November 2013 Adventures

November was filled with a lot of fun. My cousin Kelly is a playwright. His play (a love story) was featured in a workshop  in Orlando.  It was great to able to see him and hear his play read!

We also took a 2 night cruise on Norwegian about of Tampa with our friend Jon, Jackie, Nicole and Cindy. Here’s Glenn’s review:

Overall a great cruise. Very pretty ship - most beautiful dining room I have seen on any ship.

Embarkation was fast. Arrived at the port at 11:45 and were on board within an hour. Rooms ready by 1:30.

Service was very SLOW in all dining rooms (ate in Venetian for breakfast, lunch and dinner and once in Aqua for dinner). Might have been due to the nature of the cruise. Didn't east in any specialty restaurants. Food was very good in all restaurants. Highlight were great lobster (broiled but not dry and dead), goat cheese stuffed portobello at lunch and olive tapenade (also for lunch).

We were very impressed with the Spa Area. 

It's an additional charge so we didn't purchase a pass for such a short cruise, but we likely would for a longer cruise.

About two hours are departure,  we had a great view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Room service wasn't provided - at least to our cabin - so no feedback on how that worked. A couple travelling with us ordered a pizza to their cabin ($5) and it was the worst pizza they ever had.

We saw "Band on the Run" on the main theater and it was fabulous show. Some very talented singers on board. We missed the opening night show so didn't see the comedian although he hosted "The Quest" on the last night. Karaoke was in the English pub but terrible setup where the person singing was sequestered in a small corner so hard for the crowd to get into it.

The Spinnaker Lounge hosted several fun games and music including a small band and a male/female singing duo that we saw that were entertaining.

First night in the disco the DJ cleared the dance floor with the music he was playing - definitely didn't know his audience. But he must have had a personality transplant by the second night as he played different music and the floor was at capacity until wee hours.

Disembarkation very smooth. We ate breakfast in Venetian and then were off the ship by 9AM. Could have walked off as early as 8AM.

Will definitely sail on NCL again. I like the experience.

We also went to see Book of Mormon at our local theater.  We both loved it!! It is hilarious. After the show, we had a chance to meet some of the cast members so that was really cool.

Thanksgiving we spent just the two of us. We attempted the Wiregrass Wobble in the morning. I was able to run 2 miles before I just stopped. Some day - I will run a 5K! 

We made a feast of food with all the ingredients from Blue Apron. It was a great relaxing day.