We met with another Bucket List experience on our latest cruise aboard the Allure of the Seas. The Allure and the Oasis of the Seas make up the Oasis class of ships for the Royal Caribbean fleet. The ships are of identical design, but the Allure measures a whopping two inches longer than the Oasis.
We have sailed both ships on itineraries we have traveled so many times, Labadee, Jamaica, and Cozomel that the ship is more the destination than the ports. Each ship has seven neighborhoods, including Central Park with real trees, the Boardwalk, and an interior food court. You may choose an outside cabin that overlooks the ocean or the Park, or the Boardwalk and Aqua theater.
There are many complimentary dining options as well as several restaurants that require a fee. Each ship has a Broadway show, "Chicago" on Allure, and "Hair Spray" on Oasis.
We spent most our days aboard ship. We had the beach party at Labadee, but we stayed only a couple of hours. We walked around the ports at Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel, and returned to the ship within an hour. Then it was back to the Sports Zone where we conquered the Zip Line. The Zip Line runs high above Central Park for a ride that lasts less than a minute. Even a scaredy-cat like me can handle it, although I was shaking when I landed. I'm glad I did it, and I don't have to do that again.
It's almost Christmas, and all my plans are in place for the rest of this year. Then comes January, when I have less control over what happens next. But I do have some goodies planned.
1)GOODREADS GIVEAWAY - January 2013 I am giving away four (4) autographed copies of TELL THEM I DIED through a giveaway administered by Goodreads.com. If you're not already a member of Goodreads, it's easy to join. Go here for the giveaway:
http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/40065-tell-them-i-died (The giveaway will be active beginning January 1, 2013.) 2) Number one son is getting married. I have no control over that. Just getting the immediate family in place is a challenge.
3) The Inauguration - January 21, 2013.
We went to the Inauguration in 2009. That was a bucket list event. There's nothing like standing for six hours in seventeen degree weather wearing five layers of clothes in the company of two million of your dearest friends. It was awesome but we don't need to be there this time. We'll watch it on TV.
4) I'm going on tour with my new book, TELL THEM I DIED, and I don't have to leave the comfort of home. I'll be visiting blogs from January 22 - 31. I'll post the schedule when the date is closer. I hope my friends will visit the blog tour blogs, leave comments and enter the book giveaway.
