Our cruise specialist reports on whether size matters on the new Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas – the largest cruise ship sailing the seas today.
As a family travel specialist, I often preview new ships, and friends who are not in the industry will sometimes casually ask for feedback. However, the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas — currently the largest ship at sea — has made such a splash among consumers that I have been deluged with questions ever since I participated in a pre-inaugural cruise in November.
The most frequently asked question: “How big is it?” What they really meant, of course, is “Is it too big? Were there too many people? Was it just too much?”
For the record, this ship and her sister Allure of the Seas, also an Oasis class vessel, are about 1,187 feet long — that’s about three football fields to you and me — and carry 5,400 passengers, double occupancy, not counting the 2,165 crew. Those who have cruised on the line’s Voyager and Freedom-class ships will recognize some features, most notably the Royal Promenade, an atrium-style “street” in the heart of the ship that offers sidewalk eateries, shops and venues for impromptu entertainment. This idea has evolved on the new ship with the addition of two new “neighborhoods,” Central Park, with its lush vegetation and sophisticated vibe, and the Boardwalk, whose colorful carousel and ice cream and donut shops are likely to be a kid magnet. Best of all, these two new areas, also located in the heart of the ship, are open air, which imparts a dramatically less claustrophobic experience than on some of its competitors.
Other new features with wow factor include a zipline suspended nine decks above the Boardwalk, an AquaTheater with synchronized swimming and high diving shows, and a very cool Rising Tide bar that moves (slowly) up and down the length of three decks between Central Park and the Royal Promenade. The FlowRider surf simulator and the indoor ice rink from the Freedom of the Seas also are reinvented on the Oasis.
Bottom line, those of us expecting just a bigger ship found it to be so much more, and we think families will agree. And in recent news from the cruise company, the Allure of the Seas, due to set sail in December 2010, will adapt to the latest in consumer trends by changing some of the dining venues in its Boardwalk neighborhood, shops in the Promenade, and adding a 3-D movie screen to the main theater.
Check In
There was a snarl up at Fort Lauderdale airport waiting for the busses, and it was unclear how much of that was due to delays caused by the “Good Morning America” taping that had taken place that morning, and how much was simply the challenge of moving that many people from the airport to the ship’s homeport at Port Everglades cruise terminal. That said, once we arrived at the terminal, the check-in process was a snap.
Tip: Hate waiting for the cruise line bus? Hop in a cab for the short ride to the terminal, situated only about two miles from the airport. Be careful not to arrive too early, however, or you will find yourself standing on the sidewalk with nowhere to comfortably wait. The cruise line staff at the airport can tell you when it is safe to head out.
Décor
The exterior of the ship is not as pretty as I had expected – it looks sort of like a floating high-rise apartment, thanks to layer-upon-layer of balcony staterooms (there are 16 decks in all) — but the interior is fresh and fun without a lot of the Vegas-y glamour that sometimes characterizes mainstream cruise ships.
Staterooms
I always encourage cruisers to upgrade to an ocean-view balcony if their budget will allow, but on the Oasis, you can be flexible. There are 2,706 staterooms, 1,956 of which have balconies, in a whopping 37 stateroom categories. For those whose principle joy in cruising is sitting on their balcony scanning a watery horizon, an ocean-view cabin is still the way to go. What is innovative here is that many of the so-called interior staterooms with balconies also offer partial water views, as well as views of some of the most fun parts of the ship. Our cabin on Deck 11, for example, overlooked the Boardwalk. From my balcony, I was looking directly down at the carousel, but I could also see the AquaTheater to my left, the ocean just beyond and the open sky above. Our cabin offered some 182 square-feet of living space, complete with two single beds (that can be combined), a TV, minifridge and desk/vanity area and the tiny balcony. There are several categories of family suites and staterooms, however, ranging from 260 to 271 square-feet that can accommodate up to six passengers, as well as the posh two-bedroom Royal Family Suite with Balcony, which sleeps eight.
Rant: Overall, our stateroom seemed a little small – the one complaint I heard from fellow cruisers – but the layout was economical, although closet space was tight.
Service
Most of the crewmembers were pulled from other Royal Caribbean ships, and the staff was uniformly friendly and efficient. Because this was a brand-new ship, there were a few minor hiccups, most notably slow service in the main dining room, but we suspect those were temporary.
Dining
With the exception of NCL, most cruise lines usually only offer a couple of specialty restaurants, but on the Oasis you can drop a bundle trying them all. Surcharges range from $4.95 at Johnny Rockets to $35 at the most gourmet option on the ship, 150 Central Park. There are 24 dining venues in all, and if you would rather not dig into your wallet, you can dine at the main Opus Dining Room or at the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, as well as an assortment of other eateries scattered throughout the ship.
Rave: You can eat at Opus whenever you want – a boon for cruisers who hate assigned seating but don’t want to spring for a specialty restaurant every night – thanks to the new My Time system that allows passengers to reserve the time of their choosing. Can’t think ahead that far? Just show up.
Kids Club
It is a safe bet that during school vacations, the number of children on board will be staggering, something the line was clearly aware of when it designed the 28,000-square-foot Youth Zone. Not only is it huge, but there is a lot of real innovation here mixed in with the razzle-dazzle. New to this ship is the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for infants and toddlers ages 6- to 36-months. The line has an association with Fisher-Price and Crayola, so you’ll see their products here, and the program is run by a company called Family Central. The nursery can only take 18 children at a time, and the ratio is one staff member to every three children. To give everyone an equal shot at booking some time at the nursery, every family on board is given a guaranteed number of hours if they choose to take them, while some hours are open on a first-come/first-served basis. The fee is $8/HR per child, and day and evening hours vary according to the itinerary.
The Oasis also offers its trademark Adventure Ocean program, with Aquanauts, ages 3 to 5; Explorers, ages 6 to 8, and Voyagers, ages 9 to 11.
Teen-only spaces include the Living Room, where kids can learn to mix tunes at the Scratch DJ Academy or go online on one of the wall of computers, and Fuel, where they can dance in their own cool nightclub.
Rave: What I especially liked about the Youth Zone is that the children’s play areas are connected in a more cohesive way than on other ships. The new Kids Avenue links the program areas for kids aged 3 to 11, expanding on the neighborhood concept that characterizes Central Park and the other new public spaces.
The line has also created areas where families can do things together, such as the Workshop for arts and crafts. Kids will also love the 100-seat Adventure Ocean Theater, a children’s theater overseen by John Tartaglia, who was nominated for a Tony for his role in “Avenue Q.” Other fun zones include Imagination Studio, powered by Adventure Art by Crayola; the Adventure Science Lab, and an indoor playground called Play.
Tip: Consider taking advantage of a new smartphone called Royal Connect that cruisers can rent by the week to keep tabs on the kids, talk with other passengers and make reservations at specialty restaurants. Renters pay a one-time fee of $17.50 a week, and calls and text messages are free.
Play Areas
In addition to the zipline and two FlowRiders, the Pool and Sports Zone offers four pools, an H2O Aqua Park with water features for children, a serene Solarium for adults, a multi-sport court and minigolf.
Spa
The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center is a multi-level space with a Zen-like, ultra luxe atmosphere with offerings that include everything from couples massages to Botox and acupuncture. Or you can forego a treatment in favor of a few hours at the Thermal Suite – a day pass costs $10 a day — where you can relax in saunas and steam rooms or stretch out on heated ceramic lounge chairs.
The Youth Spa not only offers treatments geared for children about 11 and up, but the facility has its own dedicated space within the Vitality spa. Try a 50-minute Mother/Daughter Paradise Massage or a Father/Son Chill Out Massage, both for $195, or treat your child to a Fabulously Fruity Facial, also 50 minutes for about $99. Salon treatments for youngsters also are available.
Ports of call
The current itinerary focuses on seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises, calling at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau. In May 2010, a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise calling at Labadee and Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico will move into the rotation, with the itineraries on alternate sailings. In December 2010, the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica, will replace Costa Maya on all Western Caribbean sailings.
Entertainment
“Hairspray” is the hot ticket at the Opal Theater, and while still free, passengers need to book ahead. You should also book ahead for shows at Comedy Live and the amazing Frozen in Time ice show at Studio B ice rink, as well as for shows at the AquaTheater.
Price
For 2010, seven-day cruises start at about $999 per person in an outdoor cabin. Expect to pay about $2,829 per person in the Family Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony.
Tip: Royal Caribbean decided not to charge for some of their hottest attractions, including the zipline and the FlowRider. As a result, you can expect lines. The good news is that you will be able to book more activities online before your departure date than ever before, and we encourage you to take advantage of that option. If you really are the spontaneous type, certain blocks of time are set aside on a first-come/first-serve basis.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.