MORE comfortable on the mean streets of The Bill – DCI Frank Burnside, aka CHRIS ELLISON – wasn’t sure about his first cruise. But once on the Royal Caribbean International superliner Explorer Of The Seas, it was plain sailing. Here he talks exclusively about his experience.

I may have felt a few collars in my time but the grilling you get as you pass through US immigration in the wake of September 11 takes the biscuit.

But the friendly greeting from our Royal Caribbean International rep in Miami put my fears to rest. Bursting with enthusiasm, she even made the overnight stay at the Miami Hilton before we boarded sound inviting.

The hotel didn’t disappoint but it was our first experience of the "gratuity" system. Make sure you have small change handy from the minute you touch down because everyone from porters to coach drivers remind you of how hard they work and expect to be rewarded.

Next morning, we got our first sight of the ship — the largest I have ever seen.

Our stateroom (cabin to those of you not familiar with cruising terms) was well laid out, with a large balcony and roomy bathroom — just what you need when sharing with your wife and daughter!

The ship is so big it has its own main street, the Royal Promenade, with shops, pubs and cafes. The list of bars, restaurants and other goodies is endless.

We were there for a week and I didn't see half of it!

We celebrated the start of the cruise with a fantastic Sailaway party on the sun deck before heading into dinner. The dining room is spectacular, spanning three decks, each named after a famous explorer. My daughter Francesca found it a bit stuffy in the dining room so she grabbed food in one of the many other restaurants that are open all hours — burgers from Johnny Rockets were a favourite.

Our first port of call was Nassau in the Bahamas and for us, a dolphin encounter. A fantastic, if a little pricey, experience.

Next day we were all at sea and with three pools to relax beside and the luxury of our private balcony, time whizzed by.

On the Tuesday morning we arrived at St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

You get a day here to spend by the beach or shopping in the biggest duty-free port in the Caribbean.

By this time we were well into our stride and getting the hang of this cruising lark. The trick is to decide each day what to do, or, more likely, what not to do, and stick to it. There are a myriad of activities on board. The health club is terrific with a Jacuzzi like a small swimming pool.

There are libraries, an ice-skating rink and shops galore selling everything from delicious rum cake to designer clothes. There’s even an Internet café!

Our last port of call was Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private resort off the coast of Haiti. We arrived back in Miami very early on the Saturday and spent the day shopping before heading for the airport for the afternoon flight home.

Our memories of the cruise are of hot days, blue seas, super service and those dolphins.

If you’re like me you’ll be booking your next one as soon as you get back.

GETTING THERE: Chris travelled with Royal Caribbean International on a nine-night cruise on Explorer Of The Seas.

The 142,000-ton, 3,114-guest Explorer of the Seas boasts the highest space-perguest ratio in the cruise market. As well as all the normal facilities, there’s an iceskating rink and rock climbing wall!

Prices start from £999 per person, including scheduled flights from London to Miami, connecting flights from selected UK airports, overnight in Miami and accommodation and entertainment on board.

There’s a choice of itineraries covering the Eastern and Western Caribbean as well as Mexico and Florida

For reservations contact Royal Caribbean International on 0800 018 2020 or log on to their website www.royalcaribbean.com.

© 2002

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