Review: Ben the Bendy Man's Stellar Star Adventure Sept 23 - Sept 30, 2012

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Monday September 24, 2012 (continued)

 

After the Latitudes party, Ben headed over to The Versailles main dining room where he was treated to a gorgeous view by a window.

 

The Versailles main dining room - Entrance. Resort casual attire is permitted during lunch.

 

 

Window with a view

 

Portobello mushroom topped with goat cheese, pine nuts, with basil tomato sauce. Yum!

New York Strip Steak. The wait staff and chefs are very accommodating and happily substituted the french fries for vegetables on request. Nom nom nom!

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Meet...Harvey Wallbanger. He wasn't anatomically correct, but was still a lot of fun. The casino manager gave him a t-shirt to wear at the black jack table. The first time I carried him down the hall to give him to Maria (She was travelling solo in a 2 bedroom suite) a guy came out of his cabin and wanted to follow us to the party...:) Many of the crew wanted to know where they could get one....for their weekly cabin inspections, and other things. :eek: We had a great time with Harvey....and he did get left on the GEM for some future fun. :D

:eek::eek::eek: That's priceless!!!

[xenagurl]

Aww Bendy Man we made the same time zone mistake with regard to the Meet & Greet, glad to see it wasn't just me! :D

[cabincop]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh my cruise boyfriend Harvey Wallbanger he had alot of fun with me, lol. I did take him with me everywhere on the cruise he became a celebrity lol. I think NCL attracts fun people:D Harvey and I even went to the pool together so Kyle you and I are those people;) lol. Love your review

[mariana31]

Absolutely loving this review!!! I have been laughing the entire time! You have also given me a little photo inspiration for my next cruise. ;) Looking forward to the rest of your review.

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Monday September 24, 2012 (continued)

 

After lunch, Ben headed up to the Bier Garten where he enjoyed the sunshine and ocean breeze, planned his time in Bermuda, and met friendly folks from the Juyzee Shaw - Lora & Guy, Valerie & Lou.

 

Oasis poolside

 

Topsiders Bar poolside - Smoking is allowed along the port side of the pool. Ben ate his lunches starboard).

 

As the afternoon wound down, Ben went to his cabin to change and then headed to Gatsby's still wondering where the rest of the solo travelers were. There he met up with Regina and just as we were leaving for dinner, a friendly woman inquired whether we were there for the Solo Get Together. Little did she know she was asking the same strange man she thought to avoid the night before! Ben's typist didn't know it at the time either. We told her we unfortunately were rushing off to Le Bistro and then the 7:30 pm show but promised to meet again the next evening.The wheels have been set in motion.

 

 

Le Bistro - French cuisine

 

Le Bistro - Dining Room

 

The mussels le pauvre and lamb chops in Le Bistro were outstanding. Sorry no foodie pics and only a few pics on Day 3. Ben's photog was spending much time with new friends so Ben was hiding but never fear, Bendy Man will reappear when they least expect.

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Monday September 24, 2012

 

After dinner, we headed to the evening show Band on the Run, and then to Gatsby's for evening cocktails where we hear "Mr. Motown" Stan Sykes who is and amazing singer and piano player. Ben thinks he's one of the best singer/musicians he come across on any Norwegian cruise and among the best live musicians he's ever heard. He packed Gatsby's every night.

 

Mr. Motown Stan Sykes gets everyone dancing in Gatsby's

 

Standing room only

 

Cabin turned down for the evening

 

A towel animal reminds Ben's butler that "Tonight. Tonight. Tonight. Uh huh! You're gonna change the clock tonight tonight tonight!"

 

End of another amazing day aboard the Star...

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Deleted duplicate post.

[SuiteCruisin14]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh my cruise boyfriend Harvey Wallbanger he had alot of fun with me, lol. I did take him with me everywhere on the cruise he became a celebrity lol. I think NCL attracts fun people:D Harvey and I even went to the pool together so Kyle you and I are those people;) lol. Love your review

 

Did you and Harvey do chest bumps, Cabincop?

 

Lynda

[Beachlover1964]

Day 1 - Ben takes New York City mass transit to Pier 88 (continued)

Oceanview cabin, Category OA

 

When last we saw Ben, he was resting on his beautifully made queen size bed (after jumping up and down on it doing the happy dance jiggity jig). The bed was comfy but there's little room along the sides. In fact, his clumsy typist hit his head a few times on the folded third bed attached to the wall.

 

Extra bed attached to the cabin wall. Watch your head!

 

Now Ben wasn't sure he wanted to share this next picture as he didn't want you dear readers to get the wrong impression. Ben is not... he repeats... not... a party figurine and his smile is all natural straight from the toy factory (not 80 proof triple distilled spirits). And the Mardi Gras beads was his Cruise Critic roll calls idea! Still, he was happy to see that his Bon Voyage liquor was waiting for him in the cabin. As for what happens to the bottle? To be continued...

 

Canadians, stay tuned as Ben the-really-not-a-party-figurine tries a Bloody Caesar. Really, he's not! He just likes to be prepared.

 

 

Tips:

• Bed configuration - Cabins with twin beds may be configured a queen. Ben guesses you can call your PCC or TA to specify your preference before embarking. Be sure to check deck plans and cabin layouts.

• Bon Voyage liquor (and gifts) can be purchased from NCL but only prior to sailing. A bottle of liquor comes with a choice of beverage and garnish. Prices start at $80 for 1L of Smirnoff Vodka plus $3 gratuity. It can't be purchased once on board. Any liquor you purchase in the duty free shop is held until the last evening.

• A wine package is also offered and it did seem well worth it and convenient. After one of Ben's new friends enjoyed a glass or two of wine, the waiter would cork the remainder and give her a receipt which she presented on subsequent nights to the waiter to retrieve her bottle.

• Bringing your own wine or champagne - NCL charges a corkage fee starting at $15 for a 750ml bottle if you wish to bring your own wine or champagne on board. Beer and spirits may not be brought aboard and will be confiscated but returned to you at the end of the cruise. You may however bring your own sealed bottled water and soda.

 

(Continued)

You are really funny and I am thoroughly enjoying your review. Thanks for the laughs! I hope Ben didn't do anything he regretted in the morning!

[cabincop]

Lynda hun noone can chest bump like you and me lol hope all is well, contnie please Bendy

[kylenyc]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh my cruise boyfriend Harvey Wallbanger he had alot of fun with me, lol. I did take him with me everywhere on the cruise he became a celebrity lol. I think NCL attracts fun people:D Harvey and I even went to the pool together so Kyle you and I are those people;) lol. Love your review

Yes. That's so awesome. Bendy Man always gets a few smiles among the weird stares but Harvey takes the cake. Thank you for sharing. Are you going with Margaret in Dec? I can't fathom taking Harriet Wallbanger. :eek: I'll stick with Ben :p

[kylenyc]

Day 3 - Tues, September 25, 2012

 

After two wonderful days at sea filled with rich meals, relaxing at evening shows, and cocktails in Gatsby's enjoying "Mr. Motown" Stan Sykes, Ben woke the next morning and decided he needed to hit the gym. He really enjoyed the Fitness Center on newer Norwegian ships and was a little disappointed when he arrived and found the treadmills and ellipticals were not facing windows. Still, the room was well equipped with a towel station, exercise machines, and plenty of natural sunlight.

 

A few cycles and a free weight station were by windows. The largest area with windows was dedicated to the for-fee spinning and TRX classes. While Ben couldn't enjoy the sun and ocean view while on the eliptical, he was able to enjoy the Promenade Deck 7 where he finished up his workout with a few brisk laps around the ship enjoying the sun, the sea, and ocean breeze in his hair. The Promenade has a walking track that wraps completely around the Star and most Norwegian ships. There are also loungers for relaxing and shuffle board.

 

Treadmills and weight stations

 

Ellipticals overlooking the Barong Spa and Salon's entrance

 

Ben tries to work off the average 7 pounds he'll gain on the cruise

 

Spinning and TRX training room (fee applies)

 

Promenade Deck 7 Port

 

Promenade Deck 7 Starboard

 

(Continued)

[boopsahoy]

Loving it! Keep it going :D

[kylenyc]

Day 3 - Tues, September 25, 2012 (continued)

 

Ben had built up a sweat and left the promenade happy to have worked off some calories. And so our intrepid hero returned to his cabin for a shower and off he went to the buffet to add back some more. After filling his plate with healthy and not so healthy food, he walked up to Bier Garten to enjoy his lunch, the beautiful view, and finish planning out this trip in Bermuda.

 

As another beautiful day was winding down, Ben's assistant went off to his cabin and then to Gatsby's to meet up with Regina while Ben was safely tucked out of harms way. There he met Xena and Sabrina from Cruise Critic, sweet couple Rob & Barb, as well as the friendly woman, Pat, from the other night (who had silently vowed to stay way from "that strange man"). Ben so wanted to meet Pat and everyone else but time yet there will be.

 

Off they went to dinner in Versailles followed by "An Evening with Gianni Russo" from Godfather fame. Gianni is great entertainer, singing and telling stories of his days in Vegas, mingling with the Rat Pack, and the filming of The Godfather. It was a real treat for Ben to hear Gianni sing Sinatra and other big band tunes accompanied by the Star Showband.

 

Pat and Barb with Gianni Russo (Carlo Rizzi from The Godfather)

 

Ben thinks his steward Dickie makes the best towel animals

 

 

Tips:

Maps and schedules - Here some links to bus and ferry maps and schedules I saved onto my tablet for the trip. I made some PNG image snapshots of maps inside the Adobe PDF files for convenience too. You can get the newest paper maps and schedules in the tourist information center as soon as you disembark the ship in Bermuda in King's Wharf/Royal Naval Dockyard.

Bus-Ferry Pass - Bermuda has an excellent public transit system which makes Bermuda a great island to explore on your own. A three day bus pass is $28 and is also available at the tourist information center. If you're in a rush to catch the bus or ferry, ask someone to point out where the other two ticket booths are.

Money Matters - The US Dollar is accepted almost everywhere and is on par with the Bermuda dollar. Merchants will typically give change in US currency as well. However, everything is shipped to the island and shopping is expensive.

Bermuda roads - Take care when walking and "look both ways before crossing" as Bermudians drive on the left side of the road. Likewise be cautious if renting a bicycle or moped. Many roads have no shoulders as well as streets and walkways with openings hidden by tall hedges or walls where people or cars can leap out of.

Excursions - Don't want to spend your vacation planning? There are about 15-20 activities offered each port day at the Shore Excursion (ShoreEx) desk. Ben has enjoyed the Bermuda Island Drive and Day at the Beach in the past where he just went along for the ride and let someone else handle the details... details!

 

(Continued) Tomorrow: Day 4 - Bermuda - Ben takes the ferry to St. George, Fort St. Catherine, and more...

[cabincop]

Kyle sadly I am not going in Dec I will be with Margaret in Febuary wish you were coming we would have a great time and I love the Harriet name

[kylenyc]

Kyle sadly I am not going in Dec I will be with Margaret in Febuary wish you were coming we would have a great time and I love the Harriet name

Awww. Sad face. Yeah would have had a blast. I've just booked a cruise in Feb and going with buddy and his DW. I looked at your cruise and balconies are sold out. Don't think we could have pulled off 12 days either. You'll just have to post Harvey's misadventures or come with us in Dec!! :p

[iluvdoxies]

Subscribing to this immediately . . . not only for the wonderful humor, but I anticipate it'll be a great resource for my Bermuda venture next Fall on Breakaway :D

 

.

 

me 2 !

[Aldeya]

We are leaving on the same cruise this Sunday. Hurry up with the Bermuda details!:D Please!:D

 

Great review, a lot of fun to read!

[barbienj]

Enjoying this review!

[kylenyc]

Ben smiles that you are all still smiling with him!

 

We are leaving on the same cruise this Sunday. Hurry up with the Bermuda details!:D Please!:D

Without further adieu...

[kylenyc]

Day 4 - September 26, 2012

Ben takes the ferry to St. George

 

Ben woke up nervously excited at 7:30 am. The day before he went to the reception desk to check the weather report for Bermuda which called for 30% chance of rain. Curious for a view of the Royal Naval Dockyard and the hustle and bustle along the wharf, he stepped out onto the promenade where he was surprised to see how foggy it was. After doing a double take, Ben tapped his paparazzi on the head and pointed at the fogged camera lens (it was 85% humidity).

 

Heritage Wharf, Royal Naval Dockyard (West End).

 

Here you can see the Heritage Wharf building within a few steps of the boarding ramp. Inside is a tourist information center where you can purchase bus-ferry passes, and obtain free maps, guides, and suggestions.

 

It was not raining but the grey clouds were looming overhead. With that thought in mind, our daring explorer skipped downstairs humming Dancing in the Rain and eager for a relaxing early breakfast in The Versailles. He wanted to catch the first ferry to St. George which leaves 9:45 am and he needed to build up his elasticity for the adventure ahead.

 

Ben munches down a sausage before poking his photog to take a picture.

Made to order eggs over easy, country potatoes, and sausage(s).

 

Ben still wasn't exactly sure what he'd do in Bermuda. It all depended on the weather. So he kept his options open. He had a compact umbrella and disposable poncho tucked away in his backpack. He knew from past trips that even if the weather was sunny, there could be fast moving sudden downpours. Should it rain, he planned on enjoying bus rides around the island and visit historic buildings and sites where he could stay indoors.

 

After breakfast, he slipped into his assistant's backpack and together they disembarked and purchased a bus pass. As they were walking down the wharf, who would they bump into but Pat! She still had not yet met Ben who was tucked out of sight. The evening before we had all gathered at Gatsby's talking about our plans ashore. Some people had firm plans and others hadn't quite decided. But Ben's assistant was happily showing everyone maps and schedules on his tablet, and sharing his plans to buy a 3-day pass, and catch the first morning ferry.

 

Walking down the wharf past the Norwegian Star

 

View from Star's promenade down Heritage Wharf on a sunny day

(Blue) Another ticket booth; (Green) Ferry to St. George and bus stops.

 

If you're in a rush, in addition to purchasing the bus-ferry passes as you disembark, there are two additional ticket booths closer to the ferry and buses.

 

St. George Ferry in the afternoon

 

Together, Pat and Ben's assistant boarded the ferry and boy were they in for an unpleasant surprise. The ferry's air conditioning was broken, the seats were filthy and smelled of eau de beaucoup des touristes perspirèe et malodorante. If Ben had a nose it would be wrinkled! Fortunately, they would return on a newer and cleaner ferry. There may have been extra ferries put into service to handle the influx of cruise passengers including this malodorous vessel. He may have even seen an earlier ferry depart as they walked over to catch the 9:45 am ferry.

 

Ben was however pleasantly surprised to see a guide from Bermuda tourism onboard. He gave a talk about Bermuda and St. George, described the history, and suggested things to do and see in town. Unfortunately, Ben was sitting forward near the open doors for a needed breath of fresh air and couldn't hear all that was said. Maybe, next time he'll find a seat somewhere in the middle and hold his breath.

 

As Ben enjoyed the 45 minute ride to St. Georges inside a pocket, he couldn't take the anticipation any more and out he leaped out for a photo op. Ben wasn't really paying attention to Pat's reaction but would like to imagine it was mix of terrified bemusement.

 

Ben helps close the doors during a sudden but brief downpour.

"Hi Pat! Remember me?"

Stayed tuned as Pat decides whether to disappear into the crowd of exiting passengers or join Ben on his stellar adventure!

 

(Continued)

[BlueLadyBlue]

I think your next cruise should be around the world, maybe twice. A nice long, long cruise for Ben to report about because I am so going to miss him when he's finished.

 

Love you Ben and your assistant for helping you get around.:D:D:D

[kylenyc]

I think your next cruise should be around the world, maybe twice. A nice long, long cruise for Ben to report about because I am so going to miss him when he's finished. Love you Ben and your assistant for helping you get around.:D:D:D

Aww thanks. :o Ben can't wait for another adventure. Maybe you can take him along on your own travels. Ben can be purchased on Amazon.com and many large retail and toy stores. http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Bendy-Man-by-Toysmith/dp/B0040RHE1M/

*If purchasing from Amazon make sure it's either sold or fulfilled by Amazon.

[Moondawgie]

Would you please ask Ben if he has been to New England/Canada on the Gem so I can have these great tips for my own cruise in Oct. 2013? I'll be leaving from NYC and I have that covered since I am from NYC :) (now living in the brown west coast).:rolleyes:

 

Thanks!