Caribbean Cruise: Cure for the Common Cold

Waves crash, breezes caress your skin and amidstrefreshing freshwater invigorates as you venture from
the ocean, our place is in perspective. The Norwegianthe ocean to the summit.
Sun, so incomprehensibly huge in port, is now but aFor Norwegian Cruise Line Passenger Scott Blatt, 48,
pinpoint – a miniature model of the world. Shethe climb is an extraordinary feat.
carries 2,200 passengers and 960 staff from over 58An amputee, Blatt tossed his crutches aside for an
nations. We burn 200 tons of fuel a day for overunassisted ascent - to the cheers of onlookers.
70,000 horsepower of propulsion and electricalBlatt’s climb is a first in Jamaican history.
generation. “We get about 12 feet to the gallon,”Regardless of your skill or experience level, there are
says Paul Baya, Cruise Director for Norwegian Cruiseshore activities for everyone. While some marvel at
Lines. Hungry appetites devour 20,000 pounds of freshstunning fish of every color while diving the reefs,
fruit and 35,000 pounds of vegetables each week.others snorkel or tour Mayan ruins.
Cruise ships are like all-inclusive resorts with changing“Over 1500 divers explore Cozumel’s waters
scenery. Typical shore visits give you a taste of eachdaily,” says Gustavo Costa, 35. Costa, an attorney
port. From Jamaicans hawking their wares to Grandfrom Buenos Aires, Argentina, now teaches diving. He
Cayman’s elegance to Cozumel’s stunningsets the dive’s tone with the persuasiveness and
reefs - all guests are assured water views andknowledge you’d expect from an attorney.
countless activities.“Strict laws protect marine life from humans.
Measuring nearly 900 feet in length and thirteen decksHarming or killing is prohibited, ensuring our enjoyment
high, you navigate your new world as the captainof these beautiful creatures. Do not wear a knife or
navigates the globe. Journey to the spa, five Jacuzzis,gloves, harm or chase after the wildlife – fines
two pools, the basketball court, theatre, nightclubs,exceed $5,000.” Costa’s conservation efforts
casino, thirteen restaurants, jogging track, fitnesswere rewarded. The reef, vibrant and flourishing,
center, shuffleboard and library. You can do your ownpassed by like a movie. Floating effortlessly with the
thing or join others in yoga to volleyball or dancing. Outcurrent, adult Angel Fish danced about, Puffer Fish
of cell phone range and too busy for e-mail, you livelooked back with their big, helpless eyes, lobster
for the moment and anticipate yet another excitingloitered, a nurse shark nervously darted off, a Manta
port.Ray flapped massive wings in slow motion - like a
A common sea tale is that you will gain weight on ahawk soaring a ridge. When it was time to go home, it
cruise. It’s true: the food is tasty, all you can eat andwas far too soon.
available twenty-four hours a day. The dessert optionsGetting There
are endless. A quick call to room service yieldsSeveral cruise lines offer journeys from nearby ports.
anything from brownies to breakfast to bananas.Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York are a
Instead, we chose to sprint the stairs wheneverquick train ride away. “If you do travel by air to
possible, dined on delicious vegetarian entrees andMiami, it is advisable to arrive a day early, so you
fulfilled a New Year’s resolution to visit the gym.don’t miss your ship in case of weather delays,”
The result? Fitter, trimmer and feeling rejuvenated insuggests Jerry Carlson of Delta Airlines. Art deco
just one week.hotels in Miami’s South Beach provide colorful,
On Shoredynamic architecture. The ocean and people on
Thousands throng to Jamaica’s 600-footparade are an extra bonus.
Dunn’s River Falls each day. A cascade of