If a job can be defined by its perks, then I may have one of the best jobs on the planet. Not only do I get to talk about beer, but last week I got to do that on a cruise ship in the Bahamas. The Bahamas! The Lebrewski Cruise was a rolling, 4-day party with some awesome bands and killer beers – and we were lucky enough to be along for the ride. Of course, we had to document it all, because that’s what we do.
Having never been on a cruise before, this whole deal was daunting. Departing from Miami and heading out to open water has always been … avoided, and I wasn’t really excited to give it a go now. But the promise of unlimited beers and food, plus free music, lured me in. Not only did most of the BN go, but we had a pretty good turnout of listeners and friends along for the ride as well!
Before leaving for the Lebrewski Cruise, we created a new subdivision called the BN Yacht Club. Matching shorts, socks, tank tops, and white blazers, we were ready for the high seas of fun and adventure! Yeah, we are those people.
Since there were so many bands on board, the Lebrewski Cruise had several stages set up around the ship, with the main one being right near the pool. So as the ship was pulling away from Miami, the music started loud and fast, which was a really awesome way to start our epic trip. Plus, beer.
The ship was covered with bars, so you never had to walk far for a drink, and each one had a rotating menu of craft beer – awesome! Of course, all the standard cruise-necessary drinks were there, like mojitos, piña coladas, and bourbon. Lots and lots of bourbon.
We had quite an adventure, stopping in Nassau to take part in the local culture , which seemed to consist of sitting on the beach and drinking brightly-colored flavored alcohol from coconuts. Then we had a day “at sea,” where we stayed on the boat and pretty much raged. This is when most of us discovered the wonders and smokey draw of the on-board casino. I think casinos are now in my top ten things to love about cruises. Mainly because most of the BN who gambled came out ahead – a rare occurrence anywhere else.
Sure there was drinking and music and over-eating, but what ended up quite possibly being the best part of our journey into waters unknown was the karaoke lounge on board. You know we had to represent the BN Yacht Club and sing a few yacht rock songs. Hall and Oates all day, every day! Every night was rounded out with a good two to three hours of mixed drinks, Newcastle, and drunkards belting out Nickelback tunes. A good time, for sure.