sleehan

My daughter is sailing on WOS in April and she ran into the same thing.  Then all of a sudden they were there and what she wanted was sold out.  So be sure you check back regularly.

I have the same feeling that I have after I have completed an outstanding book. Elated and satisfied, but with a tinge of sadness. We board Allure's sister ship, The Oasis on the 8th of December. Your photos have inspired me to find some of your creative angles for my own photos. I hope I can do as well. I have gathered many tips from you also. I hope my one other post might give you a tip for your snorkeling fears. Thank you, Gambee for sharing your amazing journey with all of us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

well remember I told you I almost had an anxiety attack?

 

I love snorkeling and I am fascinated by marine life, but there are two big problems. I have a fear of both sharks (Selachophobia) and open water, it is actually more of a phobia for both of them. It is really a shame because if I wasn't I could probably be padi certified by now and able to dive with my cousin every weekend here at home.

 

These two fears are really holding me back, last year I went snorkeling in Key Largo and for a few minutes I thought I was going to drown. My cousin and uncle have both made several attempts to educate me on shark attacks, but all attempts have been futile. I really don't know where these fears come from.

 

Anyway so I was snorkeling out there and I pretty much the only person in the water within 50 feet, the water was a little cold and most people stayed in the beach area. When I saw the statue I went closer to take pictures, once I got there I noticed how deep it was, so I dove several times to get different samples. Once the novelty of the underwater statute had wore off, I notice that I was pretty far away and there was a lot of open space around me. To make matters worse I was surrounded by little fish, I think people feed them because they were very friendly, you even touch them if you like.

 

So I had a decision to make, do I go back from there or go to the barge (it was closer) and wait for people to go there so I could go back with them. I tend to feel better if there are people around me, I guess it decreases my chances of being eating alive. I made a quick dash and climbed up the barge, I waited there for a few minutes and no one was even getting in the water, let alone coming towards my area. I was set on waiting even for an hour, for someone to go there, but two factors made me change my mind. First and foremost mom would be worried and second I was starting to get seasick. So I gathered up some courage, dove in the water, closed my eyes and started swimming as fast as I could. I never get far from the coast line, but this the time the curiosity of the statue and the desire to photograph it took over me.

 

Once near the coastline I opened my eyes, gathered myself and relaxed for a little while. They say all fears can be conquered, I have tried many times with this one and no good has ever come out of it. If anything I think each attempt makes matters worse. It is actually very funny how can you can be so passionate about something and at the same time so terrified about it.

 

When I got out of the water I went straight to our spot to relax for a little while. The sad part is that when you look at the barge in the pictures, it is really not that far away… I think what affected me that day was how deep the water was, maybe 15 feet at some point?

 

 

 

But overall chankanaab offers good snorkeling for those not expecting much variety, there are plenty of small friendly fish, but not a lot more to see. I am sure most will be very happy there, bring some cereal from the ship to feed the fish. I read that in another review once, too bad I forgot to bring some that day.

 

 

Gambee, I have the solution to your fears and you get another cruise out of it too. Take a cruise that includes Bonaire ( part of the Dutch Indies). While there, go out with the Woodwind. I have snorkeled in many places..Great Barrier Reef, Belize, Bahamas. NEVER have I had better instruction, better equipment ( they had masks with corrective lenses!), and better attention to those who were novices or fearful. I even saw one of the dive leaders hold someone's hand the entire time. They stop to explain what you are seeing and you will swim with sea turtles. They are passionate about preserving the reef too. It is "drift" snorkeling so it does not wear you out, either. I have never had such a wonderful experience. It may well be the answer to your phobia.:)

We sailed on the Oceanic ( Premier Cruise Line) as the Big Red Boat in 1989. It was Disney's first foray into cruise/park vacations. We had great fun and enjoyed our trip immensely as we had nothing to compare it too. It was getting a little "long in the tooth" even then. I remember thinking it had been a retired warship or working ship since the "kneeknockers" were present into the cabin. Guess I was wrong reading about its history. At that time, it was a short 3 or 4 day cruise that went only to Nassau. I am amazed to see she is still out there sailing along!