Have you ever felt like sailing away to a more carefree atmosphere? As a recent 7-month breast cancer survivor, my husband and I decided to celebrate a resurgence of good health with a Southern Caribbean cruise out of Tampa. Although the majority of passengers were Floridians, many were from all over the U.S., with a few from England, Australia, and Canada – sort of a mini-United Nations.
As Florida residents, this was convenient and a safe test of my limits. The majority of the passengers were older with numerous canes, walkers, wheelchairs and scooters. There was even a man with only one leg who whizzed past. I guess you're only disabled if you allow your mind to set limits. Everyone aboard seemed enthusiastic for life. I relaxed and felt new confidence among other brave souls.
Our choice was Holland America's 16-year-old Ryndam now approaching her "golden years" although its recent makeover with lots of upgrades made her fresh and lively. This grand old lady is more personalized, with fewer passengers than other ships in her class and offers enhanced amenities and services. It all started with the never-ending graciousness of the Indonesian staff providing exceptional service, a pampering that made me feel like a celebrity.
Our stateroom was large and comfortable with twin beds that converted to queen. There were triple-sheeted mattresses and 100% Egyptian cotton bed linens. Closets and storage space were spacious, with well-designed and well-lit bathrooms. It had a personal safe, music channels, flat-panel TV, DVD player, terry cloth bathrobes, massage shower heads, lighted magnifying makeup mirrors, salon-quality hair dryers, and a complimentary fresh fruit basket.
Although available, we preferred to be unplugged: no phone, TV or internet for us. One of our tablemates was aghast. "No civilization? Well, I think that's been overrated anyway and frankly, some things aren't even very civilized anymore." So the Ryndam became our "small-town Utopia" sort of like an RV at sea, heading to new destinations – with privacy whenever we desired.
Of course some staterooms had picture windows and views of the water, while others had walkways between them and the sea. There were mini, full, and sprawling penthouse suites. Some are outfitted for passengers with disabilities, and public areas are wheelchair-friendly, with spacious corridors, wide elevators, and wheelchair-accessible public toilets.
The Ryndam is well laid out and easy to navigate. There's a dash of glitz, but overall it's intimate because it's only one-third the size of today's mega ships. Touches of marble, teak, polished brass, and multimillion-dollar collections of art and maritime artifacts (from 17th to the 19th centuries) lend a classic ambience. Built at Fincantieri, Italy, the Ryndam features sophisticated art specifically commissioned for the ship featuring a monumental fountain ascending three decks that was created by sculptor Gilbert Lebigre in Pietrasanta, Italy.
The Ryndam is large enough to "get lost" – yet small enough to strike up friendships that won't end at disembarkation. You'll find no feverish singles action here, but a reverence for culture, art, and antiques, and lots of fresh flowers. Holland American Line spends close to two million dollars a year on various blossoms and plants with flowers flown in from the renowned Aalsmeer Flower Market in Holland each week.
If food is your vice, dining is at your convenience and mood, from formal to laid back. We preferred the gourmet meals served in the elegant, two-story main dining with its opulent lotus-flower Venetian glass lights in the ceiling. There are tables for two, four, six and eight with sea views all set with Rosenthal china, sparkling crystal, and crisp linens.
There's a myriad of things to do, whether you like to dance, gamble at the casino, listen to live music, play cards or board games, read books from the library, learn something new at their free computer courses, take a culinary or lifestyle class, work out at the fitness center, watch a movie, soak in the hot tub, loll around the pool, or just lean back in the teak lounger on deck and watch the passing islands as the warm breeze settles your mind and pace. It seemed amazing to us because we love to explore, but a lot of people never get off the ship. They like its security, ambiance and all the diversions offered. Many regularly take this cruise because they don't want to be alone over holidays. Plus, the weather's terrific and there are romantic views of the ports.
The Exploration Cafe‚ has a well-stocked library, Internet center, coffee bar and ocean views. There are computer stations and several plug points for those going wireless with laptops. You can face the sea through floor-to-ceiling windows, while other clusters of couches and chairs are set among the generous shelves of current periodicals and books, If you're a crossword buff, you can tackle the New York Times puzzles displayed under glass in the room's cafe tables (wax pencils are provided).
The Sports Deck on each ship has combo basketball/tennis/volleyball courts, and the Lower Promenade Deck allows an unobstructed circuit of the ship for strolling, or just lounging on wooden deck chairs. The ships' windowed Ocean Spa gym has exercise machines, a large aerobics area, steam rooms, and saunas. The Greenhouse Spa includes thermal suites with a hydrotherapy whirlpool and heated tile loungers as well as massages and other relaxation and beautification needs.
The main show lounge has two floors and a wide stage, with comfortable seating featuring a glamorous nightclub venue with a variety of world-class entertainment appealing to a diverse audience. Or you might enjoy a jazz quartet in the Ocean Bar, violin and piano concerts in the Neptune bar, or fresh popcorn in the Wajang Theater, where you can see first-run films every afternoon and evening.
If you need a getaway a certain time and place where you can settle your mind and refocus on what's important – perhaps a floating fantasy is the right ticket. The Ryndam will rock you like a baby in a cradle each night. And for the adventurous, the next day's port offers multiple selections of unique tours to pick and choose from. You'll return home sated, more appreciative of the fineries in a luxurious setting, where every whim is pampered. Sometimes the perfect prescription is attention to your own inner needs. The Ryndam will confidently take care of everything else.
SueAnn Carpenter writes under various pseudonyms and lives in Florida.