Review: Ben the Bendy Man's Gem of an Adventure, Dec 13 - Dec 22, 2012

[boopsahoy]

YAY! Another Bendy Man adventure!

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Ben's happy relaxed casual sailaway among friends (Continued)

 

Shortly after Ben's stroll, his stomach started to grumble. Our intrepid hero must keep up his energy for prodding the clumsy help and he thought his photog looked a little pale and could use some bread and water. So he meandered over to the Garden Cafe buffet where he was handed a plate and silverware, and began to weave around famished fellow seafarers, perusing and picking through the culinary cornucopia. After barely filling his plate, the buffet (and all beverage and food service) promptly began closing at 3 PM as preparations started for the mandatory safety drill at 3:30 PM.

 

Caught off guard, Ben was pleased that the crew was so concerned for bendy folk safety but really wished he had enough time to grab a glass of water. Nevertheless, our cafeterian conquistador carried his plate to the Great Outdoors (Deck 12 Aft) where he enjoyed a meal out on the deck, briefly enjoying the sea breeze and gorgeous views before rushing to his muster assembly station for the safety lesson and demonstration.

 

The Garden Cafe Buffet Deck 12 Aft on a quiet port day.

 

 

The Great Outdoors Bar and Grill Deck 12 Aft on a quiet port day in the Caribbean

 

Tips:

--All beverage and food service is prompted closed 30 minutes before the mandatory safety drill at 3:30 PM. Food, drink and electronic or entertainment devices is not allowed during the safety drill.

--See your Freestyle Daily Newsletter for listings of the different dining venues open for lunch on embarkation day (Garden Cafe Buffet, Grand Pacific Main Dining Room, Great Outdoors Bar and Grill, and "The Grill") as well as all the day's activities and entertainment.

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Ben's happy relaxed casual sailaway among friends (Continued)

 

The mandatory safety drill was brief and informative. After a short presentation it was over and Ben continued on exploring the ship. He was disappointed to read in the Freestyle Daily that the Solo Travelers Get Together was at 7:30 PM in Maltings which was an inconvenient time and place far from the nearest live music venue. Ben really enjoyed the Norwegian Star which had its gathering at 6:00 PM which was a perfect time to mingle while enjoying a cocktail, the live music, and deciding on dinner or the early 7 PM show.

 

Ben slumped his way down to the Magnums Champagne Bar (Deck 6 Mid) for a cocktail, his smile every so slightly drooping when to his delight, he found Sabrina already there enjoying a glass of champagne. To his gleeful surprise, Sabrina, whom he met on the Norwegian Star in September, didn't run away from Ben (or from his adult pictographer who tends to play with flexible figurines)! Together they sat enjoying cocktails reminiscing about their fantastic time aboard on the Star while enjoying a beautiful sunset and relaxing sailaway.

 

Sunset and smooth sailing past Lady Liberty - Magnums Champagne Bar, Deck 6 Mid

 

Sabrina enjoying the sunset and champagne.

 

After finishing our cocktails, we decided to meet up for dinner later in the evening in the Grand Pacific Main Dining Room. It was "Lobster Night" and Ben wasn't going to miss it! When they met up, the Maitre'D asked if we'd like to share a table. We were seated with a couple and another (accidental) solo traveler where we enjoyed a pleasant conversation and a delicious meal.

 

Shrimp cocktail

 

Lobster and salmon

 

Although Sabrina had met Ben in September, and he so wanted to introduce himself at the dinner table to some new friends, his photog was famished and so stuffed Ben into a pocket while he devoured his shrimp, lobster, and salmon. Deeeelish!

 

Tips:

--Each evenings dinner menu is posted outside of the main dining rooms (Grand Pacific and Magenta) in the afternoon. This offers a chance to decide if the menu appeals to you or wish to dine in one of the specialty restaurants instead.

--Solo travelers (couples and families) can specifically ask to share a table with other passengers who also want to share and the Maitre'D will try to accommodate. This is a nice way to meet other fellow passengers.

--Freestyle Dining means there's no assigned traditional dining times. This offers the freedom to dine in one of several complimentary dining venues or make reservations at one of the specialty restaurants. The specialty restaurants have a modest cover charge and are well worth it. There is often a small wait time in the main dining rooms during peak dinner times (Grand Pacific and Magenta) however you can make reservations to help minimize the wait.

--The accidental solo traveler's friends were denied boarding because they mistakenly assumed all the island destinations were US territories. San Juan (Puerto Rico), and St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands) are US territories. However, St. Maarten and Samana (Dominican Republic) are not. Check with your country's department of state and make sure you have all the proper travel documents.

 

(Continued)

[ETski]

Ben and Kyle

Thanks for posting your adventures on the Gem. Looking forward to more. Cruised on the Gem when she first arrived in NYC five yrs ago. Looking forward to our cruise this January on the Gem. :) Lynn

[mking8288]

Nice review and pictures to help tell Ben's adventure on the Gem, thank you.

 

Perhaps, Ben wanted to take on the next immediate assignment, by assisting NORAD to track Santa with a heading for the North Pole - ;)http://www.noradsanta.org/en/track.html He's going to be a busy fellow as I see that he will be the Gem again real soon.

 

To all, happy & safe holiday, much obliged. :D

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Ben's happy relaxed casual sailaway among friends (Continued)

 

After an pleasant evening of dinner among friends, Ben returned to the evenings Solo Travelers Get Together in Maltings Beer and Whiskey Bar. The bar was situated away from the live music where Ben could the amazing Pablo off in the distance working magic on his electric guitar. The solo gathering is unhosted event and although Ben hid in the pocket there didn't seem to be any solo travelers to scare away. Having it at 7:30 PM during prime dinner and showtime and away from the music wasn't ideal. Fortunately, the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet was the tomorrow morning and he was looking forward to meeting new friends.

 

Ben's porter had a long day too and so Ben was forced to turn in early. By 10, he drifted off to sleep with another NCL ship sailing of in the distance back to presumably headed back into New York.

 

Pablo Rodriguez - Magnums Champagne Bar Lounge

 

Another Norwegian ship passing through the night

 

 

Day 2 - Ben makes new friends and spends some time outside of pocketses

 

Next morning, Ben woke up cheery eyed and smiling but his butler did not. After several minutes of poking his butler who buried his head under a mountain of fluffy pillows, Ben anchored himself over the Snooze and Off button of the alarm. It was the first day at sea and time for the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet and he mustn't miss it! There he met some wonderful new friends Barbara, Jack, Judi, Suzanne, and Toni, as well as the Cruise Critic member Margaret & Steve.

 

The Meet & Greet was held in the Bliss Ultra Lounge and was attended by the captain and the senior officers and crew. Light refreshments were served and after introductions there was presentation of the Circus Workshop by one of the "Cirque du Jour" clowns. Ben doesn't remember seeing such an amusing fun activity for children and adults on any cruise. They would learn circus tricks and skills throughout the cruise and then participate in their very own Family Circus at Sea Show on the last sea day. Afterwards some CC members ducked into the casino to try their luck in a group "slot pull".

 

Bliss Ultra Lounge - Cruise Director Ken Mills introduces the captain and senior officers - Captain Hakan Svedung, Hotel Director Jenny Lim, Executive Chef Brissett Errol

 

Bliss Ultra Lounge - Kids and adults learn about the fun-filled Circus Workshop

 

Cruise Critic members take their chance at a "Slot pull". Executive Casino Host, Maria Marc loads up the machine with Cruise Critic green-backs.

 

Ben's not fond of games of chance, but the gambling fever hit Ben and he retreated further into the casino and joined the Texas Hold'em Tournament. Unfortunately, he couldn't keep his poker face, constantly smiling when he got a good hand, and was eliminated in Round 2. So he off he went to unwind in the gym and meet up with his new friends in for dinner in Le Bistro.

 

Ben's photog was again quite negligent in taking foodie pics this wonder night of french dining. Instead he was delighted in the great food and fun friendly conversation (Never fear for tomorrow Ben has a reservation for the Chef's Table). As Ben hid away, he let his overworked assistant indulge in a few buttery baguettes, rich mussels pernod, and creamy seafood in delicate puff pastry ... until he could bear it no more and out he leapt, trying to commandeer dessert.

 

Ben the Bendy Buccaneer dodges swords as he tries to commandeer the HMS Pineapple Sloop and steer it from plunging into the rich seas of dark chocolate fondue. Yum!!!

 

Tip:

--As a solo traveler, Ben can't say enough about the importance of joining the Cruise Critic Roll Call for your cruise, planning an informal gathering on the first day, attending the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet, and going to each night's Sailing Solo Get Together. Making new friends and meeting them throughout the cruise makes a big difference between have a pleasant cruise and a fantastic one.

 

Next up - Day 3 - Latitudes Cocktail Party, Chef's Table, Live Music w/ Groove International

Ben wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

[kylenyc]

Great meeting you finally - Suzanne

Suzanne, It was so nice meeting you and Barbara. Ben had a blast and so much fun and laughs!

 

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaa!! Ben's back muahhhhhhhh

Ben can't wait to read your Harvey W's Adventure and wishes he was going with you NUTZ.

 

Kyle, so happy to see you, Ben, and this review. It was great meeting you on the Star to Bermuda and really enjoyed Ben's fantastic review.

 

Nice to "see" you again, Kyle. Glad you had another good cruise!

 

Hi Ben and Ben's ever faithful assistant. What a great review! I look forward to meeting you both again one day!

 

Patter44, Shelli & Mark, Xenagurl, So great to hear from you all. Ben has so much fun with you on the Star and hope to see you on your travels again some day. Happy holidays!

 

Everyone, thanks for the warm reception and encouragement, and helping Ben relive his adventure. Happy holidays!

[sjnyc323]

here is my photos of Bendy Man at Le Bistro dinner

[jake54321]

Where were the accidental solo travelers friends from that they were denied boarding?

[kylenyc]

Thanks Suzanne. Love Ben riding the pineapple boat. LOL.

 

Where were the accidental solo travelers friends from that they were denied boarding?

Only saw Ng (sp) one other time on Day 2. Her friends were going to try to meet up in San Juan on Day 4 but never saw her again to find out. I only hope they did meet up in San Juan. Amazing how big the ship is and sometimes only see people once or twice. :confused:

[LaPrincesa]

Keep up the good work!

 

~ La Princesa

[kylenyc]

Where were the accidental solo travelers friends from that they were denied boarding?

Only saw Ng (sp) one other time on Day 2. Her friends were going to try to meet up in San Juan on Day 4 but never saw her again to find out. I only hope they did meet up in San Juan. Amazing how big the ship is and sometimes only see people once or twice. :confused:

Oh and to actually answer your question:o... They were from China and had a US Visa and didn't have visas for St Maarten or Samana, Domican Republic.

[kylenyc]

Day 3 - Saturday, December 15, 2012

 

After a fun evening with his new Cruise Critics friends, Ben returned to his cabin shortly after midnight happy to find his first towel animal sitting on a neatly made bed. In addition to his Freestyle Newsletter for the next day, there was also a Time Change Notice. Ben would lose an hour's sleep to advancing the clock but looked forward to sleeping in late.

 

Bed turned down for the evening and Ben's first towel animal. Yay!

 

After the deliciously rich meal the night before, Ben woke up the next morning blinking away a restful night's sleep and decided to skip breakfast. Instead he had his assistant gear up and for a day of fun, relaxation, or... whatever made him smile. Ben made sure his assistant had his tablet and Freestyle Daily in hand, and his pockets stuffed with a smartphone (for the music & video player), headphones, camera, lens cleaner, spare battery and memory card, pen, paper... and of course Ben himself.

 

As Ben roamed around the ship, he stumbled on the Mr. Sexy Leg Competition on the Lido Deck. He was surprised to learn there were other categories in the competition and for a fleeting moment thought he might have a chance at winning Mr. Chicken Legs. Not feeling adventurous enough though, he instead watched along in amusement when suddenly everyone began to miraculously turning into green and white striped towel animals as they tried to escape a sudden but brief sun shower. Ben couldn't be more pleased to see towel animals on lido deck.

 

Green & white striped towel animals surviving mother nature's wrathful few minutes sun shower and blending with their surroundings.

 

The rain lasted a few minutes and the competition ended with a quick judging. So Ben decided to head indoors and find a quiet place to... whatever. As he stepped inside, he was surprised to find people lining up to enter Spinnakers Lounge and learn it was for the Latitudes Cocktail party. Ben stared intensely at his assistant who'd totally forgotten! He followed the line inside and enjoyed a few cocktails while mingling, and listening to introductions of the senior officers and free raffle giveaway.

 

Spinnakers Lounge - Latitudes Cocktail Party

 

Captain Hakan Svedung introduces the senior officers and thanks all the repeat passengers with cocktails and free raffle prizes.

 

Ben enjoys a complimentary rum punch cocktail

 

Tips:

--The Latitudes Cocktail party is for repeat passengers. You automatically become a Latitudes Rewards member after completing your first cruise.

 

(Continued)

[pkt1976]

I love your review!!! I can't wait to read more

[kylenyc]

Day 3 - Saturday, December 15, 2012 (Continued)

 

Ben shrugged and stared blankly at his raffle ticket after not having won any of the prizes. He hoped to win the free laundry bag service for his assistant after the 4 AM ordeal in the 24 hour laundromat before the trip. After saying a brief farewell to friends, he made his way down to Magnums Champagne Bar to attend a Basic Spanish Lesson.

 

Jesy teaches useful phrases for the visit to San Juan such as "Me llamo Ben el hombre Bendy", "No te asustes", and "¿Dónde está una tienda con wifi gratis?"

 

Ben studiously absorbed his lesson (and rum cocktail) like a sponge. After the lesson was over he was still feeling stuffed from the prior evening. So our rum punch, puff pastry seafood stuff swashbuckler headed to the Body Waves Fitness Center to work off some calories from his bendy figure and build up an appetite for this evening's Chef Table.

 

One of Ben's favorite features of the Gem (and Jewel-class ships) is the fitness center which features rows of exercise machines that face floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Deck 7 Promenade walking deck that goes completely around the ship. Ben loves using the elliptical while facing the ocean followed by a cool down walk on the promenade walking deck.

 

Body Waves Fitness Center

 

Exercise machines with a view of St. Thomas (Day 6)

 

Promenade Walking Deck quiet aboard on a port day in St. Thomas (Day 6)

 

(Continued)

[boopsahoy]

Loving your review:)

[OnTheGoMom921]

Cannot wait for the rest of another Bendy adventure!

 

~Michele:D

[kylenyc]

Day 3 - Saturday, December 15, 2012 (Continued)

Norwegian's Chef Table

After working up a sweat, Ben headed to the cabin for a shower, changed, and went to meet up for Norwegian's Chef Table. The Chef Table is an intimate dining experience hosted by the Executive Chef, Assistant Maitre'D, and Head Wine Steward, and features a nine-course gourmet meal with specially selected wine pairings. There is a cover charge of $89/pp and it was unanimous among the guests that it was more than worth it for such a wonderful, delicious, intimate dining experience. If you're interested in the Chef Table, there is a maximum of 12 guests and reservations should be made as soon as you board.

 

Ben's assistant met up with the other guests at the Java Cafe where we were escorted down to Le Bistro and into a private curtained-off dining room where our hosts introduced ourselves. During the meal, the "Chef" would return to describe each dish as it was served while we enjoyed the company of the Assistant Maitre'D, Head Wine Steward, and carefully attentive waiters throughout. Ben thought it best not to pop out and surprise anyone at this intimate gathering so let his assistant indulge.

 

It was a fabulous dining experience and a real treat. Ben's photog isn't a wine drinker yet he thoroughly enjoyed sipping the carefully paired wines with his meal and marveled at how each dish and wine complimented each other perfectly and made each taste even better with each sip and bite.

 

Top: Tomato, Basil, Curry, and Lavender Lavosh. Bottom: Ahi tuna tartare with sesame crisp, caviar, and orange wasabi glaze

 

Asparagus cream soup with cauliflower flan and beetroot angel hair

 

Short crust tartlet with goat cheese and sun dried tomato chutney

 

Grapefruit and moscato granite

Plantain crusted, pan seared sea bass with mango, papaya, and avocado salsa, and lobster veloute

St. Andre triple creme & stilton cheese with honey comb, port wine infused figs, bagel chips, and pickled watermelon

 

As the evening concluded we were invited back to the Java Cafe for after dinner cocktails as well as invited to a tour of the galley the next morning with Chef Errol.

 

Ed: Sorry the pictures came out dark but this about the actual lighting in the dining room which was a bit dark. Other dishes not pictured include the amuse bouche molecular gastronome, veal chops, yogurt mousse and lychee cream dome, and chocolate log. Wines included a Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Chardonney, and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Day 3 - Saturday, December 15, 2012 (Continued)

 

Ben ended the evening over in Magnums where he enjoyed music with Groove International. They really know how to get the crowd going day or night, also playing Caribbean tunes poolside during day.

 

Groove International in Magnums

 

 

Another towel animal yay!

 

Next up - Galley tour and exploring San Juan

[buzz2400]

I love Ben!!!!

[sjnyc323]

Day 3 - Saturday, December 15, 2012 (Continued)

Norwegian's Chef Table

After working up a sweat, Ben headed to the cabin for a shower, changed, and went to meet up for Norwegian's Chef Table. The Chef Table is an intimate dining experience hosted by the Executive Chef, Assistant Maitre'D, and Head Wine Steward, and features a nine-course gourmet meal with specially selected wine pairings. There is a cover charge of $89/pp and it was unanimous among the guests that it was more than worth it for such a wonderful, delicious, intimate dining experience. If you're interested in the Chef Table, there is a maximum of 12 guests and reservations should be made as soon as you board.

 

Ben's assistant met up with the other guests at the Java Cafe where we were escorted down to Le Bistro and into a private curtained-off dining room where our hosts introduced ourselves. During the meal, the "Chef" would return to describe each dish as it was served while we enjoyed the company of the Assistant Maitre'D, Head Wine Steward, and carefully attentive waiters throughout. Ben thought it best not to pop out and surprise anyone at this intimate gathering so let his assistant indulge.

 

It was a fabulous dining experience and a real treat. Ben's photog isn't a wine drinker yet he thoroughly enjoyed sipping the carefully paired wines with his meal and marveled at how each dish and wine complimented each other perfectly and made each taste even better with each sip and bite.

 

Top: Tomato, Basil, Curry, and Lavender Lavosh. Bottom: Ahi tuna tartare with sesame crisp, caviar, and orange wasabi glaze

 

Asparagus cream soup with cauliflower flan and beetroot angel hair

 

Short crust tartlet with goat cheese and sun dried tomato chutney

 

Grapefruit and moscato granite

Plantain crusted, pan seared sea bass with mango, papaya, and avocado salsa, and lobster veloute

St. Andre triple creme & stilton cheese with honey comb, port wine infused figs, bagel chips, and pickled watermelon

 

As the evening concluded we were invited back to the Java Cafe for after dinner cocktails as well as invited to a tour of the galley the next morning with Chef Errol.

 

Ed: Sorry the pictures came out dark but this about the actual lighting in the dining room which was a bit dark. Other dishes not pictured include the amuse bouche molecular gastronome, veal chops, yogurt mousse and lychee cream dome, and chocolate log. Wines included a Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Chardonney, and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

 

(Continued)

 

Here are the two desserts from the Star Chef's Table and veal chop

[kylenyc]

Day 4 - Sunday, December 16, 2012

Tour of the main galley

Ben woke up excited the next morning. There was a busy day planned with a tour of the main galley in the morning and arrival in San Juan in the afternoon.

 

Ben was treated to a tour of the main galley by Executive Chef Brissett Errol as a continuation of the prior evening's Chef Table. We met in front of the Magenta dining room at 10:30 AM. Breakfast service had already concluded by then, and were escorted by Chef into a quiet, brightly lit shiny galley where everything had already been cleaned spotless and ready for the next meal.

 

The main galley is strategically located between Grand Pacific and Magenta main dining rooms. Ben's an amateur foodie, occasionally tagging along local recreational cooking classes, and really looked forward to a behind the scenes of a galley that helps feed over 2000 passengers each and every day.

 

Chef Errol describes the operation of one of many galleys throughout the ship that help serve over 20,000 dishes each day.

 

Presentation guide to dishes served in the Magenta dining room.

 

Chefs preparing for the evening

 

The entire galley is bright, clean, and shiny.

 

 

Even the dishwashers are meticulously clean and shiny like new.

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Day 4 - Sunday, December 16, 2012 (Continued)

Arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

The Gem was scheduled to arrive in Puerto Rico at 3 PM and the island could be seen in the distance two hours earlier. Ben headed up to the Sundeck Deck 14 forward which was an ideal location for the approach to Puerto Rico and the sail into San Juan Harbor. We sailed past the impressive (Fort) Castillo San Filipe del Morro with San Juan's colorful buildings dotting the coastline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Day 4 - Sunday, December 16, 2012 (Continued)

Exploring Old San Juan

 

Ben didn't have much time to research San Juan. Although he read about a free trolley service that takes you throughout the city, he instead opted to wander off on his own little walking tour having read that it was fairly easy to get around on foot and wanting to casually enjoy the sights and sounds.

 

As he disembarked the ship, he exited the terminal and headed west along the street Calle Marina, swept up by throngs of other tourists heading to the famous street market along the (promenade) Paseo La Princesa where local artists and merchants display their wares, towards (city gate) La Puerta de San Juan and (fort) Castillo de San Felipe del Morro (#3, #9, and #1 on Trip Advisor San Juan attractions).

San Juan Harbor - Calle Marina ahead.

 

Heading west along Calle Marina

 

Local street market along Paseo La Princesa (Princess Promenade)

 

Paseo La Princesa

 

Paseo La Princesa - Ben stops for a photo op

 

Paseo La Princesa - Approaching La Puerta de San Juan (San Juan City Gate)

Tips:

--San Juan is a beautiful to explore on foot and you'll find tourist map kiosks dotted throughout the city. Here are large images of the map and legend. Trip Advisor is also a great resource for a list of top attractions.

--There are street vendors as you exit the terminal on Calle Marina but many more unique and interesting vendors along Paseo La Princesa.

--Desperate for free wifi? Many of the plazas have free wifi (see map). You can also walk two blocks north on Paseo de Colon immediately as you exit the terminal where there is a Starbucks on Calle Tetuan. Just be patient as it took Ben ten minutes to connect at this very busy spot.

--There's a free trolley service that you can google about. It sounds like a good way to see the city and get from point A to point B, or if you want to start your walking tour from the upper streets and work your way down.

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Day 4 - Sunday, December 16, 2012 (Continued)

Exploring El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan)

 

When Ben reached La Puerta de San Juan, he decided to head east to explore El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan) instead of heading west towards Castillo de San Felipe del Morro (the #2 and #1 attractions on Trip Advisor).

 

A lookout post above La Puerta(Gate) de San Juan

 

Capilla(Chapel) Del Cristo

 

 

 

 

Ben had a sudden craving and just had to drop in a mexican restaurant for some shrimp tacos and a bottle of Puerto Rico's Medalla Light pale lager. He engulfed the tacos before his assistant could snap picture. Slap!!

 

(Continued)