Atlanta fails to cotton to icy precipitation, rendering this frigid winter utterly miserable. Having endured a snow jam of epic proportions two weeks prior, I flee to a friendlier climate ahead of advancing ice that will once again paralyze my hometown. The largest cruise ship in the world provides conveyance to teen latitudes, soothing Caribbean sunshine, and ample food and entertainment. The only jet stream on my radar propels a Delta aircraft.

This behemoth rises 17 decks and incorporates every accoutrement available to a cruise ship. Exploration requires several hours. In addition to the obligatory swimming pools, hot tubs, sports courts, buffet dining, and multi-leveled auditorium, the Oasis offers an amphitheater, ice skating rink, zips line, flo-rider, and two 43’ rock climbing walls. The Solarium occupies the front of this ship’s 15th and 16th decks with padded furniture and a dedicated bistro off limits to children. Communities arranged around open-sky expanses throughout the middle of the ship provide variety and offer internal balconies overlooking these public areas. A sixth deck, open air boardwalk – replete with an operative carousel, donut shop, Johnny Rockets, and amphitheater – encompasses the entire rear of the ship. My mid-ship, 11th deck balcony overlooks Central Park, the serene 8th floor open expanse dedicated to extensive flora. Several oval glass canopies run down the center while the sides are lined by shops and restaurants. Underneath Central Park lurks the Royal Promenade, the ship’s winding main street that hosts clubs, restaurants, and boutiques and serves as the town square.

Over eight thousand souls inhabit this floating city, and the 6,200 passengers outnumber the population of my boyhood hometown. Even though multinational staff populates all cruise lines, these passengers hail from over 70 different countries, rendering communications in the hallways an adventure. Japanese and Latinos are well represented. Muslim women in hijab juxtapose with scantily clad Western bikinis. Along with the elderly who shuffle and scooter throughout the ship, a good number of young couples with and without small children vacation aboard. My survey of name tags suggests that the majority of the 2,000 service personnel call Pacific and Caribbean islands home. Read more