Allow me to vitalise your senses as I walk you through the various venues. Let us start at the top, the outer open deck where you can relax, sunbathing by the poolside or pamper yourself at the luxurious spa. If you are keen on getting your adrenalin pumping, try the rock climbing wall or hit the fitness centre. Just because you are on a cruise does not mean healthy habits cease.
Cruising is about the nightlife, so if you want to party the night away, there is an adult club for you to show off those dance moves. I must say, South African dancers can definitely give the Americans a run for their money, I did! Dancing might not be your kind of scene, then maybe the sound of ‘kachang!’ ‘$$$’ is! As you venture to the lower decks, the lavishing looking casino always welcomes donations and is open for your gaming pleasure. Are you not satisfied yet? Would you just like to unwind with a glass of wine? You can! Bask in the ambience of low-lit lighting, dark wood furnishing and soft mellow music where an assortment of wine is at your disposal. Enjoy the company of friends and family over a sip of Late Harvest Riesling or a Merlot of your choice.
Bars are located on almost every deck and to help you with your selection, a drink of the day is always on display. Remember to line that stomach before indulging. Just follow the sweet aroma of food, glorious food to satisfy them taste buds! Lo and behold, the three deck dining room and the buffet-style food market place. Seafood, Indian cuisine, Asian flavour, Mexican dishes, Western food and fast food too. There are a wide variety of food choices, you are bound to find something that will satisfy your appetite. Okay, so there might not be any bobotie with chutney, but that is because they just have not acquired the South African tang.
Rest assured that there is something for everyone to enjoy, including the kids! There is an exciting and interactive programme provided for kids from six months old to the teen of seventeen years old. The activities range from scavenger hunts and dodge ball for kids to teen sports competitions and teen disco nights. Not forgetting the performing arts, every single evening there is a show in the stunning theatre. Dancers, singers, jugglers, comedians, musicians’ and acrobats from all over the world perform breathtakingly on stage to dazzle your senses.
Fulfilled yet? There is more…the bigger the ship, the more pleasurable the experience. These are just the a few features of the ship I once thought was quite huge. In addition to the above-mentioned, the bigger ships have an ice rink, a separate kid’s pool zone, an ice cream parlour, a seated coffee bar, a sports court, a golf simulator, an inline skating track, a Flowrider, a karaoke and sports bar speciality restaurants, more name brand shops, more lounges, and parades for the guests to enjoy.
The guest areas are quite remarkable and confusing at times to get from place to place, but not quite a maze as a the crew area. A place I was definitely interested! After travelling long distance, from South Africa to the States, all I wanted was to find my cabin and take a shower!
More about crew areas in ‘Ship Life’. To follow: The job, the people, the places.
