July 2024. Steve and I are cruising on the Norwegian Getaway, a Breakaway class ship by Norwegian Cruise Line or NCL. Interestingly, our stay on board happened shortly after the Getaway paid a visit to the dry dock for some refurbishments. The route? Piraeus, which is the port of Athens in Greece; followed by Mykonos; two days in Istanbul in Turkey or Türkiye; then Kusadasi or Kuşadası for Ephesus; Rhodes; Santorini (Thira or Thera) and back to Piraeus. Oddly enough, the itinerary offered no sea days. 

There are fifteen bars and lounges on the Norwegian Getaway, according to its website. The plan was to try all fifteen of them. That didn’t happen, but we visited quite a few.

Starbucks

There’s a Starbucks on deck 6. Drinks are not included in the drinks package. And I have no photos of Starbucks on board. I can’t remember seeing it. Oops. 

Syd Norman’s Pour House

“From gritty brick walls to live rock ‘n’ roll, you’ll feel like you’re in one of Los Angeles’ legendary rock clubs at Syd Norman’s Pour House. Sip on a Witchy Woman whilst chilling on The Waterfront. Quiz the bartender’s encyclopedic knowledge of everything from Axl to Mick. Belt the night away to classics you love because after all, it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but you’ll like it!”

While again we did not go inside, we Aperol Spritz there on The Waterfront. The barman was very efficient. It was often closed and used for private functions. I’m always curious to know which and for whom.

Atrium Bar

“Amid the hustle and bustle of the Atrium, treat yourself to a mid-day Bloody Mary or your drink of choice. This is a morning and late-night favourite serving beer, wine, cocktails and more.”

I’m sure it’s there, but it doesn’t stand out, to be honest. 

Bar 21

“Steps away from all the exciting action at Casinos At Sea, you’ll find the bustling and intimate Bar 21. So order your favourite cocktail, whilst listening to the sounds of slot machines ringing and guests cheering.”

As we don’t play in casinos, we didn’t have drinks at Bar 21. 

Bliss Ultra Lounge

“It’s electric – all night long. Go clubbing till the wee hours at Bliss Ultra Lounge. From the moment you walk through the lit tunnel and start hearing the music pumping, you’ll feel the energy. And so will the glowing walls and bar which illuminate to the intensifying beats.”

We blissfully ignored the ship’s discotheque.

Garden Café

“Our buffet serves up complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner – and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide picturesque ocean views. Action stations include meat-carving, made-to-order pastas, omelettes, waffles, soft-serve ice cream and more, including speciality dishes from around the world – satisfying your every craving.”

The Garden Café is mostly buffet restaurant, but yes, you can get drinks there. But the selection is somewhat limited. 

Headliners Comedy Club

“A couple walks into a bar and laughs the night away. This isn’t the start of a joke, but the beginning of an amazing evening at Headliners Comedy Club.”

We saw it, but didn’t go to a performance. 

Mixx

“Cocktails – and conversations – are always stirring at this hip modern bar. Meet up for drinks with friends before dinner or swing by after to listen to some live piano. Mixx is the place to be seen and heard!”

A less obvious, but relatively quiet spot for drinks. Had a few cocktails there.

Prime Meridian

“At the heart of 678 Ocean Place, between Cagney’s Steakhouse and Moderno Churrascaria, is where you’ll find Prime Meridian Bar. Whether you’re enjoying a drink in the middle of your amazing evening or pondering where to go from here, you’re at the centre of it all.”

The Prime Meridian has a similar concept to Mixx. I’m not sure if we drank something there or not. 

Skyy® Vodka Ice Bar

“Now this is as cool as it gets. Inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar is a unique arctic-like frozen chamber where the bar, seating and glasses are made entirely from ice. The bar is kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and features speciality drinks made from Skyy Vodka, guaranteed to give guests the ultimate chill.”

Skyy Vodka Ice Bar comes at a premoum and you need to book. We skipped. 

Spice H20

“Inspired by the renowned summer beach parties on the island of Ibiza, Spice H20 is an adult-only escape with contemporary Asian influences. By day, lounge beside hot tubs and a soothing waterfall; by night, it’s a whole different beat. Let loose and dance beneath the stars as vibrant images display on the huge video screen. Spice H20 will add pizzazz to your palate too, with its unique offerings of snacks and appetizers.”

It’s in such an obvious place, but we didn’t stay poolside, so we didn’t try Spice H20.

Sugarcane Mojito Bar

“Freshly muddled just the way you like, enjoy a refreshing speciality Mojito with friends – inside or out on The Waterfront.”

Sugarcane Mojito Bar is a lovely place, with great mojitos and variations on the famous drink. A night, there’s a piano being played. 

Sunset Bar

“Mix it up at this modern and intimate bar. It’s the perfect place to toast the perfect sunset.” 

We had drinks at the Sunset Bar. It’s right next to Syd Norman’s. It lacks a bit of personality. It didn’t help a vocal war veteran and Trump supporter had made the bar his home and let everyone know how he feels on all issues. 

The Haven Lounge (Private Access for Guests of The Haven Only)

“Salute the good life in this elegant lounge offering exclusive access to The Haven guests. Light bites are available.” 

The Haven Lounge is private so we didn’t go. 

Vibe Beach Club

“Guests will jump for joy upon discovering this private retreat where they can connect with the ocean – and disconnect from everything else. Exclusively for those 18 and over, Vibe Beach Club is resplendent with ocean views, an over-sized hot tub, chaise loungers and a relaxing water feature – ideal for relaxation. A full-service bar, water spritzers, chilled towels and skewers of fruit ease you even more into serenity. Passes available for pre-purchase or onboard at the Guest Services desk.”

We didn’t.

Waves

Waves is not mentioned on the NCL website, oddly. But it’s the bar at the pool. 

Sidenote: water

Drinking water is free on board. But sometimes is a bit hard to have access to. Although some water dispensers stated not to be used to refill your water bottle, no-one seemed to care.

So bring a reusable water bottle, a mommy sippy cup or whatever because at night, it’s not that easy to get some water. Especially if you want drinking water in your stateroom.

The drinks package

There are plenty of bars on Norwegian Getaway. The drinks package included all drinks up to the value of 15 US dollars. I don’t see the value of a premium package. All the ‘basic’ drinks were good enough.

Did we drink enough to be good value for money? No. But having a drinks package makes you carefree. You don’t think: “Shall I have this drink or not?” At least not from a money point of view.

2024 Athens – Mykonos – Istanbul – Kusadasi – Rhodes – Santorini – Athens Cruise on the Norwegian Getaway

1. Flying Airbus A320neo with Aegean Airlines from Brussels to Athens return.
2. REVIEW | Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel in Piraeus.
3. GREECE | A modest exploration of Piraeus.
4. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE | Before you sail, online check-in and Embarkation Day.
5. GREECE | Mykonos ft Archaeological Museum, the Windmills and massive crowds.
6. NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Balcony Stateroom with included access to the Thermal Spa.
7. ISTANBUL | Beylerbeyi Palace – Blue Mosque – Grand Bazaar.
8. NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Activities – sports – entertainment – common areas.
9. ISTANBUL | Galataport – Sirkeci Railway Station – Hagia Sophia – Topkapi Park.