Ship

There are two kinds of people. One kind believes everything is going to work out for the best and the other worries and agonizes over every detail. I'm the kind that worries. The ship was a human terrarium where all my needs where taken care of and most of my wants. Nothing to worry about, food, shelter, safety, entertainment etc. Someone can determine how I occupy my time if I like. They even censor the news that's broadcast on the ships closed circuit TV network. So no one sees anything that might disturb their cruise buzz. Isn't this what heaven is supposed to be like. All of your needs are taken care of and everything is perfect. If someone grew in a sheltered environment where nothing bad ever happened, would they still suffer. Is suffering contingent on external factors or is it inherent? Could they go to guest services complain that they aren't as happy as the people look on the commercials?

Seasick

I didn't know if I was going to have motion sickness. This was my first cruise and I had committed to a 16 day Atlantic crossing. I imagined the horrors of being sick for that long. The ship does not turn back for any reason. On my first day I was looking for it with every step I took. I felt myself getting nauseated and realized I was fighting the sway of the ship. I relaxed into it and let the sway move me and the sickness subsided. I actually enjoyed it after that. I think the rocking activates the pleasure centers linked to the inner ear's vestibular sense. Not only do we rock babies but adults like it too. I've been sleeping soundly 10 hours every night and I stay slightly intoxicated with somnolence throughout the day.

Service

The customer service is insane. I have never seen anything like it. They treat you like your the King of England ready to send them to the gallows for any wrong move. Every time you pass any crew member they give you perfect eye contact and a proper greeting. They always offered an intelligent solution for any question I had. It's amazing and creepy at the same time. They are on the ship for 8 months at a time, away from their families. They work 7 days a week 16 hours a days for not much money and I never saw any sign of discord. It seams that the "me" phenomena has not reached people from developing countries yet. They still work for the greater good and are not as concerned with being individuals.

The ship was a good way to avoid jetlag and see a few cities for about $60 per day per person.

New Orleans, Louisiana
At Sea
At Sea
Nassau, Bahamas
At Sea
At Sea
At Sea
At Sea
At Sea
At Sea
Ponta Delgada, Azores
At Sea
At Sea
Malaga, Spain
Cartagena, Spain
Valencia, Spain
Barcelona, Spain