As of this date, the NCL fleet is working to incorporate the Freestyle cruising experience into the fleet. The S/S Norway is an exception although she does sport some of the elements thereof. Of the eight nights of dining, I only ate at my assigned table (Windward #4) five of them. The dining room staff is wonderful and I particularly enjoyed the service of wine stewardess Shirlette Walker from Jamaica. The other evenings of the voyage, my friend John and I ate in Le Bistro and also open seating in the Windward Dining Room. I highly recommend Le Bistro as an alternate to traditional seating. Waiter German was particularly attentive and has given service to NCL for many years. Both the food and service in Le Bistro are highly commendable.
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My view of entering the Windward Dining Room on the first evening. |
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Our wine stewardess Shirlette Walker! Always a fantastic smile! |
The
Great Outdoor Restaurant aft on International Deck is a fine example of casual
dining by day or evening. One may
dine in either a covered area, under umbrellas, or in the open sun. One particularly interesting feature here was a set of two to
three large kettle grills that were used to serve up hamburgers, hot dogs, and
bow-tied pasta. There are four
serving lines that are serviced by one large galley.
The traffic flow is efficient so long as guests properly follow the
arrows and signage. Another
delightful feature on the starboard side is a fruit station where crew slice and
dice to your specifications. One
other dining option is, of course, room service that I found to be timely and
efficient.
I
continue to uphold the Windward Dining Room as being one of the most beautiful
dining rooms at sea today. She is
flanked with original paneling throughout and topped with a large, circular sky
scape complete with a twinkling star effect.
Her grand staircase is easily one of the most elegant ways to make an
entrance.
Entertainment
On
this voyage in particular, I opted to not attend each show as diligently as
usual. I made a point, however, to
see each of the Jean Ann Ryan performances in the Saga Theater and I was not
disappointed. With all of the large
and impressive show lounges at sea today, it is hard for the Saga Theater to
compete. She delivers in her own
classical and elegant fashion. On
the first of the two formal evenings, the cast performed “Sing, Sing, Sing”.
There was then a Broadway production of “Guys and Dolls” and then
“Sea Legs Goes Hollywood” being performed throughout the cruise.
The cast is very talented and they certainly utilize their resources for
all that they are worth.
The
only other show that I made a point of attending was singer Elvy Rose in the
North Cape Lounge. I highly
recommend her performance for comic value and most certainly her vocal talent.
I found that the full complement of cruise director’s staff was always
energetic, motivated, and on time for the numerous activities around the ship.
Patti, the assistant cruise director, was highly visible around the
vessel and has a wonderful speaking voice for activities and regular shipboard
announcements.
I spent a large amount of my time in Club Internationale and had the chance to enjoy some wonderful music there. The latin band Mangu and the classy Rob Ellis Trio headlined throughout the cruise. My friend John and I enjoyed cocktails in Club Internationale in what has become to be known as “his corner” through his experiences on the Norway. A very memorable event there was high tea that took place on sea days. A strict dress code is enforced and delightfully enjoyed by all of the attendees. Some guests walked in with shorts and sleeveless shirts and they stormed out after having been politely asked to observe the code. Apparently the large brass signs were not enough!
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A view of a fantastic couple - Barb and Calvin - holding everyone's attention as they dance the night away. |
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John and I enjoying afternoon high tea. |
On this 8-night voyage, we called at Grand Cayman, Cozumél (Mexico), Roatán (Honduras), and NCL’s private island Great Stirrup Cay. We were required to tender at each port. I was impressed, however, that at the first three calls the Norway did not utilize her anchors but rather positioned herself by means of her bow and stern thrusters.
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Here I am enjoying a brief visit at Georgetown, Grand Cayman - always keeping a close eye on the beautiful S/S Norway bathing in the harbour. |
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The Crystal Harmony and Sea Princess docked near the downtown area of Cozumel. |
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Here, my mom Rayetta displays the inventory of ships regularly calling at Cozumel, Mexico. |
I have previously visited all ports before with the exception of Roatán. I tendered to Grand Cayman solely to take an array of ship photos. Having never visited Roatán, I took the Roatán East End Discovery tour. Winds and seas were a bit high and inhibited tendering service only minimally. With this, the tender commute lasted at least 25 to 30 minutes each way. Upon arriving at the island there was a group of native dancers performing for all of the arriving guests.
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The group of local dancers that performed for the arriving guests at Roatán, Honduras. |
The excursion itself was very enlightening. After having departed from the pier by air-conditioned coach, we proceeded through Coxen Hole and Dixons Cove on the way to Marble Hill. Guests had the opportunity to sample an array of jellies and jams made from local fruits. We then took the coach to Jonesville where we had the opportunity to climb in small boats and tour through natural mangrove tunnels. Our last stop was to Las Palmas Resort where we saw a demonstration of music and dance by the Garifuna Indians who settled there in 1797. I was one of the “victims” brought up to learn some of the dances and everyone seemed to get a kick out of that.
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Above : My personal selection of photos of what I experienced on the East End Discovery tour in Roatán.
For
rarely calling at Roatán, the tours and tender services were dispatched very
efficiently. With the large hiatus
of ships to Alaska and Europe by this point, we saw only the Imagination,
Jubilee, Crystal Harmony, Sea Princess, and Sovereign of the Seas
throughout the voyage.
