The Magic of Alcohol
Way before I knew about SSRIs or other meds, I was introduced to my friend alcohol. Like a lot of teens in the 80s, I tried wine coolers, beer, and sips of my dad’s liquor, but I never got drunk, for real drunk, until the drama club Sea Escape cruise.
Growing up in South Florida, cruises were pretty common. Sea Escape was a one-day cruise to nowhere and it was my first cruise. My friends Marilyn, Theresa, and I were taking a drama class as an elective during our freshman year. We were not really into it, but we were into fun. So, when our teacher said that anyone taking a drama class could go on the Sea Escape with the drama club, we signed up. And, since our parents were all typical 80s parents, they signed the permission slips and handed over the cash.
Marilyn, Theresa, and I set up camp on the deck. We did not splurge for the optional room for the day. We made good use of the free lockers and public showers. So, we spent most of the day in lounge chairs on the deck, with SPF hell suntan oil on. When the waiter came around and asked us if we wanted a drink, we ordered pina coladas, thinking they would probably be virgin drinks. Nope. We got the real deal. That’s when we learned the beauty of international waters.
I’m not sure who the cute photo-bomber is behind me.
You go, girl! What a creepy piano player!
I went on a three-day cruise to the Bahamas in 1989, too. That's entirely another post I will have to write.
Girl! My first cruise was in 89. The Cooper City high school class President’s mom arranged a non school sponsored senior cruise. We went to the Bahamas. Like a 3 day cruise. I was told to try the Long Island Ice Tea and my BF at the time ordered the “Blue One” which I think was some kind of frozen piña colada with blue Caracas and possibly had a fancier name. We had the best time. I remember on the way back, the seas were rough and the ship was rocking which made everyone on the dance floor look as if they could be line dancing from one side of the floor to the other and back. Thankfully, nothing bad happened to any of us. Even when the piano player got very handsy with me and tried to get me back to his room. He thought I was drunk. And I was but I’ve never been a stupid drunk that I would have given up my virginity to an average looking musician with a bad accent.