Norwegian Getaway Review
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This is a repositioning itinerary, with a unique combination of Norway and Iceland. The detour via Scotland was something I was less interested in, especially Inverness. The Getaway just came out of a 2-week upgrade in the dry dock, and there was still a new-carpet smell.
The trip started off badly - due to some vague explanation of delayed supplies, we left Copenhagen 5 hours late, and because this time could not be made up we had a day at sea the next day rather than the planned first stop at Haugesund, Norway. There is no excuse for this bad planning, and the only compensation we got was $50 per cabin!!!
On the way back, there was another unplanned day at sea - we made it almost to Inverness, but then the captain made a U-turn because he felt the wind was too strong for the narrow strait. In return he promised an early arrival in Edinburgh, but it too was a disaster - the ship anchored way out from port and because there were few tenders available there was a minimum of 2 hours wait to get to and from shore.
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom
no concerns, even with my 2 sons traveling with us it didn't feel cramped.
Port Reviews
Copenhagen
We did the free Sandemans walking tour
Flam
Bought the train ticket ourselves instead of using official excusrsion - less than half the price
Bergen
rented a car, though the rental place is several miles from the port - used the tram to get there.
Geiranger
no rentals available. Bad luck with the weather - it was snowing at the top, with limited visibility.
Akureyri
Rented a car - was waiting for us at the port. Basically did the "Jewels of the North" excursion, but on our own.
Reykjavik
Rented a car - they picked us up at the port. Did the "Golden Circle" on our own. Since the ship stayed overnight we didn't feel rushed to get back in time. The next day we did the Blue Lagoon. Highly recommended, but get tickets well in advance.
Invergordon (Inverness)
Bummer - ship turned back within sight f port, due to concerns over high winds. Not sure why this was a port of call anyway - the short stop would only have allowed for some sightseeing in the city, not the highlands.
Edinburgh (South Queensferry)
Great tour guide, with dry sense of humor - brought history alive.