So, I am on Day 3 onboard Oasis of the Seas, the most technologically advanced cruise ship in the world. Although we are at full capacity with 5900 passengers, because of the exquisite design, it does not feel crowded or pedestrian in any way! I just left my hubby in the cabin, waiting for complimentary room service which I ordered on the interactive tv in our room. On this huge flat screen tv, you can see all restaurant availability, where it’s crowded, what is open, both the complimentary and specialty restaurants. The screen gives you a complete read out of anyplace you could want to go or anything you could want to do on the ship or shore. Although 63% of the passengers made their show and restaurant reservations prior to sailing, there is still availability.
Last night we had an intimate evening in the Comedy Club, fashioned New York City style with a lighted subway map on the ceiling. They said they needed at least 25 passengers in order to have a show, but it was sold out. Although it was half as small as the Improv in NYC, it was twice the laughs! The two comedians were timely, fresh and full of hysterical insight. They were hilarious with only one slight reference to Tiger. Now that’s talent!
On 12/31, I decided to get one more meeting under my belt in Ft. Lauderdale before the holiday and before sailing. I caught a 3:30 pm meeting and there was an out of town newcomer there with 30 days who was young and under a lot of pressure from his visiting peers to have New Year’s Eve partying fun in South Beach. He didn’t tell his friends he was in recovery, and was very nervous at 29 years old with no sober reference. I felt compelled to talk to him at length after the meeting to tell him the things that he would need to be armed with to save his life that night. I left thinking I will never see him again.
Yesterday, as I walked passed the pool onboard this incredible ship, there he was! He must be wondering, “Once you join, do these AA’s stalk you on vacation too????” Ha ha , God sure has a sense of humor! I tried to tell him where our meeting was but did not want to blow his anonymity to the young girl he was with. I will pray I see him again this week so I can tell him where the solution is on Deck 17. I brought my 12 & 12 an led the meeting with all of us reading the first step. If he comes, we will just read it again.
I am going with my hubby and travel buddies, Rick, Helle, Jonah, Marc, Jamie, Jack, Kari, Darlene & Javier to see the show “Hairspray” at 2:30. Then we are dining at the upscale $35. a person 150 Central Park Restaurant. It is Haute Cuisine and no children are allowed. I can’t wait. It is located on Deck 8 in Central Park, one park where you won’t get mugged…unless ofcourse, you go into the Coach store that happens to be there!
I am so happy to be on a real vacation with my hubby. We haven’t gone away for 7 days without the children, or without me working since our honeymoon 28 years ago. I am only here through the generosity of one of my cruisers who thought I should have a good time. How lucky. I will meet with my Onboard Cooardinater soon to make sure all my details for the 9th Annual Halloween Gratitude Cruise onboard this ship are ready when we get here in October! www.sobercelebrations.com and www.oasisoftheseas.com to check it out.