First Cruise!

May 2017

Twenty years ago, Elsa and I went on one of those cheap, crappy “2 days, 1 night” specials to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale. The ship was old, the food bad and the experience forgettable. So we have been kicking and screaming against a ‘cruise’ forever.

Then we discovered that we can use RCI points to cruise and pay a bit extra for upgraded rooms and the plan was set into motion. Our first cruise!

We decided on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines based solely on feedback from friends. Kyla is no longer into ‘Disney’, we are not party animals for ‘Carnival’ and the best option for our budget was Royal Caribbean. After booking on the Allure of the Seas which was launched in 2012, we discovered that it was the largest cruise ship in the world by 5 centimeters (2 inches). The other being the sister ship, Oasis of the Seas.

At a cost of US$2.1 billion, the ship has 16 decks and a height of 236 ft (72 m). It can carry 6,296 passengers at full capacity which are served by 1,384 crew members. She can cruise at a maximum speed of 22.6 knots (26 mph) from three 27,000 horsepower engines and is based in Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

But that is only the stats. The experience matched the stats and from the first moment on board, we were transferred to a different world. With three stops and 7 days of cruising, cell phones were stored and life took on a pace that suited each of us.

Departing out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, we made our way to our cabins on Level 9. Kyla and Rylin chose a porthole cabin while Elsa and I opted for a balcony (claustrophobia and all that). At 101 square foot, it certainly was not a large suite; but comfortable, cozy and very quickly, home away from home.

Cruising allows you to be busy with events literally 24/7 – on board or on shore when docking. Two levels are dedicated to shopping, eateries and specialist restaurants. The Spa and Gym takes up almost half a deck and the running track covers a mile in just over 2 laps. The dining room is recommended for dinner with seating times at 7pm and 9pm. Our table of 4 enjoyed the excellent attention of two waiters. Cruise lines make money on the amenities: shops, raffles, alcohol, entertainment, casino and pampering. Be ready to spend, or be careful to spend! Plenty of deck space allows for numerous pools and hot water spas. Deck chairs are plentiful and you can choose the front or aft, shade or sun. And wherever you go, you will find a bar or a eatery.

Dinning is an experience. We chose to ‘dress up’ a bit every night, especially for the Captain’s Ball. Five course menus are standard with a Chef’s Special every day. One can eat as much as you like, which in itself, is a sin. Coupled with a great ambiance and excellent service, each night was special.

As mentioned, part of the cruising experience is ‘dressing up’. It adds a touch of glamour to the very laid back eat-and-drink image associated with a cruise ship. This part the girls really enjoyed and we proudly kept our distance behind them as they sashayed around the decks.

First Stop: Labadee, Haiti

Labadee (French: Labadie) is a port located on the northern coast of Haiti. It is a private resort leased to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines until 2050. Royal Caribbean has contributed the largest proportion of tourist revenue to Haiti since 1986, employing 300 locals, allowing another 200 to sell their wares on the premises. The resort is completely tourist-oriented, and is guarded by a private security force. The site is fenced off from the surrounding area, and passengers are not allowed to leave the property. Food available to tourists is brought from the cruise ships. Although sometimes described as an island in advertisements, it is actually a peninsula contiguous with the island of Hispaniola.

Second Stop: Falmouth, Jamaica

Situated on Jamaica’s North coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Falmouth has something for all travelers. Experience spectacular adventures at Dunn’s River Falls, and Caribbean’s best-preserved rich local treasures of the Caribbean like the Good Hope Great House. You can also soak up some sun and relax on beautiful white-sand beaches.We opted for the Green Grotto caves, a local restaurant and beaches.

Third Stop: Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel features great diving, snorkeling and beaches, marine-life encounters, botanical gardens, trails and shopping in the town of San Miguel. The nearby mainland is home to Tulum, Mayan cliff side ruins overlooking the Caribbean. The girls discovered ‘Senor Frog’ a local hang-out while Elsa and I experienced the local shops.

Against all expectations, we have booked our next cruise at the end of 2018! Needless to say, it has been a great experience.