Every year millions of Americans spend their vacations sailing the Caribbean in the lap of luxury. Ever since the demand for ocean liner travel began to rise in the mid 1980s, families from across the country have flocked to sea ports, and relaxed aboard million dollar vessels. The allure of recreational cruises is due in part, not only to the tropical destinations, but also to the round the clock entertainment and near first class service provided by the staff and crew.

Before spring break this year, I had never had the urge to go on a cruise; I'd always thought they were only for old people and fat tourists in Hawaiian shirts. So naturally when my friend, THS senior Hayley Constance, invited me on a week long Royal Caribbean cruise with her family, I was a little hesitant. My mom had scared me with stories of how girls had gotten taken advantage of by sketchy crew members and of people "mysteriously disappearing" at sea. However, after a good deal of convincing from my friend, we were in her car on our way to Galveston to board the Voyager of the Seas.   

When we arrived, I was struck dumb by the size of the ship. It was huge! I'd seen pictures and commercials for cruises before but actually seeing the ship in person was humbling to say the least. The amazement didn't stop as we made our way on board. The ship was equipped with a theater, mini-golf coarse, inline skating path, virtual golf simulator, pools, hot tubs, lounges, bars, an ice-skating rink, an interior promenade, and more food and cafes than I thought it was possible to squeeze into one place. Many of the smaller cafes were opened all night long so my friend and I could always satisfy our late night pizza cravings. 

I was also pleasantly surprised by the large population of teenagers on board. Sure, I did see a good deal of old, Hawaiian-clad people, but it felt to me like the numbers evened out. Hayley and I had our own room with two twin beds and a window over looking the interior promenade. We came to find out that most of our fellow teens and their friends also had their own rooms and, like us, didn't see their parents at all except for excursion days and at dinner. That was another resounding allure of the cruise, we were left, devoid of parental supervision, to do whatever we wanted! It's really what all teens wish for. 

All cruise guests were free to roam the ship and do what they pleased; however, security was still tight for children under the age of 18 (unfortunately that includes both Hayley and me). The age restrictions were especially problematic for us because, being seniors with June birthdays, many of our senior friends had already turned 18 and could get into clubs and events that we couldn't access. There was a "Teen Club" which we were allowed to go to...but it was so full of freshmen and tweensters fist pumping to Ke$ha and Sean Kingston that we refused to set foot inside! Children under 18 also had a curfew of 1 am that was strictly enforced, to say the least. One night when I and my partner in crime were sitting on the top deck with a few of our newly acquired guy friends, security came up to us and asked to see our ship ID cards. Since the card showed that Hayley and I were under 18, the guards escorted us back to our rooms while our 18 year old friends sat and watched us leave. We walked back with the guards, hanging our heads with embarrassment.

Besides the tight security harshing mine and Hayley's attempts at spitting game, being on The Voyager of the Seas was the best week of my entire life. The crystal clear waters and white sand beaches of Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica were more beautiful than anything I could have ever imagined. So, what epic plans lie ahead for next year's spring break? I'm not sure yet, but all I can say is I hope it involves a really big boat.