First full day at sea found us learning the geography of the Norwegian Pearl, and getting our sea legs. No seasickness for us, but can’t say as much for John Paul White of The Civil Wars. They were supposed to go on at 9:00 Monday night but a few minutes after 9 we were told that he was too ill to go on stage. So there was a bit of a mad rush from the main theatre to the Spinnaker Lounge where James McMurtry was scheduled to go on at 9:30. We made it, and he made it, and rocked us out for about an hour doing Hurricane Party, Just Us Kids and a whole lot more including Choctaw Bingo. When he got to the “good part” of Choctaw Bingo (you know, the part about sister twisting), he implored those seated to get up and get moving. Some already had, some who hadn’t got up and started dancing, while others just moved in their seats. And the ship plowed on toward Cayo Levantado as we all rocked.
Earlier in the afternoon we took in Sara Watkins amidship – great set of newer stuff and old music, too. Malinda hung with Ms. Watkins for the entire set while I peeled off and settled in one of the hot tubs on the pool deck to see Ryan Montbleau Band play a set that seemed just right for a Caribbean cruise. A touch of reggae, a bit of Dave Matthews, maybe some Boz Scaggs and then something extra that is unique to this Boston band. More on them down the road, as they are certainly worth learning about.
We also learned a bit about “Freestyle Cruising,” which is Norwegian Cruise Line’s way of saying we aren’t going to seat you at a formal dinner each night, but you should help yourself to one of our many restaurants, which range from a general buffet to a French restaurant, with Italian, Brazilian, Sushi and others in between. There are three main restaurant options for meals that are included in the price of the cruise, while the others require a “cover charge.” Drinks are not included in the cruise price, either. The nice thing about Freestyling is that you can spend as much or as little as you like. It is certainly doable to pay nothing for food the entire week. On the other hand, if you want to spend a little, you can greatly increase your food options.
So this morning we go ashore at Cayo Levantado to explore mangroves and caves, weather permitting. Then back to the ship about 1:30 or 2:00. Buddy Miller will be playing the pool deck as the ship sails at 3:00. After that, who knows, but we’re thinking open mic at 4:30, Rhett Miller at 6:00. After supper we’ll see Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt do their thing. Then, assuming John Paul White is over his seasickness we might see them late night. Or Native Run. Who knows.
