3rd STOP - GREAT STIRRUP CAY

Our 3rd stop was the Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island. It was here that we were going to go parasailing. Brandon was looking forward to this more than anything else. This transfer to the island would be different. There was no port. Instead, the captain would get as close to the island as he could and drop the anchor. Then, the passengers would step off the ship to the tenderboat that would then drive over to the island.

Here are a few pictures of the sunrise.



That morning during breakfast, we heard the captain talk about how it was a tough decision, but safety comes first. No one would be leaving the ship today. Groan!!! We didn't think that it looked too bad. Unfortunately, this was the only picture that we got of the island.


We spent the day on the ship. Brandon went to meetings, I went to the gym and hot tub. While I was at the gym, I got to see the tenderboat. That's when we (me and new friends) realized that it really was that bad.

The afternoon was a lazy day, napping, watching TV, and buy expensive internet minutes. You could pay as you go ($0.75 a minute) or buy a package deal. The best deal was the 60 minutes which ended up being $0.40 a minute. But, we figured it was worth it to have some entertainment.

That night, we went to the steakhouse for dinner - yum! It was the only meal on the ship that I was full. I had the 10 oz. fillet minion, fries with parmasean oil and seasoning, and creme brulee (definitely worth it!!!). Brandon had giant shrimp, the fillet as well, with asparagus and something else. Well, I didn't eat his stuff, so I can't remember what he had.

Then we did the traditional cocktail party (for his conference people) where we ordered water, and went to the farewell variety show.


Our new friends from the cruise, Nathan and Kirsty:


We laughed SO hard we could barely breathe. The highlights: our cruise director, Matt, wrote down questions that people asked him on this cruise.

Q: Does this elevator go to the front of the ship?
A: No folks, it is not a wonkavator, it is an elevator and only goes up and down.

Q: What do you do with the ice sculpture after it melts?
A: (He just walked away and didn't answer!!!)

Q: Is the water in the toilets fresh water or salt water?
A: I don't know!!! I've never tasted the toilet water! And for 2 reasons: Number 1 and Number 2!

Q: Does the ship generate it's own electricity?
A: (joking) No, we are plugged into Miami. You should see the cord boy in the back of the ship. His arm is HUGE. We yell back, "Give us more slack" or "Reel it in!"

Q: Do the crew members sleep onboard the ship?
A: (joking) No, I ride a jet ski home to Wales every night. LOL!

Brandon's favorite part was called "The Fountains". Several crew members came out in togas with pitchers of water on their shoulders. Then they would put water in their mouths, squirt it in the air or at each other in different formations. Brandon did not stop laughing the enter show (about 5 minutes). Great ab workout!