Cruise: A Cure For Landlocked Blues

Waves crash, breezes caress your skin and amidst the ocean, our place is in perspective. The Norwegian Sun, so incomprehensibly huge in port, is now but a pinpoint – a miniature model of the world. She carries 2,200 passengers and 960 staff from over 58 nations. We burn 200 tons of fuel a day for over 70,000 horsepower of propulsion and electrical generation. “We get about 12 feet to the gallon,” says Paul Baya, Cruise Director for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Hungry appetites devour 20,000 pounds of fresh fruit and 35,000 pounds of vegetables each week.

Cruise ships are like all-inclusive resorts with changing scenery. Typical shore visits give you a taste of each port. From Jamaicans hawking their wares to Grand Cayman’s elegance to Cozumel’s stunning reefs – all guests are assured water views and countless activities.

Measuring nearly 900 feet in length and thirteen decks high, you navigate your new world as the captain navigates the globe. Journey to the spa, five Jacuzzis, two pools, the basketball court, theatre, nightclubs, casino, thirteen restaurants, jogging track, fitness center, shuffleboard and library. You can do your own thing or join others in yoga to volleyball or dancing. Out of cell phone range and too busy for e-mail, you live for the moment and anticipate yet another exciting port.

A common sea tale is that you will gain weight on a cruise. It’s true: the food is tasty, all you can eat and available twenty-four hours a day. The dessert options are endless. A quick call to room service yields anything from brownies to breakfast to bananas. Instead, we chose to sprint the stairs whenever possible, dined on delicious vegetarian entrees and fulfilled a New Year’s resolution to visit the gym. The result? Fitter, trimmer and feeling rejuvenated in just one week.

On Shore

Thousands throng to Jamaica’s 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls each day. A cascade of refreshing freshwater invigorates as you venture from the ocean to the summit.

For Norwegian Cruise Line Passenger Scott Blatt, 48, the climb is an extraordinary feat.

An amputee, Blatt tossed his crutches aside for an unassisted ascent – to the cheers of onlookers. Blatt’s climb is a first in Jamaican history. Regardless of your skill or experience level, there are shore activities for everyone. While some marvel at stunning fish of every color while diving the reefs, others snorkel or tour Mayan ruins.

“Over 1500 divers explore Cozumel’s waters daily,” says Gustavo Costa, 35. Costa, an attorney from Buenos Aires, Argentina, now teaches diving. He sets the dive’s tone with the persuasiveness and knowledge you’d expect from an attorney. “Strict laws protect marine life from humans. Harming or killing is prohibited, ensuring our enjoyment of these beautiful creatures. Do not wear a knife or gloves, harm or chase after the wildlife – fines exceed $5,000.” Costa’s conservation efforts were rewarded. The reef, vibrant and flourishing, passed by like a movie. Floating effortlessly with the current, adult Angel Fish danced about, Puffer Fish looked back with their big, helpless eyes, lobster loitered, a nurse shark nervously darted off, a Manta Ray flapped massive wings in slow motion – like a hawk soaring a ridge. When it was time to go home, it was far too soon.

Getting There

Several cruise lines offer journeys from nearby ports. Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York are a quick train ride away. “If you do travel by air to Miami, it is advisable to arrive a day early, so you don’t miss your ship in case of weather delays,” suggests Jerry Carlson of Delta Airlines. Art deco hotels in Miami’s South Beach provide colorful, dynamic architecture. The ocean and people on parade are an extra bonus.

For More Information:

www.oceana.org

www.CruiseNorfolk.org

www.NCL.com

www.HollandAmerica.com

www.Pelicanos.com.mx

www.AtlantisAdventures.net

www.ThePalmsHotel.com

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