Life is an Illusionarium: Getting ready for the magic show – we were not allowed to take pictures during the performance (Picture: Dave Monk)
If there’s one ship that could sprinkle some magic on the cruise industry, it’s Norwegian Getaway.
I have seen some spectacular shows at sea before but nothing as amazing as the Illusionarium on board Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest ship, visiting Britain on the way from its German shipyard to the US. Sitting just feet from the stage, I saw a series of performers carry out sleights of hand, illusions and mind tricks that were simply astonishing.
But that’s not the only bit of magic on Getaway. Anything that can help you think of Miami on a grey Southampton day has got something going for it.
From the brightly coloured hull to the cool artwork in the ice bar, the mojitos to the Latin dance show, there’s a ray of Florida sunshine lighting up the ship.
As well as the 27 dining options and 22 bars and lounges, Getaway has waterslides, ropes courses, a comedy club, nightclub and Broadway show Legally Blonde.
So much is packed into this 145,000-tonne ship, you could spend your entire holiday on board. But that would mean missing out on some great Caribbean destinations from its home port of – you guessed it – Miami.
A sister to Breakaway launched with a New York theme last year, Getaway is aimed at people who never thought of cruising before. Maybe those who still imagine blue-rinse ladies and majors with moustaches playing a serene game of shuffleboard or bridge to pass the boring days at sea.
Here, there is always something going on, somewhere to eat, a place to have fun. But, if you wish, you can chill out in your cabin or in the spa, relax on a sun lounger or take a dip in the pool.
The choice of restaurants is astounding, from steaks to sushi, Italian to French, Teppanyaki to pizza.
Everywhere you turn is a new discovery – the Grammy Experience, with its musical treasures, Headliners with its comics and duelling pianists, or Bliss, the nightclub with a genuine vibe.
Round the clock, there’s a cruise experience like no other. It’s a trick that Norwegian has certainly pulled off with style.
For a photo tour of Getaway, please click here
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