Norwegian, Ports of Call

Great Stirrup Cay review

by Texan AbroadLeave a Comment on Great Stirrup Cay review
One of the beaches at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas.
One of the beaches at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

One of the things I like about cruises is a beach day. Every time I cruise, I take at least one day where I sit on the beach, swim a little, and just relax. On my cruise to Cuba last month, I got to do that at Great Stirrup Cay (GSC). GSC (link provides video of the island) is Norwegian Cruise Line‘s (NCL) private island in the Bahamas, and it is amazing. While it doesn’t offer the relaxed vibe of a place like Maya Chan, it still presents plenty of great options. The opportunities range from the relaxing to the (middle-aged fat man version of) high adventure. In this Great Stirrup Cay review, I walk you through the flaws of GSC, what there is to do, what there is to eat, and what bar service is like. Continue reading “Great Stirrup Cay review” →

Ports of Call

Cuban Rum, Cigars, and Art Havana Shore Excursion

by Texan AbroadLeave a Comment on Cuban Rum, Cigars, and Art Havana Shore Excursion
Most cars on the road in Havana are much more recent, but you will absolutely see some American classic cars on your Havana shore excursion.
Most cars on the road in Havana are much more recent, but you will absolutely see some American classic cars on your Havana shore excursion.

My cruise on the Norwegian Sky was amazing. The ship was beautiful, and it was a great getaway. However, the real reason I booked this particular cruise was that I wanted an opportunity to see Havana before it changed too much. This left me in a quandry. I very much respect American Treasury regulations, and I didn’t know that country. That suggested booking a Havana shore excursion through the ship. However, I speak Spanish, have an adventurous soul, and have vacationed in places like Nicaragua and Indonesia. That suggested striking out on my own. I wound up booking the Cuban Rum Cigars, and Art tour. I later found dinner on my own. This combination worked very well. Continue reading “Cuban Rum, Cigars, and Art Havana Shore Excursion” →

Las Vegas

MGM sues Las Vegas shooting victims. Is it time to boycott MGM?

by Texan AbroadLeave a Comment on MGM sues Las Vegas shooting victims. Is it time to boycott MGM?

I like MGM resorts properties. A lot. I have stayed at the Bellagio several times over the last few years. I eat at Le Cirque and Heritage Steak and Bruxie and many more places. We have been to Zumanity and the piano bar in the New York New York, and my favorite relaxing spot is the Bellagio spa. I even follow the relationship between MGM and cruise lines since it helps determine cruise vacations. So, I am an MLife guy. MGM’s widely-reported decision this week to sue some victims of the October 2017 Las Vegas shooting, however, leaves me deeply concerned. Suing people who got shot strikes me as deeply wrong, and it makes me ask whether we should boycott MGM. So, let’s walk through the details of the shooting, the argument MGM is making, and whether a boycott is an appropriate response. Continue reading “MGM sues Las Vegas shooting victims. Is it time to boycott MGM?” →

Norwegian

Norwegian Sky Video Review Deck by Deck

by Texan Abroad1 Comment on Norwegian Sky Video Review Deck by Deck
Pool area stage on the Norwegian Sky. They had a band playing for most of the day, and that added a lot to the atmosphere.
Pool area stage on the Norwegian Sky. They had a band playing for most of the day, and that added a lot to the atmosphere.

Dine Drink Travel sailed on the Norwegian Sky to Cuba earlier this month. We have already written about embarkation, the oceanview cabin, Le Bistro, and Cagney’s Steakhouse. We talked about the Norwegian upgrade process, and we have several more posts coming up. However, we have completed our videos of the ship. Today, I want to post the Norwegian Sky video review while talking just a little about the highlights of the trip. Because I don’t like having to watch one long video to find the thing I am looking for, I have provided several links below to videos concerning specific sections of the ship. Continue reading “Norwegian Sky Video Review Deck by Deck” →

Norwegian

Cagney’s Steakhouse on the Norwegian Sky

by Texan AbroadLeave a Comment on Cagney’s Steakhouse on the Norwegian Sky
Ribeye with garlic butter at Cagney's Steakhouse on the Norwegian Sky. Also pictured are the roasted mushrooms and orzo pilaf I requested as sides.
Ribeye with garlic butter at Cagney’s Steakhouse on the Norwegian Sky. Also pictured are the roasted mushrooms and orzo pilaf I requested as sides.

When I cruise, I normally eat in the main dining room (MDR). I have written extensively about the MDR menu on my cruise on the Liberty of the Seas last year. When I cruised on the Norwegian Sky earlier this month, however, the dinner offerings didn’t stand out to me. I booked a specialty dining package, and on the first night I went to Le Bistro. On the sea day of my cruise, I went to Cagney’s Steakhouse. The service was a little bit rushed, and nothing really stood out to me. It was a solid meal, but I think Chops Grille on Royal Caribbean does a little bit better work. Let me show you my meal so you can decide for yourself. Continue reading “Cagney’s Steakhouse on the Norwegian Sky” →