I recently had the opportunity to attend Nexion’s (my host company) 20th Anniversary Conference at Sea on board Norwegian Cruise Lines newest ship, Norwegian Getaway. She was built in 2014 has the capacity for 3,969 guests and a crew of 1,640.
She’s a big ship at 145,655 gross register tonnage, 1,068.3 feet in overall length and a maximum beam of 169.7 feet.
Norwegian Cruise Lines offers magnificent amenities. New on board is The Waterfront, an innovative, industry-first open-air promenade designed to connect guests with the ocean like no other cruise line. This was my favourite part of the ship.
You can indulge in 28 dining options, experience the thrill of five water slides, and three levels of action-packed activities in the sports complex. The excitement and entertainment continues with Illusionarium, a surreal magical experience and seven-time Tony Award-nominated musical Legally Blonde.
Get ready to explore the white sand beaches and deep-blue waters of the tropics on Norwegian Getaway, sailing year-round from Miami with 7-day Caribbean cruises visiting the ports of St. Thomas, US Virgin Island, Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. It also affords 3 days at sea to enjoy all this beautiful ship has to offer.
So what do approximately 400 travel agents do when we gather for a conference at sea? Well, speaking for myself, here’s an idea of what my days looked like….
Saturday
Boarded the ship, and headed straight to my Opening General Session. Later that evening, I had a chance to meet with everyone else at Spice H20 for a Welcome Reception.
Sunday
Quick breakfast at 7:00 am and then 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Travel Partner Roundtable training and Workshops. I had a lovely 1 ½ hour break for lunch. That evening I took the opportunity, along with many others, to watch the amazing full lunar eclipse before joining others at the Burn the Floor Show.
Monday
General Sessions at 8:30 am with training until noon and then a fantastic trade show with hundreds of Travel Partners in attendance. That evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Le Bistro.
Tuesday
A day off at St. Thomas were I headed off on the Kontiki Beach and Sightseeing Excursion – super fun and oh, boy that beach! That evening I had a chance to have dinner at the Illusionarium and enjoyed the “magic” of the evening!
Wednesday
I escaped to Jost Van Dyke island (and got a sunburn!) Drank Painkillers at the Soggy Dollar Bar and just didn’t want to leave! (Can I live here????)
Thursday
Back to work! General Session began at 8:00 and I continued with training until 5:00 pm. I had planned to go to Legally Blonde that evening, but Hurricane Joaquin had other plans! With almost 5 meter waves and hurricane force winds at 118 km, the outer decks were closed and the show cancelled for the safety of the performers. It was my intention to go the next evening, but I didn’t make it.
Friday
Our planned stopped in the Bahamas was cancelled due to the Hurricane, and our captain took us out to sea, skirting past Cuba before heading back towards Miami.
The ship weathered the storm (pardon the pun) really well!
I didn’t lose my footing once on board despite the waves outside! (and I have been on ships that that has happened!) I was extremely impressed!! Our last evening on board gathered all 400+ of us together again this time for a Farewell Reception.
Saturday
Back in Miami and my flight home.
Want to check the Norwegian Getaway out for yourself? Check out this 10 minute video for a great ship’s tour.