Norwegian Getaway Review
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I originally wanted to do a Baltic itinerary because I wanted something I hadn't done before, wanted to make sure work couldn't follow me, and I wanted a non-beach itinerary as I don't do beaches. History and art and culture sounded like a good time to me, and I'd been wanting to sail on an NCL cruise anyhow as a trial balloon for a family that doesn't do formal attire unless someone's being held at gunpoint.
Copenhagen is a lovely city with a great public transportation setup -- except to the cruise terminals. Bus #25 runs out to Oceankaj, but that's about it other than a taxi or private shuttle. If you're a heavy packer like me, wrangling that much luggage on a bus is no fun, and that goes double if you're jetlagged. Taxis are expensive but might just be worth it if you're wrangling kids or a lot of luggage.
The Norwegian Getaway is a beautiful ship with plenty to do and plenty of places to eat, drink, and party - and a good amount of quiet if you want that. The only thing I note is that this ship was meant for warmer climes. When it's too cold to swim or high winds drive everyone inside, the inside venues get crowded and loud quickly. That happened on our second sea day. I could go anywhere and get good quality and tasty food, although the buffet during busy times was tough for a solo traveler as the crew were so efficient at clearing tables that I'd lose my table and my food because I got up to get another drink! I ended up focusing on the dining rooms for most meals for that reason.
Cabin Review
Studio Stateroom
I had one of the studio staterooms and really liked it. I'd describe them as cozy -- there's not a lot of space in there, and not enough for more than one, but unless you're trying to tango in a stateroom, it's enough for one because it's so well laid-out. The showers are tiny, but the bed was comfy and the addition of an egg crate and an extra pillow made it a really nice little nest. The studio lounge tended to be busy -- there was usually someone in there to talk to and it was a great place to get a coffee and a cake (not enough cookies) and either diary-write or play a game or have a good conversation. Sometimes it got too busy, though, and sometimes there were people in there who had no business being in there. Beware leaving your stuff in there, that lounge is pretty busy for its size and you don't know who's in there.
Port Reviews
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is so much fun! I didn't see nearly enough thanks to jet lag, but what I did see was very laid back, relaxed, and friendly. Most people speak some English. I recommend getting around by bike or public transit -- walking is kinda slow and driving is very congested. Lots to see and do, and if you happen to be in port on a Wednesday, do check out Sankt Peders Bageri in the Latin Quarter. On Wednesdays they sell something called the Wednesday snail (onsdagssnegle) which were DIVINE. It is something of a pricey port, so be prepared for that.
Also, if you have items to recycle like a water bottle, you can turn them in at any 7-11 and you'll get a couple of kroner back.
St. Petersburg
I did do excursions in this port, because that's the best way to travel if your passport means you need a visa for Russia. Independent travel companies didn't want to talk to me because I was a solo traveler, so I booked with the ship. There's a lot to see, and you will NOT be able to see it all in just two days' time short of killing yourself with 16-hour days (which some people on the ship did!) However, many things are the same -- if you've seen Catherine's Palace, you've mostly seen Peterhof. Yusupov Palace was a bit different, and the Cathedral on Spilled Blood was fascinating and different from St. Isaac's. The waterway tours are worthwhile.
Currency: RUB (some places take euros, but not all, and very few are authorized to take USD).
Summary observations:
1. Pickpockets are a serious issue. Consider a money belt. Don't rely on pockets or backpacks, and if you use a purse, use a cross-body one with a thick strap and keep it in front of you. I stashed extra rubles outside the money belt in the bank of Ireland as an additional failsafe.
2. Learning basic traveler's phrases in Russian before you go is a smart idea.
3. Be prepared for long days and fast-moving tours, and lots and lots of waiting.
4. Flashing money on the street attracts attention -- it's safer to shop under a roof.
5. Do NOT rely on the ship to get your souvenirs. The ones on the ship were either hideously expensive or trash. Get 'em in port.
6. Consider the exclusive tours. They're more expensive, but money talks in Russia. Smaller groups and the ability to jump the lines at some attractions makes the extra expense worth it.
Helsinki
I wasn't thrilled with Helsinki -- not much interested me here. A HOHO bus will suffice. It's a good place to shop, relax, hang out.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is an industrial city. Keep this in mind. The Western islands tour was beautiful and worth doing but short. There's a shuttle that goes into the city from the port, but the port was not prepared for a ship that size and it showed in disembarkation at this port.