December16

Rana Goodman
What a Trip
On My Soap Box
As 2016 comes to an end, I told Dan I needed
something fun to lift my spirits.
I had just returned from my regular semiannual
doctor’s appointment. Instead of
telling me I was good to go for another six
months, he showed me the results of my latest
blood work and, shaking his head, tells me I
now have diabetes.
I know this is not an earth-shattering diagnosis.
Many of my friends are in the same
boat, but you have to understand, I have always
been an incurable “choc-o-oholic” and
ice cream addict.
I have a “sweet tooth” you won’t believe.
My doctor patted me on the head and assured
me that dark chocolate was ok…Humpfff!
My Dan then gave me great news. Along
with travel editor Stu and his wife Sharon, he
had arranged a cruise for us.
It would be a “cruise to nowhere” on the
largest cruise ship in the world - The Harmony
of the Seas. This ship has a huge zip line,
(I love them) and an amazing slide that (get
this) starts on deck 17 and ends on deck 5.
You’ll be as dizzy as hell when you
get off; but what fun if you want to
feel like a kid again. I was ready to
go!
We arrived in Fort Lauderdale
and the weather couldn’t have been
more glorious - 70 degrees. After
spending the day visiting Dan’s family,
we headed to the ship.
And when I say the ship was huge,
I’m not kidding. Royal Caribbean’s
Harmony of the Seas is mammoth.
This was a special maiden voyage
for media and travel agents so
we were given the royal treatment. A
nice sized balcony cabin with the sea
air wafting in.
Other cabins were open for viewing
and all I can say is WOW. One
was a four bedroom, four bath with a
spa on the deck with a wet bar, huge
living area and 24-hour butler service.
And for those regular readers who
are aware of my unfortunate experience two
years ago when I tripped and broke my shoulder
(ending the cruise before it even started)
Dan made sure I only brought flat shoes. I’m
proud to announce that there was no tripping
or broken bones at the buffet.
The dinner? It was an invitation to the captain’s
table - a perfect day!
Walking around the ship we found some
of the fun (at least for me) things to do –
namely shopping! The “Boardwalk” for the
kids (and guys) is where we found the slide.
My lord, the slide was HUGE.
On the next deck, a replica of Central Park.
The beautiful park was surrounded by cabins
with balconies for those that wanted to sit outside
and enjoy the magnificent garden view.
Now I was ready for adventure! To ride the
slide and zip line. My timing, unfortunately
was as bad as being at Costco on Sunday.
Both were closed while the ship was entertaining
the various VIPs. But, as I happily reminded
Dan, there was always that deck with
all that shopping!
6 www.thevegasvoice.net