Setting Sail

I owe at least four friends 20 after hitting the high seas for the first time. I always said Id never do it, I never saw the point and I cant swim not that it makes any difference. But Im a changed man now and going on Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas was an experience like no other.

Theres a stereotype or assumption that cruising is for the elderly, people that are retired, or those who are looking to save a few bob on their holidays.

Like so many others, I bought into that idea but, in reality, it couldnt be further from the truth. The ship was a hot mix of modern life with newlywed couples, young families, people enjoying their golden years and even a bunch of twentysomething American lads on a stag party, all enjoying the sunshine, pools and many bars and restaurants.

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The maiden voyage of the ship brought me to destinations I had only ever seen on travel shows or in my dreams. First up was the Labadee peninsula on the island of Haiti.

With 300 local people employed at the beach resort, this single port contributes the largest amount of tourist revenue to the country. However, at 7am, tourism revenue wasnt top of my agenda as I prepared to zipline half a mile across the Caribbean Sea from a height of 600 feet.

My legs were shaking and I screamed far too much for a man of my age, so an 8am strawberry daiquiri afterwards never tasted so good!

The beach is full of cabanas and private areas, and it is the ideal spot to chill out. However, if you fancy some more adventure I tried the Dragons Tail roller coaster and mountain waterslide on the island.

With my left shoulder fully burned from the sun, I was more covered up for our next port of call in Puerto Rico two days later. The island is home to the pina colada, which was first created in the Barrachina bar, in the capital of San Juan, in 1963.

A visit to this famous bar was top of my itinerary but I have to admit that the sweet mix of coconut cream, pineapple juice, white rum and ice didnt go down well and I swiftly passed mine on to one of my new-found friends on the ship, opting for a refreshing cosmopolitan instead.

Another day of sailing followed before arriving in the capital city of The Bahamas, Nassau. The streets were lined with pastel coloured buildings, the sea was a clear turquoise but the group of Irish people I made friends with ended up in an Irish bar owned by a man from Donegal.

Seeing the world-famous Atlantis Hotel in real life was a pinch-me moment, but sharing the beach with a group of Americans on spring break is something I wont do again.

The Bahamas is also home to a private island owned by Royal Caribbean called CocoCay. This paradise was my own wonderland with drinks on demand and the tallest water slide in North America at my finger tips, which, once again, involved a lot of screaming. And you could even swim with pigs, which I did not do!

Before my trip, I read that you need to leave yourself 20 to 25 minutes to get from one place to another on board. While it is the biggest ship in the world, things are very accessible and its really easy to find your way around. However, a late-night trip to the nightclub did send me down the wrong corridor one night!

People watching is a national sport for the Irish and you wont find a better place to do it than The Promenade on deck 5. This long atrium is home to an authentic Italian pizzeria, English pub, karaoke bar, Latin dance club and the Rising Tide bar which floats up and down between decks and a number of other cafs and bars. It is the best spot to sit back and take in the atmosphere.

The best event is the formal night where everyone goes all out with their outfit choices it is like being backstage at the Rose Of Tralee. The top deck is filled with pools, waterslides, a full size basketball court, an outdoor cinema and my personal favourite, the surf simulator.

I have never surfed in my life, and I probably never will, but I gave the FlowRider a go. I tried to chicken out but there were three nine-year-olds ahead of me and they mastered it, so I couldnt let the side down.

People looked on as the hot Aussie instructor had to get down on his belly and give me step-by-step instructions on how to not injure myself or drown in the water.

There is also a dry slide that brings you from the top deck down 10 flights to land on the boardwalk, right outside a working fairground carousel.

I also have to mention Central Park on deck 8, where my cabin was located, because it is home to 12,000 living plants and trees as well as a gorgeous Italian restaurant and the tasty Chops Grill restaurant, two of the speciality dining options on board.

The Bionic Bar on The Promenade is like something from Star Wars . Order your drink from a tablet, tap your room key, and two robots mix up whatever drink your heart desires.

If you fancy yourself as a mixologist, now is your chance to get innovative. I tried a Midori (melon liqueur), vodka and Sprite and I was very impressed and not just because the double measures were included in my drinks package.

If youre in the mood for something upmarket or if you are with that someone special and you want a break from the dining room or buffet options, there are loads of speciality dining choices.

Sadly, I was alone and my Tinder was on the fritz but I adore Eddie Rockets here in Ireland and there is a Johnny Rockets on board, a similar American franchise, and you can have an all-you-can-eat la carte menu for $9.95.

If you love brunch as much as I do, book into The Mason Jar for a bite to eat and make sure you try the Red Velvet pancakes. Book in advance though because the slots fill up very quickly and it is hard to get a table. If you are between meals or fancy something light after a few gins, head to Sorrentos for pizza by the slice. And its free!

Wonder of the Seas sails from Rome and Barcelona this summer. Check out http://www.royalcaribbean.com for the latest deals and to put your package together.

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Cruising for beginners: Life on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas - bars, restaurants and activities - RSVP Live