The lucky draw
First a tribute to the sponsor of my trip, Warsila. For most normal people not in the ship building industry, Warsila is the manufacturer of engines and motors for many large and powerful ships and more. They launched a lucky draw online after publishing last year's annual report, to encourage people to read and admire the amazing achievements. Answer five questions from the annual report to enter, and the grand prize is seven day Caribbean cruise for two.
No explaining on how I learned about this lucky draw or where I heard of this company in the first place. Let's just say, all my friends agree this is the most bazaar thing happened to me. As someone who was never lucky enough to win this kind of thing, I was probably the only one who read the whole annual report and answered every question correctly.
Pick the cruise
If I knew the Oasis of the Seas is the world's largest cruise, I wouldn't have needed that much time browsing Royal Caribbean website to pick a cruise- I'm a big sucker for any "the world's first/ largest/ tallest/ etc.". 2,100 crew and + 6,000 passengers qualifies the cruise as a small moving city.
The ports on call are important in picking a cruise. But personally I think the entertainment on board is just as important, considering how much time you spend on the moving island. Do some research on the shows. Later a passenger complained to our captain that the Oasis of the Seas always offers the same shows during his six cruises. Just change to another boat, man...
The shows on Oasis of the Seas
The production shows, comedy club and aqua show are definitely the best part of the whole experience. Reservation grands earlier admission into the venue for better seats, but it is not required. Reservation is only necessary for Comedy Live, given the limited capacity,
I will try to have a quick rundown from my most favorite, but I won't be able to do full justice to the awesomeness.
1. Come Fly with Me
A 9-to-5 white-collar man in the 60's New York ( I think) got carried away into the sky, seeing the unreal, trying the out-of-limit, and learning to believe. this show features a super talented cast: very good singers, great dancers and MIND-BLOWING gymnasts.
The two beautiful gymnasts have totally blown the audience away. They've kept me on the edge of my chair, mesmerized by every single move. I haven't been acting like such a teenage fangirl shouting toward a pop star in a very long time. Then I ended up watching the show twice just for the gymnast guy.
2. Frozen in Time
This show happens on an ice rink. Need I say more? Ice skating is oh so dreamy. The show is about Mr. Anderson and his stories. The capture on Little Mermaid is colorful; the Emperor's New Coat is funny; the Ugly Duckling is utterly cute.
There is also a capture by sand drawing, first time I've ever seen sand drawing in real person, and by two artists simultaneously.
3. Hairspray
Hairspray is the only show I've heard of before boarding, and the first show I reserved. It is said to be Broadway quality. The story is set in 1960s Baltimore when discrimination of black people was common but change is in the air.
Unfortunately for the show, I watched the Book of Mormon just days ago in New York. It is hard to match the Book of Mormon in the stage design, the storyline, the jokes, the music and dancing, and honestly any aspect.
4. Oasis of the Dreams, the aqua show
Not much of a story, but you can see up close most of the Olympics quality water sports and selected gymnastics like synchronized swimming, diving, and trampoline. Hot guys in little swimming shorts are eye candies with or without a story.
The show takes place outdoors at the Aqua Theater, where the stage could change from hard wood to water fountain to swimming pool to deep diving pool. The diving may only be feasible on this ship, because it's so big and wide and thus stable. When you jump down from 10m high, 0.5 degree rotation of the ship could be fatal.
5. Comedy Live
I almost felt bad for our standing comedians for repeating the same jokes 2 to 3 times a day for a whole week. They are very funny. We laughed so hard that my abs hurt. Without a reservation, we had to queue twice to get in, but it was worth the wait.
The ports
Each port offers shopping, beach and other local excursions. I've learned a lot about Caribbean gemstones during the inboard shopping talks. However, when I actually saw diamonds and precious stones displayed like cheap crystals, the confidence and drive in buying quickly died down.
1. Lanbadee, Haiti
Lanbadee is Royal Caribbean's private island. Even the food on the island was brought down from our cruise. There isn't much to do except sunbathing and water sports. The beach was terrible, full of rocks and dirty water.
2. Jamaica
We wanted to go to Dunnes River Waterfall by ourselves. A Jamaican taxi driver in London recommended this waterfall, because you can climb on it and get 5 years younger by successfully climbing to the top. Wo wouldn't want that? But after venturing out into Jamaica and talking with one taxi driver, we retreated to join the shore excursion by our cruise. Jamaica doesn't seem like a safe place...
(Photo from internet as we didn't bring camera)
It was a raining day. The water was much more powerful than usual. Our guide was another crazy guide who led us along the most challenging route. In the middle, he actually pushed us down into the water and had us flop into the water. Under the adrenaline rush, we shouted "why are we torturing ourselves like this" with laughters. However much we felt ripped off paying $7 to rent a pair, we could only thank the shoes while in the waterfall.
Watching the sunset from our own balcony, I couldn't help but ask again, "why did I torture myself to the waterfall?" Hey, there are things you have to try when you are still young.
3. Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel was insanely hot on the day we visited. Half of the people poured into air-conditioned Forum Sops, the other half to famous beaches like Paradise. The rum cake store owner from America recommended a more secluded beach at the other side of the island. A $20 taxi took us to the restaurant Coconuts and the quiet beach nearby.
The restaurant looks over the sea, the Caribbean blue sea. There are funny posters, signs, and signed underwear all over the place. The cocktails are served in the largest glass ever.
Oh the beach! It is hands down the finest white sand I've seen. For a long while, we were the only two people on that beach. There is no better place to get the bikini tan!
The food
Have to admit it would be difficult to say goodbye to 3-course sit-down dinner after the cruise. On the second formal night, whole lobster tail was on the menu, and we consumed 4,500 lobsters for that one meal.
We were less than creative for lunch after discovering the made-to-order salad bar.
Overall, good and fattening food, but don't expect Micheline standards.
Will I take another cruise? Yes, but probably when I am older. Now I want to run around as much as possible. Think about the couple who have been on 46 cruises. That's just too many.
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