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ANNE'S BLOG
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First Impressions from a Cruise Newbie March 5, 2010
Now that it’s Day 2 and I’ve finally gotten over the initial feeling of being totally overwhelmed, I’m beginning to relax and enjoy myself. In the close to 20 years I’ve been a travel writer/editor I’ve never been on a cruise. This total cruise newbie has to admit she was feeling way out of her element and more than a little stressed. I like being in control and here I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.
The crowds of people arriving and boarding the ship, port and boarding procedures (as many line ups and security points as at airports); the vastness of this 14-deck Navigator of the Seas; the shear number of facilities and activities; the blaring music; the cruise director on a mike whooping up interest in the various activities; calendars and promotional material offering discounts on everything from drinks of the day to cruise photo; the emergency drill that had everyone assemble on deck at their designated stations…it was all a bit much. I was almost ready to jump ship.
But our stateroom – we booked at the last minute and lucked out on a junior suite on deck six – is large, comfortable and nicely appointed and I kept thinking if everything else was just too much ship, I could always find peace and tranquility sitting on my balcony breathing in the sea.
But once the general hubbub of the boarding ritual subsided and we set sail from Miami for Cozumel on this four-night cruise, things seemed to calm down.
We had a lovely dinner in one of many restaurants and dining rooms. I was happy to see a small selection of healthy options collected on a special menu called Vitality.
Each evening brings with it entertainment options for various interests and ages. We took in a comedy show then retired early after what seemed like a very long day. Sleep comes easily on a ship that very gently rocks.
Day 2, I’ve discovered there are so many different areas of this 4.5 star vessel that even though there are 3,000 guests onboard, it’s easy to find a quiet space. As I write this, I’m in the Library - one of the ship’s WiFi hot spots and conveniently close to our stateroom.
It's a pleasant space furnished with leather sofas, shelves lined with a selection of books, a wall of windows overlooking the Royal Promenade of duty-free shops, wine bar, a few cafes. I’m getting too comfy. Off to catch a seminar on Detox for Health. Tonight is formal night so looking forward to getting dressed up.
editor@traveltowellness.com
Day 3 - Our Day in Port
March 6, 2010
If was “formal night” last evening on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas. Many of the 3,000 guests got decked out in cocktail attire and dined in one of nine restaurants (another dozen bars and lounges) sprinkled around this mega, 14-deck ship.
They went on to the casino (last night was smoke free), the stage show, the disco skate (yes, they have a real ice rink here), the movie theatre. It’s really hard to believe that this is a ship. It’s more like a beautiful, floating village with back-to-back events and activities –many included in the price of the cruise, others for a fee.
The two level spa and fitness centre, for instance, is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and while the spa services are not included many of the fitness classes and wellness workshops are free for all. I attended a couple of workshops – Secrets to a Flatter Stomach and Detox for Health and Weight-Loss - and was impressed with the calibre of the instructors and the content. This is certainly a mini “health and wellness spa” at sea and as good in terms of content as what I experienced recently at Canyon Ranch Miami.
As the ship continued to steer a steady path from Miami to Cozumel, it was a gently vibrating bed (I'm in the aft of the ship so I guess that's over the engines?) that lulled me into a deep sleep last evening. Early this morning as I lay sleeping, this giant of a ship docked as quietly as it glides across the waves.
We’re scheduled to be in port until 6:30 p.m. before heading back to Miami and while most guests have disembarked to spend the day enjoying some of the various activities – shopping, snorkeling, touring – I’m happy to remain onboard enjoying the facilities including my lovely stateroom with balcony.
The only disappointment with the room was that it does not have Internet access. For those like me traveling with a laptop there are a number of hot spots on board, plus a business centre but the connection is often very slow. Fortunately, not many people are here to work.
Unfortunately, the Navigator's Ship Shape Spa is completely booked. Most likely that’s due to the port-time specials being offered: teeth whitening for $149 instead of $199 for the 30- minute treatment, a $99 package including mini facial, foot and ankle massage and back, shoulder, neck and scalp massage. There are also various discounted 25-minute services offered – a mini facial for $59 for instance.
Hopefully, I will be able to sample the spa tomorrow. Today, as nice as all this is, I have to keep reminding myself…I’m here to work.
If you're looking to spa at sea you might also enjoy reading:
First impressions from a cruise newbie
The Ship Shape Spa
