This was my first music festival at sea. I got to hang out in the middle of the ship pool with 2000 new friends and watch Alabama perform on three different occasions. I enjoyed music from bands that I had never heard of but will not forget. My girlfriend and I danced in line in the atrium, played bingo with Randy Owen, and wore our bell bottoms on our 70s theme night.
The Pearl departed Miami on 10/24/13 for a four-day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, which is Norwegian’s private island. The spa offers discounts on services at the port. So after a short walk to the straw market in Nassau, I came back on board for a facial and a relaxing afternoon in the thermal suite.
The mixed area of the thermal suite included a large mineral pool with many bubbles, a smaller hot tub, and two showers with color-changing lights. There were heated tile benches available to relax and take a nap. The couches faced a large floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the bow. The women’s only side had a sauna, a steam room, and a cold plunge pool. The spa charged $ 38 for a 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 a real value.
I have been on the Norwegian Pearl before. So whenever he saw someone with a dazed look on their face, he would ask if he could help. It is a great way to make new friends. Our room’s butler, Eric, made the best bodysuit I’ve ever seen out of a blue and white striped towel. They also kept our little cabin with balcony neat and tidy. We had breakfast and lunch at the garden buffet on the pool deck and had dinner in the Summer Palace at the rear of the ship. I was always able to find something good to eat. If you don’t like a dish, the waiters will be happy to replace it.
Sixthman organized the cruise and did a great job. Before the cruise, they sent me ID tags and luggage tags. On the boat they had a representative at the reception to answer questions. I told her that I had left my name tags at home and she immediately gave me new name tags. While on the ship, we also received Alabama and Friends beach towels, an autographed poster, and special Alabama pins. On top of that, everyone got to have their picture taken with Alabama at assigned photo shoots. When I got home, I received an email with a web address where I could download my photo with Alabama. Other images from the cruise ship were also available for free download.
More than half of the people on the ship were over 50 and married. It was a friendly crowd that shared a love for country music and left me with wonderful memories.