Durban - Prior to our departure to the Caribbean Islands on board the majestic Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, we were convinced a seven-night cruise would be too long and that we would run out of activities to keep us entertained.
Little did we know we were about to embark on a journey like no other, where all conventions of cruising as we know it have been cast aside.
We began our Western Caribbean adventure on the Oasis of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale, Miami.
With 7 000 passengers on board and 2 394 crew (from 71 countries), the cruise ship offered so much – fine dining experiences, rock climbing and an incredible array of water sports, for instance.
Some of its jaw-dropping facilities include its Aqua Theatre with a 735-seat capacity, a spa and fitness centre, several other theatre venues and youth zones.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the ship is the Central Park which is modelled on the New York City Central Park … but it’s cleaner.
It has a lush park the size of a football field and tropical plants and walkways, as well as a town square with dining and entertainment facilities.
And things really hotted up when the ship arrived at the island of Labadee, Haiti, which is privately owned by the ship’s parent company, Royal Caribbean.
Colourful
Although privately owned, the island has retained much of its colourful character. According to our tour guide, Joe Viede, Labadee was discovered by Christopher Colombus during his first voyage to the New World.
The island’s warm seawater and sandy beaches make one appreciate the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle of the former French colony.
Labadee’s most famous tourist attraction is the Dragon’s Breath zipline, which is the world longest zipline over water, and it allows adrenalin enthusiasts to soar 400 feet (122m) in the air.
The ship’s next destination was the town of Falmouth, Jamaica’s Georgian-styled gem which was a major port during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Sugar production, slavery and the rum trade helped make the town incredibly wealthy and Georgian-style houses were the order of the day.
The period of prosperity came to an end with the emancipation of slaves in 1840, and today, it is as if time has stood still in Falmouth.
Falmouth’s main tourist drawcard – the Dunn’s River Falls – is considered a national treasure both in the country and globally.
Dunn’s River Falls offer 600 feet (183m) of climbing pleasure for thousands of tourists and locals every year and it is arguably Jamaica’s most popular and famous attraction.
The climb is usually undertaken as a hand-holding human chain. Tourists climbing the falls are allocated a guide who will take photos for you with your own camera.
For most tourists, climbing the Dunn’s River Falls is something like a pilgrimage which must be done at least once in a lifetime, and that’s exactly how I felt during the whole experience.
Our final destination was Mexico’s largest island, Cielo El Cielo Cozumel. “El Cielo” means “Heaven”, which is apt because of the island’s beauty, crystal-clear water and soft powder-like white sand that pampers your feet as you walk.
Cozumel is also famous for its gold and it is believed that explorers first saw Mexico from the shores of this island. According to the ship’s newsletter, tourists visiting Cozumel continue to seek out gold and silver jewellery in the island’s shops.
Cozumel is known worldwide for its diving and snorkelling since there are magnificent coral reefs only a short distance from the shore.
With so much on offer for tourists to enjoy, a day’s visit to the island was never going to do it justice.
Having travelled on luxury cruises to various destinations around the world, I remain convinced this is still the best way to explore the world in general, and the Carribean Islands in particular, travelling, as we did, from country to country in a matter of days.
Philani Mazibuko, The Mercury