America Through My Eyes – Mexico Cruise (Part 3)

America Through My Eyes

Mexico Cruise (Part 3)

Telugu Original : Dr K.Geeta 

English Translation: V.Vijaya Kumar

Strange and Special Features of the Ship  

After dropping our luggage in our room, which was in a building-like, massive multi-story ship, we immediately decided to explore the entire vessel.  

         Our stay was on the third floor, so stepping out onto the veranda outside our room, we hesitated—should we take the elevator down or up? Since it was mealtime, we decided to head straight to the food court on the tenth floor first.  

         The tenth floor, stretching from one end to the other, was packed with dining options. Row after row of halls offered a variety of cuisines. Outdoor seating with chairs lined along the pathways and small swimming pools in the middle added to the convenience. Indoors, the food courts were equipped with cozy seating areas, ensuring comfort was never compromised.  

         The best part? The food was included in our ticket, so no extra payments were needed. With some food courts open 24/7, it was a food lover’s paradise. From boiled corn, pizza, and noodles for the kids to meat dishes, endless cakes, bottomless ice cream missions, unlimited juices, and cool drinks—everything tempted us endlessly.  

         Since it was our first meal on the ship, we felt a mix of confusion—where to go, what to eat—and the regret of missing out on other options after filling our plates. So, we decided to tour all the food courts first before settling down. Once we figured this out, things became easier.  

         After eating to our hearts’ content, our next task was to explore every special feature of the ship. We started by heading to the topmost terrace. From there, the tenth-floor food court was visible below. Walking from one end of the eleventh floor to the other alone took a significant amount of time.  

         Sathya and the kids rushed to the mini-golf area on one side, which kept them busy for nearly an hour. Meanwhile, I clicked photos and admired the sea view from the terrace. The bright sun forced me to occasionally retreat to shaded spots to relax.  

         As we walked further, the ship’s sturdy lifeboats tied along the outer walls caught my eye—they were surprisingly large. Beyond them, we paused to play a round of chess at a board set up for passengers. Nearby, childcare centers catered to children of different age groups. Some onboard shows were adults-only, so parents could leave their kids here. The first hour was free, with charges applying afterward.  

         On another side of the ship was a giant water park. The kids immediately sprinted toward it, but we stopped them—swimwear was mandatory, so we postponed it for the next day.  

         Amid all this, by late afternoon, an announcement reminded everyone about the welcome party and safety briefing. A grand welcome event was organized in the eighth-floor theater. The hall dazzled with gold-like decor, and the seats here were the most luxurious on the ship.  

         After everyone settled in, welcome dances began. Half an hour later, passengers were guided to the terrace for a safety drill. Crew members explained critical protocols, like prioritizing children and women during emergencies while boarding lifeboats. The mention of “ship sinking” sent a Titanic-like chill down our spines. 

*****

(to be continued)