WELCOME TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY

Friday, February 13, 2009
Sunny, High 80s

Thursday, February 12, 2009 (Sunny, High 80s!!)
Thursday was a pool and sun day. I started another book, Tom Clancy’s Cutting Edge. The highlight was the “Bollywood” show production in the Stardust Theatre. This colorful show, a combination of dancing and gymnastic feats, was phenomenal! We sat in the front row (for leg room) and the highflying act was right above our heads. As I have said before, these performers are professional. It is hard to explain what such performers can do with their lithe, agile, muscular, athletic bodies. The theme was an Indian love story.

Even though it was formal night, we elected to wear resort casual and eat fried chicken and a cheeseburger after the show at Blue Lagoon. This is a huge change for us, but I think after almost 28 days of cruising we are less interested in the routine.

Note to fellow Spirit friends, Angel, Barb, and Kathy: If these performers are still on the ship in November, we may be able to continue our belly dancing lessons!!!

Friday, February 13, 2009
We arrived at Great Stirrup Cay at about 10 a.m. Passengers sailed to the private island in tenders (400 and 200 hundred passengers—two) were used. Some people were dissatisfied with the process, but I only wondered what they expected, that NCL would use transporters like Star Trek? This little island, owned by NCL since 1977, is coral and limestone based. I was here on the NCL Skyward with my aunt in 1983.

The process was orderly and Tim and I arrived there in a timely fashion. That said, we could not find our dream lounge chairs by a palm tree. Lounge chairs were very closely lined up in two areas. We staked out a couple chairs, moved them near a small palm, dined at the “Barbie,” enjoyed some live music, took photos, and then returned to the ship’s pool by 1 p.m.

It seems hard to believe that we must begin the process of packing up. This is not going to be a fun task—no more cruises to go to! Over the next few days, when we have “free” Internet at the Marriott Ocean Hotel near Fort Lauderdale, Tim and I are going to sum up the highlights of our “Cruise Triathlon.” We have really had a great time.

Culinary Delight of the Day: chilled strawberry soup.

TK’s Takes: He thinks the best, most accessible cabins are midship on the Dawn. Our cabin is 9626 in November. He saw dolphins off the ship while waiting for our tender number to be called. He said that Great Stirrup Cay was crowded, despite being 2.5 long by 1.5 miles wide. He also noted that Royal Caribbean’s private island is right next to Great Stirrup Cay and it is even smaller. We have been there, but too long ago for us to remember much (1993).

A Note our Dear Granddaughters, B and B: Thursday’s towel animal was a crocodile. Earlier this morning I visited the children’s area on Deck 13 on the Dawn. I was very impressed by the set up. The area was about the size of 4 classrooms, divided into several parts: a movie area, a maze-tube-jungle gym sort of area that reminded me of a deluxe kids’ section in McDonald’s or Burger King, a section with desks, and a gym. The counselor told me there is usually one adult per 10 children and that NCL focuses on hands-on activities as opposed to TV or arcade games, although those are available. Their activities are based on 2-5 year olds and 6-12 year olds. There are arts and crafts, trivia, sports, theme nights, games, and parties. I saw a scavenger hunt with parents one day. I did not ask any questions about children older than that. Near this area is a children’s pool and outdoor activities like basketball.

Note to Angel: passengers choose when they want to get off the ship on the last day. The tags are available by the main desk and one chooses what time one wants, starting at 8 a.m. We will report tomorrow how all this goes.

Note to Son R and Friend H: I lost my “D.” That is better than losing my “S” because I do not use “D” as much.

Note to Ursula: I am not entirely certain the helicopter did land. The slowing of the rotor seemed to indicate such, will check! Captain told us on Thursday that the passenger arrived safely in a hospital in San Juan. He also commented on how professional the U.S. Coast Guard was. On Wednesday, during the situation, one could tell things were very tense given the weather conditions.