NCL’s Norwegian Getaway: Is It Worth Booking Solo?
I sailed solo on Norwegian Getaway for a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas, and this trip gave me a much clearer picture of what cruising alone on NCL is actually like.
This sailing included Nassau, a sea day, Great Stirrup Cay, and a solo studio cabin that was tiny but surprisingly functional. I also got to see how NCL handles solo meetups, included dining, specialty restaurants, nightlife, and private island time when you are traveling by yourself.
I also made a full video from this cruise, which is worth watching if you want to see the studio cabin, ship tour, Nassau walking tour, Great Stirrup Cay, and onboard solo experience for yourself.
Watch the Full Video
The video shows the full trip from embarkation in Miami to the studio cabin, solo lounge, ship venues, Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, and what I paid.
Quick Verdict: Is Norwegian Getaway Good for Solo Cruisers?
Yes, Norwegian Getaway worked very well for me as a solo cruise.
The studio cabin helped keep the price lower, the Studio Lounge made the solo experience easier, and the nightly solo meetups gave me the option to be social without forcing it. I could spend time alone when I wanted, then join other solo travelers for shows, music, and nighttime events.
The only thing I might change next time is the cabin. The studio interior was efficient and budget-friendly, but I do miss having at least a window when I’m traveling by myself.
Embarkation in Miami
I boarded Norwegian Getaway from NCL’s Terminal B in Miami, also known as the Pearl of Miami.
I arrived around 10:30 and waited about an hour before heading to the gangway. One small bonus of sailing solo is that boarding can feel easier. There is no coordinating with a group, no waiting for anyone else, and no debate about what to do first.
After boarding, I checked in at my assembly station and headed to O’Sheehan’s for lunch. O’Sheehan’s is one of NCL’s included casual restaurants, and I went with my usual chicken salad sandwich.
Since cabins were not ready yet, I explored the top decks, took in the Miami port views, and grabbed a quick ice cream cone.
My NCL Studio Cabin
I stayed in cabin 11529, a solo interior studio cabin.
NCL’s studio cabins are designed for solo travelers, and this one was part of a dedicated studio cabin area with access to the Studio Lounge. That setup is one of the biggest reasons people consider these rooms, since they can help reduce or avoid the traditional solo supplement pricing.
The cabin was small, but it worked.
There was a full-size bed, light controls near the bed, two sliding closet areas, a few shelves, a small desk, and a frosted interior window that borrowed some hallway light while still keeping the room private.
The bathroom setup had a separate shower, a separate toilet room, a small sink, storage space, and a full-length mirror.
This was not a spacious cabin, and the desk could get in the way of the closets, so you learn the “studio cabin shuffle” pretty quickly. But for a short solo cruise, the space did the job.
The Studio Lounge Is the Secret Weapon
One of the best parts of staying in the studio cabin area was the Studio Lounge.
This is a shared space for guests booked in solo cabins, and it made the whole experience easier. There was coffee, snacks, and a place to start the day without feeling like you were just wandering around the ship alone.
That may sound small, but it matters.
The Studio Lounge gives you privacy when you want it, but also a built-in place to potentially meet other solo travelers.
Dining Solo on Norwegian Getaway
For my first dinner, I started with a drink at Sugarcane Mojito Bar before heading to Taste, one of the included main dining rooms.
NCL uses a flexible dining style, so you can generally go to any of the main dining rooms when you want, instead of being locked into a fixed dinner time.
At Taste, I started with roasted cauliflower soup, then had a Greek salad, roasted herb chicken with mashed potatoes, and honey creme brulee for dessert. It was a solid included dinner.
Eating alone can feel awkward the first night, but it gets easier. My advice: bring a Kindle or earbuds, ask for a table by the window if one is available, and remember that nobody is paying as much attention to you as you think.
By the second night, it already feels normal.
Nassau Walking Tour
In Nassau, I decided to do something a little different. Instead of staying on the ship or just wandering around the port area, I booked a walking tour.
I met up with our guide, Charles, and we explored several highlights around Nassau, including historical buildings, memorials, the Supreme Court, mansions, the National Art Gallery, a chocolate shop, Umbrella Street, and a rum distillery.
The Queen’s Staircase was one of the highlights. It was originally carved out of limestone in the late 1700s and later named after Queen Victoria.
This tour gave Nassau more context. Instead of feeling like just another port area many cruisers skip, the city felt more interesting and layered.
If you are heading to Nassau and want a guided walking tour, this is the kind of excursion I would seriously consider. Check out my list of curated excursions here.
[Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.]
Solo Meetups and Nightlife
If you are worried about being lonely on a solo cruise, NCL’s nightly solo meetups can help a lot.
This was the point where the cruise stopped feeling fully solo. I still had the freedom to do my own thing, but I also had people to join if I wanted company.
One night, the solo group went to a comedy show in the Getaway Theater, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos in Headliners, a show at Syd Norman’s Pour House, and then dancing under the stars in Spice H2O.
That balance is what made the trip work for me. You can be alone without being isolated.
Sea Day Ship Tour
On the sea day, I spent time exploring the ship.
Norwegian Getaway has a lot of venues spread across decks 6, 7, and 8. The atrium has guest services, shore excursions, the atrium bar, and activities like trivia and game shows. There is also a card room, Headliners, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki, the art gallery, Mixx Bar, and the main dining rooms Taste and Savor.
On deck 7, you’ll find The Manhattan Room, Shanghai Noodle Bar, Bliss Ultra Lounge, Bar 21, the casino, O’Sheehan’s, and the Getaway Theater.
Deck 8 has several of the ship’s most interesting venues, including La Cucina, Syd Norman’s Pour House, Sunset Bar, the Humidor, the Bake Shop, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, the Ice Bar, Wasabi, The Raw Bar, Ocean Blue, Cagney’s, Moderno, and the Waterfront.
The Waterfront is one of my favorite NCL features. It wraps around much of deck 8 and gives you outdoor seating, ocean views, and that “I’m on a cruise” feeling.
Food and Specialty Dining
The Garden Cafe buffet was fairly standard for a cruise buffet, but seating was more manageable than I expected on a sea day.
For specialty dining, I booked Le Bistro, NCL’s French restaurant. I loved the decor and the overall feel of the space. It felt elegant and upscale.
I started with French onion soup, then had the heirloom beet salad without goat cheese, followed by the pork chop, which I highly recommend. For dessert, I tried the Marquise au Chocolat, and it was excellent.
For me, Le Bistro was one of the stronger food moments of the cruise.
Great Stirrup Cay
Our final stop was Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.
If you have been there before, the island may look different now. NCL has been investing heavily in Great Stirrup Cay, and on my visit, the first phase of the new pier had opened, which meant we could walk directly off the ship instead of tendering.
From the new visitors center, I took the tram toward the heart of the island. The island now has new features like the kids’ splash area, Great Life Lagoon, and the adults-only Vibe Shore Club.
As a solo traveler, private islands are one of the easiest port days. They feel safe, walkable, and flexible. You can be social, quiet, active, or lazy depending on your mood.
I bought a pass to Vibe Shore Club, the adults-only paid area, and it was a nice place to slow down before the trip came to an end.
What I Paid
For this solo trip in a studio cabin, I paid $560, not including airfare and excursions.
That included my More at Sea package, which came with things like excursion credits, a specialty dining credit, some Wi-Fi minutes, and a drinks package.
Always check your own booking carefully, because package inclusions, pricing, gratuities, and terms can change.
Best For and Skip If
Norwegian Getaway is a good fit for solo cruisers who want a ship with lots of dining, bars, nightlife, and social options, without giving up the ability to spend time alone.
It is especially good if you want access to the studio cabin area and Studio Lounge.
You may want to skip the studio cabin if you need natural light, more space, or a balcony. I liked the value, but I did miss having at least a window.
Final Verdict
My solo cruise on Norwegian Getaway was absolutely worth it.
The studio cabin was small but efficient, the Studio Lounge made solo cruising easier, and the solo meetups gave me the option to connect with people without feeling trapped in a group.
I liked the flexibility. I could have dinner alone, join a group at night, walk Nassau with a guide, relax at Great Stirrup Cay, or just wander the ship with no schedule.
That is the best part of solo cruising.
The only thing I would consider changing next time is the cabin. If the price were reasonable, I might spend a little more for a solo oceanview cabin, simply because I miss having some natural light when I’m staying in an interior room by myself.
But overall, this trip worked really well for me.
If you want to see the studio cabin, ship tour, Nassau walking tour, Great Stirrup Cay, and what solo cruising on Norwegian Getaway actually looked like, watch the full video above. And if you like honest cruise reviews and practical tips, subscribe to Brad On Board for more.
FAQ Section
FAQ
Is Norwegian Getaway good for solo cruisers?
Yes, Norwegian Getaway is a strong option for solo cruisers, especially because of the studio cabins, Studio Lounge, and nightly solo meetups. You can be social when you want, but still have plenty of time alone.
What is an NCL studio cabin like?
An NCL studio cabin is small but efficient. My cabin had a full-size bed, storage, a desk, a separate shower and toilet area, a sink, and access to the Studio Lounge.
Is cruising solo awkward?
It can feel a little awkward at first, especially during the first solo dinner. But it gets easier quickly, and on NCL, the solo meetups help make the experience feel more natural.
Does Norwegian Getaway have a solo lounge?
Yes, guests staying in the studio cabin area have access to the Studio Lounge. It includes coffee, snacks, and a shared space where solo travelers can meet or start the day.
Is Nassau worth getting off the ship for?
Yes, I think Nassau can be worth exploring if you do something that gives the city context. The walking tour I took made Nassau feel much more interesting than just staying near the port.
How much did your Norwegian Getaway solo cruise cost?
I paid $560 for my solo studio cabin, not including airfare and excursions. That included my More at Sea package, but pricing and inclusions can vary by sailing.
