The trip began with a two-hour flight to Miami, a metro rail ride to downtown Miami, and a ride on the trolley to the port of Miami. The trolley brought us right to the ship across the street. We checked in and found Room 7310, a small room with a full size bed and 2 bunk beds. With the help of the steward, we were able to set up the bunk beds.
With a quick tour around the boat, we discovered lots of small eateries and shops around the ship. All of the food was paid for, except for alcohol and seafood. We ate informally at any time at the eateries, but every meeting we went to the dining room for a formal dinner. We found out that the 1000 plus employees on the ship were mostly on contracts and came from many different countries.
Besides eating, they offered various classes, such as the Flattening Stomach class. On the ship, there was a gym, a casino, and many shops. We also were able to enjoy a couple of outdoor movies.
Many times on the trip, we had the opportunity to enjoy the expanse of the sea in front of us. It was such a contrasting peace and serenity with the back part of the ship, which was always crowded with excitement and noise. I love to watch beauty of God. I realized that life is not about me only. It is about the beautiful and amazing creations of God, clouds lightly flowing in the skies amid the blue background, and the small waves oceans barely disturbing the ship. Life is about God who is the Creator of all things on this earth and the earth itself and all the stars and planets in the sky. Life is about the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind, who condescended to this earth and effected the perfect and infinite atonement for ourselves, that we might repent and forgive.
I also realized that life is about me as a person. God knows who I am, perfectly. He loves me unconditionally. He knows me by name. And although I am one speck in a trillion, he is calling me and beckoning me to come to him.
On Monday morning, we arose bright and early to eat breakfast in the Pacific dining room for breakfast. It was the best meal I had on the ship. We sat by the window, as it changed from darkness into the light. I had a fabulous meal, including eggs Benedict and a short stack of pancakes. We then departed the boat and left for the airport.
My very first cruise was short and refreshing. Parts of the cruise, the noise and worldliness, I could do without. But I enjoyed much of it and seeing the part of the world that we visited.
With a quick tour around the boat, we discovered lots of small eateries and shops around the ship. All of the food was paid for, except for alcohol and seafood. We ate informally at any time at the eateries, but every meeting we went to the dining room for a formal dinner. We found out that the 1000 plus employees on the ship were mostly on contracts and came from many different countries.
Besides eating, they offered various classes, such as the Flattening Stomach class. On the ship, there was a gym, a casino, and many shops. We also were able to enjoy a couple of outdoor movies.
Many times on the trip, we had the opportunity to enjoy the expanse of the sea in front of us. It was such a contrasting peace and serenity with the back part of the ship, which was always crowded with excitement and noise. I love to watch beauty of God. I realized that life is not about me only. It is about the beautiful and amazing creations of God, clouds lightly flowing in the skies amid the blue background, and the small waves oceans barely disturbing the ship. Life is about God who is the Creator of all things on this earth and the earth itself and all the stars and planets in the sky. Life is about the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind, who condescended to this earth and effected the perfect and infinite atonement for ourselves, that we might repent and forgive.
I also realized that life is about me as a person. God knows who I am, perfectly. He loves me unconditionally. He knows me by name. And although I am one speck in a trillion, he is calling me and beckoning me to come to him.
On Monday morning, we arose bright and early to eat breakfast in the Pacific dining room for breakfast. It was the best meal I had on the ship. We sat by the window, as it changed from darkness into the light. I had a fabulous meal, including eggs Benedict and a short stack of pancakes. We then departed the boat and left for the airport.
My very first cruise was short and refreshing. Parts of the cruise, the noise and worldliness, I could do without. But I enjoyed much of it and seeing the part of the world that we visited.
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