The Finishing Touch — Weddings, Events, Design, Paperie

I just got back from an 8 day cruise to Bermuda.  I am much more relaxed but a little sunburned and about 5 pounds heavier.  :  ) 

We sailed on the Norwegian Dawn departing from NYC, through water that was the deepest blue I have ever seen, to the absolutely gorgeous island of Bermuda.  The cruise was fantastic.  I don’t think I would go to Bermuda any other way.  The ship was beautiful and very clean.  The cabins were surprisingly not as small as I imagined they would be.  I would suggest though spending a little extra and getting a balcony cabin since they are a little roomier and have bigger bathrooms. 

The entertainment on the ship was amazing.  There was so much going on that we did not even see 1/2 of the entertainment that was there.  They had the Jean Ann Ryan Company on board that did 3 different Broadway and Cirque de Soliel style shows.  The Second City improve troop was also there.  They were the training ground for many of the members from Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show including Bill Murray, John Candy, John Belushi, Mike Meyers, Steven Colbert, and Steve Carrell.  They also had various other musical acts all over the ship and a great stand up comedian.  Most nights were themed – 70s, Monte Carlo, Las Vegas, Western, All White night - which was fun.  The cruise director and his staff were amazing and kept the party going through the whole cruise. (The picture above right is of my son dancing with the crew staff by the pool).

The great thing about Norwegian cruises is that they are “Freestyle” cruises which means you can eat whenever you like and do whatever you like.  You are not stuck picking a dinner time and are not forced to dress up or sit with people you don’t know.  There is food EVERYWHERE you turn.  The food on the cruise is included in the price but that only includes the galley restaurants and the big buffet which are good.  However, if you want to spend a little extra, you can pay the $10 – $25 a person cover charge at the gourmet restaurants on board where the food is amazing and you can order as much on the menu you want.  This is so worth the extra charge.  We ate at the steakhouse twice and one night I ordered 2 different appetizers, salad, soup, 2 entrees, and dessert which included jumbo shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, and jumbo crab legs for an extra $20!  (This is why I am 5 pounds heavier).

We spent 2 1/2 days in Bermuda and visited Horseshoe Bay, Hamilton, and the Royal Naval Dockyard.  Horseshoe Bay is the most beautiful beach on the island with its almost fake looking turquoise blue water and coral pink sand.  Hamilton has gorgeous top name shopping and tons of restaurants.  The Royal Naval Dockyard is where the boat was docked which had shopping and the Snorkel Park within a short walking distance.  The Snorkel Park (while not as pretty as Horseshoe Bay) is a lot of fun with its water slides, kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling, and beach bar. 

I have to admit that I was pretty depressed when I woke up on the last morning of the cruise to see the green gray water of the Hudson River (it did not help that it was also raining that day – yuck).  I would definitely go back on a Norwegian cruise.  I have been eyeing up the 14 day western Caribbean cruise…hmmm…maybe next year… :  )

All the best,

Priscilla