2026 Mar 22-30 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Kralendijk, Netherlands Antilles, St Lucia, Basseterre, Saint Kitts & Tortola, British Virgin Islands

 Day 1: March 22, Sunday Flight & Hotel Stay

We are up early, showered, dressed, loaded our luggage into the car, and headed to the Huntsville International Airport. We arrived a little early due to a shortage of TSA agents.

We didn't have a problem. We meet up with fellow travelers Shelia, Mickey, David, and Cindy.

We boarded Delta Airlines flight 3009 to Atlanta, GA, around 6:30 A.M. We got to Atlanta about 30 minutes early, but had to sit on the plane while it unloaded passengers. 

We unlocked the plane and went to our next gate. We had to take the Metro to Gate F. Once we reached the gate area, I went in search of something to eat. I stopped at Atlanta Bread Company, where I bought a Chicken Salad Sandwich cut in half, a bag of chips, and a Diet Coke, which Hubby and I shared. 

At 10:05, we boarded Delta Airlines flight 1990, seats 25E and 25F, from Atlanta, GA to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

We were served cookies, chips, and Coke. This flight took about 2 1/2 hours. We watched our flight on-screen. We arrived in the Dominican Republic, disembarked, and went through customs.

We said goodbye to our friends, who are staying at a different hotel. We looked for our ride and finally found it. We met a couple from Hartselle, AL, on the ride to the hotel.

We arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn, room 418, La Romana, Dominican Republic, where we stayed one night. 

We checked in, took our luggage to our room 418, then went to dinner.

We ordered Caesar salad, cheeseburger, fries, and two waters. 

After dinner, we strolled outside to watch the sunset. 

3546 Airport 11:08 A.M.

3549-3561 Punta Cana Airport 2:14-2:43 PM Terminal B

3562 Hampton Garden Inn Punta Cana Room 418 @ 4:57 P.M.

3563-3565  Walking outside 

3566-3567 Dinner @5:30 PM

3568-3605 Walking around the hotel and sunset 6:09–6:57 P.M. 

Day 2: Mar 23, Monday, Traveling to Port and boarding the ship 

Breakfast at the hotel, where we ate from the buffet. I got sausage, egg, fruit, cheese, and juice. 

We went back to our room until around 9 A.M., when the NCL Rep would be downstairs to take us to our ride. 

Hubby stayed in the room while I walked around the hotel and down to the ocean. 

We loaded onto the van that took us to the port where the ship was docked. 

We had to fill out immigration papers and then go through immigration.  

We got our key cards and loaded onto the ship. Room 9039 Muster Station K

We were hungry by this time, so we went to the ship's buffet. We looked for somewhere to sit, finally finding seating outside near the swimming pool. 

We watched the ship leave port, and all the workers on the island were standing on the pier waving goodbye.

I took a long nap and got up around 8 P.M., and we went to dinner in the Palace Dining Room. 

3606 Breakfast @6:57 AM

3607-3620 outside hotel 8:25-8:41

3621-3640 Traving to Ship @10:57-11:16 A.M.

3641-3651 Port  @11:20-12:06 P.M.

3652 Lunch @ 12:34 P.M. Watermelon, fish, cake, and Ice cream.

3558-3661 Dinner @ 8 P.M. Caesar Salad, Fish, Crème Brûlée

Day 3: Mar 24, Oranjestad, Aruba (Sunset Cruise) 1–10:30 P.M.

Breakfast in the Crossing Dining Room. I ordered an omelet with sausage and French Toast. We ate with our friends Shelia, Mickey, Cindy, and David.

We ate lunch in the Crossing Dining Room. I ordered a hamburger, fries, and a chocolate cake.

When we docked, around 1 P.M., our friends went to the beach, but we decided to walk around in Aruba. 

We took everything with us because we are taking a sunset cruise from 4:30- 7:30 P.M.

After our cruise, we returned to the ship, showered, and dressed for our specialty dinner at Cagney's.

I ordered shrimp skewers, creamed potatoes, salad, and Raspberry Crème Brûlée.

3662 Sunrise @6:27 AM

3663 Replicia Ship @7:23

3664-3665 Breakfast at Crossings 

3666 Walking outside on the ship

3666-3670 Lunch 1212:47–1:05 P.M.rossings 

3671 Tickets (Excursion)

3672-3676 Sunse Cruise 5:37–6:52 P.M. 

3677-3695 Sunset Cruise Aruba Meet on the pier ashore, next to the ship 

Day 4: Mar 25, Wednesday, Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles8–5 P.M.M

Breakfast Crossing Parfi, Patries, Scrambled egg, and sausage. 

Lunch: 5 O'clock Somewhere Curacao 

Dinner: Crossings Fish Hoki, Green beans, Potatoes 

We slept late and did not leave the ship until 10 A.M. 

We ate breakfast in Crossings, then returned to our cabin to collect our belongings and proceeded to the port. 

We walked along the beachfront, stopping at Diamonds International to pick up two free bracelets and charms. We stopped at what was left of the historic RIF FORT, built in 1828 to protect the entrance to St. Anna Bay and the outer part of Otrobanda.

We walked across the bridge and stopped at the Maritime History Museum. We walked back to the ship, stopping at 5 O'Clock Somewhere for lunch. We ordered 3 soft chicken tacos, chips, salsa, and drinks. 

Hubby bought 3 shirts for $20. 

We returned to the ship and went to our room, which had not been cleaned, so we went to deck 11, poolside, so I could write in my journal.

Hubby ordered a margarita, Angry Orchard, and Pinacola. 

We ate dinner around 6 with our friends, then went to see a show around 7:30 with Juggler Dave Rave. 

We went to Effie's store for a talk and charm.

3701-3704 View from room @8:26 AM

3705-3706 Breakfast 9:17 A.M.

3707-3752 Port at 10:18 A.M. 

3753-3814 Maritime History Museum @11:19 AM

3815-3847 Walking back to the ship 11:48 A.M.

3839 Lunch at 5 O'clock Somewhere

3848-3849 Ice Cream Rocky Road & Drinks @2:34 PM

3850-3855 Tickets Room @3:52 

3856-3857 Dinner 

Day 5, Mar 26, Thursday, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles 6–1 P.M.

Breakfast Buffet level 11, Juice, French toast, Sausage, and Peaches

Lunch: Crossings Shrimp Fritters, Fish Tacos, Raspberry Custard 

Dinner: Palace, Bresheta, Shrimp Dinner, Carrot Cake

We were on the bus by 8:30 for our excursion, ion first stopping at the Salt Flats. 

Our guide was Sylvia, and our bus driver was Andy. 

We saw the town beaches, two museums, a couple of restrooms, and a Diet Coke (12:3.0). We had a great time. I talked to a woman from Canada and told her I had done some genealogy on my family line. That grandmother was Canadian. She said her family was from Europe and her mother was Russian. She said her brothers were born in Canada and had no memory of the old country or relatives living there. 

Excursion: Highlights & Culture Explore Meet on the pier ashore next to the ship at 8:45 A.M.

After dinner, we went to the theater to watch Showdown. 

3858-3879 sunrise @6:37-6:46 A.M.

3880 copy of Effie @7:30

3881-3913 Riding through Bonaire @9:36 AM

3914 Sea Shells @9:23 AM

3915-3950 Riding through Bonaire @ 9:36

3951-3954 First Stop @10:33 AM

3955-3963 Flemingo Sanctuary @10:46 AM

3964-3965 Tourist Tree @10:54

3966-3975 Traveling Bonaire @10:57

3976-3981 Washington Slagbaai National Park & Museum @11:00 AM

3982 -3992 Museum Locat Shop @11:35 AM

3993-3996 Sea Shells & Birds Chart @12:01 

3997-4002 Lunch @12:48 PM

4003 Walking @ 2:47PM

4005-4008 Sunset @ 66:29 P.M.4009-4012 Dinner @ Palace with friends

4013-4014  Group Photo 

4015 Showdown @ 8:30 PM 

Day 6: Mar 27, Friday, Saint Lucia Volcanic mud bath 22–8 P.M.Breakfast: Parfai Sausage, open-face smoked salmon on cream cheese bagel.

Lunch: Tuna sandwich with fries with friends

Dinner: Meal on Shore

Excursion: Volcantic Mud Bath Experience, meet at Stardust Theater, Deck 6 & 7 Aft meet at 2 P.M. 

We departed at 2:30 in a van for two hours, going around very curvy roads up and down hills. 

Arriving at a quaint area filled with sulfur hot water and volcanic ash. We were there for a short time. The showers barely worked, so most of the ash stayed on our clothes and our bodies.

We stopped for a buffet-style meal, which was included. The restaurant was located on a mountain overlooking the town and the water below, with beautiful views. 

After dinner, we began our journey back to the ship. The sun was setting, and it was dark by the time we reached the ship. It was getting close to time for the ship to depart when we finally boarded the ship.

We ate breakfast at 8:30 A.M. with friends. We went to the Effie store for charms.

We watched the cruise director's chief and a member of the audience decorate a three-layer chocolate cake with Cool Whip icing, then top it with cherries.

@11:30, we went to an excursion gathering where we met our cruise, next team at the Spinner Launch deck 11 FWD. 

At 9:30 P.M., we went to the Palace Theatre to watch Showdown, where American Idols meet Motown X Factor, and the audience chose the winner.

4016-4017 Breakfast @9:02 AM with friends

4018-4021 Cake Decorating @10:43 AM

4022 Lunch Salmon sandwich with fries

4023-4177  St Lucia @2:46 Riding the van

4125 Dinner @5:41 St Luica

4179-4180 Pier @7:27 PM

4181 -4190 Leaving the Port @7:50 PM

Day 7: Mar 28, Saint Kit9–6 P.M. 

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, Nevis 9–6 P.M.

Day 7: Mar 28, Saturday: Saint Kitts 9-6

Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Omelet, French toast, cranberry juice 

Lunch: Coke, chips, muffin, coconut candy

Dinner: Cagney's Shrimp Skewers, creamed potatoes, mushrooms, lobster tail, and dessert was Raspberry Crème Brûlée.

Excursion: Rail and Sail meet at the pier @10:15 AM.

We ate breakfast in Crossings Restaurant: ham and cheese omelet, two sausage links, French Toast, and cranberry juice.

We got off the ship around 9:30 A.M. and walked around the town area.  

We waited for our group and the excursion rail and sail. We were on Van #7,  driver  Devin.

Devin took us to the train station, met us at the end of the ride, and took us to the boat.

Our guide on the train ride was Jackie, and our server was Camille. Camille served us drinks and a sweet snack. 

We had a couple of young men perform for each car at least two times during the ride.

The boat ride took us back to our ship. 

We were served sodas, chips, and a muffin (banana bread)  on the boat. 

We disembarked from the boat ride and walked through the shops, where Hubby stopped to buy three Island shirts for $20.

We walked through the guarded area, where we had to show our ID and ship card.

We showered and rested before dinner.

We ate dinner at Cagney's with our friends.

After dinner, we went to the Palace Theatre to see Women of Rock: Music from Women of Rock Legends while gaining insight into life on the road.

4191-4197 Breakfast @ 8:26 A.M.

4198-4199 St Kitts on ship @8:54 AM

4200-4212 off Ship at St Kitts @ 9:09–9:43 A.M.

4213-4214 Excursion @ 10:23 A.M.

4215-4234 Train Ride @ 10:26–12:46 P.M.

4235-4241 Boat Ride @ 1:08–2:42 P.M.

4242-4246 Dinner @6:06-7:09 P.M.

4247-4264 Meet the Crew @ 8:18–8:21 P.M.

4265 Group Photo 

Day 8: Mar 29, Sunday: 7–2:30 P.M. Tortola, British Virgin Islands 

Breakfast: Parfi, Sausage, French Toast

Lunch: Shrimp Fritters, Ice Cream 

Dinner: Crossings Lobster Tail, Creamed Potatoes, Shrimp, Chocolate Melt Cake with ice cream.

 with friends

We did not book an excursion; we just got off the boat and walked around.

Most everything in town was closed because it was Sunday. 

We met a woman (Kitti) selling seats on a Taxi 613 Truck for $20 per person for two hours. 

So we hopped on for an exciting ride up the mountain. 

We stopped at several overlooks of the city and the Virgin Islands.

We stopped for a restroom break and snacks at Stoutt's Lookout 000 Bar & Restaurant.

Every time we went around a curvy road where the driver couldn't see oncoming traffic, she tooted her horn. This was being courteous.

We stopped for a selfie in front of the Colorful Tortola sign with our ship in the background.

We stopped at the British Virgin Island Callwood Rum Distillery for a rum tasting.

We passed several buildings, Spice BVI Trading Historic Social Inn, Pusser's to-go Pizza, chicken and wings, Police Headquarters, Sabals Law, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, & Tortola elements Island Sign. 

We passed CG Insurance, Latitude 18, Prime Restaurant, Red Cross Shop, and Althea. 

Scatliff Primary School,  House of Assembly, a Cemetery, Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church.

We passed the Royal Shop, Burgers and Creeps, Goodfellows, Hers & Mine, and arrived back at port, where we boarded our boat. 

Music was playing, and a limb stick was raised or lowered as we walked to the ship.

It was still daylight as we left port. I stood outside watching the island disappear out of sight. 

I bought shorts and a top at one of the shops and spent $63.50 

We ate dinner in Crossing Restaurant with our friends. After dinner, we went to the theatre to watch several crew members perform, all of whom were from the Philippines. Some sang, danced, or juggled. 

We returned to our cabin, packed our luggage, and set it outside our room for pickup. 

4267-4271 View of British Virgin Islands from the ship @7:57 AM

4272 Breakfast @ 9:04 AM

4273-4274 Virgin Islands @9:45 AM

4275-4399 Bus Tour @10:26-12:48 P.M.

4400 Receipts 

4401-4453 Walking on deck five as we were leaving port 2:13–2:43 P.M.

4456-4460 Dinner 

Talent Show @ *;30 PM Stardust Theatre 

Day 9: Monday, Mar 30: Dock and Travel home 

Breakfast in Crossing Restaurant with friends. French toast, sausage, and a Diet Coke. 

Lunch: Carl JR's airport cheeseburger and Coke $18.75.

Dinner: Blue Moon Brewhouse, Atlanta Airport, Turkey Club Sandwich, two Cokes, fries, $26.41.

Went to breakfast with friends. We went through immigration, got our luggage loaded onto the bus, and headed to the airport. We stopped for a restroom break and bought a Coke for $1.

Loaded back onto the bus and headed to the airport. We were dropped off and headed through customs.

We were stopped and had to fill out more paperwork. I finished mine and went through customs, but Hubby had to fill out more paperwork. He finally got through.

We settled in long enough to have lunch before flying to Atlanta. 

I didn't take any photos.

SDQ SANTO DOMINGO DL1803 AT 1:42 SEAT 23 A& B TO ATLANTA, GA

ATL TO HSV ON DL3065 AT 8:38 P.M. SEATS 23 A & B.

We arrived home around 10 P.M.

 

2025 Oct 16-19, NCL Getaway Cruise 7-Day Canada and New England Round Trip New York, Bar Harbor & Halifax Part 2

Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick 

 Day 5, October 16, Thursday, Beautiful Bay of Fundy 

We will be docking around 9 A.M. The time changed from 6 to 7 A.M. Clocks moved up one hour. 

We ate breakfast in the Garden Cafe. There I ate scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, sausage, cheese, and water.

Everyone on the Beautiful Bay of Fundy excursion meets in the Manhattan room @ 9:30 A.M.

We left the ship and went into port @ 10:15 A.M. We loaded onto the bus. Our driver was Terry Finnegan, and our guide was Paul. 

Our first stop was the Cave Restaurant in St Martin's, where we were served seafood Chowder. (The food was delicious.) and a cookie for dessert. 

The famous creamy Chowder comes with scallops, lobster, haddock, and a biscuit.

To find the Cave Restaurant, drive through Saint Martin Village until you reach the harbor. Take the covered bridge, and the restaurant is the second restaurant on the right, where the caves are. 

The tide was low, so several people walked down to the caves. It was lots of rocks and wet. I was wearing tennis shoes and didn't want to get my feet wet, so I just walked to the edge. 

We stopped at the Visitor Center at Fundy Footpath and walked along the Big Salmon River to the Bay of Fundy swinging bridge, which was closed. 

Big Salmon River and Swinging River Bridge 

In Saint Martin's, we stopped to take pictures of the two covered bridges we passed on our way to the restaurant. There was an ice cream shop where everyone bought an ice cream. We purchased a peanut butter chocolate waffle cone. 

The tide was still out, and all the boats that were docked were on dry land. 

We rode back to Saint John, stopping on a hill overlooking the town, where we could see our ship.

Here, everyone got off the bus to take pictures.

The bus took us back to the port, and there we shopped at the Container Village. 

We loaded back onto the ship in time for dinner. We ate dinner in the Garden Cafe. I ate a taco with sour cream, avocado dip, chips, and lemon cake. 

At 8P.M., we walked down to the Effie Store to collect two more charms, and we won a watch at the Watch store. 

I bought two more charms for my bracelet.

We returned to our room, took a shower, and went to bed. 

498 Breakfast 7:40 A.M.

500 Port Bay of Fundy @ 9:51 A.M.

502-535 Traveling on Bus St John -Champlain, Saint Martins, Orange Hill, Bayview  @11:02 AM

535 Lunch at Cave Restaurant, seafood chowder @11:44 AM 

536-551 St John's @12:57 PM

552-604 Salmon River @1:34 PM

605-612 St Martins @3:36 PM

613-614   St John's Bains Corner @4:05 PM

615-619 St John North End @5:04 PM

620-626 Bay of Fundy @5:28 PM

627-628 Dinner on ship @6:04

629 Pier Bay of Fundy @6:26 PM

630 Receipts 

Canon EOS R6 Photos

5388-5407- Saint John, Port New Brunswick

5408-5424 The Cave Restaurant 82 Big Salmon River NB 

5426-5449 Berry Beach St Martin NB

5454-5551 St Martin NB 

5450-5554 Bay of Fundy, NB 

5557-5624 St John's, NB 

Day 6: October 17, Friday: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

We slept until 7 A.M. 

We did not have an excursion planned for today. We thought we would explore the town. 

We ate breakfast in the Savor Dining room @ 9:00 A.M. I ordered a parfait, a bagel with salmon.

After breakfast, we went ashore, stopping at the Immigration Research Area. 

I have family who immigrated to Canada, so I wanted to see what I could find. 

Some of my family came before 1865, and there weren't many records before then. 

I did find others that came later. 

We walked down the Boardwalk on Pier 21, past the Immigration Museum, train car, and historic markers about immigration.

We walked past the children's play area, many stores, shops, and food areas. We walked all the way to the Maritime Museum, which we visited the last time we were in Halifax.

We stopped at Crème Cafe, Cakes, Cocktails ( a distinctive restaurant united by excellence in cuisine and atmosphere) for passion fruit cheesecake, located at 341 Lower Water Street, Unit 123, Halifax, NS, B3J 3R3.

We walked back to the ship, and at 6:30 P.M., we ate dinner in the Manhattan Dining Room, where we ordered two lobster tails and creamed potatoes from Cagney's restaurant for $25.00.

Hubby ordered shrimp Pasta, and I gave him one of the lobster tails. 

We went to the Effie Store, where we collected another charm, then we went to the Atrium area to watch a game show. The Wild Cards. 

East Coast Store Halifax 

Iphone Photos

631-632 Breakfast in Savor @9:19 AM

633-635 Ocean Halifax @10:10 AM

637-638 lunch Garden Cafe @12:47 PM

639-775 Halifax Harbor walk @3:22-5:34 P.M.

776-778 Dinner Manhattan Room 

779-780 Receipts

Day 7: October 18, Saturday, Sea Day 

We ate breakfast in the Taste Dining Room (deck 6), where I ordered a spinach, mushroom omelet, a bagel with cream cheese, and a strawberry parfait. 

Hubby ordered three fried eggs, waffles, and toast. 

For lunch, we ate fish and chips, a chocolate brownie, and cheesecake at O'Sheehans (deck 7).

After lunch, I went outside. This was the first day it wasn't cold and wet. So, I walked 3 miles around the ship.

We watched several shows and went to Effie for more charms. 

For dinner, we ate at the Garden Cafe, which had seafood. I got grilled shrimp, corn on the cob, potato wedges, and lemon cake. 

From 7-8, we watched Rumors, a tribute to Fleetwood Mack  

Packed for the trip home tomorrow.

Iphone Photos

781-784 Breakfast in Taste  @9:21 AM

785-790 Battle of the Cake Master @10:52 AM

791-793 Lunch O'Sheen's @2:10 PM

794-797  Dinner Garden Cafe 

795-796 Sunset @7:98 PM

Day 8: October 19, Sunday Excursion New & Old New York and Flight Home 

Breakfast in the Savor Dining Room, where I ordered scrambled eggs with cheese, potatoes, and a strawberry parfait. Went to our room to get our luggage, put black tags on our luggage, and walked to the theater on deck 7 to meet our group for our excursion. 

We were the first group to disembark. Our bus was the first on the left as we left the terminal. 

Our driver was Harold on bus 760 Provost. 

We rode through New York down 59th Street, Columbus Circle, Lincoln Square, Central Park, 49th Street, Times Square, Garment District, 34th Street Penn Station, passed Macy's, Trump Tower, Apple Store, St Patrick's Cathedral, NBC News, Ropckerfellow Center, Hershey's, University of NY, and stopping at the Grand Central Terminal. 

We walked through the main Concourse level of Grand Central Terminal to the Summit. 

View of New York from the Summit 

In the Clouds at the Summit 

The Summit is a three-level multi-sensory art immersion.

Level 1 is on the 91st observation floor. 

Level 2 is on the 92 observation floor, where you are standing in a glass-bottomed ledge extending 1,000 feet over Madison Avenue. 

Level 3 is on the 93rd Observation floor, an open-air terrace with views of Manhattan and beyond. 

When finished, we rode the elevator down and walked through Grand Central Terminal to the bus. 

The bus took everyone to the airport as we passed through Eugene, Hudson Yards, Chelsea, 34th St, Herald Square, Koreatown, W36th St, and Bryant Park. 

We go through security and onto our gate. Our plane is not scheduled to leave until 7:30 P.M. Central Time. Our gate location changed 4 times while we waited for our flight. 60,61,69,75.

Confirmation GEIC WW LGA to Hsv, Canadair Bombardier Regional Jet 900 for 2 hours 40 minutes. 

We ate lunch at Jimmy John's: a submarine sandwich, cookies, and Cheetos. 

We sat in the dining area where we met a professor from Renoke, NC. She said she had two daughters. 

We found several reclining seats in the sunny area, and that is where we sat until it was time to go to our gate. 

We boarded the plane at 6:50 P.M., arrived at Huntsville Airport around 10:30 P.M., collected our luggage, and started our trip home. 

There aren't many places to eat that late, so we stopped at Buc-ee's in Athens, where we bought a BBQ sandwich, chips, and Coke to share. It was very late when we arrived home. 

Iphone Photos

801-804 Arrive at New York Port @4:42 AM

805-807 Breakfast Savor @6:45 AM

808-811 Pier 90 @7:07 AM

812-888 Bus tour New York 8:29–9:18 A.M. 

889-910 Summit @10:20-11:13 A.M.

911-927 Travel to Airport @11:14 AM

Canon EOS R6 photos

5644-5676 @8:25 AM Grand Central Station, New York 

5677-5723 @9:23 AM Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck, New York

Collect Your Free Amulet of Adventure

Day 3: Anchor & Necklace at the Getaway Theatre Deck 7 FWD @12:30 P.M. Port and Shopping Talk Sea Sea)

Day 3: Nahla Amulet, Syd Norman's deck 8 fwd at 3P.M., Diamond & Gemstone Seminar 3:00 P.M., Sea Sea)

Day 3: Shopping Bag, we skipped 

Day 3: Champagne Glass at Effie Boutique Deck 8 AFT  8P.M. Celebration Party (At Sea)

Day 4: Effy TAG -we skipped

Day 4: High Heel at Effie Boutique Deck 8 AFT Feminine & Fabulous ladies night @8 P.M. (Bar Harbor)

Day 5: Gemstone at Effie Boutique Deck 8 AFT Colored diamonds & Showcase 8P.M. Deck 8 (Saint John)

Day 6: Heart at  Effie Boutique Deck 8 AFT Reverie Diamonds Dreams Reveal 10:30 A.M. Deck 8 (Halifax) 10:30 A.M. 

Day 6: Mad with Love @ Effy Boutique Deck 8 aft, Kabana showcase (Halifax @ 11 P.M.

Day 7 Panther @ Effie Boutique deck 8 aft, Final Call Savings (at Sea) 10:30 A.M.

Day 7: Horse Shoe @ Effy Boutique Deck 8, aft Effy Best Buy Sea) 2 P.M.

 

2025 Oct 11-15, NCL Getaway Cruise 7-Day Canada and New England Round Trip New York, Bar Harbor & Halifax Part 1

 Day 1: Oct 11, Saturday, Flight to New York 

We stopped at Jack's in Athens for breakfast and ordered gravy and a biscuit.

We drove to Huntsville Airport and boarded United Airlines Flight 4240, Group 3, at 7:33 A.M., Gate 2, Seats 4c & 4b. We flew into Washington Dulles, IDA, and arrived at 10:52 A.M. 

We loaded @ 12:17 IAD on flight 3704, gate A63, group 3, Seats 22 B and 22 C. Arriving in New York at 1:49 P.M. 

On the plane, we met several people going on the cruise. Mike and Rhonda Flippo, Mickey and Shelia Hines, who was a retired police officer who worked with my Hubby's brother-in-law. 

We followed our guide to the shuttle, which took us to the Marriott Marquis. 

We took our luggage to our room, R3911, and then we went looking for a place to eat. We stopped at Junior's Restaurant, 1515 Broadway St., which was just across the street from the hotel. 

We ordered Fish and chips, two drinks, and a raspberry swirl Cheesecake, and spent $47.58. Our server was Kevin. 

Walking the Streets of New York 

After dinner, we walked several blocks in the crowded streets. Vendors covered half of the sidewalks. We stopped inside the Disney Store. Took several photos. We came back to the hotel, took a hot bath, and fell asleep. Woke up, watched some TV, then fell asleep. Awoke around 4 A.M. and wrote in my journal.

Check-out time is 11 A.M.

Photos

245-7A.M. Huntsville Airport

246-249 8:14 A.M. Leaving Huntsville Airport

250-262 @10:38 A.M. Flying into Washington Dulles Airport

263-270 @12:30 P.M. Leaving Washington Dulles Airport 

271-275 @1:37 P.M. Flying into New York Laguardia Airport

277 @2:28 P.M. Leaving Airport in Shuttle 

278-296 @2:50 P.M. Travel Long Island, Murray Hill, Turtle Bay, New York 

297-301 @3:45 P.M. Our room 3931 

303 @4:16 P.M. Juniors Restaurant 

Fish and Chips from Juniors 

304-331 @5:03 P.M. Walking the streets of New York 

Day 2: Oct 12, Sunday, Boarding the Ship NCL Getaway.

We bought a Blueberry Parfait and a pastry in the hotel store for breakfast. 

We met our NCL Guide and checked in for our ride to the ship.

I walked around on level 39 for two miles. We went downstairs to the outside covered breezeway to wait for the bus to take us to the ship. It did not arrive until after 12:30 P.M.

We talked to a couple from Indiana that was going on the cruise. The wife was a teacher and on fall break.

Everyone loaded onto the bus, which took us to port 90, where the ship was docked. We went through security, got our key cards, and boarded the boat. 

Our first stop was the American Diner, where I ordered three sliders, fries, and bread pudding. Hubby ordered a salad, spaghetti, and a slice of carrot cake. I could only eat one of the three sliders. 

We walked to our cabin 13168, where I took a nap. My sister called to wish me a happy birthday. I talked to my daughter. She had been cleaning her RV in preparation for a trip to Universal Studios. 

At 5:00 P.M., we walked down to Cagney's Steakhouse and ate dinner. I ordered shrimp skewers, baked potato, sautéed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, and vanilla ice cream.

Hubby ordered steak, shrimp cocktail, broccoli, mushrooms, and apple pie with vanilla ice cream.

After dinner, we walked around the ship. We went to the theater to watch the comedy show. 

After the show, we returned to our cabin, hung up my clothes, and wrote in my journal. 

We watched Hocus Pocus 2 on TV.

The Big Apple 

Photos

332-334 @8:09 A.M. Photos Hotel Big Apple, Wonderful

335-358 @12:26P.M. Port and Ship

359-360 @2:06 P.M. Lunch at American Diner

361-365 @5:42 P.M. Dinner at Cagney's 

366-367 @6:37 P.M. Hotel Lights

368-374 @8:59 P.M. View of New York from the ship

Day 3: Monday, Oct 13, Port Day (the ship had to stay in the port because of bad weather) 

The ship was supposed to leave the port at 5:00 P.M. Saturday, but New York closed the port, preventing any ships from coming in or leaving. So we had to stay on the boat until 5 A.M. Tuesday morning.

I walked around our room area, then went upstairs for 3 miles. I could not walk outside because it was raining. 

We went to breakfast at the Garden Cafe, where I had blueberry yogurt, a pastry, sausage, and cranberry juice. 

We went to deck 6 (Atrium)to watch game shows and trivia. 

We ate at O'Sheehan's for brunch. I ordered French Toast with whipped butter, syrup, and seasonal fruit. We walked back to our room, where we watched The Lion King and took a nap. 

At 5P.M., we went to Teppanyaki for dinner, where we watched our chef prepare our meal while entertaining us. 

Our Chef 

Steak and Shrimp 

The chef cooks our food.

We were served Miso Soup with mushrooms, dashi, tofu, and wok-me.

Next, we were served a seaweed salad with ginger salad dressing.

We watched our cook prepare garlic-fried rice with eggs, served with grilled vegetables and a creamy mustard dipping sauce.

Our main course was grilled shrimp and New York Strip (ASUKA)

For dessert, we were served Green tea cakes with cashew nut butter.

After dinner, we returned to the Atrium area, deck 6, where we were entertained by Voices & Keys Duo.

 Returned to our room, where we watched Ghostbusters on TV.

Photos:

375@7:30 A.M. Replica Getaway

376-377 @8:04 A.M. View from Ship (rain)

379 @10:41 A.M. Brunch (French Toast, fruit, yogurt, pastry, sausage)

380-381 Photos taken at Teppanyaki 

382-397 5:12 P.M. Dinner at Teppanyaki 

398-404 @7:29 P.M. Show Voices & Keys Duo 

Voices & Keys Duo 

405-408 7:52 P.M. View from our room 

409-411 @8:21 P.M. Receipts 

Day 4, Oct 14, Tuesday, Leaving New York, Sea Day 

Got up early and went to Deck 16 to see the Statue of Liberty as we sailed by. 

Statue of Liberty (cloudy early morning )

I talked to several people waiting to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty. It was still dark and overcast, so it was hard to take a clear picture. 

I met Hubby in the Garden Cafe, where we ate breakfast. We watched people come and go through the electric door. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.

It was funny watching how everyone acted when the door didn't work. 

We went to Deck 6, the Atrium, where we met a couple from California, Susan and Kevin.

Next, we walked through the shops where I bought a bracelet and charms. 

We walked to the Harry Houdini area, where we met up with Shelia and Mikey. We sat and talked for a while. 

At 11:26, we ate lunch at O'Sheehan's. There, I ordered cheese & spinach dip with chips and avocado dip. 

Hubby ordered a coney hot dog with fries and hot wings. 

At 12:30 P.M., we went to the Getaway theater, Deck 7 FWD, to the Amulet of Adventure, The Port, and Shopping Talk. 

There, we each got an anchor and a necklace.

At 3 P.M., we went to Sydney Normas Deck 8, forward, where we watched the last 30 minutes of Carryoaky.

We watched the Amulet of Adventure, Diamond and Gemstones Seminar, where we each received a Nahla Amulet. 

We rested in the hallway where we saw our friends from New York.

We returned to our room until 5:30 P.M., then went to dinner in the Manhattan Room, where we sat with a couple from Virginia. 

For dinner, I ordered baked Fish with creamed potatoes, a Waldorf salad, and a brownie with ice cream.

We returned to our room and wrote in my journal.

At 8 P.M., we went to the Effie Celebration Party at the Effy Boutique store on deck 8 aft, where we received a champagne glass amulet and drank a glass of champagne. 

Photos

412-416 @5:42 P.M. Leaving New York and passing the Statue of Liberty 

417- @ 7:15 A.M. Breakfast in Garden Cafe 

418-420 Sea Day 

426-429 @ 9:54 A.M. Houdini Hallway

Canon EOS R6

5203-5249 @4:15 AM Leaving New York

Houdini Hallway

430-434 @6:15 P.M. Dinner in Manhattan Room 

435 @7:04 P.M. Chandelier 

436-439 @7:17 P.M. Our photos that were taken at Teppanyaki 

Day 5, Oct 15, Wednesday, Bar Harbor, Maine 

Breakfast at the Garden Cafe: I ate French Toast and yogurt. We walked to the Manhattan Room, and at 7:15 A.M., we boarded the tender boat and were taken ashore, where we met our bus driver and guide (Herman).

We rode through Acadia Park for a couple of hours and were dropped off downtown. We walked up Main Street to the Lobster Restaurant, but it was closed. 

We walked through several shops and bought seven postcards, a hat, a boggen, and a sweet shirt. 

We ate lunch at Stewman's along the pier. We ordered lobster, potatoes, corn on the cob, and clams with blueberry pie topped with vanilla ice cream, which Hubby and I shared. We saw the couple from California at the pier. We came back to the ship via tender. Went to our room and wrote in my journal.

Our ship didn't leave the port until 5:30 P.M., and the sunset was beautiful. We sat in the lobby above the atrium and watched them make flowers. My stomach started hurting, so I went to the restroom, but that didn't help. I felt sick to my stomach, so I went back to our room. From our room, I watched the ship leave port. I got sick, took a shower, went to bed, and slept all night. Hubby went upstairs to get dinner. I couldn't eat anything. I just went to bed. 

Photos 

440-442  @6:12 A.M. Sunrise Bar Harbor 

443 @ 6:27 A.M. Breakfast 

444-446 @ 10:16 A.M. Moose Store Bar Harbor

447-445 @10:30 A.M. Wood Store 

Canon EOS R6 

5255-5359 @7:11 AM Acadia Bar Harbor, Maine

5360-5387 @8:21 AM Town Bar Harbor, Maine 

The Wood Store 

446-477 @10:42 A.M. Main St Stores Markers park 

478-481 @11:28 A.M. Lunch at Stewmans along the pier

Blueberry Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream 

Potato and Corn on the Cob 

Lobster, Corn on the Cob 

482 @1248 P.M. Whale at Pier 

483 Receipts 

484-491 @446 P.M. Port Bar Harbor

492-440 P.M. Inside Ship Chandelier 

494-497 @525 P.M. Leaving Port 

2023 Oct 6-14, CARNIVAL SPIRIT Cruise (from Mobile) The BAHAMAS 8 Days: Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Freeport, & Bimini (9Days)

 Day 1: Friday, Oct 6, Mobile:

We ate breakfast at Chick-fil-A, two buildings down from our hotel. I ordered chicken minis and a Diet Coke. 

Loaded our luggage into the shuttle and were taken to the docks. 

We went through customs and loaded onto the boat before 12 P.M. 

We stopped for a quick lunch and went to our room. The ship was scheduled to leave port around 4:30 P.M. 

Party time 

We went to the deck to join the sail-away party.

We were in stateroom 6117 (Deck 6), and our boarding time was from 12:30 to 1:00 P.M. 

Muster Station 5.

Hotel The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel and Spa 26 North Royal St Mobile, AL 36602. Room 5242

I bought CC Home Port Deck Pictures 2 5x7 for $31.65

I purchased a Lanyard lock for $7.65 for my Carnival Card. 

We joined our friends in the dining room for dinner. For appetizers, we ordered a shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad. For our main course, I ordered grilled salmon. For dessert, I ordered a chocolate molten cake.  

Grilled Salmon with Veggies 

Discover Inside Scoop: Shopping and Fun Aboard. 

After dinner, we returned to our cabin, where we watched Weather Heights on TV and went to bed. 

Day 2: Saturday, Oct 7, Sea Day: 

I woke up early and walked around the upper deck, stopping to talk to people. I went downstairs to get a pastry and some fruit juice. I was writing in my journal when Hubby joined me for breakfast. 

Sea Day Brunch in the Empire Room, where I ordered a skillet cake with two link sausages and water. 

Hubby's Sea Day Brunch: ham, steak, fries, eggs, fruit 

Hubby bought a Mt Dew can for $3.54

We returned to our room, watched TV for 24 hours, and took a nap. For lunch, a hamburger from Guy's Burgers. 

I ordered grilled shrimp, appetizers, mushrooms, and dessert for dinner.

Carnival Spirit Halloween Pumpkin 

After dinner, we enjoyed watching the 80s Show performance. 

Went to our room, watched Harvey the Rabbit with Jimmy Stewart, and went to bed. 

Day 3, Sunday, Oct 8,  Bimini: No Excursion. 

I woke up at 4:30 A.M., walked to the upper deck, and watched the sunrise. 

I met a family from Alabama and one from Madison, MS. I took several pictures. 

I took a free trolley to Bimini and a taxi to Old Town. ($20.00)

Bimini 

Hubby bought a sun hat, and we walked to the beach. I got into the water while Hubby sat on the beach. 

We stopped to take pictures of the Bimini Museum's exterior, since it was closed.

We met several children playing, and we stopped to talk to them. 

We took a taxi back to the trolley area, then to the boat. 

We ate a late lunch and then took a nap.

Sunset on Bimini 

Dinner in the Empire Room.

After dinner, we watched The Magic Show with Side Show Bert in the Pharaoh's Room. 

We stopped in the bar area, where Mootown Trivia was taking place. 

We went to our room only to find a leak, and the floor was wet on Hubby's side.

Hubby put several towels down to dry the floor. 

Day 4, Monday, Oct 9, Free Port: Excursion to the Garden of the Groves.

Breakfast consisted of a cinnamon-raisin roll and juice. 

Bought an excursion, Garden of the Groves Tour. $129.98

Senor Frogs before the Garden tour 

We boarded a bus to the Garden of the Groves. 

We met our guide, who led us through the gardens. We saw waterfalls, birds, the royal cockatoo, turtles, ducks, a cat, a church, a labyrinth, and many flowers there.

We concluded the tour at the gift shop, where local items, including souvenirs crafted from garden finds, were sold. 

Hubby and I ordered a Chicken quesadilla and Diet Cokes at the nearby restaurant. (25.00) 

Quesadilla and Coke at Garden of the Groves.

We sat at table 5, and Mel was our server. We reboarded the bus and were dropped off at the nearby port. 

We shopped and stopped at Zorbas Greek Cuisine, where we bought a slice of Carrot cake and a water bottle. Which Hubby and I shared. (S10.00)

We were back on the ship by 2 P.M. 

Banana Split 

For dinner, we ordered Prime Ribs and dessert, a Banana split. 

After that, I watched the show "Get-Away Island."

Went to bed and watched TV. 

Day 5, Tuesday, Oct 10, Half Moon Cay: Excursion Glass Bottom Boat

French Toast for breakfast. 

Had to take a ferry to Half Moon Cay. 

Beautiful Blue Waters of Half Moon Cay

We purchased an excursion on the Glass Bottom Boat, which lasted about an hour. ($98.34)

We bought a hat and a bottle of Mt Dew. ($16.81) (($16.01 hat)

Took the trolley to the beach, where we boarded the boat.

The ship's crew was doing a free cookout for lunch.

I ate a hamburger, cookies, cake, and a drink. 

Wearing my new hat on the Island of Half Moon Cay

The hamburger was not done because I got sick that night.

We walked to the beach. I fell when the sand broke away from the bank. 

I was not hurt. I only broke my pride. 

We walked along the beach and back to the ferry that took us back to the ship.

We joined our friends for dinner. I could not eat. My stomach was churning, and I had to leave. I went to bed early that night. 

Day 6, Wednesday, Oct 11, Nassau:

Breakfast cinnamon roll.

Shore Excursions took us to the Jumaco Museum. (22.00)

Junkaco Museum 

We went to the Straw Market, where Hubby bought a button-up Bahama shirt at the Salty Waves gift shop. ($30)

At Del Sol, I bought 2 T-shirts and a bag that changes colors in the sunlight. (63)I bought a smoothie. ($11)

It was awfully hot, and we didn't stay long in Nassau.

Leaving Nassau 

We walked back to the ship around 10:30 and wrote in my journal.

We got a hamburger and fries at Guy's Burgers. 

Dinner consisted of alligator bites and ribs, French fries, corn, and baked beans. 

Watched the show 88 Keys 

Day 7, Thursday, Oct 12,  Sea Day: 

It was up in time to see the sunrise, which was very windy.

Beautiful Sunrise Sea Day

Sea Day Brunch: was a parfait and steak with eggs and fries. 

Found a couple of ducks. 

Dinner consisted of Lobster tail, baked potato, and pie with ice cream.

Took a nap earlier in the day 

Bought 2 Alaska T-shirts and a pair of shorts. ($35.49)

Watched the Epic Rock Show at Pharoh Palace. 

Day 8, Friday, Oct. 13,  Sea Day

Breakfast was a cinnamon roll.

Lunch was a ham-and-cheese sub with an ice cream cake.

Took a nap and watched movies. 

Bought a Build-A-Bear at St Jude fundraiser (34).

Dinner consisted of baked salmon and fried shrimp, accompanied by baked Alaska ice cream.

Ice Cream

Packed everything and went to bed.

Day 9, Saturday, Oct. 14, Travel Home.

Ate breakfast and got ready to leave the ship. (2 pastries and juice)

We stopped for fuel in Mobile at Murphy's on Springdale Blvd. 

Bought a Kit Kat and Coke. 

Stopped at Sonic in Thomasville for Corn Dogs and tater tots.

Stopped at CVS in Haleyville to buy some dental floss.

A six-hour ride home. 

Sunrise Mobile