So, after basically a very short but what felt like a very long time in the training academy (5 weeks which included 1 week coming home to wait for details on my ship) I was chosen to go onto Norwegian Cruise Line.
Was pretty excited as I would be sailing out of New York each cruise, first of all travelling to San Juan-Puerto Rico, St Maarten, St Thomas, Samana- Dominican Republic but then changing so instead of the Caribbean it would be to Florida, a Norwegian Private Island and last but not least the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau.
So I got to be in New York over christmas and new year, but on sunny hot beaches for the rest of the week, a very quick change in climate to say the least but wouldn't of changed it.
The only problem was as much as it was amazing I was working 14 hour days onboard 6 days a week so days off were rare but thats where you catch the great photos ey?!
My top places to visit which I would highly reccomend...
In third place- Puerto Rico- San Juan
I loved Old San Juan, its small roads that wind up with lots of opportunities to shop, but also restaurants, bars so definitely as crew we could wind down.... a lot. (I would recommend Senior Frogs right on the front for those younger energetic ones, don't be shocked by the name.... probably not the best place to bring your kids, a lot of drinking games involved and extreeeemely loud music while you eat, but obviously if you are into that sorta thing right). Obviously very close is the new part of San Juan about a 10 minute taxi ride away, with an amaaazing mall you have to check out!)
Second Place- New York
New York really is amazing, you definitely have to visit here at least once in your life, don't get me wrong this could be number one, but sometimes I get claustrophobic so the sheer amount of people that are here especially on a saturday... plus I'm from the English countryside! I did all the touristy things, top of the empire state building, Central Park, Times Square, 9/11 memorial, Grand Central station only thing I would say from talking to New Yorkers, apparently the Rockafella Centre has the better views compared to the Empire State building I never went up to see. Go have breakfast at tiffany's just like the film, picnic in central park, shop till you drop!! Amazing, I just wish the ship docked over night so we could watch a broadway show!
First Place- St Maarten
I'm a fan of the sun, sea, sand so this place was perfect. I know recently it was hit by the hurricane but it seems to be still in great shape. It has two sides, dutch and french, we hired a jeep and went around the whole island (definitely a must) so many quiet beaches, but yet again there is enough restaurants on the beach front to fill you up for weeks. Grab a water taxi over or in fact walk around if you're at the ship port. Jet skiing is perfect here! Say you're a crew member....get a discount! ;) also plenty of catamaran tours with scuba diving and free rum punch! (be aware you wont feel the rum punch until you get off the catamaran.... and you will definitely feel it, as I found out...woops) Dont forget airport beach, where you can nearly touch the planes as they land, word of warning don't take valuables as they probably and most likely will loose it in the sea when the jets set off on the 747's! Overall a beautiful place with great views,food,drinks and the locals are very friendly. :)
So there ya go, bit of insight if you like that sorta stuff. And remember you only live once....do a little exploring around the world, it's good fun even if you do have to get a job while you do it!!
