Review: Ben the Bendy Man's Stellar Star Adventure Sept 23 - Sept 30, 2012

[kylenyc]

Quick intermission and Thanks!

 

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Ben and his typist are so glad you're enjoying this.:o

 

After returning from his first solo cruise, Ben got so excited after reading some Cruise Critic reviews... way to many to list and people to thank but some especially made an impact...

 

Monique's photo album of Ben the Bendy Man. This isn't a CC review but it got Ben really excited about being used for "focus testing" and bringing along a photographer.

 

DGP1111's review of his solo trip on the EPIC which gave Ben some fresh enthusiasm about NCL (and the new megaships) all over again.

 

TerpGirl77's review of her solo adventure to Bermuda aboard the Star which really got Ben excited about solo travel and exploring Bermuda.

 

xenagurl's blog and her DH's video of the Bermuda Railway Trail

which sadly Ben didn't have time to do but was inspired to do some nature hiking and exploring which he did. With so much to enjoy in Bermuda, he'll just have to go back!

 

Kyle this is great! It was really nice meeting you too!

It was so nice to meet you in person to! And pssst I won't tell anyone you're a fab dancer and she won the dance contest!!!:D I hope you got some pics to share! Go Cruise Critic xenagurl woot woot! :p

 

More more more please! This reminds me of the cruise we took Flat Stanley on! He was kidnapped by pirates (but that's a long story!)!

LOL! Ben's shy and often easily hid in his typist's back pocket.

 

I guess Ben didn't realize he could have transfered from the E train to the M50 bus right outside the 49th Street subway exit and saved himself the walk to 12th Ave. Likewise, after the cruise upon exiting the terminal he could cross 12th Avenue and get the M50 bus on 50th Street which would take him back to the subway. Oh, well, for next time.

Great tip. Ben forgot about it but luckily he was hitching a ride with his typist who only had a backpack and shoulder bag. This is definitely something to consider for anyone with a roller carry-on or larger although still walkable if you're not in a rush.

[xenagurl]

Sounds good that dancing thing will be our secret! LOL

 

Looking forward to reading more of your...I mean Bendy Man's adventure!

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Ben takes New York City mass transit to Pier 88 (continued)

Oceanview cabin, Category OA

 

When last we saw Ben, he was resting on his beautifully made queen size bed (after jumping up and down on it doing the happy dance jiggity jig). The bed was comfy but there's little room along the sides. In fact, his clumsy typist hit his head a few times on the folded third bed attached to the wall.

 

Extra bed attached to the cabin wall. Watch your head!

 

Now Ben wasn't sure he wanted to share this next picture as he didn't want you dear readers to get the wrong impression. Ben is not... he repeats... not... a party figurine and his smile is all natural straight from the toy factory (not 80 proof triple distilled spirits). And the Mardi Gras beads was his Cruise Critic roll calls idea! Still, he was happy to see that his Bon Voyage liquor was waiting for him in the cabin. As for what happens to the bottle? To be continued...

 

Canadians, stay tuned as Ben the-really-not-a-party-figurine tries a Bloody Caesar. Really, he's not! He just likes to be prepared.

 

Tips:

• Bed configuration - Cabins with twin beds may be configured a queen. Ben guesses you can call your PCC or TA to specify your preference before embarking. Be sure to check deck plans and cabin layouts.

• Bon Voyage liquor (and gifts) can be purchased from NCL but only prior to sailing. A bottle of liquor comes with a choice of beverage and garnish. Prices start at $80 for 1L of Smirnoff Vodka plus $3 gratuity. It can't be purchased once on board. Any liquor you purchase in the duty free shop is held until the last evening.

• A wine package is also offered and it did seem well worth it and convenient. After one of Ben's new friends enjoyed a glass or two of wine, the waiter would cork the remainder and give her a receipt which she presented on subsequent nights to the waiter to retrieve her bottle.

• Bringing your own wine or champagne - NCL charges a corkage fee starting at $15 for a 750ml bottle if you wish to bring your own wine or champagne on board. Beer and spirits may not be brought aboard and will be confiscated but returned to you at the end of the cruise. You may however bring your own sealed bottled water and soda.

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Ben takes New York City mass transit to Pier 88 (continued)

Oceanview Cabin, Category OA

 

Now Ben's heard rumors on Cruise Critic that some other cruise lines have larger cabins. Still, he found his cabin to be overall comfortable, nicely furnished, and efficient organized with more cabinet and closet space than he needed. The toilet and shower stalls did feel cramped despite his slender figure. It's hard to imagine an oceanview or inside cabin sleeping three or more comfortably!

 

The Norwegian Star was launched 2001 and refurbished in 2010. So Ben did expect differences compared to newer ships such as lack of LCD TVs and fewer electrical outlets. However, the cabin was as comfortable as those on the newer Jewel-class ships and Epic, and Ben enjoyed nearly all of the public spaces and venues aboard the Star.

 

 

Even more storage inside the closet

 

 

Ben was bothered by creaking from the bathroom door. So he wedged the corner of a wash cloth between the door and frame before closing it at night.

 

Bendy man's photog is also invisible!

 

Test the water temperature! The water can be mighty hot!

 

If you like soap that lathers, bring your own. The shower has a body wash gel and hair shampoo dispenser. The gel barely lathers but it did make Ben feel squeaky clean.

 

Desk with hairdryer and electrical outlets.

 

Ben didn't look closely but he only saw one 120V and one 220V outlet on the desk. You may want to bring a power strip if you bring many electronic gizmos.

 

(Continued)

[ColinIllinois]

Methinks "Ben the Bendy Man" is the reason you are traveling solo. lol

 

(Just joking).

[Sauer-kraut]

Methinks "Ben the Bendy Man" is the reason you are traveling solo. lol

 

(Just joking).

 

[boopsahoy]

Love this review-waiting for MORE!:D

[MaryAnn261]

Thanks for sharing... I am really enjoying reading this. It makes me smile :)

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Ben takes New York City mass transit to Pier 88 (continued)

Cruise Critic Informal Gathering, Bier Garten, Sailaway

 

"Ding dong! Attention passengers, a mandatory safety drill will be conducted at 3:30 pm." So it's time for our protagonist to head to his designated assembly station comforted by the fact that NCL takes passenger safety seriously. The announcer and crew members throughout the ship helped direct Ben to his assembly station which was in the ship's main dining room, the Versailles, where he's seated by awaiting crew members.

 

Tip: The Versailles main dining room is open for lunch on the first day from 12 Noon to 2 pm (with white tablecloth and wait service. Casual, shorts, sneakers are okay for lunch). Other dining venues are main buffet, poolside buffet, two specialty restaurants, and a poolside BBQ sailaway party.

 

(Foreground) Displeased crew member

(Background) Displeased crew member pointing finger at Ben's photographer

 

Food, beverages and "entertainment devices" are not allowed during the safety drill. Since Ben's documentarian was clearly taking pictures in the pursuit of investigative journalism, he took liberties with his camera and was summarily chastised and instructed to stop. Good thing it wasn't Sean Penn or Alec Baldwin!

 

The safety drill was over in 15 minutes and so off Ben went to meet fellow Cruise Critic members for an informal gathering at the Bier Garten (Deck 13 Forward). Overall, Deck 13 is an ideal location for the sail away where you can view the poolside sail away party with unobstructed views of the New York City Skyline, Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and watch as the ship passes under Verazzano Narrows Bridge. Sailing from New York is simply fantastic and the weather was gorgious.

 

While heading upstairs to the Bier Garten, Ben was a little concerned that his bright complexion, enthusiastic smile, and accompanying paparazzi might frighten away passengers and fellow Cruise Critics alike. So he hid in a pocket while his photographer mingled and instilled a false sense of security to those he met. Stay tuned for... Bendy Man Returns.

 

For the solo travelers (and couples too), it was good that we planned an informal gathering on the first day. We got to plan for dinner and meet other solo travelers later that night. Bendy Man didn't want dine alone! It was wonderful meeting so many friendly people from Cruise Critic and spending time together throughout the cruise.

 

Bier Garten

 

Smoking is allowed at the Bier Garten but it's still an ideal location for a gathering and people watching especially while standing upwind with a steady ocean breeze. You can also bring your lunch from the buffet. Friendly staff are there to clear your plates.

 

Bier Garten

 

Ben's photographer brought his lunch from the buffet up to the Bier Garten a few times where he enjoyed the view, planned his time in Bermuda, and shared drinks with friendly people like Guy & Lora, Valerie & Lou from the Jersey Shore (Ben didn't want to scare off his new friends so stayed out of sight.)

 

Bier Garten - Overlooking descending rows of loungers and the pool deck

 

Bier Garten - Port view

 

Bier Garten - Port view

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Ben takes New York City mass transit to Pier 88 (continued)

Sailaway

 

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (two blocks south of Pier 88). The grey dome is the pavilion housing the new Space Shuttle Enterprise exhibit.

 

One World Trade Center under construction.

 

Ellis Island

 

Lady Liberty

 

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

 

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

 

(Continued)

[coka]

I am glad to see Ben the Bendy Man is not related to SNL's Mr. Bill. If he was, he might have been the bathroom door stopper instead of the wash cloth...

 

Still laughing out loud and enjoying you pics and review!

 

 

coka

[kylenyc]

Day 1 - Ben takes New York City mass transit to Pier 88 (continued)

Sailing Solo Get Together

 

Ben's photographer left the Bier Garten after meeting friendly folks from the roll call like Virginia & Pat from Jersey and making plans with Regina (another solo traveler) for dinner and the evening show. After finishing his traditional sailaway pina colada and taking pictures around the ship, Ben reappeared and returned to his cabin to freshen up before heading to the Sailing Solo Get Together at 6 pm.

 

The get together was at Gatsy's Martini Bar where Ben would spend most of his evenings. When he arrived, he looked around and was disappointed to see there were no solo travelers... or were there?

 

The Sailing Solo Get Together is listed in the ship's daily newsletter and was every night at 6 pm in Gatsby's. However, it's not a hosted event. Ben would later learn it's best to simply ask everyone at the bar and figure out who was there for the gathering. Although on this night, he probably wouldn't have gotten an honest answer.

 

To occupy his time, Ben posed with drink in hand and had some pictures taken. Little did he know there were in fact solos there... and watching...!!

 

Ben has it on good authority that it's precisely what that woman was thinking (Famous last thoughts as you shall later see...)

 

Ben wonders where the other solo travelers are but soon puts it out of his mind

 

Gatsby's - Piano lounge

 

After listening to some piano tunes and finishing his drink, Ben headed back to his cabin to freshen up and meet his new friend for dinner in one of the Star's main dining rooms - The Aqua Restaurant. Still not wanting frighten new friends, he tucked himself in a back pocket. Patience padawan.

 

Cabin picture window at sunset

 

Ben's photog didn't take any pictures in Aqua because he was having such a great time with Regina. Isn't it how it should be anyway? The Aqua is the more intimate of the two main dining rooms with contemporary theme and artwork. He had the ribeye steak which was deeeelish. The service was friendly and fast and we made the evening's show with time to spare. Food porn later there will be.

 

The Welcome Aboard Showtime show was wonderful and was a preview teaser of the different acts we would see in future shows. After the show, passed by Gatsby's for some cocktails, and said good night with plans to meet again tomorrow.

 

Cabin picture window at midnight

 

(Continued) Next up: Day 2 & 3 at sea - Bier Garten, Poolside, Cruise Critic Meet and Greet, Latitudes Party, Versailles, Stan Styx and Gatsby's.

 

[Mrs. Squirrel]

Brilliant and fun delivery! Subscribed. :)

[pkt1976]

Awesome so far, can not wait for more

[kylenyc]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. Glad you're still enjoying this.

 

Thanks for sharing... I am really enjoying reading this. It makes me smile :)

Yay. Ben's smile is contagious. :)

 

I am glad to see Ben the Bendy Man is not related to SNL's Mr. Bill. If he was, he might have been the bathroom door stopper instead of the wash cloth... Still laughing out loud and enjoying you pics and review!

Oh no! I wouldn't do that to Ben but he did get a little scuffed up later in the journey.:p

[Got Tequila?]

Can't wait to meet you both in December. :)

 

[nina_930]

Loving this review. Sounds like Ben had a wonderful vaca. It's making me really excited about my time on the Star in 2 weeks! Thanks!

[kylenyc]

Can't wait to meet you both in December. :)

I can't wait to meet you all either and for Margarita Time! :D Kept telling LaPrincesa that I can sense Dec is going to be another great one and tried to recruit others during this cruise. (To Pat... I hope you joined CC and reading this) :p

 

Loving this review. Sounds like Ben had a wonderful vaca. It's making me really excited about my time on the Star in 2 weeks! Thanks!

Hope you have a fantastic time. I can't say enough about the fantastic crew aboard from the Captain, Cruise Director, senior officers to wait staff and stewards. And so much entertainment and things to do both on board and in Bermuda. It was hard leaving especially the new friends. Best cruise to date. Happy to answer any questions.

[Moondawgie]

Don't leave me now. I am falling in love with Ben! ;)

 

You have a very talented photographer, Ben. The typist is not bad either. More, more, more.

[cabincop]

Can't wait to meet you both in December. :)

 

she looks great Margaret

[Got Tequila?]

she looks great Margaret

 

Not quite as cute as you and your inflatable guy at the Meet and Greet, the casino....or Cagneys :eek:

[BabsterA]

More, please!!!! I don't get to enjoy the Star until January!!!!

[kylenyc]

Day 2 - Monday September 24, 2012

 

After an adventurous day with little sleep the night before, Ben's internal clock shook him awake with a start. He scrambled around and blinked rapidly at his smartphone (doubling as an alarm clock) and saw it was already 11:30 am. He was late for the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet!

 

Shouting at his butler (errr valued assistant) to get dressed, he scrambled downstairs and made his way through pillars of passengers in the photography studio staring at sailaway pictures, and rubber necking relaxed vacationers casually strolling through the Grand Atrium. Luckily Ben's chauffeur is a New Yawkah and good at weaving through traffic. Beep beep! I'm late, I'm late, I'm gonna be late!

 

When he arrived at Le Bistro, it was empty only to quickly learn his photog accidentally set the clock one hour ahead after reading the wrong Freestyle Daily. He wasn't supposed to do that until tonight. Double facepalm for his typist.

 

When the time did finally arrive, Ben's typist met more fellow Cruise Critics such as Pat & Peter who helped organized the event, Kathy & Eddie, and Robin. It was attended by many senior officers including Captain Kenneth Harstrom who made a cameo appearance and we were provided with light snacks and refreshments. Kyle Dodson, Cruise Director, introduced the officers and together they really made us feel like the opinions of Cruise Critic and Bendy Folk mattered. We were also in for a treat and told we would be invited to a complimentary Bridge Tour!

 

Cruise Critic Meet & Greet attended by senior officers

 

As a solo traveler, Ben can't say enough about the importance of joining the Cruise Critic Roll Call for your cruise, planning an informal gathering on the first day, attending the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet, and going to each night's Sailing Solo Get Together. Making new friends and meeting them throughout the cruise made a big difference between have a pleasant cruise and a fantastic one.

 

After some friendly conversation many of us headed to the Latitudes cocktail party in the Spinnaker lounge. The party was for repeat passengers who were welcomed with wine, champagne, and cocktails.

 

Spinnaker Lounge - Captain Kenneth Harstrom welcomes and thanks returning passengers

 

Spinnaker Lounge - Introducing the senior staff

 

Tips:

• Mobile phone and data usage - Unless you need to keep in touch with land lubbers, make sure you put your phone in airplane mode before the ship departs New York. Accidental incoming phone calls and picture messages can trigger costly phone and data roaming charges. Roaming charges at sea is pricier than roaming charges on land.

• Time zone changes - Be sure to the read (the correct) Freestyle Daily newsletter for time zone changes. Your cabin steward will also place a reminder on your bed on (the correct) night. :o

• Latitudes Rewards members are passengers who've sailed with Norwegian at least once. You automatically become a member after you complete your first cruise with Norwegian and will begin to receive perks that go along with the program on future cruises.

 

(Continued)

[kylenyc]

Not quite as cute as you and your inflatable guy at the Meet and Greet, the casino....or Cagneys :eek:

What what?!? :eek::p:eek: Pictures!

[Got Tequila?]

What what?!? :eek::p Pictures!

 

 

Meet...Harvey Wallbanger. He wasn't anatomically correct, but was still a lot of fun. The casino manager gave him a t-shirt to wear at the black jack table. The first time I carried him down the hall to give him to Maria (She was travelling solo in a 2 bedroom suite) a guy came out of his cabin and wanted to follow us to the party...:) Many of the crew wanted to know where they could get one....for their weekly cabin inspections, and other things. :eek: We had a great time with Harvey....and he did get left on the GEM for some future fun. :D