Little Sister has the time of her life on cruise ship tour

Teenager Kristine Sousa was so excited about seeing inside a cruise ship that she couldn’t sleep the night before.

Krissy was one of the ‘Littles’ who was treated to a behind the scenes tour of NCL’s Norwegian Spirit.

The group from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda was invited ­onboard the cruise ship when it moored at Dockyard on Sunday, July 25.

Krissy (pictured above next to a gambling machine) took part in the cruise ship tour with her Big Sister Claudelle Richardson. Ms. Richardson said as soon as Krissy saw the cruise ship her eyes opened with excitement as she said: “OMG, that thing is big.”

Ms. Richardson said: “It was exciting seeing the day through Krissy’s eyes and wonderment, as this was a new experience for her.

“I watched with anticipation of Krissy’s new experience and there it was, her eyes opened, she kept turning and looking at me with her signature, mouth dropped wide-open OMG expression — she was officially excited.

“Krissy was excited, and I was excited with her.”

About 35 Bigs and Littles and three charity staff members spent three hours onboard the Norwegian Spirit.

NCL’s group services coordinator Raquel Nunez gave them a sneak peek of the ship’s restaurants, casino, theatre, pool deck and reception area. The group even got a chance to see entertainers rehearsing for that night’s show.

Krissy loved everything about the cruise ship, especially the glass and gold trimmed elevators and the gambling room, where she got to “sit at a real ­gambling machine”.

In fact Krissy had such a great time on board that she “did not want the experience to end and tried very hard not to let it.”

It may have been the first time on a cruise ship for Krissy, but she is already making plans to ensure it is not her last.

Ms Richardson said: “We extend a big thank you to all who made this visit on NCL Norwegian Spirit happen and look forward to this being an annual event.

“Thank you Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda from both Krissy and myself, we had a great visit on Norwegian Spirit.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children from single parent homes with adult mentors, who are ­positive role models and friends. 

To volunteer or to find out more about the charity phone 232-2802 or visit www.bbbs.bm