Traveling Boy Deb Roskamp: My Newly-found Oasis on the Sea

My Newly-found Oasis on the Sea
by Deb Roskamp

asis: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast (from Miriam Webster).

I have found my oasis in the sea of cruise vessels. The most beautiful, harmonious ship that I have ever sailed on, Royal Caribbean’s “Oasis of the Seas” debuted last month out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. A wonder of design, it is the largest cruise ship ever built. Yet it is the first one that I have not gotten lost on – a testament to its architectural planning. One can easily find one’s way between Central Park, the climbing wall, zip line, Flow Rider® surf simulators, the whirlpools – one protruding 180-degrees over the side of the ship- and pools, all the eateries, bars and showrooms and one’s room. Almost every room has an ample-sized balcony and faces either Central Park, the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade or the ocean. Wherever one wanders curves, reminiscent of ocean waves, provide architectural delight. The effect is remarkably soothing, and I wonder how soon I’ll be able to experience another cruise in this refuge on the sea.

Click on the pictures for an enlargement and hit BACK to return.

I hope that's not Ed in the Flowrider photo holding the hand of the attendant. I will be pulling his man card if it is. Hope you and Ed are well.

Mike,
Salt Lake City, UT

Mike - Always a pleasure to hear from you. If you look closely at a number of the photos, you will see a strange-looking man in trench coat and Borsalino, reading a newspaper. I believe that's Ed.

Deb

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I have never been on a cruise ship (on purpose) and this one looks like a city to me -- something to escape from. Anyway, where is the lap pool? Love your pics!

Pegs,
Pasadena, CA

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Beautiful pictures, as always, Deb. It reminds me of Las Vegas somehow.

Brenda,
Richland, WA

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Hi Debbie,Your images are fabulous! What an experience of this amazing "city" on water you have captured for viewers to enjoy! Cruise ships can be boring, as I have experienced...but this one is chock full of things to do. Your emphasis is on the delightful activities and not on the food one can consume! Thanks Deb!

Yoka,
Westlake Village, CA

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What fun! It's hard to imagine that this amazing piece of architecture and engineering floats all over the world. I want to be on one of these babies when the great flood decides to make a comeback. Your pictures are amazing. Lots of movement, lots of interplay of light and shadow. You did a fine job Debbie. Wish there were more.

Josh,
Omaha, NE

As always, I love your eye for beauty. In your Guadalajara article you capture the people. In your Tahiti pictures, it is the scenic beauty that mesmerized me. I love especially the tranquil silhouettes with their mirror images. Where can I get a good deal to visit the place? Simply beautiful! Send us more!

Robert,
South Pasadena, CA

Okay, I’m going to Guadalajara. It looks like a destination that Mexican tourists go to. Amazing shots. Of course, I’m a sucker for kids.

Beverly Milton
Boise, ID

Deb,

You certainly have an eye for photography. Sometimes we stay in a place too long to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Your photos show a visitor appreciating not only the sculptures but the intermingling of the people around it. I believe sculptures were meant to be experienced and I'm glad the Guadalajara government opened this interaction instead of relegating these pieces in a stuffy museum.

Would love to see more of your work.

Peter Paul,
South Pasadena, CA

Seeing kids playing on art: that's amazing. It's what art and travel are all about. Thanks for capturing some pretty striking images. These should be in a book.

Paul Lucas
Vancouver, BC

The images are magnificent; I have only been to Mexico on two occasions and would love to discover more of it. I’ll have to add Guadalajara to my long list of places to visit.

Morgan, NY