Norwegian Getaway Review
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We arrived a day earlier in Copenhagen to give us time to explore the city and adjust to time difference. We stayed at the Ascot Hotel which was centrally located to the heart of Copenhagen. Hotel was older but nice and clean. Suggest to stay in the back of the hotel to avoid the bar across the street which plays music until late into the night. We spent 2 half-days walking & visiting major attractions in Copenhagen. Wear comfortable shoes since cobblestone streets were uneven at times.
Ship - This was our first time sailing on NCL even though it was our 18th cruise. Specialty dining at Teppanyaki and Cagney's were both good. We mostly ate at O'Sheehan's, Shanghai Noodles, and Garden Cafe. Formal dining room we did only once and it was subpar.
Entertainment - "Million Dollar Quartet" was well performed. Circque Dreams and Steam show was excellent along served with a excellent steak/shrimp mea. Dinner was served around 9pm. Comedy Magic of Basilio Tabachi was disappointing. Trivias were good and difficult. Enjoyed the Ship's Captain talk on last day at sea. Our sons enjoyed the various liquor tasting events. Weather was so cool you could not enjoy the pool or sitting out on deck.
Cabin Review
Large Balcony Stateroom
Cabins were nice and comfortable a little smaller than some other lines. The larger balcony space was roomy and enjoyable. Enclosed shower was better than curtain giving you more space to take a shower. More storage space (side and under sink) in bathroom available compared to other cruise lines. Downside was no dresser with shelves for clothes storage except for closet.
Port Reviews
Gothenburg
The ship transport service (fee) did dropped you off in the city's main square. We were disappointed the Fish Market (Fish Church) and surrounding seafood resturants were not available. Copenhenge's Nyhaven offers so much more. The old town area was nice and easily walkable. Hop on/off busses were available, but we chose to walk around. I would have preferred if we had ported in Stockholm.
Helsinki
We took the Hop On/Off bus which includes a boat ride to Fortress of Suomenlinna. Even though the day was misting we enjoyed the city. The Olympic Stadium is under renovations so unable to tour the stadium. My next visit to Helsinki will be to visit Porvoo. Our visit to Helinksi was too short.
Tallinn
Tallinn has come a long way since our last visit 17 years ago. We enjoyed the medieval old town square with plenty of shops, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and tasting Craft beers. Since we toured the city on Sunday, the museum was closed. The kids enjoyed the architecture style and ambience of the city. The town is about a 15 minute walk from the ship to the old town square.
Berlin
From the ship to Berlin is a 3 hour drive each way. We booked the 1 day Berlin and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp through SPB Tours. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was a role model for the concentration camp and used primarily by men as a working camp. The camp differs from Auschwitz since many of the original buildings were destroyed. Berlin city tour was short due to crowds for soccer playoffs. Unable to visit the Olympic Stadium or shop. As a family, we would have preferred to spend more time in Berlin. The tour guide was average since she did not have the tour guide clearance to go inside the buildings so you had to read the information on your own.
Copenhagen
We did our own walking tour around the city visiting the following sites: Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Little Mermaid Statue, Frederik's Church, Nyhaven, Christiansborg Palace, Church of Our Savior, and Rundetaarn. Kids enjoyed Copenhagen the most.