Nasdaq Crew Diary: Trip Advisor Review
Trip Advisor Review – Nasdaq Eco-Resort and Spa, North Pacific Ocean
Trip Advisor Ranking: 5, No 1 resort in the North Pacific
Overview: A unique holiday opportunity for those tired of luxury hotels, this floating resort travelling between China and Seattle offers absolute over-water accommodation with truly 360 degree uninterrupted sea views. The adventurous traveller keen to experience something off the beaten track can literally taste, feel, smell and touch the ocean at all times, including from their sleeping bag.
Location: Absolute waterfront, traffic-free location, currently near 160 deg West, 045 deg North.
Accommodation: this exclusive resort provides some 12 compact but comfortable staterooms, each measuring approx 1.5sq m for its 20 guests, stylishly decorated in patriotic red white and blue and well equipped with a mattress and storage cuddy. Some staterooms offer their own water features or mini plunge pools whilst others provide a foretaste of the afterlife, known as coffin bunks. Although few staterooms have windows, they are only 2 steps from the ocean which sometimes laps at the foot of your bunk. As a unique space saving feature, designed to encourage a homely and community atmosphere largely absent from larger soulless resorts, bunks come pre-warmed by the previous occupant who is generally happy also to share their wet socks and other personal items.
Facilities: whilst staterooms largely lack en-suite bathrooms, there are two cosy restrooms just steps away which provide ablutions and generous supply of toiletries and wet-wipes. Showers however are taken on deck, in the communal spa known as the cockpit, or in the hydrotherapy massage facilities on the foredeck. Availability depends on prevailing wind and wave conditions.
Food and Beverage: a highlight of any holiday, the carbohydrate intense Nadsaq bistro offers a unique range of pasta, rice and noodle-based dishes, along with cakes and bread of all types. Unfortunately the cocktail list is somewhat limited and in the interests of saving weight the wine cellar was eliminated at the planning stage. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are sometimes available, but occasionally rationing is enforced to minimise the risk of substance abuse.
Service: in a desire to avoid exploitation of hospitality industry workers, the entire resort operates on a self service basis, with guests rostered on to perform all the main functions from driving the bus to preparing meals. All services are delivered by helpful, friendly staff who quickly become adept at operating at 45deg whilst soaking wet at 4am. Housekeeping, laundry and turn-down services are however entirely self-performed.
Activities: too numerous to mention there are daily activities for all the family ranging from whale and bird watching to sail origami and cookery and bread-making classes. For those keen on needlework there are sewing and sail repair classes, along with various arts and crafts courses including donut (rope ring) making, water maker maintenance, understanding weather and astro navigation (bring your own sextant). Spin classes are held daily on the cockpit grinders whilst circus arts can be practised on the trapeze for those wearing the “pants of power” mast climbing harness. One of the most popular activities is knot tying, with regular spot tests conducted by management to encourage proficiency. However despite the proximity of the ocean, swimming is actively discouraged by management and life jacket packing practice is mandatory. Clip on races are regularly held around the cockpit obstacle course, which includes a special limbo section passing safely under the traveller.
Suitability:
Recommended for:
- group or family holidays
- nature lovers, star gazers and ancient mariners
- fitness fanatics and those keen to lose weight
- gourmands, bread bakers and cake makers
Less suitable for:
- romantic escape
- weekend getaways
- sight-seeing, culture and museums
Special Offer
!!!!5 free nights - sign up now for the 23 day race and get 5 extra nights at absolutely no extra cost (BYO Teabags)!!!!
Guest Comments
“You can check in but you can never leave” - Hugues, England
“The waves were awesome, bigger than the mountains in my home country” - Ineka, Holland
“I loved that I could fly a kite” – Hannah, England
“Everyday at Nasdaq is a school day” - Andy M, Wigan
“ Smashing! I plan to bring the whole family next year”- Andy G, Wigan
“If you are going to cross an ocean, this is the big one!” - Graham, Sydney
“The tea and biscuits are much more entertaining than the sailing although the evenings performance of 'the main sail flogging itself to death' was a little bit intense” - Kat C, Paris, France
“A true reminder of post war rationing” - Jon W, Yorkshire
Post Script
Birthday greetings and lots of love to Tambo from Jecca and to Richard from Hannah.
Hope Jane is finding things to do in Seattle, we'll be there soon
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