A cruise convert

MANILA, Philippines - “So you’ve never been on a cruise before? Ever?”

In absolute disbelief, I questioned a dear friend, who has visited close to a hundred countries, merrily yet aimlessly getting lost in capital cities and a devotee of genuine immersion within charming towns, stayed in sterling hotels and resorts, wined and dined at Michelin star bars and restaurants, shopped in traditional food halls and trendy active lifestyle boutiques.

This is not to mention my opera-fan buddy’s attendance in some of the world’s most coveted affairs and at times, even participation in the most desirable global events.

“Since I’ve been blessed to have had firsthand experience of most of the ports of call featured on a sailings’ itinerary, these destinations are not great come-ons for me. As they say, ‘been there, done that,’” she laughed.

“I honestly dread the idea of being completely trapped in a ship, isolated in the middle of a vast ocean, with utterly nothing to do,” she continued in desperation. “I’ll be so uptight, so very restless, a total wreck!”

I soon realized I had a cruise nonbeliever on hand — to earnestly convert my valued friend who is a firm believer of la buena vida and a partner of culinary expeditions around this exciting metropolis — to the ultimate joys of a cruise holiday, most especially the days at sea.

Having just happily returned from yet another fun-filled, relaxing, fulfilling and memorable nine-night cruise on some of the ancient capitals of Japan and Korea aboard the Diamond Princess, I instantly transformed into a full-of-zeal missionary with a compelling mission to convert a seasoned traveler for all reasons to the beautiful world of the actual cruising, sans the component of ports of call, regardless whatever they have to offer, whatever they are famous for.

“Whether one favors to be on his own or meet up with other passengers or try new appealing activities with dear family and friends,” I seriously began, “there are myriad diverse exceptional activities — munch and punch, spas and baths, shop and hop, shows and demos, gym and swim, jazz and buzz, arts and crafts, and even films and books.”

And my sharing went on with testimonies of my wonderful discoveries from my most recent vacation — but rather limited to only days at sea…

A neighbor-friend earnestly tried to catch the sun around the many swimming pools and gladly ended her days, watching Movies Under The Stars in the open breezy decks.

A loving couple frequently retreated to the for-adults-only The Sanctuary to be alone in their thoughts, with side trips to The Izumi for the traditional Japanese bath, and usually capped the night with a muscle melting full-body massage at The Lotus Spa.

A small highly intense group of acquaintances signed up to actively participate in ping-pong, shuttle board and golf putting competitions, trivia games and karaoke contests. This seemingly do-or-die gang even joined the marriage match game, on how well do you know your spouse. Did I hear some couples quit before it was over for it was embarrassing for the red-faced partners? They were even present for the Blackjack tournament after attending gaming lessons on Blackjack and Roulette. They also tried their luck at the Casino.

Some aspired to reach their dreams, as they sang with The Party Band as if hoping to be anointed as the next rock star. Others volunteered to join The Choir for a scheduled concert on board and yet a number took part in the Runway at Sea Fashion Show to have a chance to wear the latest fashion trends on the red carpet.

There were explicative demonstrations galore for every mood, talent and lifestyle: Fruit and vegetable carvings, towel folding as executed by our own stateroom attendant, Lunilo Larracas of Jaro, Leyte, carvings from entire blocks of ice by formerly Paete, Laguna wood carvers Reyman Cagayat and Reden Dalagan — and the list goes on and on.

Tastings anyone? A bunch of fun-loving cruisers partook of the unique beverage seminars where they didn’t miss a gulp — from the grapevine wine sampling, to the popular Martinis, to the mixing of the orient cocktails — all creations available from the bar menu.

Shopping was another popular bustle for many. The ever genial staff of the all-boutique arcades of tax and duty-free items, further enticed the shoppers with lectures by specialists on skin and hair care, pearls and rare gem stones, trends on bags and on the exquisite jewelry worn by fashion icons such as America’s former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and movie star Audrey Hepburn of which exact replicas were available.

But what the ladies closely watched for, were the various sales conducted on designated hours of certain days with a 75 percent off on the suggested retail price. A real bargain was the collective verdict.

The cruise liner didn’t leave the proverbial stone upturned. They had a well-stacked library that operated on an honor system to promptly return the books so the other travelers may read.

They offered classes on basic Japanese, the art of digital photography and Bible study.

They likewise had a Fine Arts Gallery with original works of exciting, fresh artists on the “cusp of the art scene” to masterworks by Miro, Picasso and others. The gallery held symposia, exhibits and live auctions, and touched on guidelines on opportunities to collect.

One of the highlights of our enchanting evenings was Show Time, where the talented singers and dancers of Princess Cruises showcased their original production numbers a la Broadway and the West End of I Got Music, The Piano Man and Words and Music. Sharing the spotlight on alternate dates were the illusionist Hiroki Hara, winner of the International Championship of Magic in Las Vegas, the Philippine-born, Australia-based Popera Tenor Daniel Mallari, New Zealand’s top character impressionist, Simon Mckinney and Tomono Kawamura, an award-winning classical pianist with concerts around the world.

Oh yes, when it was the international crew’s turn to hog the stage of the Princess Theater, three of the six numbers were performed by Filipinos — a singer who accompanied himself on the piano, a magician with decks of playing cards and a Michael Jackson impersonator. They brought the house down.

Speaking of Filipinos, we attended the culinary show hosted by executive chef, the greatly entertaining and informative, our very own Nilo Palma, for an exclusive demonstration on food preparation, followed by an engaging tour of The Galley with commentaries from how ingredients are chosen, to where they skillfully set up the delicious meals using assorted meats, fish, vegetables and fruits.

We dined and wined at the International Dining Room, where the fabled menus were truly legendary. It was dining at its finest, where all our choices were done con mucho amor. Service was absolutely impeccable, using creaseless table linens, appropriately starched cloth napkins, outstanding bone china, sterling silver cutlery, sparkling glasses and goblets.

And let us not get into the desserts or the daily afternoon High Tea with all its components, the seemingly endless buffet at The Horizon Court, the thin crust pizzas at Prego, the tasty burgers and hotdogs at Trident Grill, the addictive soft ice cream at Swirls and the 24-hour room service, or else you’ll be sorely sorry.

Some friends chose to listen to various talks about Burning Fat Faster, Eating More to Weigh Less, Detoxifying for Health and Weight Loss, Walking in Comfort and Improving Posture, participated in stretch classes and abs and core workouts and spend time at the gym or the aerobic studio. Others enlisted in the Zumba Fun Latin exercises, ballroom dance classes with ballroom world champions and modern form of hula for the dancer-wannabes.

Meanwhile, I, concerned with the fear to balloon into a balloon in no time at all, religiously went to the Promenade, where I briskly walked and walked, round and round, hour after hour.

A special affair was the captain’s Welcome Aboard Party, one of the two formal evenings, where he introduced the officers and the management team, complete with the always impressive Champagne Waterfalls.

On both occasions, I wore my two favorite barongs. A group of Filipinos, thinking I was a foreigner, wanted to know my links, or better said my connections to the Philippines. The queries came in a rat-tat-tat-tat manner: Did I study in the Philippines? Did I work in the country? Was I married to a Filipina? Did I receive the barong as a gift? I confessed that I was born and bred in Cebu and that I have worked for our country’s government in cities like Manila, Los Angeles and London for some 33 wonderful years. Their faces, once-composed, instantly dropped.

Throughout the night, I received glances of approval from our kababayan. Beaming with pride was my usual service team in the dining area, who never suspected nor expected me to wear our national shirt — the barong.

I had to quickly send a most appreciative text message to Jeannie Goulbourn of Silk Cocoon.

By then I noticed my ardent listener nodding continuously, with a radiant smile on her face — a smile on someone who just discovered a rare find, a treasure.

A peaceful sensation ran through my senses and all I could mutter was alleluia.

Alleluia. Amen. Alleluia.

(For more details on future voyages on Princess Cruises, kindly call Aida Uy of Cebu Fortune Travel. She may be reached at [032] 412-2575 and [email protected].) Photos by Edu Jarque