NAVIGATING THE OASIS IS A BREEZE

Sana Keller, and her Mother, Kathleen Shearer (seated) of Toronto at the Champagne Bar.

One of the best things, for me, on a cruise is the opportunity to meet fascinating people from around the world, or simply from your home state.

Therefore, it was my pleasure to meet the beautiful Sana Keller of Toronto and her very charming mother, Kathleen Shearer.

The ladies were kind enough to meet me in the elegant Champagne Bar, on-board The Oasis of the Seas, where we had the opportunity to chat for a moment.

I discovered from Sana, a seasoned cruiser and traveler, that her mother had been discouraged from cruising by concerned friends.

Who on earth would discourage someone from cruising, and why?


Confused by this, I had to know more and Kathleen opened up and it quickly became clear why her friends had misgivings about their friend stepping aboard a huge cruise ship.

You see, she has a bit of trouble walking and friends did not believe she would be able to navigate  a sizable vessel.

"What a misconception," Kathleen said, with a smile as Sana nodded agreement.

"Tell her how they fast-tracked you onto The Oasis," Sana encouraged her mother.

"Yes, they made it so easy, were so kind, had a wheelchair ready for me and told me not to hesitate to use my cane, as needed," Kathleen said.

"And, it wasn't only the crew," Sana added. "The passengers on this ship, with only one exception, have been so helpful."

The biggest surprise for her once she was settled in?


"The size and how it doesn't feel like you are on a ship," Kathleen offered.

Her favorite part of the ship?


"Oh, the Park Cafe in Central Park was really nice," she said with a smile. "And, the shows were just excellent."

Her least favorite thing?

"The casinos," she laughed.

She also loved the quietly elegant Solarium, but felt their hours could be adjusted a bit to stay open more.

As this was the last evening of the cruise, the ladies were confident in their concensus of the cruising experience.

Both Kathleen and Sana were all smiles and were pleased to be able to tell friends back in Toronto how misinfomred they are about the ease of cruising for someone who needs a little assistance along the way.

Kathleen will be back!

-- Pam, for Cruising Squared