Canada & New England Cruise Trip with Norwegian Cruise Line (Part 2)

Welcome back! In my last blog post, I shared the various destinations we visited during the cruise trip. To ensure everyone has a great time, whether you choose to explore the destinations or stay onboard, cruise ships offer a wide range of daily activities right on the ship. These activities are designed to cater to various age groups and interests, making sure there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Personally, what I find most enjoyable about such a journey is exploring the cultural aspects and taking part in more relaxing activities that almost feel like meditation.

If you're interested in hearing more about my cruise experience, please keep reading. I hope you'll find some ideas and inspiration for your future adventures! And if you're feeling inspired to plan your own cruise vacation, don't forget to explore my other article on cruise packing tips.

Exploring Shipboard Activities

Before I dive into the exciting experiences I had, I want to give a big shoutout to the hardworking crew who make it all happen. These amazing people come from all over the world and put in some serious hours, often working ten to twelve hours a day, seven days a week for six to eight months straight. What's even more amazing is that many of them are not only excellent at their regular jobs but also have exceptional artistic and musical talents.

The crew's performances on the first and last days of the cruise were particularly outstanding, and I highly recommend attending these shows if you ever have the chance during your own cruise trip. After all their hard work, they finally get a well-deserved two-month break to spend time with their families and friends back in their home countries. 🤗

Cultural Dining Experience 

Now, let's talk about one of the unique aspects of cruise trips: the cultural dining experiences. When you book your cruise trip, you'll often come across various promotional options to enhance your experience. Cruise ships offer these promotions to attract a diverse audience, and one of the highlights is the cultural dining experiences they provide. In our case, we had the pleasure of indulging in the Brazilian Churrascaria.

Churrascarias, often called 'barbecue' restaurants, are famous for their unique way of cooking using skewers and open flames. This method gives a special taste to many dishes.

This style of cooking has a history that goes back to the early 19th century in the Pampas region, which covers parts of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It was first used by the 'gaúchos,' who were cowboys in southern Brazil. They cooked their meat on skewers over open flames because they spent a long time away from home while taking care of cattle.

The heart of the Churrascaria experience is the 'rodízio' service, where waiters walk around with skewers of freshly grilled dishes, slicing it onto your plate at the table. It's interactive and fun, offering a taste of Brazil's vibrant culinary scene. Here, you can see me eagerly reaching for my piece of pineapple 🍍.

Wellness Retreats

In one of my previous blog posts, I explored how taking care of our skin not only contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle but also enhances our overall well-being. During this trip, I explored various ways to stay healthy and relaxed while on the ship. The cruise offered access to a fitness center, open-air swimming pools, and hot tubs, all of which were free for passengers to use. 

Given that our cruise took place in October during the fall season, the weather was a bit chilly. So, we decided to purchase the Thermal Suite Pass, and I must say, it was an excellent investment. This pass allowed us to access the Thermal Suite whenever we wanted for an unlimited time, as long as it was open, and it became a fantastic way to relax after long days of exploring different places during our trip.

When I looked up the benefits of heat and water therapy online, I discovered that it can significantly improve the quality of our sleep, ensuring we feel well-rested and ready for our daily adventures. The soothing warmth of the thermal suites also helps enhance our blood circulation, making us feel healthier and more energetic. 😊

Discover Your Inner Artist

The ship has a wonderful creative atmosphere, offering activities to unleash your artistic side. For example, there are painting classes you can join, as well as workshops that pair chocolate or cheese with wine. Additionally, there are free events like the professional photography workshop and the binocular workshop in the atrium. Here I am admiring a painting created by my sister from her painting class.

On Day 2 of the cruise, all passengers were welcome to join a live art auction event, and this was another refreshing experience for me.

The tradition of art auctions has a long history that can be traced to ancient civilizations. However, the modern idea of art auctions started to develop in 17th-century England, evolving from estate sales that included valuable paintings. This practice became more formalized in 18th-century Europe, especially in cities like London and Paris.

During the 19th century, art auctions went through significant changes because of movements like Impressionism. Then, in the 20th century, these auctions became global, reaching people all around the world.

Today, art auctions play a pivotal role in determining art values, reflecting market trends, preserving cultural heritage, attracting collectors and investors, and promoting emerging artists.

After the art auction event, we had the opportunity to explore the art gallery throughout our trip, which was a visually pleasing experience.