Day 2: Day at Sea

Day two was spent traveling to our next destination, Athens Greece. This day was finally my day to kick back and relax. After spending the several weeks studying for finals, getting settled in my new job, and juggling time with my family and close friends, I was begging for a day to myself.
Determined to have a day exactly the way I wanted, I woke up naturally in our stateroom where sun was forbidden. Not sure what time it was I reached out blindly into the darkness searching for my ipod and gym shorts.
Making my way to the gym, I found a treadmill waiting just for me. As I began jogging it didn't take long to realize I was at sea level and I would be able to faster and further than I ever had before. After 2.5 miles in 16 min I wasn't short of breath. Exercising is so much easier at sea level, I think it's beaconing me.
The rest of the day was spent sunbathing and exploring the 12-story 1020’ long ship. The ship was amazing. The huge exercise room on deck 12 was in the front of the ship, so as I was running I could keep my eye on espn live while gazing out over the open ocean in front of me. In the middle of the room sat a Jacuzzi for those who preferred relaxing indoors. The spa was on deck 11 and although I never took advantage of it, it was there.
On the back of the boat was the sports deck. There you could find the 9-hole mini golf course as well as the golf simulator where you can play all the best golf courses from around the world. Just outside was the sports court and rock-climbing wall.
Deck 11 was wide open and had three pools and 6 Jacuzzis with tons of area for sunbathing. I also found a movie theatre on deck 2 and ice skating rink on deck 4.
Deck 5 had mini Main Street with shops and restaurants, deck 4 had an all out casino and several clubs and bars for the night scene. The theatre took up most of decks 3,4, and 5 and was where they hosted performances, comedians, and even bingo. I saw incredible dance performances and stand up comedians.
Unlike other trips my family has been on, my parents spared no expense to make sure we had an unforgettable vacation. I’ve always wondered what it was like in the suites on the back of the boat. Well this trip my parents answered all those questions for me. We were VIP guests on the ship, which gave us private areas on the very top of the boat to sunbath, read, and just chill.
Being a VIP also gave us access to the concierge lounge, the room was reserved only for VIPs, they had very tasty desserts and small fingers foods, waiters to entertain, get you drinks, and the lounge manager made sure all of our cruising needs were met. In the end nothing could replace a 3-course meal with my family on our balcony as we sailed away from the sunset. Simply unforgettable.
Although it was the time of my life, I’m not using this opportunity to boost about my experiences; it was simply to inform the uninformed. Many have asked what it is like aboard a ship so big. My attempt was simply to navigate your imagination through the experiences I had aboard the ship and hopefully let you see what I saw.