Lorraine’s sister-in-law REFUSES to cruise….she considers cruise ships to be “nothing more than great big hotels on the water” – she is SO wrong - cruise ships are actually more like “small towns” on the water –with a population of say 5000 or so residents – but complete with “city” amenities – like restaurants, bars, health clubs, spas, theatres, swimming pools, hot tubs, libraries, computer centers, banks, casinos, clothing and jewelry stores, coffee shops, ice rinks, miniature golf courses, basketball courts, medical facilities, even morgues – yes –MORGUES!
Just as people die in small towns, people die on cruise ships. Think about it…as more and more cruisers in their “elder” years (ugh, Lorraine hates that word) discover the joy of cruising – things can and do happen. Was once on a Carnival repositioning from Long Beach to Galveston when a gentleman, two doors down suffered an apparent heart attack and was discovered by his cabin attendant. Close proximity afforded us witness to the quiet, dignified, and highly professional manner in which this unfortunate event was addressed by the ship’s medical officers and staff.
That experience evinced that cruise ships are indeed fully prepared for any eventuality – and instilled a sense of security (not that I’m rushing it) that should I meet my demise while cruising, such would be met with equal dignity and professionalism.
BUT – if it happens, it had better be on the LAST day of the cruise and not on the FIRST - Lorraine would hate to think she missed anything!