By Raul Dias
If you’re the
kind of person for whom numbers matter, then prepared to be seriously impressed
by this behemoth of a ship—the Norwegian Getaway. 1068.3ft is its overall length,
with its hull bearing a colourful mermaid mural by the famous Cuban-American
artist David LeBatard. 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 daily, the Getaway has the unique Rope’s Course on its topmost 18th 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 edge of the ship, dangling over the water.
Boasting of 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 always seems to be intensified when sailing! The Getaway is even home to Svedka, the world’s first floating ice bar where drinks are served out of tumblers made from clear, crystal ice.
However, the highlight of this vessel, that really sets it apart from the rest, is the ultra-exclusive and posh The Haven. This members-only zone housed 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. Kind of like having your own ship within a ship. Decadent, much?
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 daily, the Getaway has the unique Rope’s Course on its topmost 18th 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 edge of the ship, dangling over the water.
Boasting of 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 always seems to be intensified when sailing! The Getaway is even home to Svedka, the world’s first floating ice bar where drinks are served out of tumblers made from clear, crystal ice.
However, the highlight of this vessel, that really sets it apart from the rest, is the ultra-exclusive and posh The Haven. This members-only zone housed 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. Kind of like having your own ship within a ship. Decadent, much?
(This column first appeared in the 29th October 2017 issue of The Hindu newspaper's Sunday Magazine section on page 8 http://www.thehindu.com/society/the-norwegian-getaway/article19932523.ece)
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