Cruising Along

I've never thought of myself as a person who would love cruising.

I thought cruise people were wealthy.

I thought cruise people were sophisticated.

I thought cruise people were big time partiers.

Since I'm not wealthy, sophisticated, or a partier, I figured cruising would never be my thing.


But Dr. Lobo had been to every U.S. state except Alaska, so of course we had to go there. We decided a cruise might be our best option. During the cool days of November, we booked an Alaskan cruise on Holland America's MS Amsterdam. That decision enabled us to escape Oklahoma City's hottest July on record.


Here is my first view of the ship that would be my "home" for two weeks.

Embarking at Seattle, we entered a different world.


As we pulled away from the dock, I had to call a couple of special people and share my excitement. I may have squealed.

My quick adaptation to cruise life amazed and worried Dr. Lobo. But how could I not love it? Smiling people cooked and served my meals, made my bed, and cleaned up my messes. (This does not happen at home.)

The scenery was breathtaking, of course, and each port was interesting and fun. But even at sea, a multitude of activities kept me busy and happy: movies, team trivia games, lectures, shopping, Tai Chi, listening to the stringed quartet, reading in the library, nightly entertainment, participating in an On Deck for the Cure walk (breast cancer), new friends, and more. I even went to the gym (once).


Then there was the food--always available and generally excellent. I tried to counter the calories with exercise. (Eat a chocolate cream puff; walk around the promenade deck). I haven't worked up the courage to weigh myself, but judging from the fit of my pants, I'm sure the calories won. They had a definite advantage, thanks to the "Dessert Extravaganza."



Each night when we returned to our room, a cute animal shaped from a hand towel greeted us.



Cabin stewards left chocolate on our bed. I put those away instantly. I wanted to keep my cabin tidy, you know.


Our grandbear, Junior, accompanied us. We enjoyed his company except that he kept asking to be taken to the buffet line for salmon.



Dr. Lobo has to maintain his reputation as a curmudgeon, so he won't admit to liking the cruise, but he can't fool me. He had fun.


We spent fourteen glorious days in this alternate universe. Three days after disembarking, I booked our next cruise.



I am indeed a person who loves cruising.