Day 4 - Bermuda - NCL Joy

Arrival into Bermuda was around 8:00 AM, and there is no better spot to watch than the Observation Lounge! It has wrap-around views, continental breakfast buffet, and a full Starbucks. We used our package to get two almond milk lattes. The coffees went great with some pastries for a light breakfast. Lots of passengers were admiring the view but they quickly cleared out as we docked. After we were docked, I watched the Celebrity Summit arrive. We were not in a hurry so we decided to try nine holes of mini golf to warm up for golf ashore later. 

When I was in Bermuda in October, I noticed there was a mini golf course next to Snorkel Park. It has 18 holes modeled after actual holes at famous courses. Unfortunately, I couldn’t try it then as it was closed while we were in port. As it was still early, we walked to check out the shopping at the Clocktower Mall. Then, it was golf time. It seemed to be a popular early morning choice. 

The mini golf claims to be the best in the world. It is definitely the best course I have done. The holes are very well done and the view of the ocean is spectacular. Veronica provided tough competition but my years of experience and training from my dad won the match. I even scored two hole in ones! 

Although the forecast seemed more mild, it felt pretty hot to us. We returned to the ship for a salad lunch at the buffet. Since Vibe has been so crowded, we figured today might be a nice day to relax there. We were right. A hot tub was waiting just for us and the whole side of Vibe was empty. Ahhh. We relaxed in the tub, got some sun, and each had an Aperol Spritz. Later, I tried a Dark and Stormy and let Veronica taste it since we have a rum tasting cruise tomorrow night so she could compare. Veronica went back to the room to get ready for dinner and I hung out at the bar and tried a Dirty Shirley which is just a Shirley Temple with vodka. Veronica had mentioned it is popular and I read a New York Times article that it will be the drink of the summer. I did upgrade the vodka to Ultimat but the cocktail was nothing special. I would say I liked regular Shirleys more that I remember from my youth. 

For pre-dinner drinks tonight, we decided to try a new bar, the A-list. What a bad call. It appears to be a more upscale bar as it is sandwiched between two higher end specialty restaurants, Le Bistro and Cagney’s. I ordered a Boulevardier and was told he could not make it because it was not on the menu. The bar had all the ingredients but since it wasn’t a menu item it could not be made. The bartender told me to go to the District because it is on the menu there (it is not.). He said that is the only place you can get it on the package. He was pretty condescending about this and I was really confused as I am sure they make more than just that limited menu at that bar. I decided to try another bar, Maltings and received one no problem. 

The Cellars is right across from La Cucina where we had dinner reservations so why not get a nice wine there to bring to dinner. The bartender chose a bold Italian red for us. It had a little funk to the nose but it worked well with the food, especially the antipasto appetizer we both chose. We opted to sit outside and although it started to rain, we were sheltered. I had the shrimp ravioli and Veronica had the Shrimp Fra Diablo. Both entrees were very nice. Dessert was excellent as well. I chose the panna cotta and Veronica had the lemon ricotta cheesecake. 

Walking off our dinner, we wandered into the theater to hear the last thirty minutes of the show. It was Aaron Shaw: The Music of the Night. We stood in the back and he was a very talented Broadway singer. His best song was of course, Music of the Night. I did not even mind standing to listen. 

I wanted another drink after dinner so we returned to Maltings. I wanted to try a premium scotch. The knowledgeable bartender, Christian, suggested Macallan Quest. He even paired it with some homemade chocolate. It was superb and I am not a scotch drinker. It reminded me more of a bourbon especially with the chocolate. I tried a bolder one later but preferred the Quest. We chatted with a delightful couple at the bar about cruise travels and working in education. These gentlemen were the friendliest people we have met so far. I really enjoyed our conversation. We stayed until the lights came on. Not wanting to go to bed yet, Veronica and I had some casino time. It was our latest night yet, not returning to the cabin until 1:00 AM!

Wouldn't you love to be cruising too? We are offering you a chance to win a $250 American Express Gift Card from our Travel Agency, Cruise Planners.  All you need to do is head over HERE before 7/31/2022 to enter!