Heaven ... pure heaven.

As we board the tram to take us to our gate at the Pittsburgh International Airport, we meet a talkative couple — they tell us they are on their way to San Diego for a 15-day Hawaiian cruise — their 42nd cruise. And, we, I tell them, are taking our maiden voyage on a cruise ship. “The first one is always the best,” she says. Why? “Because you have nothing to compare it with.” After 42 cruises, “you start complaining about things,” they said. I wish I had more time to talk, to pump them for information and cruise tips, what they liked, what brought them back 42 times. But we head in opposite directions, and before we know it, we’re boarding our plane in Miami. It was an easy trip. The actual boarding process was painless. Soon we’re on the Lido Deck; lunch is ready, our room is not. We inspect the food lines, and settle on one to try. And a fancy drink. My cruise planner, Bill Bryson from Uniglobe Ohio Valley Travel, warns me the fancy drinks they offer as you arrive on board are not free. A good tip to keep in mind. But nonetheless, I feel the urge to try at least one ... Today’s special is the Carnival Fun Drink. And what better time than on this sunny, hot afternoon, when I have nothing to do but to enjoy the day. I’m ready to trade my black jeans in for some cooler capris. I sip my pretty, fruity drinks, kick off my shoes and lean back, my face to the sun. A couple of hours in — so far, so good. So very good.