All Aboard!

I was recently introduced to the hassle free travel experience of going on a cruise. In today’s world where terrorist threats abound, cruising presents itself as a more attractive way of traveling, skirting the inconvenience of very tight airport security checks. Much to my amazement, it was a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.

There it was standing, actually more likely floating before me, the colossal “Freedom of the Seas”, the world’s newest and largest ship commissioned by the Royal Carribean, one wonders how it stays adrift. While I had the impression that a cruise was mostly enjoyed by senior citizens who do not want to be bothered with hotel and luggage transfers, I was surprised to see entire families with toddlers and infants in tow waiting for their turn for that one time check-in. Wide smiles flashed as cameras popped capturing the excitement of each passenger.

DAY 1: ALL ABOARD! The ship sets sail.

I was so impressed by the grandeur of the ship, I panicked at the thought of the sinking of the Titanic! “Where would I go if anything happened?” I thought to myself. But of course, as a standard operating procedure, we were all asked to don our life vests found in our very well appointed cabins and proceed to the designated area marked on the vests for the emergency briefing. It was only after then that my fear subsided.

We had our first sampling of the endless eat-all-you-can buffet meals… the all American burgers and hotdogs, Italian pasta and pizza, Asian noodles and various Continental dishes. While everyone else seemed to enjoy their mountains of food on serving trays instead of dining plates, for someone who has a highly discriminating palate, I thought the food, although it looked appetizing was actually very bland. VERDICT: Not worth the calories and every ounce of fat threatening to settle in one’s already bulging belly!

Nonetheless, just with the sight of the food waiting to be devoured, I decided to look for the gym and check out what they had to offer… hmmm, every physical fitness activity I engage in was offered, from pilates to yoga. They even had a boxing ring! But for my mother who at, sssshhhhhh… I mustn’t reveal her age, is still very vain, the services offered at the beauty salon were more appealing to her.

A parade down the Royal Promenade welcomed us to usher the beginning of a fun-filled cruise. It reminded me once again of Disneyland, where one had to wait way ahead of schedule just to get a good glimpse.

In the evening, we had our first taste of our superb gourmet dinner, every single dish to die for, something I looked forward to every night. And with that, I decided to forego the buffet meals during the day and settle for the weight watcher’s tried and tested fruit platter. If I were to gain a few inches around my waist, might as well be worth all the calories. We were to be seated with a Canadian based Chinese family every night, one of the daughters taking a shot of every single dish served to her.

“Are you taking a culinary course?” my sister couldn't help but ask.
"Oh no, just for posterity reasons." she replied with a smile.

Aside from the gastronomic delights, we were introduced to a highly professional brand of service provided by our friendly staff composed of the head waiter, who I can only remember for the proverbial smile accompanied by the wink of an eye, our Turkish waiter named Yaman and our assistant waiter, a very young, pleasant and attentive Filipino named Jerome. "Why can’t we have this kind of service back home?" I wondered.

“Huwag ka munang mag-girlfriend ha!” my mother would tell him.
“Opo Mommy!” he answered with a smile.
Obviously missing his own mother, he attended to mine like his own, and engaged each other in warm and friendly conversation.

We would retreat to our cabin each night to be greeted by the most unusual towel origamis of animal shapes, sometimes even using one of our own accessories. Imagine a monkey hanging from the ceiling wearing your very own sunglasses. How creative can that be!

DAY 2: AT SEA

With the sun’s intense heat threatening to sear my body had I laid down on the lounge chairs, to my delight I was surprised to discover the walking/jogging path around the ship’s deck. As usual, I slathered my body with a sunscreen, stuck my ipod earphones and started working up a lovely tan while I walked with a slight breeze gently blowing on my face.

I continued to explore the ship, making a mental note of the activities I wanted to engage in and where I can get an ice cream cone to cool off when the heat became unbearable. Surprisingly, every food item on the ship was free except for bottled water. But hey, you gotta stay hydrated so that was practically the only item I paid for.

Wall climbing on a ship? Of course I had to do this… one, two, three times, each climb getting more difficult, my knees starting to tremble, my fingers slipping with sweat until I could no longer hold on to the hand grips, sending me flying on my harness before I threw in the towel.

Drained of my energy, I grabbed a taste of some very yummy raisin cookies at the café, instantly turning it into my comfort food. My mother loved it too, the following day she just had to have more of it.

“How many of those cookies can you give me?” she asked.
“I can give you the whole tray if you want!” the reply came.

She settled for six pieces and that was to be the start of her love affair with the mouth watering cookie.

I was told that for every cruise there was to be a Captain’s Gala Dinner. Well, tonight’s the night and it was my chance to get all dolled up hoping to catch someone’s attention!? I was hoping it would be some kind of a Love Boat. Tough luck! Anyway, we watched “Marquee” the very first of the shows lined up for the entire duration of the cruise, all grand productions it was like Las Vegas at sea.

DAY 3: COZUMEL, MEXICO

Wanting a mix of land and sea, today we opted for a tour to mainland Mexico, arriving at the Playa del Carmen after a 45 minute ferry ride. Walking past the Tulum Mayan Ruins under the intense heat was not very pleasant, sending us back to the comfort of our airconditioned bus where a boxed lunch awaited us. Whew! Little did we know that our next stop would be an ocean park. Although now weary, we again hiked up the trail getting lost in the process, frantically looking for directional signs and hoping not to be left by the bus lest we get left behind by the ship and there goes the rest of our cruise! We were now gasping for air as we took bigger strides. We finally made it just in time!

Tonight’s highlight: “Now You See It”, a magic illusion show, a casual Venetian Feast and Dancin’ Through the Decades 50’s – 70’s night. Imagine the biggest 70’s disco party at the Royal Promenade, dancing to your favorite beat while sipping frozen Mojitos.

DAY 4: GEORGETOWN, GRAND CAYMAN

While my mother stayed on board, we all went on a snorkeling expedition and got to do something we only imagined in our dreams… swimming with stingrays! My mother was apprehensive letting me go lest I get knocked out by the whip of its tail! But we just have to let go of our fears, take every opportunity that presents itself only once in a lifetime and have no regrets. The truth is, I actually freaked out I went on board right away. The coral reefs left us disappointed, with the effects of global warming turning once colorful corals into brown. What a waste!

A barbecue lunch awaited us at the Beach Club Colony Resort and after some relaxing moments sipping a drink called “Sex on the Beach”... hmmmmm sounds kinky!... we hied off to get a taste of the very popular Tortuga flavored rum cake before heading back to the ship.

Tonight’s highlight: “Freedom-Ice.Com”, a spectacular ice skating show, a casual Surf Dinner and Surfing Under the Stars Dance Party.

DAY 5: MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

Another day on land. Driving past a landscape not too different from our own didn’t leave any impression on us but I was touched by the children at a pre-school with even less resources than the school where I myself teach. Wearing a wide brimmed hat purchased in Cayman Islands the previous day, my sister teased me saying I looked like Princess Diana, while pictures were being taken of me surrounded by the children.

I was only too happy to select the plantation tour as it gave me a taste of everything Jamaican while listening to reggae music. We sampled their variety of fruits again not different from ours, the real jerk pork, pina colada with their special rum and of course, the Blue Mountain coffee. Served with coconut milk and brown sugar, it was the best coffee I ever tasted. On top of that we had the most knowledgeable tour guide.

Tonight’s highlight: A repeat of the ice skating show which gave us room to rest and get dolled up again for another formal Crown & Anchor Dinner.

DAY 6: LABADEE, HAITI

Another day not just on any island, but a private island owned by the Royal Carribean making it exclusive only to their guests. An island playground, it was a day just for discovery and simply romping around. Riding a jet boat at 1000 km per hour in the morning felt like having our skin pulled away from our faces wondering if it will go back to its shape. In contrast to the high speed, we rowed ourselves in kayaks around the island with the afternoon winds posing quite a challenge to our perceived strength.

“We have slightly gusty winds out there today.” Our guide announced. “If you think you can’t make it back to shore you might as well stay.”

“Okay, right, left, right, left” I shouted to my sister behind me… trying to stay in a straight line… “left, left, left, right, right, right” as we huffed and puffed against the wind. Back on shore our muscles ached.

Tonight’s highlight: “Once Upon a Time Production Show”, very avante garde and highly entertaining, a casual Chef’s Dinner and an 80s dance party.

Also featured was a Culinary Gala Sensation, a feast to the eye of butter, ice and fruit sculptures, and a mix of cocktails and sinful desserts. Did I see caviar there? The buffet was opened for consumption at midnight and having no companion as my family was fast asleep didn’t stop me from feasting on those black fish roe popping in my mouth as I savoured every mouthful mixed with onion and eggs on freshly baked hard rolls. Heavenly!

On this very night I also had a chance to have a photo taken with the Executive Chef who gladly signed the only souvenir I got, a cookbook containing all the recipes of the glorious food served at dinner. Can't wait to prepare them myself.

DAY 7: AT SEA

Our cruise was ending now and it was time to relax, do some shopping on board and enjoy the rest of the ship. More room for raisin cookies, anyone?

Tonight’s Highlight: “Farewell Variety Show”, a casual Feast of Nations Dinner and a Farewell Dance Party.

It was time to pack away for the evening collection of our luggage. With everything perfectly organized and color coded luggage tags provided, I was amazed at the efficient operations and management of such a large ship.

As we disembarked the following morning, the porter asked me if this was my first cruise. Indeed it was and he said to me “This is your first cruise and on the newest and largest one at that. Anything after this will be unsatisfactory”. Yes, I believe him. Now it’s time for me to introduce my children to a fun way of traveling… cruising. I would surely love to do it again.