Cruise Like a Norwegian – Day 5

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We tried out the Uptown Grill for breakfast today instead of the main buffet. It had much less in the way of options, but also way less people, so it was a nice change of pace. The food was also a little different, so that was cool.  We are going to try it again tomorrow, but we will stop in the regular buffet first for cereal for the little mister and bring it up with us, he’s on a huge cereal kick right now.

After breakfast, we headed down for origami making. Today, it was paper boxes. We learned how to make them, and also paper airplanes that worked very well- like, across the restaurant and down the hall well. The planes might not be origami, but they were fun to make.

Then we made our way to the top deck for another go on the Breakaway Bounce

and my son tried the ropes course. He was a little freaked out to do the big one, so he did the “mini” one with mom as a chaperone. He enjoyed it, and he felt like” hot stuff” afterward. There were quite a few kids in his age group doing the mini course, so that was a good thing.

Since we figure today is going to be the last “warm” day, we made sure to get some pool and water slide time in, of course. My son really loves the splash park, and he is going to miss it.

There was also a “Nick Live Poolside” competition today, and while my son didn’t want to participate, we had fun watching. Kids had relays, water balloon toss, and got pie in the face and of course- the famous Nickelodeon slime.

We grabbed some hot dogs by the pool, and watched as one of the crew created an ice sculpture. It took him almost no time, and he made the Statue of Liberty (fitting, as we will see it again soon).

After drying off, we headed inside for a towel folding demonstration. My son is enthralled with this, and how it is done- and he is excited every night to see what kind of animal will wait for him on his bed. The staff made quite a few animals, from turtles to monkeys to swans- some were really, really impressive (and seem super complicated).

Next up was some arts and crafts- today was picture frame making with “Team Nick”. My son wants to print up pictures of the trip to put inside the ones he made.

In the main lobby, was family balloon twisting, where the team gave lessons on how to create your own balloon sword and puppy. They gave you balloons and step by step instructions- I think they turned out great.

We were able to meet Dora and Diego for a photo session, which of course was every child’s delight. I think it is fantastic that they let you take your own photos as well as the crew’s photos- it shows that Norwegian is not interested in gouging you, but in making the kids happy. That’s the kind of thing that really matters to me, and would make all the difference when it comes to if I would rebook or not. I really don’t like being nickel and dimed to death, once I payed my price, I don’t want to feel that hands are always in my pockets. I truly didn’t feel that way on this ship- yes, there are extras, but you can still have an amazing time without paying more, more, more, and you don’t feel like you HAVE to do them.

On some ships, you will pay for every little thing once on board. I don’t like that at all, it really takes the fun out of your trip.  I really, really appreciate this about Norwegian – it’s one of those things that would have you coming back again and again.

As soon as we finished with our photos, we went to our dinner theater show, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. It was a very cool show, and great for all ages. The performers did amazing feats, acts, and had were wildly talented. We were all entranced the entire time- and as the performers walked down the aisles (and past the tables) the would interact with diners. It was very cool. This was one show that did cost a little extra- but was super worth it. An elaborate, intimate, circus performance without the animals- just insanely talented humans. You would pay a whole lot more for this kind of show off the ship, and afterward the performers ever posed for photos with theatergoers.

We stopped for ice cream after the show, and then went to see the Les Getrex and the Creole Cookin’ Band play live. We only stayed an hour, but we had a great time- the band was not only good, but funny. They interacted with the audience, played lots of classic favorites, and had a great sound. We are going to go back to hear them again tomorrow night if we can.  The was a truly fantastic day for all of us- we are sad the trip is nearly over!  Tomorrow is the last full day on board, then we are back in NYC.  Goodnight, and have a happy tomorrow.