This morning, it is 13 degrees fahrenheit (-10 celsius) in Kansas City.
Ice coats the railing on my front steps, the sky is grey and it is predicted to remain that way. The weather forecasters say the temperature will rise to a couple of degrees above freezing on Monday followed by the potential for significant snow accumulation on Tuesday. If it is cold where you are, come along with me in spirit.
It is time to get out of town and try something new. I'm trying NCL: Norwegian Cruise Lines.
I've never cruised on Norwegian before. The line is small, commanding just an eight percent market share of the worldwide cruise market and is best known for its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, which means there are no set times or seating arrangements for meals, nor is formal attire required. This will be the first time I have packed neither my tuxedo nor even a suit and tie. I have only carry on luggage.
NCL's thirteen ships command a third-place nine percent market share of the worldwide cruise market and is unique in that all it's fleet sails under one name. In contrast, industry leader Carnival Cruise Lines commands a 48% market share with 21% of that under the Carnival flag, 7.5% under the Princess flag, 3.5% for Holland American and less than 1% for Cunard and the rest under six other brands. Royal Caribbean holds almost 23% of the market with 16% being flagged as Royal Caribbean and 5% being identified as Celebrity and the remainder under three other flags.
This trip is an experiment prompted by bargain pricing. I am paying $380 US for five nights aboard the Norwegian Pearl. That means as a solo traveler not sharing a cabin with another fare paying passenger my bill is under $95.00 per night. I will be--for the first time--in an inside cabin.
5 Guys transportation picks me up at 11:00. I arrive at the airport at 11:30. I board a Delta flight at 11:55 which arrives in Atlanta at 3:30. My flight to Miami leaves at 4:20 and I am in warm weather at 6:15. It is 79 degrees (26 Celsius) here.
I have a free night certificate for the Miami Downtown Courtyard by Marriott on SE 2nd Avenue, about one mile from the Port of Miami. Super Shuttle gets me to the hotel in 45 minutes.
The Super Bowl kicked off before I arrived and the Seahawks are up 8-0 when I sit down in the bar with a chicken quesadilla and a Bud Light. Soon, the Super Bowl isn't worth watching any more; it's a blowout.
And then, it gets worse and worse for the lame Broncos. The Seahawks own George Toma's beautifully prepared Meadowlands' field. 43 to 8; oh, my.
Tomorrow, I am going to be my own Sea Hawk.
Ice Bowl to Sea Hawk
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
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Steve
2014-02-03
Enjoy the warmth and your R&R. As you sail away, on the left hand side you will about 6 tall condo buildings at the end of south beach. Ours is the second from the left. We'll miss seeing you ...
Marie-Pier
2014-02-03
Hello Paul, we just sinistres a free.style cruse on the norvegian jade duri'g 12 days. I'm very curious to have your impression. We give you ours after a couple of days' waiting to make your own idea!
For us, not as good as royal carribbean but the freestyle is very interesting.
Can't wait to read you marie xx
Brian H
2014-02-03
Very curious on how this trip will unfold! Ready for the updates to begin. Safe sailing sir.