NCL Getaway June 2017

I was a bit wary to be on such a large ship with so many passengers. I decided to put itinerary over ship size and hope for the best. I thought I would spend the cruise in endless queues throughout the trip. That did not happen. In fact, I spent less time in lines and felt less crowded in the Getaway than on other ships with half the passengers. Well done NCL. 

We arrived at 1300. Boarding was completed quickly. We went straight to our cabin without delay. Our cabin steward was in the hall and welcomed us and demonstrated where everything was and how it all operated. Thank you, Ms. Sheila. 

The cabin was spotless and kept that way throughout the trip by our cabin steward. Bathroom was spacious for a ship and well stocked with all the necessities. Our luggage was at our cabin door within less than 45 minutes. 

How the crew crew keeps the ship with so many passengers roaming around at all hours so clean and spotless is amazing. Clearly they are constantly at work yet the process is so unobtrusive that it is almost invisible. The first class NCL Getaway experience is provided by the (literally) thousands of crew members working 24 hours each day on the front lines and behind the scenes.

The ship is huge but we never felt crowded. The crew keeps everything in order and moving but we never felt rushed. Food, of course, was plentiful as well as consistently delicious. The dining rooms each have lovely views of the surroundings.. Each meal was an excellent experience. 

The shows on the ship are worth watching. I suggest making time to see them. The Freestyle dining allows for scheduling dinner and a show at your favorite time; early or later is up to you. Nice. 

The leaving and returning to the ship at each port was clearly explained and went according to schedule. Upon arrival back to the ship on a rather cold and blustery day, we were greeted by crew members offering hot tea or broth. What a nice touch that was. Every time we came back to the ship we were offered warm towels to clean our hands and then had the opportunity to use waterless hand cleaner to further remove possible germs. It was obvious that the crew was intent on keeping contact transferred microorganisms to a minimum. We appreciated their efforts.

Our cabin was located to take advantage of some of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen. The ship’s size minimizes wave movement providing smooth sailing. The ship is also very quiet. We heard nothing from the ship’s engines or our neighbors. 

Leaving the ship at our final port was organized by time and whether you chose to take your luggage off the ship yourself (independent) or preferred to have the crew take your bags to the staging area in the port. We chose independent at 0920. We walked right off the ship. No queue. This was the easiest and quickest disembarking process I have experienced. 

Be aware that the taxi line to return to Copenhagen is very long although well organized and moves quicker than you would expect. Free wifi is available so the waiting is less tedious. This, of course, is not under NCL control but something to know when choosing between the options for returning to the city or the airport. 

This ship and its crew provide a wonderful cruising experience. They live up to and go beyond expectations. Well done NCL.