I along with my companion was planning a trip to the USA, to visit my son and his family. Taking advantage of this trip we decided to go for a cruise on a luxury liner to the Caribbean.
We asked our travel agent in Mumbai to suggest some suitable cruise of the Caribbean region. The travel agent gave us details of various cruises in the area and we selected the four nights Bahamas Cruise by a ship called ?Majesty of the Seas? of the Royal Caribbean International. The cruise was to start from end at Miami Florida.
The dates of the cruise were from 31 May 2004 to 04 June 2004. We then asked our travel agent to book our air tickets. After examining many options we chose to fly by Gulf Air, the route being Mumbai- Abu Dhabi- London- Miami- Boston- London- Muscat- Mumbai. We found that by including Miami in the route so that we could take the cruise we were spending about Rs2500/- extra per head.
We left Mumbai on 22 May 2004 and after spending a week in London sightseeing and meeting relatives and friends we flew to Miami on 30 May 2004. As the cruise was starting on 31 May 2004 we had asked the travel agent to book us in a hotel in Miami for the night of 30 May. We stayed in Hotel Embassy Suites which cost us about Rs5000/- which included a sumptuous buffet breakfast and transfer from hotel to Miami port for embarkation on our cruise liner.
The itinerary of the cruise was:
31 May Miami Florida 5 pm Depart
01 June Nassau Bahamas 8 am Arrive 5 pm Depart
02 June CocoCay Bahamas 8 am Arrive 5 pm Depart
03 June Key West Florida 9 am Arrive 6 pm Depart
04 June Miami Florida 9 am End of cruise
The total cost of the cruise was about Rs50, 000/- for two persons (Rs25, 000/- per head). This included shipboard accommodation (which was an internal cabin for two having no portholes giving a sea view), ocean transportation, all meals, 24 hours room service, entertainment on board and port docking fees. One can get larger cabins which can accommodate children or additional persons or cabins on the seaside of the ship with sea view for which one has to pay extra.
The cruise was a wonderful experience. It was like living in luxury with bed tea, breakfast, lunch, tea with cakes and snacks, dinner, midnight snack served either as a buffet (a large variety spread over seven to eight large tables) or if you preferred, served in the dining rooms with waiters serving you. All these meals included soft drinks, tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate and ice creams. For hard drinks there were six to seven bars for which you had to pay.
The entertainment programmes were on all day with music, dance, cooking and hair dressing demonstrations and lectures on shopping tips at the various port of call. There was a large casino on board where you could try your luck on a number of games of chance. Swimming pool, saunas, Jacuzzi, shopping arcade and a health club were also on board. At every port of call you could disembark and see the place either on your own or join special tours for which you had to pay extra. The port of calls on our tour were:
Nassau?This is the capital of the Bahamas and is known for its warming sun and balmy breezes, Nassau was first settled by the English and later contested among England, France and Spain. For many years Nassau was a home base for pirates. Since 1740 visitors from all over the world in search of relaxation or adventure visit it.
CocoCay- This is a private island where you can swim or just swing in a hammock all day. A buffet barbecue lunch was arranged on this island.
Key West- Ernest Hemingway made wild, colourful Key West his home. Home to modern day adventurers, artists and poets, the islands charming old town teems with restaurants, bars, and unique shops.
This cruise was really out of this world and considering the facilities that were available the cost was well worth it. Would recommend this cruise to families including children for whom it would be a wonderful experience.