If you’re the kind of person for whom numbers matter, then prepare to be seriously impressed by this behemoth of a ship — the Norwegian Getaway. Measuring at a 1068.3ft long, its hull bears a colourful mermaid mural by the famous Cuban-American artist David Le Batard. 18 is the number of its decks. 3,963 is the number of guests it can accommodate. And no, that’s not accounting for the 1,646 crew members who keep this luxury cruise ship in... well, ship shape!
Sailing the Baltic Sea for a good part of the year, this ship by the Norwegian Cruise Line company makes ports of call at places like Helsinki, Tallinn and St. Petersburg among others, on an eight-day itinerary beginning and ending in Copenhagen.
And when winter casts its freezing spell over the Baltic Sea, the ship makes its way to the warmer climes of the Bahamas for a series of different Caribbean Sea itineraries.
Besides the usual cruise tropes of Las Vegas-style entertainment with a casino, illusionists and musicals like Million Dollar Quartet on offer everyday, the Getaway has the unique Rope’s Course on its topmost deck. This Pirates of the Carribbean-esque obstacle course is where you can also ‘walk the plank’ on the wooden ledge that precariously teeters along the ship’s edge.
Boasting a spa and 28 restaurants and bars, including an all-day buffet, the ship pays obeisance to two of the biggest parts of the cruising experience — food and drink, the craving for which somehow seems to be intensified when out at sea. The Getaway is home to Svedka, the world’s first floating ice bar, where drinks are served out of tumblers made from clear, crystal ice. However, the real highlight of this vessel is the ultra-exclusive and posh The Haven.
This members-only zone on the top of the ship has its own luxurious accommodations including suites, private lounges and dining options, along with a personal concierge and 24-hour butler service. It’s like having your own ship within a ship. Decadent, much?
The Mumbai-based writer is passionate about food, travel and luxury, not necessarily in that order.