When was the last time you went on vacation without your husband? After we get married, our spouses become our default partners in almost everything we do, and well, sometimes that gets boring. When was the last time you went on vacation with your best friend, your Mom, your sister, your daughter or even just on your own?
Isn’t it refreshing to spend time a little time relaxing with someone that won’t remind you about the monthly budget or tell you the same story you have heard at least a hundred times? Without him, you won’t need to remind him to put on sunscreen, watch his cholesterol or take his vitamins…And if your husband snores like mine, this will be the perfect opportunity to get some quality rest.
We all need a little time to ourselves, and there is no rule that says your husband has to be your obligatory vacation mate. In fact, when you are on a cruise there are even less rules on international waters. Consider making a break for it and taking a trip on The Getaway from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Entertainment Just the Way I Want
My favorite part of vacation without my hubby…? No sports! Really, not one game, score, or stat uttered. Instead, the Norwegian Getaway has entertainment like the yummy rapper, Mr. Miami Pitbull! He actually performed at the christening ceremony for the Getaway which is the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami. While on board, they offer a variety of incredible shows like Wine Lovers the Musical (you actually get to drink wine!), the Broadway based Burn the Floor with amazing ballroom dancing, Cirque Dreams and Steam, plus plenty more. You will also find a comedy club where you can enjoy a laugh and drink long after your bedtime. There are 3 decks completely dedicated to bars shopping and entertainment to keep you busy from sunrise to sunset.
Have All the Fruity Drinks You Want
There are 16 bars and lounges both in the ship and outside, where you can enjoy some amazing Caribbean concoctions. There is even an ice bar where more than the drinks are chilled. No need to keep track of time or how many pina coladas. The deck has plenty of space for lounging and soaking up all of the sun and rum you want. There are pools to enjoy and even a waterslide if you are feeling a little adventurous. The H2O spice deck is adults only and inspired by the beach parties on the island of Ibiza. With hot tubs and waterfalls, it is one of the best spots to spend the days at sea where you won’t hear anyone shout, “Mom!”
Eat Whatever You Want, Whenever You Want
I am pretty indecisive so my husband is usually the one to pick where we eat. On a Norwegian Getaway, I can literally eat whatever I want, whenever I want. From the buffet to the specialized restaurants (don’t forget room service!) I can have my cake and eat it too. The buffet lets me snag snacks and goodies that I can enjoy poolside or I can grab a burger and a perfect margarita Oceanside at Margarita Ville. At night, I can pick and choose gourmet meals from Italian to sushi and devour decadent desserts with wine that never stops flowing.
Take a Step Away from Your Cautious Side
Once upon a time, I had a little bit of a wild streak, but years of marriage and a kid seems to shrink the adrenaline-loving part of the brain. Sometimes my biggest thrill of the week is driving my car on empty just to see how far I can go.
On the Getaway, I have the chance to get outside my comfort zone with the largest ropes course on the ocean. You can gaze across the sea (don’t look down!) as you climb your way through the obstacle course and careen across the deck on the zip line.
You can even walk the plank! There is an actual plank that extends 8 feet from the ship, and you can tiptoe your way out there with nothing but blue waves below. There is also a rock wall you can take on as a new experience.
If heights aren’t your thing, there is also plenty of gambling at the casino to enjoy a totally different kind of thrill. There is even Bingo where you can win great prizes too. Getting away from our daily routines and everything that anchors us to reality is one of the best ways to let loose and try something we wouldn’t consider in our regular lives.
Spa Like a Pro
It takes a lot of work to keep ourselves beautiful, and where else besides vacation do you have all day to spend at the spa. No need to worry about trying to talk your husband into getting a couples massage or telling him to keep busy while you squeeze in a mani/pedi. With him at home, you can spend all day at the spa if you want. The Norwegian Getaway’s Day Spa, Medi Spa, and Fitness Center have over 50 treatments you can indulge in. From hot stone massages to facials and even acupuncture. You can also try the Spa Salt Room which is compared to the salt caves of Eastern Europe and aids in respiratory health and healing skin ailments. There is also the Spa Thermal Suite with a Thalassotherapy Pool, steam room, and a sauna.
Shop All Day
When you are on vacation with your husband, you are going to have to split your time between what you both want to do, but without your sweetie, go ahead and shop all day if you want. You can shop onboard and even from your tv in your stateroom. They have pretty much anything you could want to buy including…
- Sandbar – Purchase all your favorite liquors and Norwegian gear.
- The Beauty Shop – Snag a new scent while you shop high-end perfumes and beauty products like Dior and Armani.
- The Marketplace – Buy any beach gear you might need while hanging by the pool
- The Time Zone – If you feel guilty for leaving hubby at home, get him a nice watch or just buy one for yourself.
- Tradewinds – From clothes and handbags to whatever else you want, you can find it here.
- Treasures – Buy yourself a shiny little treat from here.
Create Your Own Adventure
One of the best parts of going on a cruise is enjoying the multiple ports you get to explore. New countries, cultures, foods, and excursions. Norwegian has a variety of cruises available to take you just about anywhere you want to explore. Try the Bahamas, Caribbean, Baltic, or Transatlantic cruise. You can book your onshore excursions before you set sail or right on the ship and spend your days at port experiencing new and exciting adventures. You can zip line through jungles, discover ancient Mayan ruins, go snorkeling or just enjoy local beaches and culture. Embarking on these ports, you can also research and book your own excursions.
One place that is an absolute must is the new Margaritaville in Harvest Caye! It is NCL’s own private island in southern Belize, and it features the newest Landshark Bar and Grill which is Belize’s only cruise ship pier. In addition to world-class margaritas, enjoy a 15,000 square foot pool with a swim up bar. You can also see a variety of animals at the wildlife center and seek plenty of adventures like zip lining over the jungle canopy. If you want to do a little more sightseeing, check out the tours available on the mainland.
With a little research, we managed to find some amazing beaches with accommodations for a relaxing day on shore. On our adventures, we found a local rum distillery and a white sand beach with a bar and restaurant along the shores of Roatan at Beacher’s. In Costa Maya, we hung out Maya Chan Beach Resort where we had our very own beach hut, a buffet, and our very own waiter that brought drinks to us while we soaked in the ocean! At our final port in Cozumel, we swung by the bar, fed nachos to some very friendly fish, and enjoyed local cuisine at Mr. Sancho’s Cozumel Beach Club.
Go out on a whim this year and give yourself a vacation you want and a vacation you know you deserve. Indulge in all the things you love and all the things you don’t get to do at home while tending to a job, a home, a family. We might not always admit it, but sometimes we all need a break from our families. Take a Getaway and hit the high seas. Whether you go alone or with one of your best friends, be sure to do it right. Visit Norwegian Cruise Line for more information.
Thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line for an amazing Caribbean getaway! All opinions remain my own.