MIAMI, COZUMEL, NASSAU, COCO CAY, KEY WEST

Our first working holiday started with a little chaos right behind the border near Berg but in the end, we managed to get to Schwechat airport on time and board the flight to Miami via Frankfurt.

Autumn already came to Europe but in the US it was the other way around. Right after we landed in Miami we got hit by a massive heat and the humidity. Welcome to Miami… The beginning of our trip was like a movie. Our agency booked for us a nice Sheraton hotel downtown and right after we dropped our bags we went out to explore the surrounding.

Stylish Miami with famous beaches is a top resort not only for foreign tourists but also for the locals who seek a year-round warm climate to settle here. 

The next day we finally met our temporary residence – the cruise ship Majesty of the Seas. Floating colossus with a capacity of 2700 passengers and 900 employees belonging to Royal Caribbean. When you go to such a ship as a guest it’s great but when you have to work there that’s another story… Those who have worked on cruise ships or any riverboats know what I am talking about. 7 days a week, without a day off, you have to be on the move every day for 15 to 16 hours. It’s not for everyone that’s for sure but the reward on the other hand is the travel and visit to exotic places some might not see in their whole life. Everything has its own pros and cons…

Same as the other ships Majesty of the Seas also works on an All-Inclusive program with unlimited food and drinks in several bars and restaurants. Other main attractions of the ship were a casino, cinema, basketball playground, 2 swimming pools, and even the climbing wall.

There were 2 itineraries: 4 days cruise with stops in Miami – Nassau – Coco Cay – Key West – Miami and 3 days cruise with stops in Miami – Nassau – Coco Cay – Miami. There was only one change in the itinerary during our stay due to a hurricane that goes through the area every year. On that occasion we have been diverted to the Mexican island Cozumel and passing Cuba we came back to Miami.

The stop in Cozumel was the highlight of the cruise and everyone was happy about this change of itinerary. It was not just the beautiful environment but also the cheap tequila which made everyone happy. From the port, it was just a short walk before we came to a small square with a hotel, church, and a few shops. In the side streets are small houses which thanks to their height can better withstand frequent hurricanes. From the square, we moved on further down, and along the way, we stumbled upon the local museum. The best on Cozumel is the beautiful crystal clear hot water in the sea. We’ve visited a few places around the world but I never swam in warmer water in my life and due to its temperature I could not last there very long…

One of the main and also the most beautiful stops was the capital city of the Bahamas – Nassau. Right after our arrival at the port, my eyes were caught by a luxury Atlantis hotel dominating the nearby coast. Amazing hotel resort with many attractions such as its own water park, a huge aquarium, Dolphin Cove, golf courses, and many others is located on Paradise Island archipelago which is formed by several smaller islands. The port is reachable by a short taxi ride.

The surrounding of the hotel on Paradise Island is literally described in its name. It really is a paradise on Earth. Wonderful beaches with turquoise waters and snow-white sand are difficult to describe. This place was for many years my first place and, to be honest with you, it was really difficult for me to leave. It’s a pity that we did not have more time to enjoy this wonderful place but duty called and we had to go back to the ship.

Our next regular stop was a nearby Coco Cay island belonging to Royal Caribbean. A small island next to the Bahamas is a perfect relaxing point whereas apart from a few souvenir shops, restaurants, and some attractions you can’t find anything else. However, you can just enjoy relaxing in one of many hammocks and you’ll be accompanied by some great lizards – the only permanent residents of the island.  They just love strolling around basking in the sun.

The last stop before disembarking in Miami was Key West. The favorite place of many tourists did not impress me that much and instead of being here, I’d love to go back to one of those previous islands. Key West is the southernmost island and town in the United States. It is an ancient city with many museums, galleries, and shops and shopping is the main reason to visit this island. Once it was a favorite place of Ernest Hemingway and many other artists.

The cruise ship is a great experience with maximum comfort and everyone should try it at least once in a lifetime. In case you decide to go on a ship to work, prepare yourself for a really hard job. The reward, however, is the exotic locations you’ll visit during your working experience.

Tip 1: In Nassau don’t forget to visit Atlantis Hotel, its huge aquarium, and try the steep slide underneath the water.

Tip 2: Once you come to Coco Cay jump into one of the hammocks and try all water sports on the island.

Tip 3: If you like shopping, save your money for the last stop. Your dream will come true in Key West.

Total costs: 3 days cruise – from $200.00

                         4 days cruise – from $300.00

(prices as of February 2006)

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