WORLD SHIP SOCIETY

On Saturday, August 18th, 38 World Ship Society – PONY Branch members and friends set sail from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal aboard Oceania Cruises’ MV INSIGNIA under dramatic thunderstorm-filled skies. Once we cleared Lower New York Bay, QUEEN MARY 2 was spotted ahead, having departed Brooklyn the same time we sailed from Manhattan. As with most cruises, the first night onboard was quiet, but our group was in store for a week of virtually nonstop parties. Monday evening (after a stormy day at sea), we were treated to the Captain’s welcome aboard party, as well as much calmer seas. Tuesday evening, the PONY Branch hosted a welcome party in the Horizons Lounge on INSIGNIA’s top deck, with sweeping views of a spectacular sunset through its full-height glass walls. Wednesday was a well-timed day off from parties, since Thursday there were two! That afternoon, we were invited by world-renowned maritime artist Stephen Card to join him for an afternoon cocktail party at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. Afterwards, we headed back to the INSIGNIA for pre-dinner cocktails hosted by Virtuoso Voyages (consortium partner of our travel agent, Travel Edge), again in Horizons Lounge. Friday was the Oceania Club Repeaters’ Party in the Insignia Lounge, another chance to chat with the INSIGNIA’s captain, officers and staff. The ship’s social hostess invited the entire World Ship Society group, repeaters or not. Saturday we received word that there would be another cocktail hour hosted by Virtuoso Voyages – because they had forgotten to order hors’ d oeuvre for the first party!

If it sounds like there was no reason to drop anchor during this cruise, that was not the case. St. George’s was our first port of call – Bermuda’s most populous city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a delightful town, and from INSIGNIA’s berth in the beautiful harbor we enjoyed spectacular views of turquoise waters and lush green hills dotted with lovely homes. We spent two nights in St. George’s, then sailed to Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, early the following morning. Our berthing location along Front Street was equally picturesque, only steps away from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, as well as the fine shopping, restaurants and hotels for which Hamilton is known. After an overnight in Hamilton, we sailed past CELEBRITY SUMMIT and NORWEGIAN ESCAPE docked at King’s Wharf. Under brilliant skies we then headed to the open Atlantic and our voyage back to New York. It was a magnificent week, sure to be remembered by our group for years to come.

(Mario De Stefano photo)