Norwegian Getaway: Restaurant Guide

Did you know that Norwegian Getaway has more than 27 dining venues? Just stop and think about that for a second. It’s a minefield of choice. We’re here to help…

From buffets to fine dining – what’s included and what do you need to book in advance? Do you know your 678 from your Waterfront? Our guide below runs through some of the best offerings on the newest vessel to dazzle the cruise market.

Let us know your favourite….

 

The Waterfront

The Waterfront is a huge deal. It’s the first time a class of ships has introduced an extensive outside dining option to its main restaurants. Incredibly it’s never been done before. Fundamentally it means that a decent chunk of the restaurants below will have an outdoor space. Not bad considering Getaway will be running cruises from Miami to the Caribbean. The company’s boss brags that the concept will be copied on cruise ships from here on in – starting with the Costa Diadima later in 2014.

 

678

The main area for eating on Norwegian Getaway is 678. Why is called ‘678’? Because it’s a large atrium that takes up the sixth, seventh and eighth decks – crowned with a huge LED chandelier. It’s pretty impressive.

 

Complimentary Restaurants

 

The Tropicana Room

Norwegian Getaway’s main dining venue is The Tropicana Room. It replaces the Manhattan Room onboard Norwegian Breakaway and offers floor-to-ceiling windows that are designed to be reminiscent of Miami back in the 1950s. At night the dancefloor is cleared of tables and a band takes to the stage.

 

 

Flamingo Bar & Grill

 

Flamingo Bar & Grill is another complimentary dining venue that utilises the outside space on the ship, which is something the vessel does very well. Serving breakfasts through to main meals. Expect lots of Puerto Rican pork, chorizo and black beans!

 

 

Taste

 

Both Taste and Savor sit opposite each other on deck six and are described as offering “traditional fare with a contemporary flair”.

 

Savor

The restaurants (Taste and Savor) are both far more intimate venues that give the option of two-seat tables as well as the more usual six plus. A welcome modernisation that runs through Getaway and something that is important to note!

 

Garden Café

The Garden Café is Norwegian Getaway’s buffet option. Serving cuisine from right around the world, the restaurant is a failsafe for fussy eaters. It has great vegetarian options as well as something quick and easy for the kids – burgers, pizzas etc. Almost everything is self-service but a few items can be made to order including salads and ice creams.

 

O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill

 

O’Sheehan’s (named after Norwegian boss Kevin O’Sheehan) is open 24 hours a day – perfect for a late night snack on your way back to the cabin! Serving typical pub fare while also having a dartboard, bowling alley and large screen showing sports. O’Sheehan’s pubs are going to be rolled out across the entire Norwegian fleet.

 

 

Speciality Restaurants

 

Shanghai’s

 

Norwegian Getaway’s noodle bar serves authentic dishes including dim sum, noodles in broth and fried rice. The restaurant is brilliantly stylised, with all seating on dark stools and long tabletops. Prices are reasonable (from US$3.50 for vegetarian fried rice to US5.00 for Peking style shrimp and chicken).

Price: A la carte.

 

 

Wasabi Sushi

Wasabi is a real treat. Sushi prepared in front of your very eyes by Norwegian Getaway’s skilful chefs. The restaurant serves sushi, sashimi and also has its own sake menu.

Price: A la carte

 

 

Raw Bar

 

One of three dining venues brought to Norwegian Getaway by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian. The Raw Bar is the most casual of the three – serving seafood specials like oysters in a walk-up venue.

Price: A la carte

 

 

La Cucina

Norwegian Getaway’s speciality Italian restaurant has a very authentic feel with exposed beams, lanterns and vines hanging from the ceiling all making the experience more Milan than mid-ship! Dishes include the likes of lobster fettuccine.

Price: US$15 per head cover charge

 

 Le Bistro

 

Le Bistro is Getaway’s French restaurant and one of the most romantic onboard. The intimate setting has great mood lighting and an option for ‘atrium al fresco’ dining within 678 Ocean Place. A very well thought out space with very fine attention to detail – from the art on the wall to the restaurant’s entrance.

Price: US$20 per head cover charge

 

 

Moderno Churrascaria

 

While a lot of cruise ships are offering Italian, French and increasingly ‘Asian fusion’ dining – not too many are doing Brazilian fare. The restaurant, which boasts waiters carving meat tableside, includes an outside space on the ship’s innovative ‘Waterfront’.

Price: US$20 per head cover charge

 

 

Teppanyaki

 

To call Teppanyaki a restaurant doesn’t really do it justice. The chefs delight with acrobatic culinary skills right in front of your very eyes; chopping, balancing and catching everything you could imagine. Definitely worth a visit while onboard as well as the speciality cocktail menu.

Price: US$25 per head cover charge

 

 

Cagney’s Steakhouse

 

Norwegian Getaway’s steak offering is Cagney’s. The dark wood and carpet create a great atmosphere to give that authentic American steakhouse vibe. There is also an extensive wine list for the perfect red wine and T-bone combination.

Price: US$30 per head cover charge

 

 

Ocean Blue

 

The most expensive restaurant onboard by a marked distance is Ocean Blue – it also comes in two parts: the main restaurant and an outdoor ‘takeaway’ that is more casual. For Ocean Blue proper, the menu includes lobster, Dover sole, scallops and Delmonico – although there are non-Seafood options too. Chef Zakarian himself says that the restaurants are created from a dedication to sourcing the freshest seafood and premium ingredients.

Price: US$49 per head cover charge

 

And now for something completely different…

Illusionarium

The Illusionarium is like nothing you’ve ever seen before on a cruise ship. A dinner/ show concept – the action takes place in a room with a 30ft dome as a series of magicians, illusionists and hypnotists come on stage to delight you. Great actors and effects – definitely worth a look.

Price: US$24.99 for standard seats and US$29.99 for premium