My Thoughts On The Cruise

After taking my very first cruise on the Norwegian Epic during Christmas Week 2013, I made a promise to take a cruise every year. Well, I kept that promise by sailing on the Norwegian Getaway for my 50th birthday celebration...and what a celebration it was! Like several of my fellow travelers, I tossed and turned several nights leading up to the cruise because I was so excited. 

The experience began on the morning of embarkation when two NCL staff members waited for my arrival at the Baggage Claim Area at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and escorted me to the bus. We arrived at the Port of Miami about 45 minutes later. Once through the security and check-in lines (I am a Bronze-Tier Latitudes Rewards member), I stopped at O'Sheehan's for lunch. I went to Guest Services in an unsuccessful attempt to join the Vibe Beach Club, which sold out while I was waiting in line. That was the only real negative about the cruise. I finally arrived in Stateroom 11573, my Studio Cabin. The little cabin is perfect for the solo traveler and located only a few meters from the Studio Lounge, where I met several of my fellow solo travelers right after the Muster Drill. One of these fellow travelers turned out to become the love of my life, and the best part is that Heather is a fellow Aspergian.  Paquito, the Solo Traveler Coordinator, deserves full marks for his efforts to make us feel right at home. We participated in several social gatherings, such as group dinners and shows, which were a lot of fun and created a bond between many of us in the group. 

I would like to thank Cruise Director J.C. Sanchez and all of the other officers for making our Meet and Greet session a most memorable experience. 

While I never dined in any of the specialty restaurants, I was very impressed with the quality and variety of food in the Garden Cafe. Heather and I had several lovely dinners at the Taste, including on our respective birthdays. Special thanks go out to Edna, our waitress at the Taste, for her excellent service. We liked the food at the Tropicana Room, where a group of solo travelers had one dinner. However, our table was too close to the dance floor for us to enjoy a good conversation due to the loud music. 

The entertainment was very good. "Burn The Floor" was the best of the main shows, although "Legally Blonde" was also very good. The comedians at Headliners were good, although I liked the opening act slightly better. The Glow Party was an experience not to be missed. I really enjoyed watching the fireworks show from one of the hot tubs. 

Among the shore excursions, I found the St. John Champagne Catamaran Sail & Snorkel to be my favorite. Captain Teresa and the lovely ladies making up her crew made the trip a lot of fun. I followed that with a trip up to Paradise Point, where the views were spectacular. The food and drinks, however, were a bit pricey for middling quality. I really enjoyed the trip to the Baths at Virgin Gorda, although I wish we had a little more time to enjoy the beach. There is very little shopping near the port in Tortola, although that will change once the construction is completed. Although I am not all that wild about Nassau, I really had a lot of fun on the parasailing adventure. I liked the great variety of shopping near the port. 

Believe it or not, I tackled the Free Fall Water Slide...twice and then walked the plank on the ropes course. That was a lot of fun. 

Disembarkation was the saddest part of the trip because I had to say a tearful goodbye to Heather and go back home to reality. We already booked next year's cruise aboard the NCL Escape. We can hardly wait. 

An Aspergian At Sea

Hi.  A lot has happened since my last post.  I am less than one week from embarking on my first solo cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway.  I will celebrate the Big 5-0 while on this cruise and have made several major investments in preparing for the trip.

Several weeks ago, I summoned the courage to sign up for ballroom dance lessons at a dance studio in Tinley Park, Illinois.  I have weekly lessons focusing on the Rumba, Salsa, and East Coast Swing. Much to my surprise, I actually have a sense of rhythm!  I reckon that being a "closet musician" actually works to my advantage.  Another advantage is that I am learning to dance to music with which I grew up, classic rock and oldies.  As my dancing improves, so will my self-confidence.  I am already feeling the changes in my own social interactions.

Today, I went down to a quarry near Bradley, Illinois for my first snorkeling lesson.  I can hardly wait to go snorkeling in the Caribbean, as part of a shore excursion in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Breathing through a tube in my mouth was initially very uncomfortable, but I am starting to become more comfortable with practice.  I forgot to bring my waterproof video camera.  Oh well.  Another personal obstacle goes by the wayside.  I completed the academic and open-water segments of the class today.  I am starting to open up.  Wow!

I have also joined an Online Roll Call for the cruise and have successfully arranged a Meet and Greet session with the Getaway's officers and 30 of my fellow travelers.  This session will take place on Sunday, the first full day at sea.  I look forward to meeting my fellow travelers.

Next on my agenda after the cruise are Etiquette and Dress For Success classes, as well as monthly Toastmasters meetings on the Governors State University campus.  GSU is my Alma Mater.  In addition to the Ballroom Dance classes and daily workouts, these classes will form the components of a project that I would like to submit to school districts for the enhancement of students' lives.  I will discuss this project in greater detail in future posts.