Kilmarlic

I have issues with crowds and noise. Crowded restaurants have always been a trigger for my panic attacks. Over the years (the last 31) I've worked with a number of counselors and professionals to identify my triggers and develop strategies to cope in the event that an attack occurs. Daily medication helps as well.

I decided that I would start living my life fully (at 50) so last month my sister and I sailed on the Oasis of the Seas for my birthday. I loved every single moment of it. I'll admit to being a little concerned over what I had heard about the muster drill crowds. Our station was in the Aqua Theater so we got there a little early. Found seats that put me to the high side of the crowd where I knew I could stand up if needed. The amount of people in the station wasn't an issue. We sat and chatted after it was over so most of the crowd could find their way out of that particular neighborhood. Our stateroom was on the same deck so elevators and crowded stairs weren't an issue either.

We had the late dinner seating. The second night was a little crowded. I thought about leaving my place in line and walking around for a few minutes until the doors opened and the crowd thinned out. Chose a counting strategy to keep calm. Before I could get through my mindful exercise the doors opened and we walked to our table. I would suggest going to the Main Dining Room on the afternoon that you board and find your table. Knowing where I would be sitting helped. Also if you feel crowded at the table you're assigned, that would be the perfect time to talk with the maitre'd and find something more suitable. Trust me....you've got a valid reason and one that they will work to accommodate.

Some folks have mentioned elevator crowding. There were times when the elevators are busier than others. Also the front elevators (nearest the Windjammer Buffet) were busier than the aft (closest to the Board Walk). I normally avoided the front elevators. Just walk around the decks to find the other set. If it wasn't more than a floor or 2 then I chose the stairs (bad knees and all). Also when it comes to the elevators at each station there are 2 sets - 1 that is glass and open to the fantastic art work and open spaces the other is enclosed like your typical elevator. I never felt crowded on the glass type. I politely passed up an elevator or 2 when the enclosed one would open and have a fuller load of passengers.

Whatever you decide to do I wish you the best.

- Iris

My sister is a smoker so she used deck 15 on a regular basis. It's the area between the pool bar and the Solarium on the port side. I'm not a smoker but I didn't find it overbearing or simply obnoxious on the times that I accompanied her. It was well ventilated with a very attentive staff that kept emptying the ash trays (really helps with that gross smell). Also there was an area in the casino on deck 4 that was marked as smoking but those tables often held families who just sat there.

On our March 19th sailing the smoking area never seemed overly crowded. On the occasion that I chose to walk the starboard side of the ship I found myself trying not to slip from wet decks surrounding the kids splash area and little people that were clearly having a great vacation.

The Best Western was perfect for our group. It's older but staff was super accommodating. The pools were great and breakfast was standard hotel fare but included in the price. On the beach and next door to the pier. We were able to watch a rocket launch from our oceanfront balcony. Publix grocery store across the street.

2 weeks ago we were out of our cabin and in line by 6 and there were at least 75-100 people in front of us. Line didn't start to move until 6:45ish when we were cleared to start unloading. Walked off fairly quickly after that but there were only 2 lines open through customs. I could see it taking much longer.

We went to the Solarium for lunch. It was awesome. Don't forget to bring your bathing suits so you can hop in the hot tub after you eat.

I've got osteoarthritis in both knees. Because of a history of ulcers I can't take the majority of arthritis meds that are currently available. I'm pretty much limited to Tylenol. I'm finding that a routine of steady physical therapy designed to strengthen the surrounding muscles helps me more than anything else. Therapy sessions are almost always followed by ice and elevation.

For my cruise last week, I chose to go have cortisone shots the week before I left in both knees. I'm so glad that I did that. I had a fantastic week and by 1 o'clock every afternoon I had met my step goal for the day. I even managed the stairs when going up or down 1 flight. More than that and I chose the elevator.

Everything was great until I got out of the Van Sunday night when I got home. My left knee has decided to really hurt and swell up. At least it waited til I got home.

- Iris

Loved being on Deck 6 so much last week that we booked again for October. We were right around the corner from the Schooner Bar. Also just around the corner from everything that the Boardwalk had to offer. A quick trip down the stairs landed us on Deck 5 for the Promenade and EVERYTHING that was happening there. Also we ate in the Silk Dining room and that was on 5 as well.

Super convenient to everything that we wanted to do. Since my sister is a smoker it was easy for her to hop the elevator down to the casino on 4 or the pool deck on 15.

Very quiet cabin to be located so close to everything.

We self disembarked yesterday morning. Oasis came into port between 5:30 and 5:45. Cruise Compass and all info listed self departure as 6:45.

We were out of our cabin at 6 and into the line on deck 5. There were maybe 50 people in line ahead of us that early and it started filling up quickly (out the door and onto the jogging track). There seemed to be a lot of ticked off passengers that were coming down for coffee and realizing we were lining up ahead of the 6:45 departure time.

The line started moving by 6:30 when the ship was cleared to start unloading. With the line of folks toting luggage and moving through customs, we were still able to get to our ride, load our baggage and be under way by 7 a.m.

I really thought it was a painless departure. My sister....not so much. I had told her for well over 6 months not to pack anything more than she could comfortably carry under her own power. Again I stress....CARRY EVERYTHING BY YOURSELF. I had my own suitcase and backpack (plus souvenirs). She was just a huffing and puffing once we cleared customs she was ready to sit down and smoke a cigarette.

I'll be self disembarking for years to come .

I loved every moment of it.

Then again I have season tickets to the opera and Broadway productions that come to a city close to me. There are people who pay to support the arts and there are those who prefer season tickets to sporting events. I have friends who are frequent cruisers but only for those "Legends of Rock" cruises or another set that only cruises for "new Kids on the Block" sailings.

Thankfully we're not all the same.

Ship - Oasis of the Seas

Deck - 6

Stateroom # - 6274

Stateroom Category – Superior Oceanview with Balcony

Starboard or Port Side - Port

Quiet Stateroom? (With comments on problems) – Amazingly quiet. Just around the corner from aft elevators and across the hall from linen storage/work area for room attendants.

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - no

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. – Unobstructed view. Lifeboats located on the deck below but not directly beneath cabin.

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - normal

Was wind a problem? -not at all

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? - no

Any specific problems with this cabin? -none

Any other comments? - The location is perfect. Just around the corner from the aft elevators and the Boardwalk. Our seating in the main dining room was on the 5th floor at Silk so that was just down one flight of steps. The promenade was also on the 5th so it was convenient to that as well. Around the corner from the elevators was the schooner bar and that became our favorite place for people watching. Muster Station for this cabin was in the Aqua Theater. Beds were beside the balcony with sofa by the closet.

Just an FYI....I applied for my very first Passport on January 31st. Decided not to spend extra to expedite it. I received it in yesterday's mail. That was 22 days total turn around. Now I have some extra piece of mind in traveling outside my comfort zone.

Sailing on Oasis next month for my 50th Birthday. Sounds like I picked a winner!!!!!!!!

I've always kept a plastic shoebox packed as our "traveling medicine cabinet". My sons watched in horror as I put it together to keep in our camper. The first thing that went in was duct tape and tampons. They're now grown men and keep those 2 things in their tool boxes. When my youngest son nearly cut his finger off a few years ago, he showed up to the hospital with a tampon (or 2) taped to his hand. When the doctor commented on it he told him that his Moma had taught him to always be prepared.

On a daily basis I keep a small clear cosmetic bag in my purse that has what I consider my basic survival kit. Tylenol, Benedryl, a couple of bandaids, a pony tail type hair band, nail clippers, tweezers, a nail file, an extra ink pen, chap stick, a couple of individually packaged handiwipes, a small hand sanitizer, a number of sealed packs of Dairy Relief (I'm lactose intolerant), a small bottle of tums, an eyeglass case with a pair of prescription sunglasses and a small tube of moisturizer with an SPF of 30. And yes there's a tampon as well as a bit of duct tape wrapped around the Tylenol bottle.

It works for me.

My sister and I will be on there. Much older but if you're looking for someone to hang out with come celebrate my 50th birthday with us. I'm really just a teenager trapped in a much older body. - Iris

You're about to have the trip of a lifetime. How do I know this? Because it sounds like you're traveling with your very best friend. With kids and grandkids under your belt....the 2 of you can probably conquer the world.

Order room service. Sip on some icy drinks by the pool. Dress up for dinner and buy the picture....in 20 years you'll be glad you did. Read a book under a palm tree or go explore ancient ruins. We can offer lots of suggestions but it's really about how the 2 of you want to relax. Whatever you decide to do, HAVE FUN!! If you realize that you didn't get to do it all then there's the perfect reason to start planning your next cruise.

We cruise in 369 days. I'll be turning 50 while we're at sea. Both my sons are getting married this fall (bring on the grand babies). My knees are giving me fits from Osteoarthritis. I've got a million reasons to lose.

I've always been....BIG. I had gastric bypass in 2008 and lost over 100 lbs. Even with the weight loss I was still obese. At least the diabetes is gone. Now because of the knees limiting exercise, stress eating (related to work & family issues) and a poor attitude toward ever losing all my weight, I've managed a 40 lb regain. :eek:

I've have the required pity party and now I'm trying to get my head back in the game. It has to be a lifestyle change. Slowly but surely I'm going to get there. This week is all about giving up sodas and not drinking my calories. I am an admitted coffee junky. I've switched out my required French Vanilla creamer with the sugar free version. little baby steps can eventually cross the marathon finish line.

Glad I found yall. Good luck to all.

- Iris

424!!!! I know that seems like at least half an eternity but between now and then we also have 2 weddings, a graduation and surgery scheduled.