solo-specific perks, I have some thoughts.
If you’re wondering if solo cruising is for you—or if the Getaway is the right ship for your next independent escape—here is the unfiltered truth from my recent 3-night voyage.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
The Solo Living Situation: Room to Breathe?
I stayed in a Solo Oceanview Room, and honestly, it’s a game-changer for independent travelers. Usually, solo rooms feel like an afterthought (read: a closet), but this was a decent size with plenty of storage. I could easily see this working for a full 7-night cruise.
• The Pro: The bathroom is surprisingly spacious. No elbow-bumping the shower glass here!
• The Con: The bed is actually too big for the room. It’s a tight squeeze to get into bed from the side, so expect a little bit of a "hop" to get under the covers.
The "Freestyle" Flow
NCL is famous for Freestyle Cruising, which essentially means no set dinner times and no dress codes. It’s the ultimate "you do you" vacation.
• Pro-Tip on Disembarking: Because it’s freestyle, you have to be proactive about leaving. Unless you have an NCL excursion or transport booked, you need to head to Guest Services to pick up your own luggage tags based on the time you want to get off the ship.
• Dining: I visited the complimentary spots like Taste and Savor for breakfast and dinner. Honestly? The food was just "okay." I also tried the Churrascaria (the Brazilian steakhouse); while the meats were delicious, the sides didn't quite hit the mark. The complimentary cheeseburger at the American diner was also just average. It’s not bad, but it’s not the highlight of the trip.
Life Onboard: Decks 6, 7, and 8
Most of the action happens on Decks 6, 7, and 8. This is where the bars and dining are clustered.
• The Atrium Hub: This is the heart of the ship for Bingo, movies, and Deal or No Deal.
• The "Loud" Factor: I’ll be honest—I wasn’t a huge fan of how open the Atrium is. Because it’s the hub, it gets very loud. People at the bar might yell out answers to the games, and you’re constantly hearing the whir of the blender from the Starbucks nearby. It’s high energy, but not exactly "peaceful."
• The Party Scene: On my sailing, the only themed event was Glow Night. It was fun, but if you’re a theme-party enthusiast, keep your expectations in check for shorter sailings!
Getting Out of My Comfort Zone
One of the best things I did was attend the Solo Cruisers Meet-up. I had to push myself to go, but it was so worth it. Hearing why other people choose to cruise solo was eye-opening and made the ship feel a lot smaller and more welcoming.
The Tech & The Perks
• The App: It needs an upgrade. You can't save activities or set reminders, and there are no descriptions for the events listed—it’s just a digital version of the paper flyer (which they still thankfully leave in your room). On the bright side, it was very easy to track my spending and book dining reservations.
• Free at Sea Plus: If you’re on the fence—get it. The Wi-Fi was some of the best I’ve ever had at sea, and having that connection while traveling alone is a huge peace-of-mind boost.
• Vibe Beach Club: If you’re like me and crave quiet, buy the pass. It’s away from the chaos of the public pool, the lounge chairs are padded and comfy, and the staff is incredibly attentive. It was my sanctuary.
NCL Getaway Vibe Beach Club
Final Thoughts
The staff on the Getaway were some of the friendliest I’ve encountered, which makes a world of difference when you're on your own. While the food was hit-or-miss and the Atrium can be a bit of a sensory overload, the freedom to design my own day made this solo trip a success.
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