Governor of the Bahamas

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Whether you like them or not, you have to admit that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor had style. During the Second World War, Winston Churchill installed the Duke of Windsor as the Governor of the Bahamas to keep him quiet so to speak.  So in 1940, Wallis and Edward sailed to Nassau.   Apparently Government House was in nearly derelict so the Windsors rented private homes until it was rebuilt.  Most of these photos were taken in 1941 by photographer David E. Scherman and give you a glimpse into their Bahamian life.  I'm not sure Stefan and I will look quite as chic on our sojourn to Nassau (I wonder if Stefan owns a pink jacket) but I hope to visit Government House among other historic sites while we are on the island. The Windsors also spent time in Miami just as we are planning to do after the cruise.  Too bad I don't also have a fabulous collection of Goyard luggage like Wallis.  Those were the days.

 

The view from Government House

Crown emblem in place of a lisence plate on Nassau.

The Duke of Duchess of Windsor in Miami, 1941

The Duchess of Windsor in Florida 1955

Habitually Chic Hits the High Seas

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I've never really fancied myself a cruise person.  Especially not after all the stories I've heard of people gaining ten pounds after eating at the buffet twelve times a day.  But when someone asks you if you want to take a cruise on a brand new ship with fabulous interior design, custom fabrics from Kravet, a Canyon Ranch Spa, a restaurant by Jacques Pépin, and much more, what else could I say but pass the Dramamine and sign me up!  So I will be taking a trip to Miami (February 5-10) to board the new Oceania cruise ship Marina on its maiden voyage to Nassau, Bahamas.  I can't wait to experience this floating boutique hotel and get some sun!  Joining me on this trip will be my good friend Stefan Hurray of Architect Design.  We'll also be staying in Miami for a few days after the cruise so if anyone has suggestions on what to do or see, please feel free to let me know.  Same for Nassau.  And for those who've already asked, I will definitely be posting my outfits!  That's the best part! Anchors Away!  

Oceania Cruises: They had me at Ahoy!

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This cold weather is definitely making me wish I was still sailing on the Marina.  I don't think Stefan and I could have had a better first cruise experience and we owe it all to Oceania Cruises.  This was an inaugural christening cruise and there was copious amounts of music, dancing, champagne, fireworks, sunshine, and food!  Entertainment Tonight corespondent Mary Hart was on hand for the festivities as she was the godmother of Marina.  You can read her account here.  We also got to meet chef Jacques Pépin who has his own restaurant on the ship and enjoy the Canyon Ranch Spa on board.  These are just some of photos of the outside of the ship and our room.  I can't wait to also share the fabulous public areas and rooms decorated with fabric from Kravet and Lee Jofa and suites designed by Susan Bednar Long for Ralph Lauren Home and Dakota Jackson.   Enjoy!

When we arrived in Miami it was 80 degrees!

Cute sailors!

The chefs and other staff lined the decks during the christening ceremony. 

The Marina weight 66,000 tons and can carry 1,250 passengers.  It bills itself at mid-level luxury but it felt very luxurious to us!

They really do break the champagne bottle against the ship but I missed that moment.

There were fireworks over Miami harbor to celebrate our voyage.

Very chic crest on the front of Marina.

Loved the nautical flags.

So glad we had great weather for the entire cruise!

The very popular pool area.

The dark area houses the glass enclosed elevators.

You can choose from regular deck chairs or lounges.

It was hot outside but I was glad I had my cardigans for inside.

It's very windy on a ship and this is how my hair looked most of the time but nine times bigger due to the humidity!

They really did have shuffleboard!

They also had croquet as demonstrated by Stefan.

The clock stated it was made by Scandinavian Marine Time. 

In case of emergency!

The Terrace Grill is located on the back of the ship and was where we loved to eat lunch.  This is a view of Nassau when we were docked.

There is artwork everywhere even outside.

We had a room on Concierge Level Deck 9 that included a chair upholstered in Kravet fabric  #26119 – 512.

Stefan pouring the bubbly.

Each room has its own private terrace.

We also had a lovely sitting area with pretty pillow made of Kravet fabric #28931-516.

The linens were 100% Egyptian cotton. I miss having someone make my bed everyday!

The closet contained luxurious robes and life jackets.  I was hoping we'd only need one of these items!

We had a mandatory lifeboat drill and had to report to our muster stations one morning.

We were a little disappointed that we didn't have to don the life jackets so we practiced in our room and took photos. Can you tell that I was hoping the life jacket wasn't messing up my hair?

This is what you saw when you looked down from your terrace.

In the end, the staff could not have been nicer and represented over 50 countries.  The food was amazing.  The weather perfect.  The company amusing.  And most importantly, the sunsets were absolutely gorgeous! I can definitely say a good time was had by all!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic