This was my first music festival at sea. I was able to hang out in the midships pool with 2,000 new friends and watch Alabama perform on three different occasions. I enjoyed the music of the bands I had never heard before and will never forget. My boyfriend and I danced in the lobby, played bingo with Randy Owen and wore bell bottoms on a ’70s night.
Pearl departed Miami 10/24/13 for a four-day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, a private Norwegian island. The spa offers discounts on services while in port. So, after a short stroll to Nassau’s hay market, I’m back on board for a facial and relaxing afternoon in the thermal suite.
The thermal suite’s mixed area includes a large mineral pool with lots of bubbles, a smaller hot tub, and two shower cabins with color-changing lights. Heated tile benches were available for relaxing and taking a nap. Lounge chairs faced a large floor-to-ceiling window looking out into the arch. The ladies only side had a sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool. The spa charges $38 for a one-day pass to the thermal suite or $68 for a four-day pass. Since I was in the thermal suite every day, the four day pass was real value.
I’ve been to the Norwegian Pearl before. So whenever I saw someone with a dazed look on their face, I would ask them if I could help. It’s a great way to make new friends. Our room attendant, Eric, made the cutest monkey I’ve ever seen out of an abstract blue and white towel. He also kept the little porch cabin neat and tidy. We ate breakfast and lunch at the garden buffet on the pool deck, and dined at the summer palace in the stern. I could always find something good to eat. If you don’t like a dish, the waiters are happy to replace it.
Sixthman organized the trip and did an amazing job. Before the trip, they sent me name tags and baggage tags. On the ship they had a representative at the front desk to answer questions. I told her I left the name cards at home, and she immediately gave me new ones. While on board, we also received Alabama and friends beach towels, an autographed poster, and special Alabama pins. Moreover, everyone gets to have their photos taken with Alabama in the custom photo shoots. When I got home, I got an email with a web address where I could download my photo with Alabama. Other photos from the trip were also available for free download.
More than half of the people on board were over 50 and married. It was a friendly crowd who shared a love of country music and left me with great memories.