Watching the sunrise sailing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean certainly hits differently. The deep blue waters begin to glisten as the rays fall on them, the waves dance in rhythmic fashion, and the motion of the cruise ship wakes me up gently. Lying in bed, I peek through the curtains to witness this visual. As I venture into the balcony, the cool breeze makes me feel alive while the sound of waves soothes me. Despite being one of the 2,000 passengers onboard, at that moment, there’s a sense of solitude, and the realisation of being amidst the ocean brings me peace rather than panic. On a recent voyage in Miami aboard the newly-christened Norwegian Aqua by NCL, I lived the cruise life, albeit for a few days, leaving me with a bagful of memories and wonderful experiences.
It was perhaps the excitement of many firsts that kept the dreaded jetlag at bay. Landing in Florida after nearly 24 hours of travel, I got a quiet night’s sleep before making a beeline for the cruise ship the next morning. We headed to PortMiami, the cruise capital of the world as well as the largest passenger port, where security checks were conducted before we could hop onboard. Waiting for us was the all-new Norwegian Aqua, a cruise liner from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) with a vibrant hull art designed by artist Allison Hueman. The three-day voyage was set to depart and arrive back in Miami, with a christening ceremony by actor Eric Stonestreet of Modern Family fame, and a day-long stopover at the company’s private island in the Bahamas. It was also a chance to explore the many offerings aboard that would keep passengers occupied when at sea.
The world on your plate
Nearly 30 food and beverage outlet options to choose from meant that every meal was a chance to savour something different. We had our fair share of specialty dining ranging from Italian delicacies at Onda by Scarpetta, to sit-down multi-course dinner at Hudson’s. Indulge Food Hall presented a plethora of cuisines in one place including Indian fare with a tandoor setup and freshly-made chutneys, to plant-based options, Latin American delicacies, tapas and Texan meals. Cagney’s Steakhouse, Sukhothai, and Le Bistro were a delight for steak lovers, authentic Thai food and French cuisine enthusiasts, respectively. Classic pub grub at The Local Bar & Grill, lavish buffet spreads at Surfside Cafe, and drinks at Vibes Beach Club, Swirl Wine Bar and Syd Norman’s Pour House kept us in good spirits. Cigar and whisky connoisseurs had their special lounges too.
Activities galore
To burn off those calories, the cruise had a bunch of activities planned that kept everyone engaged. Think salsa, cha cha and Latin dance classes to ace some moves, or even learning Michael Jackson’s iconic steps. A gym with ocean view, swimming pools, pickleball, a special game zone with bowling and arcade games, and a high-tech LED sports floor ensured there’s something for all. Children and teens too had their dedicated play zones. The highlight though was the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. The more adventurous could try The Drop, a free-fall dry slide with a dramatic descent from a whopping 10 stories. The day-out in the Bahamas at NCL’s private island Great Stirrup Cay, also offered fun activities like zip-lining, swimming with pigs, standup paddle, and more. For some post-workout pampering, Mandara Spa and Salon offered services ranging from facials and massages to various kinds of saunas and ice baths to soothe sore muscles.
Experiences onboard
Like every trip, it is the experience that leaves a lasting impression, and if cruising on the Atlantic Ocean wasn’t enough, the curated offerings made up for the time spent at sea. From karaoke sessions and trivia hour to live comedy gigs and musical tributes to legends, every day was packed with an interesting lineup. Pool and disco parties, game show participation, DJ nights, and creative workshops like paper quilling, painting, etc kept us engaged. The most memorable was a breathtaking theatrical production complete with aerial acrobatics, dance, and riveting music, creating a sensory delight.
What differentiates a cruise vacation from a regular holiday is perhaps this convenience of having a buffet of things to do and experience without the hassle of stepping out of the vessel. Looking out to endless views of the ocean is an added bonus.
Tips to keep in mind for a cruise trip
• Pack light as room space is limited and having multiple bulky suitcases won’t be the best idea.
• Carry any important medication you may need in a pouch. Notify of any food allergies beforehand.
• Cruises have different room categories, some without balconies or even windows. Look up room photos before booking especially if you don’t like being in enclosed spaces.
• Don’t forget to get adequate travel insurance that can cover medical emergencies while you are at sea.
• For first-time cruisers, it is a good idea to take a short 3-4 day trip to gauge how well you like being on waters in a moving vessel.
• If you book a longer cruise trip, choose one that has ports where passengers can disembark for some time on the land.
• Avoid drinking excessively and hanging out near the ship’s edges when inebriated.
• Always follow all safety instructions given by the cruise staff.
