freestyle cruising

we just returned from our caribbean cruise. it was nice, relaxing, everything that a vacation is supposed to be. we were looking forward to the 'freestyle cruising' that norwegian cruise lines offer. unlike other cruise lines, there is no set dining time therefore guests are able to choose from the array of dining locations. it was basically a free-for-all. there was the buffet, the main dining room, and 8 other locations that cruisers could choose from, some requiring a small dining fee. we quickly realized that 'freestyle cruising' was a lot like a particular discount airline carrier that prides itself on a cattle-call seating system.

(interesting....their colors seem to resemble one another)

the food. it wasn't that great. unless you were willing to pay that small dining fee to eat at one of the premium restaurants. the buffet seemed to be a rotating smoargasboard of leftovers from the previous meal. a beef concoction at lunch turned into a cajun beef stew at dinner. salad dressings were runny, as to make them last longer. and breakfast never changed.

and drinks. sometimes a boy just wants a strawberry margarita. i didn't request the souvenir glass though! add $2 more to the tab for that, requested or not. i finally realized i had to ask for a regular glass (topped off with more tequila) for the cheaper price and without all the norwegian flare.

thank goodness for our balcony stateroom though! i don't think i would have made it the entire week without it!