Bermuda cruise

Bermuda Cruise 

August 6th-August 13th 2022 

Mark and I were fortunate enough to be gifted (well it was a perk for being a high roller at Turning Stone casino) a Cruise to Bermuda. I was told a long time ago that these perks are far from free, but we were excited to be a part of this.

DAY 1:  We spent the 1st night at the  Turning Stone Casino and enjoyed a nice meal as well as 

as the additional perks of being at the Lodge at the Turning Stone. This included time in the hot tub and playing some of the gaming slots. 

DAY 2: The following morning, we had to be up and out for the bus to take us to the NY City port and ready to go. This was still early in the COVID concerns especially with Cruises, so we had to make several pre cruise interventions before we could even board the boat. Both Mark and I had gotten all of our shots, I had done it both in part because I was fearful and thought that this was a way to solve the crisis, and 2ns because I travel a ton and there had been travels that insisted on having the VAC  card for such travels. But we had to have these in place, as well as having a negative test 24 hours before we departed. In addition we had to each pay a $25- COVID fee to enter into Bermuda. (In hind sight, they were taking full advantage of the Pandemic results, ,but I will not get into my thoughts about this). The process of getting ready just to take the cruise was a whole lot of hoop jumping, but we were clear. Of course the ship never even asked for the COVID VAC card or the test results. Bermuda took that $25- with no problems however. 

I digress....we got on the ship and we were on our way to a week of fun. 

Leaving out of the NY City ports are always incredible, so once we were finally moving, I got my post and photo ready.....

 

NY City Harbor.

The views as the sun set were absolutely beautiful. 

Always a beautiful site. Our lovely lady Liberty.

Mark and I had met this great couple on the bus, (Gary and Sue) so we spent some time with them, enjoyed a meal from the buffet, played some games in the on board casino, orientated ourselves to the ship and called it an early night. We had been on the Norwegian Joy in the past, so we didn't need to explore to much, but we always enjoy refreshing ourselves to the ship. I ran into a friend from high school on the ship, so this was fun to catch up with her (Penny).

DAY 3:  Norfolk Virginia-

When we woke up we were already beginning to pull into port at Norfolk VA. I had never been here before, but Mark and I are big NCIS watchers, and there is always a murder in Norfolk. (just a joke). I really don't know much about Norfolk except that it is a big military harbor and town. 

I had done some research about what to do in Norfolk and one of the things that had perked my interest, was the many Mermaids located in several areas of the city. With no plan, Mark and I disbarked the ship and just started walking. We walked past the main event, which is the Battleship Wisconsin, taking pictures as we went, but with no interest in purchasing tickets to tour. This seemed to be the most popular thing to do as many other passengers had formed lines to enter this location. Other then this, the city of Norfolk on a Monday was pretty much closed. 

We started our walk along the pier, and I soon found my first mermaid. This trend started in 1999 when an idea of creating Mermaids on Parade began. There is no official count on the number featured throughout the city, but there were over 300 templates initially made. I started my count as we walked.

We started in Harbor park, catching some of the military and civilian boats along the dock.

Do these count?

An old cannon....interesting. There was no information about this. 

We found another one.

A large park opened up to the harbor, I was ever so tempted to take a jump into this playful fountain. 

We didn't have any direction, so we just kept walking along. I noticed signs and things as we walked. Apparently this area was part of the Underground railroad. After the civil war, fleeing slaves were taking ships from this port to escape to the North.

A harbor of ships.

and a waterside cafe. 

I found these barnacles actually lovely like a bouquet. 

a few more ships. 

and another mermaid....

and another....

A few more. 

This one is creative, she's swimming upward.

I think I saw 12 in total. Not as many as the 300 templates that had been initially been distributed, but I am sure there are many more. These were just the ones along our walk around town. Mark and I had been searching for a mini mart to buy a Monster to drink, and were finding that many of the outfits were closed on Monday. We enjoyed our time here, but really didn't find much to keep up occupied. We had walked quite a bit and made our way back towards the port and to the Battleship, where we took a few pictures before heading back to the ship.

One more of our current ship. The Norwegian Joy.

Back on board we sat on deck with Gary and Sue and had a liquid lunch. Yes, we consumed a plethra of alcohol. Soon it was time for our evening event; The production of Foot Loose. 

I wasn't as impressed as I have been with most of the shows on Norwegian. It seem to have a High School production feel. Just my thoughts, we left early and got dinner at the buffet and reconnected with Gary in the Casino. Later that evening we hit the 70's DISCO party. I loved this and so enjoyed dancing.  "its fun to stay at the YMCA" 

We got back to our room and I got my 1st of many towel animals. I had noted on our last few Norwegian trips that the towel animals have not been left. I was saddened by this and hinted to our cabin stewart that this was my favorite nightly surprise. We got animals the rest of the trip.

DAY 4: At sea

Mark and I spent most of the day and into the afternoon, lounging by the pool and basking in the sunshine. Cocktails were consumed, food eaten and hours were spent just enjoying the company of new and old friends. 

I most certainly had to much to drink on this day, but enjoyed every minute of it. We missed the group photo and group dinner on accident, but did have a nice dinner at the Manhattan Club with Gary and Sue. 

After dinner we had some fun in the casino, I had began naming my slot machines in hopes that they would be nice in return. No luck. Later we headed up to the top deck for the 80's party. I danced and danced and danced. This is my JAM. I love the 80's best music ever.  And a towel animal to make it even better.

DAY 5: Bermuda

Mark and I have been to Bermuda before so we were not in a big hurry to get off the ship. Sometimes staying back on board gives you first dibs at seats and a pool all to yourself. I spent most of the morning swimming in the pool and jumping into the not so hot hot tub. Mark was not feeling great, but by lunch time we had decided to take a walk into town. I have to say...it was HOT HOT HOT. 

We walked around the Royal Naval Dockyard. There are places to eat, shopping and canals. 

We walked as far as we could before the road became long and there were no longer buildings to offer a guide as to where we were headed. 

Our turn around point was the old jail. 

We stopped at a local grocery store and I looked at the prices of things while we were there. I couldn't believe that a loaf of bread cost over $10- and a jar of mayo was $8-. WOW! Gas is about $8- a gallon as well. I was shocked. That's what you get when your on an island. 

We stopped at the Clock Tower mall and did some shopping, before heading back to the ship. 

Back on the ship, we showered and got all dressed up for dinner. We had a mojito at the Sugarcane and listened to the band. 

Dinner was at "Q" it's a country western place that serves everything BBQ. 

It was an incredible amount of food. I was unable to eat much of it there was so much. I was a little disappointed in this place. It was one of the extra cost meals and although there was a lot to eat, and it was average tasting, the music was so loud it was difficult to enjoy the meal. I did like the music (country band) but I would have enjoyed it more, just listening to the music, without trying to eat dinner and enjoying another's company. 

After dinner we went to the casino and found Gary and Sue. I did win some money not near what I had lost over the last few days, but some and we headed to the Motown Party. I enjoyed this music as well, but as the evening continued it became more of a "club" and the Motown turned to House music. We had to leave after that. Nothing against that style of music, but not what I expected at a Motown party. To our cabin. And I see this guy. My little washcloth mouse. 

DAY 6: Bermuda Beaches

Up early and ready for a brand new day, Mark and I had a quick breakfast before heading off the ship and getting a taxi to the pink sands of Horseshoe Bay Beach. 

This was possibly my favorite day of the trip. We spent the entire morning and into the afternoon at this place. The water was perfect and we stayed swimming for most of our time there. 

We had such a good time at this beach. This was the same beach that Mark got in trouble at a few years ago. I was glad to see that he faced his fears and actually enjoyed himself while we were here. We ran into Penny and her family as we were leaving, and gave them the best info about where to go. but truth be told this beach has everything , no spot is bad. What was bad was how they put so many people in the taxi home. I was on a middle seat, which really wasn't a seat just a board that they flopped over the area for people to get to the rear seats. It was awful. I took a pic of my misery. Loved the photo bomb behind me. 

Back on the ship we cleaned up from all the sand and hit the snack club as we had missed lunch. This area is a lounge area that stretches nearly the length of the ship and has cumfy chairs and couch's. Its a very relaxing area. We snacked and just enjoyed the comfort for awhile. 

Before long it was time to prep for our fancy dinner at Cagney's Steak house. 

We were both excited for this meal, and it was good.

We even got a picture together.  

and a few on my phone for good measure. After dinner we went to the Cavern for some music. The band was great they played 80's. AGAIN my favorite.

We enjoyed the music and soon found our friends at the casino where we stayed until retiring back to our cabin. And look at this adorable little towel creature. 

DAY 7: Our last day in Bermuda. 

Mark and I had planned to take the Ferry to St. George, but the day was shorter as we were leaving tonight and the last ferry was early to return. So no Tobacco Bay today. We instead took the opportunity to enjoy the ship, we lounged by the pool and hot tub, took in the sun and napped. I read my book, caught up on journaling. It was not very filling, but enjoyable just the same. We had dinner and watched a tribute to Fleetwood Mac band. Totally loved this.

DAY 8:

Day at Sea

Well it was our last day, and I had eaten, drinken and gambled just a little to much. But it was all in good fun. The trip home was rainy so most of the day was spent in our little room watching the same movies and lounging. We did connect with our friends and had a few cocktails. Something about the rocking of the ocean and being in that little cacoon of a room always makes me tired. We did a ton of napping on this last day and before long we needed to shower and get dressed for our last show. ELEMENTS.  This show was amazing. It was a magic show combined with dancing and acrobats. Totally redeemed themselves with this one. 

We had our last dinner at the buffet and by chance ran into Gary and Sue. We ran into Penny and her family at the casino and said our goodbyes, all committing to get together once we are home.  My last towel animal was waiting in the room. 

DAY 9: (well day 8of the Cruise) HOME back in NY.

What can I say about the last day? We hit the breakfast area and once we were able headed for departure off our floating home for the week. Mark and I find that we manage better when we depart with our luggage, but we have done it both ways. We were soon back in the streets of NYC and about to board the bus back to central NY. What a great time. We met so many people and had such a great time. 

Until the next one....TTFN