In Search of Gilligan's Island

Could This Be Gilligan's Island?

Back in the 60's a popular television show had viewers watching week after week to see what the fate would be of the shipwrecked survivors of the S.S. Minnow.

They ended up on an island, much like the one in this picture following a storm.   The rainbow in this image tells us that the rain is still falling, but the sun is starting to shine painting the sky with colorful streaks.

Where was Gilligan's Island?

The show wasn't specific about the location, but we know the small ship departed Honolulu, Hawaii and set sail for it's "three hour tour".   This puts the island somewhere in the Pacific.  We think that a worthy goal would be to set sail from Hawaii in search of that island.  Anyone want to come along?

Thanks to the popular song from that series is now stuck in my head.   They held a contest to find the most popular television show theme and Gilligan's Island beat out the competition.

Since the song is stuck in my head, I thought I'd pass this along to you as well so that you can join me.
If you've never seen the show, and it happens to appear in syndication on a TV near you, I strongly encourage you to check it out.   You too may then want to join me on a quest for some South Pacific island, even if it isn't actually Gilligan's Island, do you think you'd really care?

Enjoy the video of the opening, colorized (which means it was from season 2 or 3).  

Gilligan's Island Opening Theme in Color

"The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle" (Sherwood Schwartz/George Wyle) Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, A tale of a fateful trip That started with this tropic port Aboard this tiny ship. The mate was a mighty sailin' man, The skipper brave and sure. Five passengers set sail that day For a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour. The weather started getting rough, The tiny ship was tossed, If not for the courage of the fearless crew The Minnow would be lost, the Minnow would be lost. The ship set ground on the shore of this Uncharted desert isle With Gilligan, The Skipper too, The millionaire and his wife, The movie star, The Professor and Mary Ann, Here on Gilligan's Isle!

Pride of America Gets Make-Over

Pride of America

Enhancements in 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its U.S.-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America, which sails the Hawaiian Islands, will undergo a $30M refurbishment in Spring 2013.

The ship will enter a 14 day dry-dock in Honolulu, HI, March 23, 2013, at which time it will receive major renovations including the addition of 24 ultra-luxurious suites, four Studio staterooms and four inside staterooms; Moderno Churrascaria, the line's signature Brazilian-style steakhouse; ship wide wireless internet connectivity; new carpeting throughout; flat screen televisions in all staterooms; updated décor; upgrades to the fitness center; new directional signage; renovations to the gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery; and much more.

Deck 13 Transformation

• Four Studio cabins will be added for solo travelers
• Twenty-four suites will be added
• Four inside cabins

Deluxe Owners Suites

•  Two  566 square foot suites
•  sleeping up to four guests
•  large bedroom, separate living area 
• 410 square foot balcony
•  premium custom furnishings, fabrics, carpets
•  state of the art bathroom featuring custom mosaic tiles
•  connecting doors to the adjacent Family Suites
•  sleeping up to 10 guests when combined
•  perfect option for families or groups who wish to travel in luxury together

Family Suites

•  ranging from 363 to 416 square feet
•  most sleeping up to six guests
•  two ADA compliant for guests with disabilities
•  245 square foot balcony

All of the new suites and staterooms will go on sale October 1, 2012 for sailings beginning September 7, 2013.

 

Additional Enhancements 

 

Green means "go" for food

Moderno Churrascaria

• Norwegian's signature Brazilian-style steakhouse
• cost is $20 per person  

Cagney's Steakhouse

•  Lazy J's Steakhouse will be converted

If you aren't familiar with these signature restaurants, see our past blog posts for more details - these are big favorites of passengers on other ships.    Dine like a Norwegian !!

 
Additional Renovations

•  new carpeting throughout the ship
•  flat-screen TVs in all cabins
•  upgrades to the fitness center
•  new directional signage
•  renovated gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery
•  updated decor in the Aloha Cafe, the ship's buffet restaurant

Pride of America will return to her seven-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday when she returns to service in early April 2013. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.  This ship is the only one in the entire industry that sails a seven-day itinerary in the islands.

NCL's Boss Goes Undercover

Watch CBS Tonight

Norwegian Cruise Line

CEO Goes Undercover

Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, is the latest "Undercover Boss" to be featured on the popular CBS television show.  The NCL episode airs tonight at 9 PM Eastern.

Sheehan says it was "an eyeopening experience for me as I got to see firsthand how hard our crew works each and every day to make memorable Freestyle Cruising vacations for our guests".

The show was filmed on Pride of America and Norwegian Epic.  To find out what he learned during his various assignments, you'll have to watch the show.

NCL is also giving away a 7 Night Caribbean cruise in conjunction with the show.   Check out their Undercover Boss tab for details.  Watch the trailer below for a sneak peak at tonight's episode.




Cruising Entertainment Like You've Never Seen Before Aboard Norwegian Epic!  (learn more)


Ask me how you can get up to $150 in onboard credits now through January 3rd