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24 hours in the Garden Villa or How I Learned to Wave to the Minions.

shoreguy

By shoreguy,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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shoreguy

shoreguy

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I better get on with this before the glow fades away.

 

The Dawn has now sailed and beginning to hit her stride. We have cleared the harbor listen to Proud to be an American as we passed the Statue of Liberty, and we have about 30 minutes to get it together before I drag who knows how many strangers into the GV.

 

I finally took a look at the Freestyle Daily – They had packed a lot into one night trying to make sure everyone got something they liked. I don’t have it open but they had in fact included the expected Art Auction, One game of Jackpot bingo for $21,000, Bollywood (the best GAR show) at 8:00 & 10:00, Second City in Spinnakers 7:30 & 8:30. Murder Mystery Dinner…….impossible to do it all but lots of options. All I new for sure I was doing was the Tour and dinner at nine I hoped.

 

I headed to the Star Bar (a quick flight down) a little after six. I planned to meet a few folks from the board and another who had emailed me. Never met her but one by one a few came along and asked are you Shoreguy and the meet and greet was on. They gang from the holding tank showed up. I am not sure how many we ended up with but as usual it was a great group of people.

 

Off we went up the stairs with the group in tow. We enter the GV the piano was doing its magic and the space came to life with all the people inside. This place is made to entertain. Everyone brought drinks, we opened the wine that came with the suite and the party was on. Everyone wandered freely through the GV and were able to share some of what we enjoyed.

 

As soon as things got going as if by divine intervention Ryan showed up. I think we ruined his plans. He was out delivering the evening suite treats and walked into a thirsty party. Before he could say boo he had orders for a dozen drinks. He was great did not miss a beat and returned with all the drinks promptly. He was hitting his stride as well. I never really even saw the treats. Any of you who saw or tasted them how were they? What were they?

 

Somewhere in the middle of all this one of my guest asked if I would return to the Star Bar and let their wives know it was OK to come up. It seems they felt they were intruding and did not follow the rest of the group. Down we went and I explained in no way are you intruding but in fact making this cruise special. What good is happiness if it is not shared?

 

At some point one of my guests broke into song with the piano. Just a remarkable voice and a great moment. I have about a 30 second video clip and wish I could share it. It just added to the memories of a special 25 hours.

 

Thank you all for coming and adding life to what was almost surreal.

 

At this point things begin to get a bit hazy..lol

 

Stay tuned for Karaoke, the show, dinner, casino, and finally the hot tub.

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Suesan Jean

Suesan Jean

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I like what you said, "What good is happiness if it is not shared???"

 

I am sure it was somewhat surreal to for all your guests too!!! Being in the Garden Villa, drinks in hand, nibbling on goodies, chatting and mingling with other CC's and Dawn cruisers, listening to the piano, looking DOWN upon the ship, wandering around such a cavernous place......WOW!!! It REALLY must have been surreal!!!!

 

Your sharing your happiness has, I am sure, given quite a few people "A Night To Remember"!!!:)

 

Suesan:) :) :)

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shoreguy

shoreguy

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From this point forward time is just an estimate..lol

 

Not sure what time the CC meeting broke up but I had time to shower ( as posted before you need your glasses to operate all the buttons and jets) and get dressed for dinner. The shower was a welcome break. Perhaps 7 hours into a cruise and wasted.

 

I was not interested in seeing Bollywood for the forth time but sometimes you do things for others. We headed out late for the 8 pm show and meet Claudio coming the other way. I was not concerned about being late since I knew there were seats set aside of the OS and GV passengers. Claudio turned and escorted us to the seats which by the way were already filled but other passengers. They were not happy to be moved and they ended up behind us. I felt a bit uncomfortable like eyeballs were drilling holes in the back of my head. You have to understand The Stardust was empty. Perhaps 200 passengers. Asking someone to move with 1200 empty seats has to be unusual.

 

Headed to Gatsby’s since we had about 20 minutes before dinner. Never made it. Stopped at Dazzles where Karaoke was cooking. The place like all the other bars was packed but we did run into a few of the folks from the CC tour. Dinner is next I hope….

 

I walked up to the podium at the Bistro. I could see the only empty table, in the back centered on the art work, for two. It was perfect. Ryan had now moved up to the best of the best. In talking to our waiter they had in fact rearranged the Bistro to handle the crowds and had redone that work to provide this table. Who could ask for more?

 

We did and it was not a problem. In ordering dinner I new what I wanted and my GF asked would it be possible to have a veal chop. Not on the menu but as many know available at Cagney’s. Let me check, no problem, perfect. A great dinner another bottle of wine, and two Advils.

 

How does it better then that? 3 inches from a masterpiece of art. Great company. Heck oatmeal would taste good.

 

Quick stop in the casino after dinner. As I said before they had raised all the table minimums to $10. I played a few hands of 3 card poker. I was just not in shape to gamble. Took the $50 I had won cashed in and headed back to the GV.

 

Into the hot tub at last and then it was lights out….

 

Morning came early as usual. We had docked at 7 and when I looked out for the first time at 7:30 passengers were already getting in their cars and heading out. We were not rushed off the ship. In fact they served breakfast until 10 am. We went out for breakfast. It is good to spend time with the minions. Returned to the villa at 9:30 and the cabin crew had just about completed getting it ready for the next passengers.

 

Off the ship around 10:15 and the agents were already at their stations getting ready to check in those departing today…

 

I long story for a short cruise. I would do it again in a second. What am I going to do in that BA in February.

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bragstarr

bragstarr

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Sounds like you had fun, Shoreguy, and really nice of you to invite all those folk into the GV---if I had only known, I would have booked the one nighter just so I could join you and see the Villa because I'm sure never going to be able to afford it unless Yolanda Vega calls my six numbers during NY Lotto! (OK, only you New Yorkers will get that one....)

 

Robin

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swoosh2005

swoosh2005

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Oh Shoreguy you r also so cool!

 

We were lucky enough on our last cruise to be invited up to a "super red sox victory party" in the GV hosted by some of our CC friends-

 

It was really one of the highlights of our trip-that and our new years eve party-

 

It was so gallant of you to share it with the gang......

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WaldosPepper

WaldosPepper

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My evening is now complete, thanks to you! I thoroughly enjoyed your report. :D So very glad that you were able to get that upsell, and delighted that you shared it with all of us. You've provided us with a true "Coka Style" report!! Thanks for sharing all the details - it was great fun. :) :) :)

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marilynd

marilynd

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The GV sounds wonderful !!! I loved reading your review.

 

So much to do packed in just 25 hours. I agree that it is too bad that some people on the ship for the first time might question NCL Freestyle crusing when you have a choice of eating after 11 pm or eating in the Garden Cafe. I hope some reviews will be posted about the two 1 nighters on the Jewel this week in Miami. It will be interesting to see if this is a good or adverse promotion for NCL.

 

Did your GF understand that the CC board translation for "Shoreguy" is all knowing and wise King of the NCL posters. As King, I'm glad that you received the much deserved "royal treatment" of the GV. As you waved to your minions, there was most likely someone below that has benefited from your help and knowledge of all things NCL.

 

I hope someday to find a way to take my DH and children on a cruise in the GV.

 

Just two weeks until I return to the Jewel.

 

 

Marilyn

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awatt

awatt

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Shoreguy,

 

Thank you so much for your very gracious hospitality. The GV is incredible! Experiencing it is something we minions would not ordinarily get a chance to do, so thanks for a very memorable evening.

 

Don't know if it was the glow from being on the Dawn again, the wow factor of the GV, or the many beers and champagnes (most likely), but Chris agreed to go back on the Dawn again (#4 for us) this summer. Also the Jewel next Feb. Very excited!

 

Thanks again so much.

 

Angie

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coka

coka

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Shoreguy, you are awesome! Thank you for the detailed description! I have been told I would love the Dawn and after seeing the pictures, she sure is pretty! Gee, I can not wait to hear about your second date plans! How do you top that?

Coka

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