After publishing three novels filled with fun and adventure, I decided it was time to have an adventure of my own. 'Publishing At Sea' was a great opportunity to learn from successful authors, publishers, and editors, and a chance to enjoy the cruise ship experience. The Symphony of the Seas was a fantastic ship, with pools, a water park, a central park in the middle of the ship that opened to a warm Caribbean sky, plays, games, ice skating exhibitions and comedy shows. I only took part in some of the entertainment the ship had to offer. My favorites were the dance classes and parties, the ice skating shows, (which were amazing) and I thoroughly enjoyed the ship's production of "Hairspray." When I left the Royal Theater after the play, I heard hysterical laughing, and walked into the back of Studio B, a large auditorium. They were in the middle of an adult team challenge called "Crazy Quest." As I watched from the back of the crowd the men from all four teams were running a relay race while sharing one pant leg. The challenges got really crazy after that! And inappropriate! Nora and I attended a men vs women challenge that was on a different night, was fun and a little less raucous. These late-night activities were for 18+, but there were many family-oriented activities too. Nora and I played several games of trivia while on the ship. The entertainment included two bands aboard; the one with the horn section was phenomenal. If you are a joiner, enjoy music, and like to dance, a cruise ship is a good vacation for you.

Publishing at Sea

The instructors and authors aboard: Judith Briles, Deborah Armstrong, Ron Beach, Derek Doepker, Susan Kruppa, Red O'Laughlin, Charles Breakfield, Shelby Lee, Carolyne Ruck, David Sovine, Nora Duncan, and me.

Disco Inferno Street Party I loved the cruise, but my happiest moments were at the 11 pm dance parties in the Royal Promenade.

From our Balcony This is my roommate Nora Duncan as we left the port of Miami. She is the author of "Navigate Family Technology," a must read for parents and grandparents who wish to navigate the unchartered waters of social media.

A Fantastic Voyage The ship is enormous with room for around 6000 guests and 2000 crew members

Sunrise at St. Martin I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet moments. early in the morning, sitting in a deck chair.

I would recommend a cruise vacation at least once. It is a unique experience and a fun way to meet people and enjoy the clear ocean air. I thought I had it figured out; I thrived from Sunday to Wednesday, enjoyed the activities and the delicious meals, and thought I was totally fit to be on a ship. But then, Thursday night threw me off balance. The seas were rough enough to cancel some of the shows. I had my first taste of seasickness, but thanks to a patch I obtained from my doctor (thanks for the suggestion, Ann) I was able to calm the nausea and fall asleep. I believe the rough seas were the first signs of the nor'easter that dumped 2 feet of snow on the Northeast and closed the airports. But that is a story for next week, my long journey home. In the meantime, you may want to check out some of the authors and instructors. I have read books by three of them.

I am not sorry I missed the snowstorm and believe that spring is around the corner. I hope you have a great week and will keep in touch next Sunday ... until then, Joanne