Happiness on a new level

Another year ... another NKOTB cruise ... my fourth one.  Sometimes I think I'll stop going.  But in all honesty, that's not going to happen.  Its like a drug.  I NEED it to keep me focused through the looooong Canadian winter.

The 2014 cruise, from the day it was announced, was going to be different - we were sailing from Manhattan to Bermuda, in June. Not exactly the most tropical of ports, and heading to a place where the weather could really go in any direction. It wouldn't matter really. I'd likely book a cabin if they announced they were going to float around in Lake Ontario. 

Carnival Splendor

So, moving forward through those long, agonizing, boring 8 months ... I find myself arriving in Manhattan on the morning of the cruise.  And its pouring rain.  Nice try mother nature. Thankfully by the time I'd downed my first 'Funship Special' and tossed my belongings into the piddly cupboards of our stateroom, the clouds were parting and things were looking up!  People were pretty excited to be sailing down the Hudson River for the Sail Away party - I'm not going to lie, it sounded cool and I have amazing photos of the bottom half of the Statue of Liberty and the top 10 floors of the World Trade Center (there was no way I was moving from my spot on the party floor).  I'm on the NKOTB cruise - I've got 5 other things I'd much rather be viewing.  

The ship was pretty nice.  And when I say nice, I mean it was newer than the other Carnival ships we've been on.  It didn't have the same feeling of being held together with thumb tacks. There was more space to lounge around and relax between events ... but for partying on the Lido deck, this ship failed miserably.  Try packing 3000 guests into a sardine box.  Its not going to be comfortable.  Oh sure, there was a second level that gave it the appearance of a nightclub.  But once you got up there, you quickly realized that the sight lines meant you'd see only a tiny bit of the action.  I'd much rather be down on the dance floor, in the midst of the action anyway.  

Once you squeezed through the angry mob surrounding the main Lido area, it was all good. Sure, out in the mob, there was some squishing, some pushing, and sometimes heading out to the bathroom or the bar was an impossibility.  Yeah - thanks mean girls.  But the good stuff was really fun - having my hands on each of the guys thighs or butts as they crowd surfed over me - realizing Joey was standing right behind me as he meandered through - getting onto the stage with Danny for a group-selfie with my roommates - and all while we were dancing the night away and having a blast meeting people from all over the world.

Did I mention that the New Kids dressed up as Cowboys?  Um ... speechless.

The ocean was a bitch while we were sailing to Bermuda.  Lots of passengers were feeling it - but armed with my seasickness meds and a constant supply of drinks (anyone remember the server -  'fruity drinks - yummy yummy'?) made the entire experience a non-issue.  And did I mention the readily available pizza at all hours of the night!?!  I'm pretty sure I ate more than my share of it.  

Once we arrived in Bermuda, things calmed down for a few hours.  I visited the most beautiful beach on earth.  The sand was pink, and surf was rolling in.  My friend did a very graceful cartwheel when the first wave hit her.  My laughing and pointing got me an even bigger wave to the side of my head and a mouthful of saltwater.  It was worth it.  I do believe it was one of my most fun swimming experiences I've ever had!  We did a quick bus tour of the island, checked out the town of Hamilton, and got back on a ferry to the cruise ship.  Bermuda is now at the top of my list of places I need to visit again!

Horsehoe Beach, Bermuda

Back to the cruise.  The guys looked amazing.  They were much tamer than on other cruises. There are rampant theories as to why, including Donnie's recent engagement, the filming of a reality show on board, and perhaps even seasickness.  It didn't make a difference to me.  It was a great time.  We had a full concert on the ship - none of the former beach concerts and acoustic stuff - we had choreographed dancing, great singing, and new kids running down the aisles!  I'm not going to talk about the girl at the front who showed up each night in a bra - but seriously, did she lose her clothing?

NKOTB Concert on the Carnival Splendor

But the VERY best part of this cruise was my two amazing roommates!  I could not have asked for better girls to share all of this roller coaster ride with.  We laughed non-stop, slept for a few moments here and there, and they made sure that I remembered to eat once in a while.

We arrived back in Manhattan to pouring rain.  Again Mother Nature ... nice try.  My NKOTB high was too good for your miserable behaviour.  But next year, let's try tropical again.  I'm from Canada ... I need heat.