The Dawn Fulfills My Dreams (Bermuda 4/25/10 Sailing)!

The Dawn Fulfills My Dreams (Bermuda 4/25/10 Sailing)!

Prologue: “Oh My God, We Are Going To Die!” I exclaimed every day when I visited my sister overseas. Whether it was meeting her in Paris, Amsterdam, Macedonia, Istanbul, Croatia, Serbia, or Bosnia, we sometimes found ourselves in precarious life and death situations. Back then, I knew she would protect me from harm. She semi-retired now living back home, what type of adventure would we have together on the Norwegian Dawn’s 4/25/10 sailing out of NYC? Arm in arm with her newest and allegedly the last love of her life, the three of us were all excited to sail Dawn’s third trip to Bermuda. Celebrating a honeymoon cruise before their big wedding, I was their escort on the Dawn‘s third trip to Bermuda during this cool early spring season.

Pre-Cruise 2 Day Escape To New York:

The honeymooners ditched me before we even started. Flying solo, I was scared to go into the big apple alone as I have never done it before. The only person I knew in Manhattan was the fortune teller in Times Square. Cruise critic helped with suggestions. A cab from JFK would be about 65 dollars depending on traffic. The LIRR train is inexpensive and stops at Penn station and I could walk, bus, or cab to our hotel. Or, I could share a ride with Go Airlink shuttle for 21 dollars. I did not want to die getting there and I did not want to be lost by myself for days and miss the ship. Thank heavens for the hot Sicilian mobster who took me from baggage claim to the front door of my hotel on 57th Street in a really cool car. Since the up sell fairy never called me, I had a stash of cash and went first class.

The hotel thankfully let me check in early at 9am. I called the honeymooners and their ETA was at 4pm via vehicle from Boston. Since they had my luggage and I was not sure if they would arrive at all, I went shopping just in case. 5th Avenue was too expensive yet I certainly had the taste for what was available. SoHo and Chinatown were too crowded and they had everything I wanted if I was age 19. Madison Avenue and Lexington Avenue were just right for my age and wallet. I enjoyed the little boutiques and bought things they did not have where I come from. Thank goodness I got the call at 6:30pm in the changing room because I am sure I would still be shopping there if I had not.

“We are on the Tappanzee (?) Bridge and our Garmin keeps sending us the wrong way!” the Honeymooners exclaimed. I asked if they still had my luggage and darn it all they sure did. I had to stop shopping. Sister exclaimed they would probably be there around 9pm. I shouted louder, “No, no, you almost hera! Shoot Garmin and folla the signs…it’s slick and easy as butta! Trust me! Tak-a righta and tak-a lefta on 57 and you’ll be righta hera!” Oh my goodness, only 9 hours in the big city and I was talking like my breakfast waiter earlier that day. Arriving safely in one piece the three of us walked down Times Square and took the advice from the comedian on the corner for an excellent Italian restaurant a few blocks down on a side street.

We woke up the next morning and decided to stroll through Central Park to begin our first full day together. We brought our passports and other forms of identification in case we found ourselves in an opening scene of a CSI New York program. We put them in all sorts of locations in our clothing. Should the investigators find us all chopped up behind a big tree, then at least one form might survive the cut and they would at least know it was us. I wore my sneakers because even though the honeymooners were one retired Lt. Colonel and one retired Para-Trooper, I knew I could still run faster than them should a mugging ever present itself.

Thankful it never did, Central Park was nothing like CSI. We thoroughly enjoyed the stroll where the dogs looked like their owners and the babies did not. We enjoyed the zoo in the middle of the park, the Metropolitan Museum of art, the pizza, the churches, the pedicure and manicure treatment at Avanti salon back on 57th street (even paratrooper loved it), the cocktails and tiramisu ordered in what we figured out later was a gay guy pickup joint in lower Manhattan, the shopping for shoes, and the mad-dog cab driver who we thought we would die with as he jumped vehicles and cut off anyone in his way. Although a fun-filled ride, we never ever had a moment to pass the Grey Poupon. Back in Times Square we haggled the locals to find the honeymooners two pairs of white plastic sunglasses for the NCL white hot party as I already had mine. We finished the evening eating Thai take-out back in our hotel room. Sleep came fast for the three of us and we were excited to wake up in the morning.

Embarkation/Sunday

Driving to pier was easy. We headed towards the water down 57th, took a left then a right and went up the ramp to parking. We gave cash but they do take a credit card. The cost is 30 dollars per day and the parking area is very secure. Bring your parking ticket with you because they do not want you to leave it in your vehicle. A giant elevator took us down into the terminal and we gave our luggage to the big strong man who was happy to take it. Checking in was very easy. Embarkation began at around 12:15 on this sailing. Keep in mind it can vary week to week.

The honeymooners dined in the Venetian and I went to the spa to sign up for the weekly spa package which is 99 dollars for a single. I got the honeymooners a couples package for 150 dollars. Unsure of the weather temperature in Bermuda, I wanted to make sure we got the weekly pass as opposed to the daily pass and it was very well worth it. The twenty dollar daily pass can be a crap shoot depending on the numbers using the spa at the time. My highlight that embarkation day was surprising the honeymooners when they found me laying on a demonstration spa bed in the middle of the atrium. The only thing missing was my rosary beads. Hooked up to electrodes, the treatment shocked 5.1 inches from my body. I am not sure what I enjoyed more…laying naked beneath the towels talking to people as they walked by…seeing how many would sign up (We were five for five before we had to muster)…knowing I was taking one for the NCL team...or feeling like I was finally getting the complimentary spa treatment Miami office said I would get on the Gem christening. I concluded it was the latter and a lost piece of the puzzle was finally put in its place. All was well with the world.

The honeymooners signed up for three ionithermie treatments, the couples massage, and the hot stone massages. My sister said she was walking straighter and her lower back pain dissipated after her first massage embarkation day. The three of us totally enjoyed the spa all week long. The spa gals were absolutely wonderful, friendly, and had a keen sense of humor. The Dawn has a giant lap pool that was a lot fun on rough days at sea as well as calm days in port. A quiet area, we did the hot tub, the Jacuzzi with rollers, the sauna, the steam room, and the relaxation rooms which had a beautiful aft view from the stern floor to ceiling picture windows. The best part was sometimes having the entire place to ourselves.

For the muster drill, we did not have to take our lifejackets. As reported here, the reason given later was the new procedure indeed reduced the numbers of passengers tripping on dangling straps others let drag behind them on the decks and up the stairwells. Sail away was cool, misty, and foggy but that did not stop passengers from getting into the public hot tubs, nor from attending the sail away party in Spinnaker’s Lounge where the band played on as we left port. The three of us enjoyed sail away at the Bimini Bar sipping appletini’s, eating giant cheeseburgers, and the yummiest pretzel rolls ever.

My balcony cabin was 8550 forward port side on deck 8. Having really enjoyed the encapsulated balcony location with the built in shelf on the Pearl in February, it was a great economical choice and a great protector from the wind on this sailing. The honeymooners loved their 11082 mini-suite located mid ship starboard side on deck 11. We selected opposite sides of ship not knowing which side would face the dock and which side would face the water in Bermuda. For this sailing, mine faced the dockyard. Far enough away from each other, yet close enough to enjoy any view, the statue of liberty coming and going, and sunrises and sunsets.

If you can afford a mini-suite, I say go for it. The honeymooners titled it “affordable luxury.” The room is wider, the décor a little more upscale, the bathroom is bigger because it has a tub shower, and more leg room in toilet area. A mini-suite balcony is indeed bigger…actually more width jutting out from the ship and includes an overhang. The couch bed is also bigger that sleeps two adults comfortable enough in my opinion. My couch would fit only one adult or two very small children. I was solo in mine so of course I had plenty of room and many unused shelves. Our stewards in both locations were great and very accommodating to any requests. They brought me a mattress topper that matched the 2.0 mattress so I slept well like I do on the Pearl and the Gem.

The Dawn is certainly a New Yorker’s ship. Most notable (and I wrote this last year too when I sailed her) are the musical venues that take place all over the ship. All musical entertainers we saw were top notch on this sailing. Below is a list of who is onboard currently:

Vladimir Krivian (awesome piano player who sometimes played the Venetian during dinners as well as other times/locations throughout the week)

Michael Blackwell (piano and melodies)

Bernie Martini (totally awesome! His venues got crowded as passengers discovered his amazing vocal/piano talents throughout the week. A young good looking crooner, he never disappointed. The honeymooners gave him the hardest working musician award of the week because he played everywhere days/nights. We concluded he must drink olive oil to keep his voice so smooth for that long!)

Jose and Patti (a dynamic duo! Standing room only so get to their venue early)

Next Stage (The absolute best ship band on the seven seas. The passengers love them and the crew loves them! All are excellent musicians and the female lead singer is the icing on the cake)

Dawn Show Band

DJ Franco (Finally! A DJ who played music for all the age groups onboard this week. I was not the oldest dancer in late night Dazzles! A wide variety of music that everyone could dance to…even my trance/techno requests late night!)

Guest DJ Tipsy from NYC (hooray! I love the guest DJ thing as you might know. He sometimes played late nights, at sunset chills by the pool, and at different parties throughout the week in conjunction with DJ Franco)

Pavla Szirotna (?)

Steve Gallatin (guitarist)

Caribbean Wave (pool band and party band at different venues)

* * * A new event on the Dawn is the Big Band Brunch held on the last day at sea. I have seen it advertised as a Jazz brunch on other ships where the show band plays jazz in one of the smaller specialty restaurants such as Le Bistro. The Dawn does it big NY style by kicking it up many notches! Held in the beautiful Venetian restaurant, many of the above entertainers sing/play in addition to the big show band. Food galore too which is more upscale than the buffet. This is advertised right on embarkation day, throughout the week, and in the FreeStyle Daily so sign up if interested. The cost is 15 dollars per person.* * *

They were also conducting volunteer Focus Groups onboard this week for people who dined in the Venetian and Aqua restaurants. We dined there a few times but did not take part in the feedback group. Even so, I gave Executive Chef Colin Hudson a STYLE card. Can you believe I concluded the food onboard the Dawn was just as good as and maybe even surpassed the Pearl? I know, I know, I know, but it really was! Even though I only ate a banana from my platinum fruit basket, chocolate covered strawberries from my travel agent, and orange juice from the spa for dinner my first night, I discovered just how yummy everything was during the rest of the week.

I went to bed early embarkation night and missed the Welcome Aboard Show, the Welcome Aboard Party Dancing Through the Decades, and all the entertainers listed above. I smiled as I opened my balcony cabin and jumped into bed. I am not quite sure what kept me awake the longest…the cool air, the sounds of the wake, or me peeking out from beneath my pillow every now and then while repeatedly thinking, “KevinsCruising was only pulling a Halloween prank…KevinsCruising was only pulling a Halloween prank….KevinsCruising was…and then I fell fast asleep forgetting all about it. Thank goodness. I am sure the honeymooners would have just loved having me as a third wheel in their mini-suite all week!

Next Up: Two fun filled Days At Sea!

coka

LOL...can't wait for the second installment...thanks for so much information. We are on the Dawn May 16...Mary Lou

Yay! I've been waiting and waiting for this Coka, and, as usual, you don't disappoint! Congrats on the champagne!

Mimi

"We thoroughly enjoyed the stroll where the dogs looked like their owners and the babies did not."

:D :D :D

LOL

So excited to read the rest of the review! Thanks for posting!

Coffeecat

Whew, I was beginning to wonder if you had missed the sailing. As always I can't wait to read the rest (and can't wait to go on this itinerary out of Beantown in 2 years).

Thanks for the replies and welcome back Sparks! I am off to read how you liked the Sky! Sorry to miss the Maple Festival...coka

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Two Fun Filled Days At Sea!

I woke up early to explore but began solo with a protein filled breakfast of beef, salmon, and eggs. I decided to let the honeymooners sleep in since they spent the last two nights in a hotel room with me and I never heard a peep from them. How come nobody else back home wanted to cruise with me? I asked around but all invitations declined. Feeling a little bit of “woe is me” I concluded “not!” when I peered up to my right and saw a framed picture of Clara Bow staring right back at me. I kid you not. There she was and she helped me say, “to heck with them all coka, you create your own fun and do your own thing.” She was right on.

So I filled out a cruise rewards certificate which is basically a 250 dollar deposit for one cabin on a future NCL cruise to be completed within four years. If you know you are going to cruise NCL again, it is one of the best deals because you get 100 dollars onboard credit for the current sailing. Something new this time…you also get a little coupon where if you cash in the 100 dollar credit, the casino will turn it into 125 dollars in slot play. In order to redeem it, you must join the Casinos At Sea players club which is free anyways. I next went to the Galleria shops, the onboard store that has liquor, cigarettes, clothing, souvenirs, and just about anything you might have forgotten from home. I purchased things I should not have at a giant discount from what they cost back home. I finished my purchases up in the salon by getting hair products and brought everything back to the cabin. I suppose I completed my ritual of “what you do first when you get onboard…” which is a question often asked here on the boards.

I then set out to count the chairs at the T-Rex kids pool located in the back of the ship. Why? Somebody here asked a few weeks ago. There are 25 chairs set up in the back for parents to watch the little ones. A total of 12 loungers, six on each side, are for those who dare not watch the little ones. Something cute, they even had about 6 little kid loungers for when the tykes get tired of swimming and sliding. If I was a little kid, I would think that pool area was very cool because I thought the same as an adult looking at it.

Instead of walking the promenade, which is 1.4 miles if you complete it four times around, I walked all over the empty decks. The Dawn was moving slowly amidst the big swells. The air was getting warmer and the foggy mist was still around her. I suspected newbie cruisers may not have been feeling well and did not take their motion sickness medicine that they should have. Either that or they were all too sleeping in. Maybe they were all at morning yoga, pilates, trivia, indoor cycling, polishing up on golf swings with the onboard golf pro, or attending seminars from the spa, jewelry store, or on Bermuda. Maybe they were at the cooking demonstrations or casino tournaments. Nobody was where I was at that moment. I was smelling the tantalizing bakery smells coming back from the aft which brought a smile to my face as I finally understood what many of you wrote about. Hmmmmmmmmmmm! NCL has the best breads and I particulary love the ones with the little strip of chocolate running through the center. I went and got me some from the Blue Lagoon which also serves breakfast…a best kept secret onboard.

I called the honeymooners to see if they were going to the cruise critic meet and greet. Not answering, I left them a message and went without them. Our roll call had about 62 signed up to go but only about 18 or so showed up. I felt bad for the nine officers who took the time to attend. Located in the Star Bar, they had danishes, coffee, and juices set up for us. I was pleasantly surprised from afar. I thought to myself, “Hey, it’s Hugo…The Hotel Director everyone loves on cruise critic! Hey, it is Shona…the fun Cruise Director from last year’s sailing! Hey, it is the Food and Beverage Director Vik…the Indian guy who rescued me at a VIP party on the Gem New Year’s sailing!…He is this one who gave me the ***** symbol idea for the Gem-It mermaid’s good luck charm tower! Hey, there stands the guy I had dinner with one time…Gosh, I hope he does not remember me because I drank a lot of wine…! Hey…it is Sherry!…the latitudes representative I met on the Majesty a few years ago! Wait, I met her later on but hopefully you get the point. The remaining looked familiar and I had a very comfortable feeling knowing the Dawn is in excellent hands with this current team onboard. They all welcomed us and answered questions we had. Afterwards, I enjoyed the next hour talking with the cruise critics who were retired teachers and retired police officers.

Where are those honeymooning kids I wondered as I chowed down lamb, fried figs, red potatoes, German meatballs, and a spinach salad in the Garden Café lunch buffet the first day at sea. Where are those honeymooning kids as I chowed down chicken soup, fetuccine, and a chocolate brownie/macadamian nut ice cream with caramel sauce on the second day at sea. The Art Auction! Yes! I know those two will be there! Held a few times throughout the week in Dazzles Lounge, they had fun attending. Erica, the Park West auctioneer was very good in their opinion. The honeymooners, who collect art from all over, ended up purchasing two paintings. One because they liked it and the other for the frame. They serve champagne at the auctions so if you miss the complimentary welcome aboard bubbly, you can get some there. I attempted to sign up for the Park West credit card so I could receive a 50 dollar credit in the spa. This is done for the first ten who sign up. A little bit wary, although I could not really find a reason to be while reading the paperwork, I changed my mind and will wait for others to report out on it.

The first two days at sea include “Adding Pizzazz to Your Afternoon” as published in the Freestyle Daily. You can watch movies (actually held daily) in the Dawn cinema or on your stateroom television. The honeymooners, also movie goers, said the selection was older as they had seen most. I had not seen one of them so they were all new to me.

I suppose I was at the spa or checking out the ship when the honeymooners told me what they did besides the art auction. They enjoyed Greg Gleason, the magician who gave a Close Up Magic performance during the day in the cinema. Passengers of all ages seemed to enjoy it as well. They also went shopping in the Galleria and in the jewelry store. My sister being the rich one in the family, found a gorgeous gold cuff bracelet for her wedding present. My future brother-in-law found not one, but two watches he loved for his wedding present. Did they purchase their rings too? No, he did not find one he liked and sister is getting my mother’s. Good for her. She certainly deserves it for being my mom’s caregiver this past year and currently. They concluded the jewelry onboard had a very good selection. They also bought some bottles of perfume in the perfume store adjacent to the Dawn atrium. Me? I only looked lovingly and forever again at that Rado watch…

Much as I said I was going to do it, I never did the NCL-U liquor tastings such as the infamous Pub Crawl, the margarita tastings, the martini tastings, the beer tastings, the wine tastings, and other spirits/food seminars for a fee. I tend to be a cheap date and only require one cocktail. If you were on this sailing and did attend, please let me know how you liked it and what I missed!

The latitudes repeat passenger party was held on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010. A date I will always remember yet hope Mr. Coka forgets in the very near future. Huh, you might ask? On this sailing, there were over 800 repeating NCL passengers as there are over 8 million world-wide. I concluded the economy is improving because the finger foods were abound and the complimentary cocktails were varied. The servers also walked around frequently. I attend to sip a wine and see what they give away for door prizes.

While sipping a Heineken, I conversed with a nice couple sitting in the cool comfy chairs near the window that had the sun shining through. Having given up years ago my lifelong dream to win the champagne bottle for cruising NCL the most, I still always had hope. My heart skipped a beat when Captain Paul Von Knorring from Sweden but now lives in Florida began his welcome speech. Oh my god, is it true? Is he actually asking the question of us? I heard nothing the couple next to me was saying. I think I shushed them! I perked up. I held my hand up apprehensively as I looked around for the little old lady who used to live on the Sun and beat me out every time. I sat up straighter and held my hand higher as he announced anyone with 15 or more cruises…and then 18...and then 20...

I could not see on the other side of Spinnaker’s Lounge. I could not see and I could not hear. I was sweating as I looked left and then looked right and held my hand higher. Can you see me back here? Can you see me back here or is the sun in your eyes? OH my god, am I going to run down the aisle shouting “I won! I won!” while thanking the crowd along the way like I always said I would do? I can not see! What is happening? Oh my…the Captain is coming my way! Is he looking at me?! Yes! Yes! Me! Me! He IS looking at me and pointing it IS me as he walks up the aisle getting closer around the bend! I stood and gave the lamest most feeble “Yay” right before he handed me the bottle. My big moment and I give a yay. He asked how many cruises and I sheepishly answered, tw… tw… twenty…..n…n…ine in the shyest softest voice I never knew I had. So I did not run down the aisle winning like the Price Is Right, but it was worth every one of the twenty-five dollars that it cost me to use the onboard internet to shout it out to you here. I was sooooo stoked that I finally won! Until I remembered...Oh my god, I remembered. Why did I have to remember when I am so forgetful lately about other things?!

I have no idea what the prizes were that were given away that afternoon. Although one of my lifelong dreams was met onboard the Dawn, I admit I became sort of sad when I finally remembered. Was this the end of my fake book on cruisecritic? Was this sailing the last concluding chapter? Would Mr. Coka remember my answer from many years ago when I started sailing without him? He asked, “Coka, when are you going to stop cruising and vacation at home with me?” Do any of you veteran’s here remember my answer? It was, “Mr. Coka, when I win that damn bottle of champagne!”

Oh my god, would I tell him I won? Should I drink it while onboard? Am I woman of my word? What was I going to do? How can I void that contract? Will he remember? Oh my god, please help me. Today is Mr. Coka's birthday and I am on another sailing without him and he home alone. Oh my god, I am going to die if I stop cruising NCL or cruising in general...

Next Up: Two Fun Filled Nights At Sea!

coka

Happy you are enjoying the Dawn as much as we always have. Nice to see performers Krevian and Martini still providing quality entertainment. Enjoy.

Another great review. You mentioned my friend Colin Hudson, and I concur, he deserves a style card. A funny story... We sailed the Jewel Dec 08 and he was Executive Chef. I requested a tour of the kitchens and Colin called to set it up. It was obviously a pain in the behind for him, but he warmed to us, and it was fine. Four months later, we were on the Sky, and Mrs Biker is checking the crews rouge gallery in the atrium and points saying "that's our Chef!" And then 20 minutes later we see him, and she tells him how wonderful it was to have "our chef" on board. I called her a suck up, but she ate chocolate covered strawberries in suite each night.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

Al

Hey Coka.. Glad you had such a great time on your cruise so far. As I expected, your review does not disappoint. It leaves us all waiting breathlessly for the next installment. I was a bit disappointed that you did not mention Fire and Ice as part of the music onboard. I guess maybe they have moved on to other adventures. They were simply amazing.

Can't wait to read more.

Okay, now I don't care anymore about the review and only want to know if Mr. Coka is going to hold you to your promise. Of course you didn't know that answer until you got home so it will be one of the last things you report, so I'll just have to keep reading the review after all.

...... Reading your reviews are my sweet addition.

Having meet the dear Mr. Coka.....my opinion is to share the bottle with him and then he won't mind you continuing to cruise.

OceanDreams

Wow - what a story. can't wait to read at on my train ride home today. Hubby and I are leaving 5/30.

The Dawn Fulfills My Dreams (Bermuda 4/25/10 Sailing)!

 

Prologue: “Oh My God, We Are Going To Die!” I exclaimed every day when I visited my sister overseas. Whether it was meeting her in Paris, Amsterdam, Macedonia, Istanbul, Croatia, Serbia, or Bosnia, we sometimes found ourselves in precarious life and death situations. Back then, I knew she would protect me from harm. She semi-retired now living back home, what type of adventure would we have together on the Norwegian Dawn’s 4/25/10 sailing out of NYC? Arm in arm with her newest and allegedly the last love of her life, the three of us were all excited to sail Dawn’s third trip to Bermuda. Celebrating a honeymoon cruise before their big wedding, I was their escort on the Dawn‘s third trip to Bermuda during this cool early spring season.

 

Pre-Cruise 2 Day Escape To New York:

 

The honeymooners ditched me before we even started. Flying solo, I was scared to go into the big apple alone as I have never done it before. The only person I knew in Manhattan was the fortune teller in Times Square. Cruise critic helped with suggestions. A cab from JFK would be about 65 dollars depending on traffic. The LIRR train is inexpensive and stops at Penn station and I could walk, bus, or cab to our hotel. Or, I could share a ride with Go Airlink shuttle for 21 dollars. I did not want to die getting there and I did not want to be lost by myself for days and miss the ship. Thank heavens for the hot Sicilian mobster who took me from baggage claim to the front door of my hotel on 57th Street in a really cool car. Since the up sell fairy never called me, I had a stash of cash and went first class.

 

The hotel thankfully let me check in early at 9am. I called the honeymooners and their ETA was at 4pm via vehicle from Boston. Since they had my luggage and I was not sure if they would arrive at all, I went shopping just in case. 5th Avenue was too expensive yet I certainly had the taste for what was available. SoHo and Chinatown were too crowded and they had everything I wanted if I was age 19. Madison Avenue and Lexington Avenue were just right for my age and wallet. I enjoyed the little boutiques and bought things they did not have where I come from. Thank goodness I got the call at 6:30pm in the changing room because I am sure I would still be shopping there if I had not.

 

“We are on the Tappanzee (?) Bridge and our Garmin keeps sending us the wrong way!” the Honeymooners exclaimed. I asked if they still had my luggage and darn it all they sure did. I had to stop shopping. Sister exclaimed they would probably be there around 9pm. I shouted louder, “No, no, you almost hera! Shoot Garmin and folla the signs…it’s slick and easy as butta! Trust me! Tak-a righta and tak-a lefta on 57 and you’ll be righta hera!” Oh my goodness, only 9 hours in the big city and I was talking like my breakfast waiter earlier that day. Arriving safely in one piece the three of us walked down Times Square and took the advice from the comedian on the corner for an excellent Italian restaurant a few blocks down on a side street.

 

We woke up the next morning and decided to stroll through Central Park to begin our first full day together. We brought our passports and other forms of identification in case we found ourselves in an opening scene of a CSI New York program. We put them in all sorts of locations in our clothing. Should the investigators find us all chopped up behind a big tree, then at least one form might survive the cut and they would at least know it was us. I wore my sneakers because even though the honeymooners were one retired Lt. Colonel and one retired Para-Trooper, I knew I could still run faster than them should a mugging ever present itself.

 

Thankful it never did, Central Park was nothing like CSI. We thoroughly enjoyed the stroll where the dogs looked like their owners and the babies did not. We enjoyed the zoo in the middle of the park, the Metropolitan Museum of art, the pizza, the churches, the pedicure and manicure treatment at Avanti salon back on 57th street (even paratrooper loved it), the cocktails and tiramisu ordered in what we figured out later was a gay guy pickup joint in lower Manhattan, the shopping for shoes, and the mad-dog cab driver who we thought we would die with as he jumped vehicles and cut off anyone in his way. Although a fun-filled ride, we never ever had a moment to pass the Grey Poupon. Back in Times Square we haggled the locals to find the honeymooners two pairs of white plastic sunglasses for the NCL white hot party as I already had mine. We finished the evening eating Thai take-out back in our hotel room. Sleep came fast for the three of us and we were excited to wake up in the morning.

 

 

Embarkation/Sunday

 

Driving to pier was easy. We headed towards the water down 57th, took a left then a right and went up the ramp to parking. We gave cash but they do take a credit card. The cost is 30 dollars per day and the parking area is very secure. Bring your parking ticket with you because they do not want you to leave it in your vehicle. A giant elevator took us down into the terminal and we gave our luggage to the big strong man who was happy to take it. Checking in was very easy. Embarkation began at around 12:15 on this sailing. Keep in mind it can vary week to week.

 

The honeymooners dined in the Venetian and I went to the spa to sign up for the weekly spa package which is 99 dollars for a single. I got the honeymooners a couples package for 150 dollars. Unsure of the weather temperature in Bermuda, I wanted to make sure we got the weekly pass as opposed to the daily pass and it was very well worth it. The twenty dollar daily pass can be a crap shoot depending on the numbers using the spa at the time. My highlight that embarkation day was surprising the honeymooners when they found me laying on a demonstration spa bed in the middle of the atrium. The only thing missing was my rosary beads. Hooked up to electrodes, the treatment shocked 5.1 inches from my body. I am not sure what I enjoyed more…laying naked beneath the towels talking to people as they walked by…seeing how many would sign up (We were five for five before we had to muster)…knowing I was taking one for the NCL team...or feeling like I was finally getting the complimentary spa treatment Miami office said I would get on the Gem christening. I concluded it was the latter and a lost piece of the puzzle was finally put in its place. All was well with the world.

 

The honeymooners signed up for three ionithermie treatments, the couples massage, and the hot stone massages. My sister said she was walking straighter and her lower back pain dissipated after her first massage embarkation day. The three of us totally enjoyed the spa all week long. The spa gals were absolutely wonderful, friendly, and had a keen sense of humor. The Dawn has a giant lap pool that was a lot fun on rough days at sea as well as calm days in port. A quiet area, we did the hot tub, the Jacuzzi with rollers, the sauna, the steam room, and the relaxation rooms which had a beautiful aft view from the stern floor to ceiling picture windows. The best part was sometimes having the entire place to ourselves.

 

For the muster drill, we did not have to take our lifejackets. As reported here, the reason given later was the new procedure indeed reduced the numbers of passengers tripping on dangling straps others let drag behind them on the decks and up the stairwells. Sail away was cool, misty, and foggy but that did not stop passengers from getting into the public hot tubs, nor from attending the sail away party in Spinnaker’s Lounge where the band played on as we left port. The three of us enjoyed sail away at the Bimini Bar sipping appletini’s, eating giant cheeseburgers, and the yummiest pretzel rolls ever.

 

My balcony cabin was 8550 forward port side on deck 8. Having really enjoyed the encapsulated balcony location with the built in shelf on the Pearl in February, it was a great economical choice and a great protector from the wind on this sailing. The honeymooners loved their 11082 mini-suite located mid ship starboard side on deck 11. We selected opposite sides of ship not knowing which side would face the dock and which side would face the water in Bermuda. For this sailing, mine faced the dockyard. Far enough away from each other, yet close enough to enjoy any view, the statue of liberty coming and going, and sunrises and sunsets.

 

If you can afford a mini-suite, I say go for it. The honeymooners titled it “affordable luxury.” The room is wider, the décor a little more upscale, the bathroom is bigger because it has a tub shower, and more leg room in toilet area. A mini-suite balcony is indeed bigger…actually more width jutting out from the ship and includes an overhang. The couch bed is also bigger that sleeps two adults comfortable enough in my opinion. My couch would fit only one adult or two very small children. I was solo in mine so of course I had plenty of room and many unused shelves. Our stewards in both locations were great and very accommodating to any requests. They brought me a mattress topper that matched the 2.0 mattress so I slept well like I do on the Pearl and the Gem.

 

The Dawn is certainly a New Yorker’s ship. Most notable (and I wrote this last year too when I sailed her) are the musical venues that take place all over the ship. All musical entertainers we saw were top notch on this sailing. Below is a list of who is onboard currently:

 

Vladimir Krivian (awesome piano player who sometimes played the Venetian during dinners as well as other times/locations throughout the week)

 

Michael Blackwell (piano and melodies)

 

Bernie Martini (totally awesome! His venues got crowded as passengers discovered his amazing vocal/piano talents throughout the week. A young good looking crooner, he never disappointed. The honeymooners gave him the hardest working musician award of the week because he played everywhere days/nights. We concluded he must drink olive oil to keep his voice so smooth for that long!)

 

Jose and Patti (a dynamic duo! Standing room only so get to their venue early)

 

Next Stage (The absolute best ship band on the seven seas. The passengers love them and the crew loves them! All are excellent musicians and the female lead singer is the icing on the cake)

 

Dawn Show Band

 

DJ Franco (Finally! A DJ who played music for all the age groups onboard this week. I was not the oldest dancer in late night Dazzles! A wide variety of music that everyone could dance to…even my trance/techno requests late night!)

 

Guest DJ Tipsy from NYC (hooray! I love the guest DJ thing as you might know. He sometimes played late nights, at sunset chills by the pool, and at different parties throughout the week in conjunction with DJ Franco)

 

Pavla Szirotna (?)

 

Steve Gallatin (guitarist)

 

Caribbean Wave (pool band and party band at different venues)

 

* * * A new event on the Dawn is the Big Band Brunch held on the last day at sea. I have seen it advertised as a Jazz brunch on other ships where the show band plays jazz in one of the smaller specialty restaurants such as Le Bistro. The Dawn does it big NY style by kicking it up many notches! Held in the beautiful Venetian restaurant, many of the above entertainers sing/play in addition to the big show band. Food galore too which is more upscale than the buffet. This is advertised right on embarkation day, throughout the week, and in the FreeStyle Daily so sign up if interested. The cost is 15 dollars per person.* * *

 

They were also conducting volunteer Focus Groups onboard this week for people who dined in the Venetian and Aqua restaurants. We dined there a few times but did not take part in the feedback group. Even so, I gave Executive Chef Colin Hudson a STYLE card. Can you believe I concluded the food onboard the Dawn was just as good as and maybe even surpassed the Pearl? I know, I know, I know, but it really was! Even though I only ate a banana from my platinum fruit basket, chocolate covered strawberries from my travel agent, and orange juice from the spa for dinner my first night, I discovered just how yummy everything was during the rest of the week.

 

I went to bed early embarkation night and missed the Welcome Aboard Show, the Welcome Aboard Party Dancing Through the Decades, and all the entertainers listed above. I smiled as I opened my balcony cabin and jumped into bed. I am not quite sure what kept me awake the longest…the cool air, the sounds of the wake, or me peeking out from beneath my pillow every now and then while repeatedly thinking, “KevinsCruising was only pulling a Halloween prank…KevinsCruising was only pulling a Halloween prank….KevinsCruising was…and then I fell fast asleep forgetting all about it. Thank goodness. I am sure the honeymooners would have just loved having me as a third wheel in their mini-suite all week!

 

Next Up: Two fun filled Days At Sea!

 

coka

Terry, I think Fire and Ice are the couple I was thinking of when I did a two night cruise to no-where a few years ago. Even so, Jose and Patti were wonderful as well! They had good stories and fantastic song sets.

BikerAl, I still say every ship can have the same recipes and ingredients...but the chefs and Executive Chef can make the difference!

Ocean, all might be well...all might be well...LOL!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Two Fun Filled Nights At Sea!

Before I get to what we did, I want you to know if the days were full of fun things to do, then so were the nights. Below are the highlights of the week:

Stardust Theater Shows: Band On the Run , Comedian Michele Balan, South Beach Rave, The Second City Comedy Troupe, Magical Showtime Beyond Belief, Bollywood, Farewell Variety Show with Michele Balan, Gene Yaws, and Greg Gleason

Dance Parties: 70’s Groovalicious Dance Party, Flashback Through the Sixties, Music Through the Decades, Beatles Tribute, Big Band Hits, Beer Fest and Country Night, Bermuda Nights Deck Party, Rock Night, 50’s and 60’s Dance and Sing-A-Long Party, Bandaoke (karaoke with the band Next Stage), and the White Hot Night.

Cruise Staff Events that involve the Passengers: Viva Las Vegas Night, Not-So-Newlywed Game show, NCL’s Pyramid Game Show, Dancing With The Stars of the Norwegian Dawn, Adult Karaoke, The Liar’s Club, Sing It if You Know It, and The Second City Script less (family friendly).

As usual, they also had social events for Friends of Dorothy, Friends of Bill W., and Singles Get Togethers. Lots of Bingo opportunities as well! I did notice there was no toga party nor the adult Quest on this sailing. I can not imagine where they would have fit it in. OH!…There were also plenty of 2 for 1 martini specials in the Star Bar yet on this sailing, I had forgotten about the chocolatini’s I enjoyed so much last year.

Monday night was Dress Up Or Not night and I dressed up in my opinion. After fighting the current and giant waves in the spa lap pool (what a good time and a good workout!) because the ship was rocking and rolling, I did the sauna, showered, lotioned up with Elemis, and was ready for a fun filled evening. Donning my new one size larger than last cruise cream sheath dress and my new Fergie thick gold criss cross strapped open toe with a zipper enclosed up the back to my ankles 4 inch heeled sandals, my body and legs were limber enough to wear them. How long would I last in those I wondered as I left my cabin at 6:59pm.

I attended a secret party and sipped wine. I sipped enough to last the evening but not too much to get into any sort of trouble. I met some very nice passengers and enjoyed talking to a woman and her daughters who had suddenly lost their husband/father last November. I told them he was with them in spirit yet they thought not. He never wanted to cruise and now that he had passed, they were taking the trip of their lifetime. Kudos to them I thought. When I saw them at debarkation, they said their week was fantastic and they had been spoiled spoiled spoiled all week long. NCL is so very good when it comes to rejuvenating one’s spirit.

I have no idea what I did from 8-9:30 but my notes say I was at a mobbed Dazzles listening to Jose and Patti. Actually, I remember leaning against a wall somewhere in there talking to whoever would listen. I also remember thinking, dang, at 6’ 2” these shoes are awesome because I can see over all these people!

Around 9:30pm I walked a little further down deck 7 and peered below to deck 6 and spotted the honeymooners sitting and listening to Bernie Martini in Gatsby‘s. I took the stairwell without holding on to any railing. Oh My god, please don’t let me fall and break my neck and die I thought as I took each step down in the most glamorous way a slightly schnaukerd middle age woman wearing 4 inch heels designed by a rock star could.

I found out the honeymooners ate without me in Asian Fusion. What? My sister-in-law and I loved that place last year and they went without me! They told me at embarkation while perusing the menus, that was the last place they wanted to eat at. I told them to not underestimate that menu the day prior. So what did they think? They RAVED about it. They said they ordered just about everything on the menu. They reported they were most pleasantly surprised, the flavors, the aromas, the ambiance, the presentation, the service, was all impeccable. Since they were family, I responded that I told them so. I also told them I needed to eat something myself or I was not going to make it the rest of the evening.

They, along with a solo gal attorney from Chicago, joined me for dinner in Aqua. Only ten minutes before the restaurant closed, I ordered the warm goat cheese pasty and the beef ribs that fell right off the bone and I did not need a knife. Attorney ordered a Caesar’s salad and French onion soup. The honeymooners ordered desserts of chocolate mousse and crème brulee. Everyone loved everything ordered and I found the flavor/presentation a big improvement from last year.

The four of us immediately went dancing afterwards in Spinnaker’s to Next Stage. Although the newer ships have Bliss Lounge, I really like the size of the dance floor in Spinnaker’s. More room to move and I do not tend to injure anybody there. When the band stopped playing I noticed the honeymooners and the attorney were no longer there. So I went to Dazzles because I could.

Dazzles was hopping too. I met some of the passengers who were also at Spinnaker’s earlier on the dance floor. Happy to know I was not the oldest person there, and happy to know the music was varied for all age groups, I thought while dancing in my new Fergie shoes, “Oh my, I can not remember that last time I heard let alone danced to “I’m turning Japanese, I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so!” in a very long time.

Some time later I was walking bow-legged on the promenade thinking I was going to die if I did not take my Fergie shoes off. My feet were fine. It was my upper and lower legs that were not. I very carefully took the stairwell up to my cabin. Feeling a little bit defeated about calling it an early night, I realized I should have ordered an Underberg after my meal. I still would have been “fresh and alert” to continue until sunrise…

* * * * *

Tuesday night I took the honeymooners and the attorney out to Le Bistro. A platinum member, it was complimentary for me and a guest along with a bottle of house wine. Since there were four of us, I brought the coupon from my travel agency that gave me a second bottle when I booked. I saw a review somewhere that stated frois gras was not on the menu…but it was on the menu. I had that, the escargot and the lobster which was an additional 10 dollars to the original 15. The others had the onion soup, the mushroom soup, and the beef and duck. For dessert, they had the crème brulee. I was too stuffed to have the chocolate fondue if you can believe that. So, dessert was a round of Underberg! Causing quite a stir that I ordered it, the wait staff was mesmerized by this wonderful little elixir. Actually, a form of bitters, I toasted the man from the Pearl who introduced me to it and we all enjoyed. The toast included Mrs. VIP too, who is a true blue Pearl-It Girl.

Ten minutes later we were fresh and alert to laugh until we cried to Michele Balan’s comedy show in Spinnaker‘s Lounge. I rooted for her win on “Last Comic Standing” and she was a riot onboard. Even though her humor could be considered a tad raunchy, her stories about being a middle age woman WERE ALL TRUE! We verified it as we were living it ourselves. We finished the evening listening to Next Stage in Dazzles and then Bernie Martini in Gatsby’s who played until whenever. I think whenever was about after midnight when the honeymooners and I retired.

Tomorrow the ship was going to stop moving and we would be in Bermuda for three days straight! I also had to call in to Mr. Coka.

coka

Arriving to Bermuda:

Land! I See Land! I exclaimed as I stuffed my laundry bag full on Wednesday morning. Only 24.95 for as much as you can fit in. I recommend bringing duct tape. As a platinum member, mine was complimentary and I admit some of the honeymooners things were in the bag too. I used the dry cleaning onboard as well. The prices are very reasonable. Not wanting sweat stains seeped permanently into my cream sheath, it was only 9.95 to have it dry cleaned which is the same price back home.

Home. I better call home. As the Dawn approached Bermuda, I turned on my Verizon and paid no attention to the little bells that told me I had email after email coming from work. Some of you know why I refused to look. After the dinging, I ring-a-linged Mr. Coka:

Me: Happy Birthday Mr. Coka!

Mr. Coka: Thank you very much! How is your trip going?

Me: I am having a great time. I wish you were here enjoying it too.

Mr. Coka: Ha, ha, ha, yeah right! How are the honeymooners doing? Are you a third wheel?

Me: They are having fun!

Mr. Coka: Well, you are missing a big snowstorm here…!

(I interrupt him)

Me: Um, I have something to tell you. It is the best birthday present you can imagine.

Mr. Coka: Another t-shirt with the ship name on it?

Me: Noooooo! (long pause) I finally won the bottle of champagne!

Mr. Coka: And?

Me: Mr. Coka, I WON the bottle of champagne! The champagne for sailing NCL the longest among all the passengers onboard.

Mr. Coka: That’s cool. Why is that such a great present?

(A really long pause)

Me: I dunno.

Mr. Coka: Did you drink it?

Me: Um, no!

Mr. Coka: Why not?

Me: Um, I don’t like champagne? I thought you would like it.

Mr. Coka: Anyway, we got 12 inches of snow in the mountains, the power is out for some of the people here, the wind is whipping across the lake, I can not believe it is so cold!

Me: Oh dear, that is terrible news. Do you wish you were here instead?

Mr. Coka: No, not at all.

Me: Well thank goodness I am on this cruise vacation instead of enduring that weather back home during my vacation time!

Mr. Coka: Well enjoy it because it is not getting any better for a while! What are you doing in Bermuda?

Me: I do not know. We are going to wing it and see what adventures come our way.

Mr. Coka: Well, have a good time.

Me: Okay, I sure will! I miss you and love you! Bye!

I hung up hoping the guilty feeling would go away as the Dawn approached Bermuda closer and closer. It did not until I decided to worry about it when I got back home. The gods would give me signs during the rest of the trip and I sure was going to be on the lookout for them.

coka

I am enjoying your review coka! Welcome home!

You are correct, Fire and Ice were the singing act on the Dawn 2-day. Their names are Rosie and Max. I got a picture with Rosie after she did her Tina Turner tribute!

I am starting to write up your diagnositc evaluation to show Mr. coka that you were not in your right mind when you announced that you would stop cruising when you win the champagne! I will sign it with my new credentials, lol!

I am looking forward to the reading the rest.

Ah Jim, you are a sweetie! Yes, then it is fire and ice I was thinking of. Also Jose and Patti did Tina Turner tribute, I was still thinking I did not remember it like that! LOL

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * ** *

Bermuda: Our Adventure Begins (Wednesday)

Ahhhhh, the ship stops moving and we are tightly secured to the pier at Kings Wharf. I had Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, yogurt, and coffee for breakfast in the Garden Café. My sister, an eggs benedict gal, wrote a STYLE card to whomever prepared them at the buffet as they were perfect every time she ate them. Her only disappointment was they did not serve them at Sunday’s debarkation. I told her the eggs benedict man probably got the morning off because she wrote him a card…

We really did not have a plan which is how we like to travel. There were those who did so we took our time getting off the ship. You can pre book excursions on NCL.com or you can book them when onboard. I suggest if you know what you want to do, then sign up at embarkation or on the first sea day. We decided to try and sign up for the bike trail tour mid week but it was already canceled due to lack of interest. Maybe if we told them we were interested by signing up earlier or online, it could have happened.

Many passengers wanted the 3 day bus/ferry pass for 28 dollars so they could see Bermuda very economically. My understanding is there are not a lot of cabs like you see on other islands but they do exist. Having been to Bermuda once before, I highly recommended the island tour for the honeymooner’s first time. I did it on my first trip and it gave me a wonderful idea of everything the island offered. I also said St. George’s was a must do as I spent three days there on the Majesty. They were not interested in seeing the pink sand beaches and most of the island as they had no sense of urgency for any must do‘s. True travelers, they had already concluded, “next time” if they did not see everything this trip.

Bus/ferry passes were sold right at the first building you walk through before leaving the pier. They also were sold in a little building right across from the ferry pick-up which is a very short walk from the Dawn’s pier. Captain Paul Von Knorring’s daily weather reports were always on target so it helped with planning the day. He also strongly discouraged renting the motor scooters as they were also strongly discouraged in the Freestyle Daily. The Celebrity ship next to us probably did not think of their passenger safety as much because we saw a middle aged couple almost drive into the water as they wiped out on their scooter before they even left the pier. Oh my god, I thought they were going to die, but they were just a little bit harried once they both stood up and shook themselves off. A Bermudian lady directed them to walk it immediately back to the shop they rented it from. They were very lucky.

Our first stop was snorkel beach. A small area, it had a bar and it had a cool cove for snorkeling. Nobody swam at the time as the water was cool and very wavy. The wind was blowing yet the sun shined brightly. We found the high 60 low70 temperatures excellent for walking around. Perfect for shorts and t-shirts, capris and mid-length sleeved shirts, or jeans and light jacket/sweater. When I visited in August, I remembered sweating after 2 minutes in the 85 degree humidity.

We toured the shops and saw what the restaurants, quick dining places had to offer. Although we loved the arts and crafts building (especially the elderly German guy who hand-crafted jewelry my sister found fascinating and bought two pieces from him), the three of us were more interested in the actual structure of the buildings. Inside the big shopping area we went upstairs and walked around to discover the building was a giant barn/loft. We suspected the upstairs was used for events or weddings or something where a lot of people could gather with an awesome view.

We later found ourselves behind the old buildings, peering into windows that were located near the far left if you are looking at the wharf from the ship. We so wanted to go inside the giant structure that looked like an old prison that is high above the clock tower. The No Trespassing Sign steered us away so we walked to the far right and paid an eight dollar entrance fee to the Bermuda Maritime Museum. OH my, this was very cool! We watched the entrance video which gave a good overview of everything. We walked up the hills and looked at old cannons, old anchors, and went into bunkers where they stored the ammunition. The view was also very beautiful.

I gave a little history of the island that I researched last trip while Para-Trooper explained his knowledge of the fortress. We spent hours in the Governor’s Mansion on the hill reading and looking at everything gathered and presented for us on the level beneath the ground. We spent even more time on the first level reading and looking. Before going upstairs to the third level, we found ourselves in a giant semi-circular room that had a beautiful mural painted all over and covered two levels. While looking at all the visuals on the wall, I discovered what appeared to be a secret opening in the wall that was hidden within the painting. Sister and I tried to open it. As we discussed what it could be, I exclaimed that the mural was indeed the entire history of Bermuda.

Look! Look! That is the Sea Venture! Look! There are the hogs, fish, and fowl they found! Oh my, look as you go around the room! The entire mural tells a visual story! There is the uprising and there is…How cool is this! This is great! We heard para-trooper’s voice calling for our location. We are in here! This room is fantastic! Hey, what do you think this secret door is? Para-trooper pressed it and jiggled it yet did not know either. Suddenly, surprisingly, and seamlessly, a piece of the mural disappeared and a bright light was shining through! There appeared a silhouette of a man. Not just any man, but a mystical magical man! Oh my god, was he going to holler at us in a booming voice “Who are you three, from whence you come, and what do you seek? After my conversation with Mr. Coka I was going to ask him for a heart if he did. He did not holler at us all. Instead he hollered at someone from the other side that it was okay, there were only three of us, and he beckoned us through the hole in the mural. One minute we were standing in a mansion museum room and the next we were on “the other side” with…with…with The Wizard Of Bermuda!…

coka

...On the other side of the wall the Wizard of Bermuda had us sit around an old wooden octagon table with drawers and shelves at each angle. Books and maps and objects abound decorated the room. He quizzed us and we answered correctly. We asked him and he informed. We told our stories and he told us about Bermuda’s. We made him laugh as he did us. He gave us his business card along with four books each: Heritage Matters Volume 1 and Volume 2, A Children’s Guide to The Hall of History, Bermuda Forts 1612-1957 (did you know there are about 90 of them in Bermuda?), Four Centuries of Friendship, along with a current magazine titled, “Maritimes” which showed pictures of Her Majesty the Queen of England and Prince Philip hanging out with the Wizard! OH MY! We thanked the Wizard so very much. I was especially grateful because our library back home had no books on the history of Bermuda. We thought he was going to escort us back to reality, but instead he directed us to follow him. Which we did of course!

We went through all sorts of secret passages as we observed munchkin volunteer workers along the way. We walked through two huge beautiful wooden gates which were donated by the Wizard because I saw the plaque. We suddenly found ourselves outside in a fenced in yard area. “Get in the back of the open air white pick-up truck and hang on tightly to the bars! Stand up so you can see the view!" he exclaimed. “Munchkin, open the gates!” If any of you were down below on the wharf that Wednesday afternoon and spotted three smiling people standing up in the back of a pick up truck as the winds were whipping their hair on top of the fortress wall while they gave a Queen’s wave to the staring tourists below as they drove by high above them …then that was us! The Wizard drove across the top of the long stretched “off limits” wharf wall to the other structure where we longed to get into earlier that morning!

Another gate unlocked and he drove us in. We got out in our amazed states. He tells us to look around and he would be back in fifteen minutes as he drove back out. He disappeared and there we were standing locked inside the walls of the old fortress and later, the old Bermudian prison. I said to my sister, “He left? Oh my God, we are going to die!” We decided we would laugh it off unless he did not return in 16. So we explored the structures nearby and he returned to find us in five. We walked up spiral cement staircases and peered out the windows. We concluded the jail cells were bigger than the ones my dad had for his prisoners when we were growing up. Prisoners are similar everywhere as we read the etchings scratched in on the walls. Our prison walls and their prison walls also had the same lime green paint of the 1960’s. We learned this side of the fortress/prison was being restored and would take five years before completion. We tore our prison/house down in 1974 and it is now a parking lot.

Clouds were coming quickly and the Wizard concluded our magical Bermudian history tour. He told us to stay in contact with him and although he was done for the day, he offered to drive us into Hamilton and we could take the ferry back whenever we were done.

Can you believe that? What a great guy! What a Bermudian Ambassador! We opted to return to the Dawn because we were going to Hamilton later that evening. The three of us were back in the honeymooner’s mini-suite discussing how cool it was to meet the Wizard! How lucky were we to have a fantasy happen when a secret wall opens up like that?! That only happens in the movies! And Jimswims…if you are still up reading this…the Wizard was also a “Doctor”…and the climax was the name that appeared on his business card was also the same name that appeared on THREE of books he gave us! What an excellent adventure in King’s Wharf and what a great man we met that day!

Coka

Wow :D

Al

Hi Coka,

What I love about your travelogues is you manage to weave in a "lesson" or "experience" into the mix of dancing, eating, drinking, and socializing! That story about the Wizard is amazing! Having books with his name must make it real.:)

Got a huge chuckle out of your having Underberg. I'm pretty sure the same person who introduced it to you on the Pearl introduced it to DH Bob several years ago on the Dawn, especially if there's a British accent involved.;):D DH suffers terribly from seasickness and we've tried many remedies over the years from the patches to pills to ginger and apparently Underberg will do the trick. Anyway, if anyone ever feels really seasick nauseous, Bob now swears that you will recover if you down one of the 110 proof little bottles of Underberg. I swear the main reason is it'll surely put you to sleep for awhile especially if it's the middle of the day.:rolleyes:

Congrats on the champagne! Last big cruise I was on (Gem TA in Dec.) a woman named Silva (you've probably met her) was also cruising, this time for her 113th time on NCL! I've sailed with her 3x now so you can easily calculate my chances of winning the champagne.;)

Really enjoyed meeting you and the sisters on the Gem weekend cruise in Jan. But I would have loved to see you in the Fergie heels!

Just googled Michele Balan and realized I watched that season of "Last Comic Standing," too. Besides her "tad raunchy" show, did she also do a "regular" set? The reason I ask is I think you saw her late night show which normally turns out to be the more "adult" one. Do you know how long she'll be on?

Can you confirm the wonderful entertainer Bernie Martini will be going to Epic? Do you happen to know when? How about Dave Heenan and Jose & Patti?

Did HD Hugo have an Officers Dinner on your cruise this time?

Can't wait to hear how you spent the rest of your time in Bermuda and the way back home. Belated happy birthday to Mr. Coka!

Are you off to the Epic next? We're still trying to figure things out. Having a very very ill 90 yr. old FIL several states away makes it very tough for us to get away. So I'm hoping for the chance to book relatively last minute. Hope to sail with you again sometime!:D

We really enjoyed dancing with DJ Franco especially the final passenger night of the Majesty. Only 3 couples in the disco, 50% off open bottles and us showing him that you can indeed do a cha cha to Pussycat Dolls and Lady Gaga!

I am absolutely loving your review, Coka....and anxious to read more! :)

Congrats on getting that bottle of champagne. Kudos to you for stepping out in those 4" heels...and living to tell the tale. Happy belated to Mr. Coka as well!

Of course I am still reading and enjoying!!!!! I truly am loving the experience and adventure.

It is amazing to think of what can be discovered when you stop to notice and be open to whatever it may bring!

We return to Bermuda the week of 8/7/11! Maybe you can be our tour guide!!!!

Congrats on the champagne! Last big cruise I was on (Gem TA in Dec.) a woman named Silva (you've probably met her) was also cruising' date=' this time for her 113th time on NCL! I've sailed with her 3x now so you can easily calculate my chances of winning the champagne.;)

[/quote']

 

I had the pleasure of talking with Silva on the spirit repo a couple of weeks ago and apparently NCL have her listed as having taken somewhere in the region of 160 cruises!!

 

I think they count B2B as 2 cruise whereas Silva counts them as 1.

 

regardless if you do bump into Silva stop and have a chat with her - lovely woman.

As I watched DS#1 take 6th in javelin at BHS I could only think about your review and how nice it would be to be some place warm (actually, I was also thinking about my recent review too:rolleyes:).