It Wasn't Perfect--Again

As long as I tell you the good things first,

I don't mind sharing the little problems.
(Jack called them "opportunities.")
My trip was wonderful, but not perfect!

Hiccup #1

I got a great fare in December from AA

 but not a great seat.

I intended to diligently haunt the website to 

seek improvement.  I forgot.

So I was stuck in a middle seat.

When I got to the airport I asked for a window

or aisle, but the only one available was what I shall

lovingly refer to as "the latrine seat."

Yes, it was an aisle seat, but it

backed up to one of the lavs.

Surely the middle couldn't have been that bad.

Oh, yes it could have.

Hiccup #2  

Since this was a special event for me,

I bought close up tickets for my shows.

I didn't wait for "1/2 Price Tickets,"

even though it was right across from my hotel.

I forked over the dough, and

for An American in Paris,

this is who sat down in front of me.

Now I thought the hat would be the problem.

It wasn't.

Actually, neither was the hair--exactly.

She was tall and had such great posture!  See how far
 her shoulders extend above the back of the seat?

Couldn't she have slumped just a little

(or preferably a LOT)?

So help me, I was the only person dodging 

this way and that trying to see!

Now don't you dare tell me she is your cousin Boopsy

or your Aunt Flossie,

(although that is probably what I would do to you.)

Hiccup #3

This ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, was not

a good choice for me.

I wanted a studio (only 3 Norwegian ships have them)

and I loved sailing from New York.

I got those things and great food, but...

it is a mega ship, and one feels it.

Unlike Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Allure

 (both larger)

the Breakaway felt crowded all the time.

Especially the atrium area, where my favorite

event, the Celebrity Dance Off was held.

You're seeing the couple live 

and just the lady on the big screen.

If you ever cruise on a Norwegian ship, look for this!

And go very early to get a seat.

Tendering is required to reach Great Stirrup Cay,

Norwegian's private island.

I usually love tendering.  
Just another adventure for me!

But these were huge tenders which were 

packed with over 300 people.

 This was incredibly s..l..o..w and h..o..t.

And the island was--no surprise--c..r..o..w..d..e..d.

 Then the reception area back onto the ship was too

small to accommodate scanning and checking the bags   

of anywhere near 300 people at a time.

Other ships use smaller tenders and zip them

back and forth efficiently.

Hiccup #4
I was forewarned about this one on Cruise Critic.
I cannot imagine the punishment which was dealt
to the person who designed the theatre seats
for the Breakaway.
There is a limited amount of cushion, behind
which is a board.  Yes, as in a wood slat.
If you sit back in your seat at all, your coccyx
(trying to be couth and not say tail bone)
rests on a piece of wood.
And there are a jillion of these things!
Yeah, I picture the designer weaving straw for
hut roofs in Outer Mongolia...
whilst being forced to sit 
 in one of the Breakaway theatre chairs!


Any trip from which I get home safely is a good trip!
I will still say, 
"I've never met a cruise I didn't like."
Howsomever,
I might not be so impulsive in my choice next time.