*Photo Blog* Ben the Bendy Man's Jewel/Mardi Gras Adventure, Feb 22, 2014

[Still Dreaming]

Awesome review! I might have to look into this itinerary!!

[Ti2m]

Frederick shows Ben his culinary skills up close![/i]

[/color]

 

NOT the fork!!!! OMG Don't leave us hangin ... what happens to Ben?

[kylenyc]

Awesome review! I might have to look into this itinerary!!

Thanks! I want to go back too. I like sailing out of New York out of convenience and not having to pair airfare. But sailing out of NOLA, I loved being in beach weather the next day and having 4 beautiful days in port.

 

NOT the fork!!!! OMG Don't leave us hangin ... what happens to Ben?

LOL. Ben's glowing review of Teppanyaki wasn't swayed by the fork. He scrambled away scott free with a happy full tummy. :p

[kylenyc]

Thursday, February 26, 2014

Arriving in Roatan, Hiking Archeology Excursion

 

Another beautiful day this time in Roatan, Honduras. Ben thought a day outdoors would be nice change of pace between beach days in Cozumel and Costa Maya, so he had booked a "Hiking and Archeology" excursion with the ship ($40). After a short comfortable bus ride, we headed into the trail head of a "Maya Eden" nature zoo and park where we took a short leisurely hike through the forest, stopping along the way at a mountainside view overlooking the Norwegian Jewel.

 

 

 

 

Short hike with view of Norwegian Jewel out in the distance.

 

Maya Eden zoo and park

 

Our young park guide shows us some of the local flora.

Edited April 6, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Thursday, February 26, 2014

Arriving in Roatan, Hiking Archeology Excursion (Continued)

 

When we reached the main entrance to the park, one of the park's guides took over. Ben leapt for joy when their young guide brought them into the butterfly and hummingbird farm. He had always been curious to visit one and happy to learn their was one in the park included in the excursion. It was interesting to see and learn about the live butterflies in each stage of their life cycle, and try to spot hummingbirds zipping around the farm in the blink of an eye.

 

Our young park guide was very good at reciting his script of Mayan culture and history as he took us through various replicas of Mayan statues, pointing out local flora, and leading us through the park's zoo. Nevertheless he was very informative. This was a nice excursion and a beautiful leisurely way to experience Roatan. We got to see a little of everything while enjoying a casual stroll outdoors.

 

Here are some videos of the butterflies and hummingbirds.

 

Butterfly Hummingbird Farm

 

Butterflies - One caught doing a somersault!

 

 

 

Replica Maya statue

Edited April 6, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Thursday, February 26, 2014

Arriving in Roatan, Hiking Archeology Excursion (Continued)

 

At the end of the park tour, we were given some purified water to refresh ourselves. Our guide dropped us off at a local supermarket with another nice view of the ship, and then to a local ocean side bar in town for a free drink. Some folks visited the gift shop conveniently located next door while Ben ventured out onto the main street but nothing piqued his interest there. The main street was not developed for tourism and consisted of a supermarket, bank with guards armed with assault rifles, and an assortment of variety store. Ben thought it prudent not to take any pictures or venture more than a block in either direction before returning to the bus. We were returned to the terminal where there was plenty of tourist shopping to be had.

 

Here's a video of one of the parks free roaming monkeys at play

 

One of the petting zoo's cute furry inhabitants

 

One of the parks free roaming monkeys drops by for a snack and some play.

 

 

 

 

Edited April 6, 2014 by kylenyc

[toby517]

Great review as always Ben and Kyle. Like the videos of the butterflys, hummingbirds and monkey. Looking forward to more.

 

Bruce

[cruiseclues]

Outstanding photo review as I have come to expect. Very enjoyable to read. :):):):)

[kylenyc]

Great review as always Ben and Kyle. Like the videos of the butterflys, hummingbirds and monkey. Looking forward to more. Bruce

Outstanding photo review as I have come to expect. Very enjoyable to read. :):):):)

Thanks Will try to catch up tomorrow :)

[www3traveler]

Kyle, did any staff members stand out to you on The Jewel?

[PatJim]

Hi, Kyle. Thanks for yet another terrific review. Ben is a really hard task maker, but the results are worth it for all of us CC mere mortals who have the pleasure of reading them!

 

So glad you recovered your energy, to host another outstanding Meet & Greet. Lucky CC'ers on your cruise!

 

Jim and I have booked our first cruise out of New Orleans. Like you, we love the ease of boarding from our home port of NYC and have 3 cruises booked this year. But in April 2015, we're taking the Dawn's repositioning cruise from New Orleans to Boston. Can't wait to hear about your return to that city, and your time there.

 

Jim sends his regards, to add to mine,

Patricia

[kylenyc]

Kyle, did any staff members stand out to you on The Jewel?

Yes, I met many staff members who stood out, more than any other ship I've been on - Ignacio (Hotel Director), Messiah (Food & Beverage Director), Iris (Group Services Coordinator), Virginia (Concierge), Kay Thi (Cabin Steward), Danijela (Cagney's), Naderev (Le Bistro), Frederick and Carina (Teppanyaki), Elizabeth/Johnela/Shalika/Lilibeth/Ronaldo/Patricia (Jewel Club Casino), and many more I never got the names of. Each one was a vacation hero and went out of their way to ensure we had a fantastic time.

 

Hi, Kyle. Thanks for yet another terrific review. Ben is a really hard task maker, but the results are worth it for all of us CC mere mortals who have the pleasure of reading them!

 

So glad you recovered your energy, to host another outstanding Meet & Greet. Lucky CC'ers on your cruise!

 

Jim and I have booked our first cruise out of New Orleans. Like you, we love the ease of boarding from our home port of NYC and have 3 cruises booked this year. But in April 2015, we're taking the Dawn's repositioning cruise from New Orleans to Boston. Can't wait to hear about your return to that city, and your time there.

 

Jim sends his regards, to add to mine,

Patricia

 

Hi Patricia, Jim! It's so good to hear from you and thank you for the compliment. Miss you guys! You have 4 cruises already booked! Woohoo! Fabulous! I hope we sail together again some day!

[kylenyc]

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Officer's Table, Chocoholic Buffet

 

In the evening, Ben spent a happy evening at the officer's table with Ignacio (Hotel Director). Needless to say with the food and service were perfect at the HD's table. then later escorted early into the chocoholic buffet before they released the hounds. Ben only indulged on a white chocolate pops. which was yummy!

 

Unfortunately, Ben's photog didn't take more pictures at the officers dinner and he forgot to check the photo gallery too ::sadface:: Ben didn't see his clone and Assistant Mini HD sitting on Ignacio's shoulder tonight, so he thought is wise to be on his best behavior and hide in a pocket. He had also just met most of the guests at the dinner table for the first and didn't want to startle them.

 

Officers table - A delicious prime rib with veggies only (trying to be good).

 

Chocoholic Buffet - The white chocolate pops were yummy!

 

 

Edited April 12, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Friday, February 28, 2014

Arriving in Costa Maya, Maya Chan Beach Resort

 

Ben was looking forward to another beach day. He had booked another independent excursion this time at the Maya Chan all inclusive beach resort. A day at this all inclusive is $59 dollars and includes transportation from the cruise terminal to the resort, internet wifi, a delicious lunch, open bar drinks (including fresh coconut), beach loungers and palm cabanas, snorkeling and kayaking gear, and more. It was another far too short a day enjoying the sun, beach, hospitality, food and drink, and other included amenities, and Ben was sad to leave the relaxing resort.

 

One minor problem with Maya Chan was some litter floating along the shoreline. This is apparently a problem with all beaches in the area due to gulf currents carrying barge trash from neighboring countries. The staff did regularly comb the beach to keep it litter free and the water was clear just a few feet out. They could have also used a fly trap in the restaurant area.

 

Norwegian Jewel - Docked in Costa Maya

 

 

One of the nicer cruise terminals with bar and loungers, and shopping.

 

 

We followed the instructions in the email and exited the cruise terminal. There our host ushered us into a taxi cab

 

 

Our taxi driver spots a flock of pelicans and pulls over so we can take pictures.

Edited April 12, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Friday, February 28, 2014

Arriving in Costa Maya, Maya Chan Beach Resort (continued)

 

First thing's first.... A cold Monetejo, delicious chips, and fresh guacamole. Mmmm!

 

Sometimes you feel like a nut... (Fresh coconut included)

 

Picking coconuts.

 

 

Norwegian Jewel off in the distance.

 

Taking a quick dip...

Edited April 12, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Friday, February 28, 2014

Sailaway Party, Le Bistro, Jewel Club Casino

 

After a beautiful day at Maya Chan, Ben hosted a Sailaway Cocktail Party in the Star Bar. Our happy Ben had a wonderful time seeing his friends old and new. Special thanks to Iris (Group Services Coordinator) who reserved the Star Bar for us, arranged for the bar staff and waiter to be available an hour early, and provided us with delicious canapes and snacks.

 

In the evening, we had a lovely dinner in Le Bistro. Service was wonderful and we had a friendly waiter Naderev who made sure everything went smoothly. We had such a good time that Ben's photog forgot to take pictures of his food, but he did more importantly remember to take a picture of her.

 

Ben has rarely spent much time in the casinos on his cruises, but he couldn't help getting in the gambling fever in the Jewel Club Casino. Players were all have fun thanks to one of the friendliest casino staffs at sea. The casino hosts, runners, dealers, and waiters were all helpful, friendly and fun! On one night, Ben was horrified when he realized he had misplaced his army of clones. Fortunately, they were found and rescued by the casino staff.

 

Sailaway from Maya Chan - Sailaway barbeque on the lido deck

 

Star Bar - Sailaway party with new friends

 

Naderev - Waiter, Le Bistro

 

Yaaaay! Black Jack!

 

Spinning on the "Wheeeeeeel... oooooooof... Madneeeeeeeesss!"

 

Big money! Big money!

Edited April 13, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Friday, February 28, 2014

Sailaway Party, Le Bistro, Jewel Club Casino (continued)

 

Jewel Club Casino - The wonderful casino hosts and staff save Ben's army of clones! Thank you! (left to right) ?Elizabeth?, Johnela, and Shalika.

 

Friendly helpful Patricia makes sure Ben gets his lotto tickets before the drawing at 11 pm, Cashier keys in Ben's Paradise lotto tickets

 

Norwegian Jewel Club Casino - Lilibeth, Cashier keys in Ben's Paradise lotto tickets

 

Friendly helpful Ronaldo makes sure Ben having a fun time.

 

[kylenyc]

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Giving smiles aboard the Norwegian Jewel

 

The next day, Ben headed up to the Spinnaker Lounge on a mission to rig the prize raffle and to give away some smiles to random passengers on behalf of his friends (The Smiles Project - http://www.thesmilesproject.org) . He didn't have time to give away as many smiles as he wanted to but the ones he did give away were well received. Armed with his tablet computer and random number generator app, he received curious stares as he went around the room counting passengers one after another until he reached the lucky passenger. Ben was thrilled that everyone happily received a their smile and agreed to have their picture taken too. Yay!

 

A note was attached to each Bendy Man with the giver's first name, city & state. Both giver and recipient were chosen at random.

 

Cherie L. of Canada gave a smile to Ida of Lousiana

 

Melissa K. of Monroe, NY gave a smile to Bill & Rhonda of Alabama

 

Jo Ann S. of Covington, KY gave a smile to Carol & Francis of New Jersey

 

Tanya S. of Nova Scotia gave a Bill & Donna of Illinois

 

Valentina D. of Toronta, Canada gave a smile to Irma & Gerald of ?Wichita?, Kansas

 

Dale J. of Tampa, FL gave a smile to Judy & Rich of Laguna, California

[kylenyc]

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Rigging the prize rafflet

 

Getting ready to sailaway from Costa Maya - Poolside barbeque

 

Trying to rig the prize raffle.

 

Dale's Ben clone dons a questionable garment. (Judy's did it! LOL).

 

Checking his raffle tickets. Can't bear to see if he won.

Edited April 15, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Last day at sea

 

Ben tried not think about leaving the Norwegian Jewel tomorrow. He's been having so much fun on with his friends and the lovely ports of call. Undeterred, he filled the last sea day with friends, fun, and food.

 

Danijela brightens Ben's day at lunch in Cagney's

 

 

Prosciutto, grilled asparagus, and ****aki mushrooms (Shee taki mushrooms bleeped by Cruise Critic LOL).

 

Shrimp scallop risotto. Couldn't resist having this delicious carb-filled dish at least once for lunch.

 

Our wonderful waiter (?Fernandez?) in Tsar's Palace main dining room. Perfect smooth service for Ben's group of friends

 

Dinner table conga.

[kylenyc]

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Last day at sea (continued)

 

Canapes and strawberries and chocolates... Oh my! Someone will need to hit the treadmill... but not yet! Woohoo!

 

 

 

Can't resist Beef Stroganoff. Get it every time. Yum!

 

Embarassed by his own dinner table antics.

Edited April 16, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Returning to New Orleans, Muriel's Jazz Brunch

 

Ben didn't want to get out of bed and face the fact that he was leaving the beautiful Norwegian Jewel. But alas he didn't want to overstay his welcome and he had a fun filled day ahead starting with a wonderful Sunday Jazz Brunch at Muriel's Jackson Square.

 

The live jazz band was definitely the highlight as enjoyed brunch with music and conversation filling the bistro. Our exuberant explorer adores new foodie experiences so he dared ordered the a Classic New Orleans Brunch ($32) featuring Turtle Soup Au Sherry, Louisiana Jumbo Lump Crab Ragout with potato mash and corn fried oysters, and Pain Perdue Bread Pudding. Everything was very good. He felt a little bad for the turtle but enjoyed the soup nevertheless which reminded him of the seafood chowders in Nachi Cocom and Bermuda (except the turtle "tastes like chicken") . The warm bread pudding is what you'd wish pecan pie would always taste like - Warm nutty caramel yumminess. He also ordered a Bloody Mary ($6.75) to kickstart the morning. It was a healthy portion in a tall beer glass but being a bloody mary snob, he's had better. Deduction for lack of fresh horseradish and not enough spicy zing.

 

Here's a short video clip (audio only) jazz band

 

Trying to sleep in after a late night in the casino. Enjoying every last minute aboard the Norwegian Jewel.

 

Muriel's Jackson Square

 

 

Turtle Soup Au Sherry

 

Louisiana Jumbo Lump Crab Ragout with potato mash and corn fried oysters

 

Pain Perdue Bread Pudding. Yummy!

Edited April 16, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Mardi Gras 2014 - Super Krewe Bacchus Parade

 

In the evening, Ben had grand stand/bleacher seat tickets to the Bacchus Parade in Lafayette Square across from Gallier Hall (City Hall). The parade was awesome and our elated adventurer was thrilled to be among the crowds cheering and applauding the big marching bands and yelling for beads as festive colorful floats rolled by. After losing a camera last year while in Rotterdam, his photog was a hesitant to bring his new camera into potential throngs of people. So instead he took pictures and video using his camera phone. Here are some stills.

 

The videos capture the music, festivities, and atmosphere much better.

(Right-click > Open)

Video - Start of the Super Krewe Bacchus Parade

Video - US Marine Corp Marching Band

Video - King's Float #1 Hugh Laurie (Gregory House MD)

Video - Southern University Marching Band

Video - Talledega College - Marching Tornado Band

 

Start of the Super Krewe Bacchus Parade

 

 

 

St. Augustine High School - Marching 100 Band

 

A sea of outstreched arms. Beads! Beads!

 

Edited April 17, 2014 by kylenyc

[xenagurl]

Kylenyc I hope that you create a BendyMan book one day! :)

[kylenyc]

Kylenyc I hope that you create a BendyMan book one day! :)

Thanks xenagurl :) Ben's dream is to get paid to travel and be silly but he has fun doing it for free nevertheless. :p

Edited April 18, 2014 by kylenyc