We will be back tomorrow on Day 16 with photos from our Namibian tour.
Day 14, Sea days continue…Tomorrow, Walvis Bay, Namibia…
Today marks the last of our nine consecutive days at sea. It’s almost hard to believe how quickly this stretch of ocean life has passed. When we first realized we’d have over a week without a single port stop, it sounded like a long time, days merging into one another, the horizon stretching endlessly in every direction. But here we are, on the eve of reaching Walvis Bay, Namibia, feeling as though the rhythm of the sea has become part of our internal clock. Each sunrise has painted its own story across the water, and each evening, as the ship gently rocked beneath us, we’ve watched the sun sink into the vast Atlantic with the same sense of awe as the day before.
Tomorrow, when the ship finally docks, we’ll step ashore and breathe in the dry desert air of Namibia. The plan is simple: no tours, no rush, just a taxi ride into town to see a few of the sights. After so many days surrounded only by water, the thought of solid ground beneath our feet feels strangely foreign and yet welcome. Walvis Bay, with its sand dunes meeting the sea, flamingos wading through the shallow lagoons, and quiet stretches of coastline, will be a lovely change of scenery. We’ve talked often about spending an extended period in Namibia someday, and this visit will give us a taste of what that might feel like.
Namibia has always intrigued us. There’s a quiet wildness about it, a sense of solitude that feels both vast and comforting. It’s the kind of place that seems to understand travelers like us, those who move slowly, staying long enough to absorb the rhythm of a place before heading on to the next. When we do eventually stay there, we can remain for a few months before returning to South Africa, since Namibia’s proximity on the northwest border doesn’t interfere with our visa timing. It’s a convenient and appealing option, especially since we can make our way back to Marloth Park afterward, a place that always feels like a second home to us.
However, the intricacies of South African visa regulations make planning a bit like solving a puzzle. It’s not as simple as crossing a nearby border and re-entering to get a fresh visa stamp. South Africa has strict rules to prevent what it calls “border hopping,” where visitors leave the country briefly to return for another 90-day stay. Bordering countries such as Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana don’t qualify for new visa entries. To re-enter South Africa after our permitted time, we must either return to our home country or visit a non-bordering African nation or another country outside of Africa.
That’s one of the reasons we’ve traveled to Zambia so often in the past. Zambia doesn’t share a border with South Africa, making it a viable destination when we need to step away briefly before re-entering. Each time we’ve visited, we’ve discovered something new, lush landscapes, friendly people, and the spectacular Victoria Falls, which never loses its power to amaze. It’s fascinating how our travel patterns have been shaped not just by wanderlust but by the practicalities of visas and regulations. Over time, it’s become second nature to plan our route around these rules, blending bureaucracy with adventure in a way that feels almost seamless now.
Still, when we stand on the deck tonight, watching the final sunset of this long stretch at sea, none of that feels complicated. The horizon glows in shades of gold and rose, and there’s a quiet peace in knowing that tomorrow we’ll set foot on African soil again. We’ve learned to take these transitions in stride, the slow days at sea, the anticipation of arrival, and the steady hum of plans forming for the months ahead. Life as perpetual travelers requires flexibility, but it also rewards us with a deeper understanding of how connected everything is: the people, the landscapes, even the bureaucracies that nudge us from one place to another.
So tonight, as the ship glides through calm waters and we prepare for our arrival in Walvis Bay, I feel both grateful and grounded. These days at sea have reminded me how content we are living this way, moving forward, adapting, finding joy in both the journey and the waiting. Tomorrow, a new chapter begins, if only for a day, as we step off the ship and into the sandy beauty of Namibia, carrying with us the gentle rhythm of the ocean and the quiet excitement of what lies ahead.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 9, 2015:
Day 13, Sea days continue…Update on the cruise cough…Tamiflu benefits…
When that familiar ache settles deep into the bones, the chills start creeping across your skin, and the world suddenly feels like it’s been wrapped in fog, most of us know that dreadful feeling—it’s the flu. Not just a little sniffle or a passing sore throat, but the real thing, the kind that knocks you flat for days. That’s where Tamiflu, or Oseltamivir as it’s known generically, comes into the picture. Over the years, it’s become a trusted companion for those of us who’ve faced influenza’s wrath and wanted a fighting chance at shortening the misery.
Tamiflu is what you reach for when you can feel the flu tightening its grip, especially within the first 48 hours of symptoms. That timing is critical. The medication doesn’t work like a magic wand; it can’t eradicate the virus, but it can slow its multiplication in the body. What that means for most people is fewer days of fever, body aches, and exhaustion. In some cases, it can shorten the illness by as much as one or two days, which doesn’t sound like much until you’ve been bedridden, staring at the ceiling, wondering if you’ll ever feel normal again. Those two days can feel like a gift.
For travelers like us, constantly moving between climates, continents, and crowded environments like airports and cruise ships, the risk of catching the flu is always lurking. We try to be careful, washing hands frequently, eating well, and staying rested, but exposure is inevitable when you’re surrounded by people from all over the world. Having Tamiflu on hand provides a layer of comfort, almost like carrying an umbrella when the forecast looks stormy. You might not need it, but when you do, it’s invaluable.
One of Tamiflu’s greatest benefits is its ability to help prevent complications, particularly in older adults or those with underlying conditions. The flu is more than just an inconvenience for people with heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues—it can be life-threatening. By slowing down the virus’s ability to reproduce, Tamiflu helps reduce the risk of the infection spreading deeper into the lungs, where it could lead to pneumonia or other severe complications. For many, it’s a way to stay out of the hospital and on the path to recovery at home.
Another important aspect is its use as a preventive measure. When someone close to you comes down with the flu, a spouse, a cabinmate, or even a fellow traveler on a long cruise, it’s often only a matter of time before others follow. But with Tamiflu, there’s a possibility of stopping that chain reaction. When taken as a prophylactic, it can reduce the likelihood of developing the flu even after exposure. It’s not foolproof, but it can make the difference between staying healthy and joining the ranks of the feverish and coughing.
What many people appreciate about Tamiflu is how relatively easy it is to take. It’s available in both capsule and liquid form, and when started early, the side effects are usually mild, sometimes a bit of nausea or a headache, but nothing compared to the agony of full-blown influenza. It’s a reminder that while modern medicine doesn’t have all the answers, it has given us tools that can ease our suffering and speed our return to normal life.
There’s also a psychological benefit that shouldn’t be underestimated. Knowing there’s something you can do, some form of defense, can ease the helplessness that often comes with getting sick far from home. We’ve learned that having a small supply of Tamiflu in our travel medical kit brings peace of mind. When you’re in a foreign country or at sea, where access to medical care can be limited or delayed, that little blister pack can feel like reassurance in tangible form.
Ultimately, Tamiflu doesn’t promise perfection, but it offers hope. It reminds us that even when illness finds us, we’re not entirely at its mercy. Whether taken to lessen the flu’s severity, to prevent its spread, or simply to bring comfort during an uncertain time, Tamiflu remains a valuable ally in the traveler’s arsenal, and for anyone who wants to feel just a little more in control when the flu comes calling.
No words can express how grateful I am that Doc Theo prescribed Tamiflu in the event we started coming down with a virus on the ship. It has, without a doubt, prevented me from a long-term bout with the cruise cough and flu, which started several days ago and is significantly improved.. Please check with your medical professional for assistance with this drug.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 8, 2015:
Day 12…Sea days continue…The world of cruising, including an array of demographics…
In 2025, the world of cruising continues to evolve, and nowhere is this more evident than on the ships of Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. These two lines, while under the same corporate umbrella, attract somewhat different guests, each with distinct motivations and expectations. Yet, they share one powerful commonality: the magnetic pull of the sea and the desire to escape the ordinary. Walking the decks of either line, one quickly senses the diversity of today’s cruising demographic, an ever-expanding tapestry of ages, backgrounds, and stories from around the world.
On Royal Caribbean, the atmosphere is lively and intergenerational, a microcosm of modern travel where families, couples, solo adventurers, and retirees coexist under the same expansive sky. The average age of passengers hovers in the mid-forties, but that number barely scratches the surface of the real story. Parents travel with children, sometimes even with grandparents in tow, making these voyages multi-generational gatherings unlike any other. The newer, larger ships, floating cities in their own right, offer endless opportunities for fun and excitement, attracting thrill-seekers and those seeking a new experience every day. There are rock-climbing walls, surfing simulators, ice-skating rinks, zip lines, and Broadway-style shows. These ships are designed for those who see travel not as an escape but as an adventure.
Celebrity Cruises, by contrast, appeals to a slightly older, more refined demographic. The average age of passengers leans closer to the fifties and sixties, and the pace is gentler, more contemplative. These guests appreciate fine dining, art, culture, and conversation over cocktails at sunset rather than karaoke or game shows. Couples celebrating anniversaries, seasoned travelers who’ve already seen the world, and professionals taking a break from demanding lives fill the elegant spaces onboard. The design of Celebrity’s ships, sleek and modern with thoughtful touches of luxury, mirrors the preferences of its clientele: sophisticated yet not pretentious, polished yet never sterile.
Still, the gap between the two lines is narrowing in fascinating ways. Royal Caribbean’s younger guests are aging into Celebrity’s demographic, bringing with them a love of technology, connectivity, and wellness that is reshaping the luxury cruise experience. At the same time, Celebrity’s efforts to attract a younger audience, through social media outreach, wellness programs, and modern cuisine, are paying off. Millennials and Gen X travelers, many of whom once thought of cruises as something their parents did, are now embracing the ease, value, and quality these voyages offer. Couples in their thirties and forties are booking suites and spa cabins, appreciating the balance between relaxation and exploration.
Both lines are seeing an influx of international passengers. North Americans still make up the majority of guests, but travelers from the UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia have grown significantly. As the world becomes more connected and the cost of long-haul flights continues to stabilize, cruisers are venturing farther afield to join itineraries in the Mediterranean, Asia, South America, and beyond. For many, these cruises serve as floating hotels, offering a familiar comfort while exploring foreign ports. For others, they are a social experience, an opportunity to meet like-minded travelers who share a passion for the world.
Another emerging trend in 2025 is the increasing number of digital nomads and remote workers who choose to sail for months at a time. High-speed internet, once a luxury, has become a lifeline, enabling guests to work from anywhere, even in the middle of the ocean. Celebrity’s quieter, more luxurious setting appeals to those who crave both productivity and tranquility, while Royal Caribbean’s bustling energy suits travelers who prefer to balance work with play. It’s not unusual now to see laptops open at a café overlooking the sea, where someone types away between ports, turning a stateroom into an office with a view.
Cruising has also become more inclusive and accessible. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are welcoming guests from a broader range of economic and cultural backgrounds than ever before. Special promotions, loyalty programs, and flexible itineraries have opened the doors to travelers who once thought cruising was out of reach. Solo cabins, a relatively recent innovation, have also changed the face of the passenger mix, encouraging those who travel alone, by choice or circumstance, to join in the experience without paying the traditional “single supplement.” This shift has added a vibrant new energy on board, as solo travelers bring fresh perspectives and spontaneous friendships.
In the end, the demographics of 2025 tell a story of transformation. Cruising is no longer the preserve of retirees or the wealthy. It has become a reflection of the global traveler, curious, connected, and craving experiences that blend comfort with discovery. On Royal Caribbean, the laughter of children echoes through the promenade while couples dance under the stars. On Celebrity, the clink of wine glasses mingles with the soft hum of conversation in elegant lounges. Together, they capture the full spectrum of modern travel, where age, nationality, and background blur into something shared, a love of the sea, of new horizons, and of the gentle rhythm of life aboard a ship.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 7, 2015:
Day 11…sea days continue…Oh no! The dreaded cruise cough!….
It was Tuesday night when I first felt that familiar tickle in my throat, you know…the one that sends a quiet alarm through your body, whispering, something’s coming. Within hours, it progressed to a sore throat, then a cough, and finally to that heavy, sinking feeling of general malaise. My energy drained like a leaky faucet, and all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep. By the next morning, I knew without a doubt: I had developed the dreaded “cruise cough.”
This is the ninth day of our voyage, and it’s ironic how fast something so small can take over the experience. Before we boarded, we did everything right, or so we thought. We took our daily supplements religiously: vitamin C, zinc, quercetin, elderberry, and a handful of others. I kept up with cold showers, exercised daily, ate healthily, and made sure to get plenty of rest. And yet, none of it mattered once that invisible stowaway, a germ or virus, found its way into our cabin.
Tom, ever resilient, was the first to show symptoms. On the fifth day of the cruise, he began sneezing and coughing, his voice hoarse but his spirit unfazed. He’s never one to complain, even when feeling under the weather. He rested for a few days, skipped all the sugary foods, drank plenty of water, and by the eighth day, he was completely back to normal. I wish I could say the same. My version of this “cruise cough” has dug in deep, with a persistent tickle that keeps me awake and a fatigue that makes even short walks around the ship feel like an effort.
The “cruise cough” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, of course. It’s a phrase seasoned cruisers use to describe the upper respiratory bug that often spreads like wildfire on ships. Despite the best ventilation systems, diligent cleaning, and constant hand sanitizing, a ship is a floating city with thousands of people sharing confined spaces, elevators, dining rooms, and theaters. All it takes is one person to sneeze in the buffet line or cough into their hand before pressing a button, and the virus begins its quiet circulation through the decks.
So, what can one do to prevent it from getting worse once it’s arrived? I’ve been asking myself that very question as I sip hot tea, the ship rocking gently beneath me. I’ve been taking Tamiflu since yesterday, a precautionary prescription from Doc Theo, “just in case.” Whether it’s the flu, a cold, or something in between, I’m hoping it helps shorten the duration or at least keep it from becoming more serious. The key now is hydration, rest, and patience, three things that sound simple but are surprisingly hard to achieve when the itinerary is full and the excitement of travel still hums in your veins.
There’s also the matter of isolation. I’ve been careful not to attend large gatherings, and we’ve skipped the evening shows and dinners in the main dining room for now. It isn’t enjoyable, of course. After all, cruising is such a social experience. The last thing I’d want is to pass this along to someone else. It’s strange how considerate you become once you’re the one coughing. Every sneeze feels like a public offense.
It’s humbling, really. After years of travel across continents, through jungles, deserts, and cities of every size, I find myself sidelined not by a grand adventure gone wrong, but by a simple cough on a cruise ship. It’s a reminder that even the healthiest routines and the most diligent precautions can’t guarantee immunity when hundreds of different immune systems mingle in close quarters.
For now, I’ll continue resting, take Tamiflu, and drink copious amounts of liquids. I’ll skip the dining room, avoid the buffet crowds, and hope the ocean air helps clear my lungs. Tom, ever attentive, brings me Sprite Zero while reminding me that this, too, shall pass. Goodness, we still have 36 nights of cruising to savor, and I’d like to experience them feeling well.
The “cruise cough” might be an unwelcome companion. Still, it’s also part of the unpredictable rhythm of travel, that reminder that we’re human, fragile, and always at the mercy of the environments we wander through. I suppose all we can do is ride it out, grateful that we’re together, afloat on the wide-open sea, waiting for wellness to return with the next sunrise.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 6, 2015:
Day 10, sea days are delightful…
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/TAL-november-supermoon-NOVSUPERMOON1125-c394defac70e4bd4993a57d672cbbccd.jpg)
From today’s issue of Travel+Leisure online magazine, here.
“Tonight’s Supermoon Is the Largest and Brightest of 2025—and It’s the Closest the Moon Has Come to Earth This Year
The golden-hued Beaver Moon arrives Nov. 5—these US parks offer prime viewing. By Published on November 4, 2025
This year’s Beaver Moon will make its starry night debut this week as the biggest and brightest golden-hued supermoon of the year.
To catch the dazzling sight, gaze up at the night sky starting Tuesday, Nov. 4, to witness the closest the moon will be to Earth this year, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The moon will actually reach its peak illumination at 8:19 am. ET on Nov. 5, but it will be below the horizon then, so the best time to view it will be during the evenings of Nov. 4 and 5.
As it rises, the supermoon will glow a deep gold, appearing up to 16 percent brighter and 7 percent larger than usual, according to National Geographic. After this, the moon isn’t expected to appear as large and bright again until November 24, 2026.
The November phenomenon got its playful name since this is the time of year beavers typically start to shelter in their lodges for winter, The Old Farmer’s Almanac noted.
For the best moon gazing, head to one of America’s top Dark Sky parks, protected areas with exceptionally low light pollution, where the night sky is the perfect backdrop for a star show. From the Appalachian Mountains to wide Texas plains, these top Dark Sky sanctuaries offer some of the clearest views in the country, according to research shared with Travel + Leisure from Inghams Walking, a travel company specializing in outdoor adventures.
Mayland Earth to Sky Park and Bare Dark Sky Observatory in North Carolina ranked as the top Dark Sky park in the United States, according to the study. The gem allows enthusiasts to peer through the observatory’s telescope for an intimate look at the lunar rise or set up their own scopes on the park’s flat viewing areas.
Texas’ UbarU Camp and Retreat Center came in next on the list. Once run by a Quaker community, the site remains deeply committed to protecting the wildlife that thrives there.
Tennessee’s Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area ranked third in the U.S. First certified as a silver-tier Dark Sky park in 2015, the Pickett CCC Memorial State Park features an astronomy field available year-round.
While the majority of official Dark Sky parks are located in the US, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in Alberta, Canada, actually came in as the top Dark Sky park in the world. Sitting on the border with the US, the park boasts both alpine and glacial features and is “exceptionally rich in plant and mammal species,” according to UNESCO.”
We continue to enjoy sea days, participating in many trivia games, seminars, and various activities. Each evening at 4:30, we arrive at the Crown Lounge, exclusively for Diamond Pus (us) and Pinnacle members. We may never reach Pinnacle, the top-tier loyalty status, but we already enjoy many of its perks. At 7:00 pm, we head to the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 for dinner.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 5, 2015:
Day 9, still at sea…What is the tipping situation on this cruise?…
When we first began cruising many years ago, one of the most confusing aspects was understanding how gratuities worked. Every cruise line has its own policy, and over time, those policies evolve. On Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025, gratuities remain an essential part of the onboard experience, both a gesture of appreciation and a vital source of income for the hardworking crew.
Royal Caribbean automatically adds daily gratuities to each passenger’s account. As of 2025, the rate for this cruise is $18.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $21.00 per person, per day for those in suites. This covers the crew who make our voyage comfortable, the dining staff, stateroom attendants, and behind-the-scenes team members who keep everything running smoothly. The charge is conveniently added to your onboard account, eliminating the need to carry cash or track tips throughout the cruise.
Our total gratuity bill for this 47-night cruise is an additional US $1739 ($18.50 per day x 2 x 47), which is added to our online account and charged to our credit card at the end of the cruise.
While some travelers prefer the old-fashioned way by handing out envelopes of cash at the end of the cruise, the automatic system ensures that every crew member receives their fair share. It’s easy to forget how many invisible hands make a cruise ship feel like a floating home. There are the stewards who quietly tidy our cabins twice a day, the dining room servers who remember our favorite drink, and the countless others who never meet us face-to-face but still play a role in keeping everything spotless and seamless.
Guests can prepay gratuities when booking their cruise, which can simplify budgeting and prevent surprises at the end of the trip. We’ve found this especially helpful when traveling for many weeks at a time. It’s one less line item on the final bill. Prepaying also locks in the current rate, which can be useful if there’s a price increase before your sailing date.
That said, gratuities are not carved in stone. If you receive particularly outstanding service, you can always add an additional tip directly to your onboard account or hand cash to the crew member personally. Conversely, if you experience a service issue, you can request adjustments through Guest Services, though most guests rarely need to. We’ve always found Royal Caribbean’s crew to be warm, attentive, and genuinely eager to please.
In specialty restaurants, bars, and lounges, an automatic 18% gratuity is added to all beverage and dining purchases. When we first started cruising, we used to double-check every receipt, but now we sign and smile, knowing the gratuity is already included. Of course, if someone goes above and beyond—a bartender who remembers your name after one visit, or a waiter who anticipates your dietary needs—a few extra dollars or a heartfelt thank-you goes a long way.
Some cruisers wonder where all these gratuities go. Royal Caribbean’s policy states that the funds are shared among the service team, including dining attendants, stateroom staff, and other key crew members who directly impact guest satisfaction. It’s a collective effort, and the crew’s livelihood depends on these contributions.
We’ve always viewed gratuities not as an obligation but as a form of gratitude. When you consider the long hours, the weeks away from family, and the consistently cheerful service that defines life aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, it feels good to know our small daily contribution makes a meaningful difference.
Over the years, we’ve met many crew members who’ve become familiar faces; some we’ve seen on different ships and itineraries. They remember us, ask about our travels, and share stories about their own journeys. It’s those connections that remind us tipping isn’t just about money, it’s about appreciation and acknowledgment of the human touch that makes every voyage memorable.
So, as we sail through 2025, it’s comforting to know the gratuity system continues to support the very people who make cruising so special. Whether it’s the smile of a room steward greeting you in the hallway or the waiter who ensures your meal is just right each evening, those daily tips are a way of saying, “Thank you for making this feel like home at sea.”
On the flip side, if you feel the overall services have been inferior, you can have the automatic gratuities removed from your final bill. But keep in mind that this will impact service staff you do not interact with, such as kitchen and laundry staff.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 4, 2015:
Day 8…Sea days continue…
Some of our readers aren’t receiving our daily emails. It appears there are extensive updates that our web company must complete, and until they are, you may not receive the emails. In the interim, if you can create a bookmark or icon on your phone or device, you will be notified of the new post at about the same time each day.
To bookmark or create a desktop item, please use the usual process on your device by adding:
Each time I upload a new post, it will automatically appear under the link above.
It is a labor-intensive process to handle all these updates, and the web company will need my help daily. I’d prefer not to spend the entire time we’re cruising to work on this. Once we are settled in New Zealand in mid-December, we’ll begin the process. Our site will remain available each day while I continue to upload new posts with photos.
I will keep you updated on this process as it’s completed through the end of the year. Once completed, those who haven’t been receiving the email will find it in their inbox once again. Otherwise, nothing will change in the interim. Our site is huge with almost 5000 posts. It’s a process. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
The past few sea days on the ship have been rather enjoyable. We continue to meet more people and have fun conversations. It’s incredible how most cruisers are frequent travelers — although not necessarily nomads like us — homeowners who travel as often as they can.
We’ve attended several lectures in the Star Lounge during the days and played countless trivia games in various bars and venues throughout the ship. It’s been delightful having busy days and nights, doing precisely what we feel like doing, unrushed and at our own pace.
Finally, I’m getting some decent meals (dinners) in the main dining room. The chef hasn’t been very creative in planning dishes for me as we’ve experienced on past cruises, so now I suggest how they make a dish, and they follow suit. Last night I had spaghetti bolognese with zucchini instead of pasta, along with a crouton-free Caesar salad. It was my first enjoyable meal after a week of plain chicken breasts and dry salmon steaks.
Some days, we have breakfast; on others, we have lunch at the buffet, all based on how hungry we are in the morning. But, we don’t do both breakfast and lunch when that’s too much food, and we don’t want to gain back all the weight we’d lost in Spain. Tom quit eating donuts with his coffee in the mornings and dessert after dinner. We have dinner in the main dining room each evening, with a standing 7:00 pm reservation at a shared table.
Before heading to the dining room for dinner, we spend a few hours socializing in the Crown Lounge, a small, 50-person capacity room for Diamond-Plus and Pinnacle members only. It’s always so crowded, and we have to get there by 4:00 pm to get a seat. On other cruises, they had much larger areas for the early evening cocktail hour, but that’s changed since the pandemic.
That’s it for today, dear readers. We will be back with more tomorrow.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 3, 2015:
Day 7…The pleasures of sea days…
Today is Day 2 of nine consecutive sea days. Just the thought of it makes me smile. There’s something magical about these long stretches at sea, where time seems to slow down and the world shrinks to the gentle rhythm of the ocean. No ports to rush to, no excursions to plan, no tender tickets or shuttle buses. Just endless blue water, a quiet horizon, and the easy pace of shipboard life. These lazy sea days are the essence of why we love cruising. They allow us to unwind completely, without a care in the world, and enjoy lively and animated conversations with other cruisers.
We woke to the soft hum of the engines, that comforting vibration beneath our cabin floor, like a reassuring heartbeat. The curtains glowed faintly with the morning light reflecting off the sea. It’s funny how the sea looks different every day, sometimes a deep sapphire, sometimes gray and moody, and today a bright, sparkling blue under a perfectly clear sky. The air is warm but not hot, with a soft breeze drifting across our balcony.
Our mornings have become a sweet ritual. After showering, we wander to the Promenade Café for our usual coffee. We don’t eat any of their delicious-looking sweet breakfast buns and rolls. There’s a quiet camaraderie among fellow early risers, some reading Kindles, others chatting softly, all of us looking out the windows toward the horizon. Conversations revolve around where everyone’s from, where they’ve been, and what ship they’re sailing next. Travelers’ talk, the kind that instantly connects strangers.
We often settle into our favorite spot on the banquette in the cafe. We bring our laptops, not because we have to work, but because we enjoy our little routines, writing posts, sorting photos, catching up on messages. The ship’s WiFi can be temperamental, but that’s part of the charm of being at sea; not everything is as it is on land.
There’s a gentle rhythm to the day that feels timeless. Around midday, the ship hums with quiet activity. Passengers stroll the decks, reading, napping, or chatting over drinks. Some gather by the pool, others disappear into the library, the casino, or trivia sessions.
Lunch is leisurely. If we haven’t had breakfast, the buffet has many suitable options, including bunless burgers, roasted chicken, and grilled fish. The choices seem endless with the ever-present desserts that test our willpower daily. There’s always time for another coffee or tea before heading back to our cabin for a little afternoon rest. Napping at sea seems like a luxury, lulled to sleep by the steady motion of the ship and the distant sounds of laughter and music drifting through the decks.
By late afternoon, the sun begins to lower, casting a golden shimmer over the endless water. We often sit together on the balcony, quietly watching the light change. These are the moments when conversation fades and gratitude takes over. We think back to all the places we’ve been, all the oceans we’ve crossed, and we’re reminded how fortunate we are to still be on this journey after all these years.
Evenings bring their own rhythm; dressing for dinner, enjoying a leisurely meal, maybe catching a show or listening to live music in one of the lounges. Tonight, we’ll probably find a quiet corner where the music is soft, order a cocktail, and relax. There’s no rush, no schedule, only the simple pleasure of being exactly where we are.
Lazy sea days are restorative. They remind us to breathe, to slow down, to savor each moment. As we drift farther from land and deeper into the heart of the ocean, we find ourselves more connected, not to WiFi, but to each other, to the sea, and to the beautiful simplicity of life lived without hurry. Tomorrow will be another day at sea, and we couldn’t be happier about it.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 2, 2015:
Day 6…Thank you for all the kind wishes on our 13th anniversary of world travel…
As we sat in the Promenade Café, deeply engrossed in our online work, a lovely woman approached our table with a warm smile and a gentle curiosity in her eyes. She hesitated for only a moment before asking, “Do you have a few minutes to chat?” Of course, we both looked up instantly and said, enthusiastically, “Yes, absolutely!” We always enjoy meeting new people, especially while sailing, when so many interesting stories seem to unfold in the most unexpected ways.
The woman introduced herself as Elaine, and within seconds, the conversation flowed as naturally as if we’d known her for years. She explained that she and her husband, Glen, had met us on a cruise in 2016. (They began their journey in 2017). As she began to recount our earlier encounter, the memories slowly resurfaced—faces, names, shared laughter, and the common thread of wanderlust that connected us all during that voyage. But what she shared next left us utterly humbled and touched to the core.
Elaine said that after meeting us all those years ago and following our posts about full-time world travel, she and Glen were inspired to do something bold. They, too, decided to sell everything, let go of the traditional life they’d known, and embark on their own global adventure. For years, they’d been reading our blog, keeping up with our stories, triumphs, and even the occasional challenges we’ve faced along the way. She stopped by our table that morning simply to say thank you—thank you for inspiring them to change their lives, to take that leap of faith, and to live their dream of seeing the world.
For a moment, we both sat there quietly, absorbing the weight of her words. It’s one thing to write about our experiences each day, to chronicle the ups and downs of a life untethered, but it’s another entirely to realize that our words have helped shape someone else’s journey. We felt a wave of emotion: gratitude, disbelief, and joy all wrapped into one.
We told Elaine how much her kindness meant to us and how deeply we appreciated her taking the time to stop by. After all these years of writing, of spending countless hours editing photos and crafting stories from faraway places, moments like this make every bit of the effort worthwhile. To know that our journey has touched someone’s heart or encouraged them to follow their own path of adventure is the greatest reward we could ever imagine.
Elaine told us that she and Glen have been traveling continuously for several years, exploring countries across the globe. They’ve discovered new passions, met countless fascinating people, and grown closer as a couple through the experience. Listening to her, we couldn’t help but smile. It was as though we were hearing our own story reflected back to us. The fears, the excitement, the unpredictability, and the profound freedom of waking up in a new country every few months, often for them, only a few weeks, resonated so deeply.
Before she left, we exchanged contact information and made plans to dine together on the ship one evening for dinner. We’re already looking forward to hearing more about their adventures and sharing stories from the road, comparing notes about destinations we’ve both loved and those we still dream of visiting. Encounters like these remind us that travel is not just about places. It’s about people, the human connections that form across oceans and time zones, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences.
After Elaine left, we sat quietly for a while, reflecting on how extraordinary it is to have this kind of exchange. When we first began our travels back in 2012, we never could have imagined the impact our daily posts might have on others. We were simply sharing our story, documenting our lives on the road, one day at a time. Over the years, we’ve received countless kind messages from readers around the world. But meeting someone in person, those whose lives have been touched in such a tangible way, is truly special.
There’s an indescribable feeling that comes from knowing our path, uncertain as it once seemed, has inspired others to take their own leap into the unknown. It makes us even more grateful for the life we lead and the privilege of sharing it. We often say that travel has been our greatest teacher, but moments like this remind us that connection is its greatest gift.
As we resumed our work in the café, the ship gently rocking beneath us, we felt a renewed sense of purpose. Elaine’s visit was a beautiful reminder of why we continue to write every day, even after all these years. It’s not just about documenting where we’ve been, it’s about sharing the spirit of exploration, the courage to embrace change, and the endless beauty of this big, interconnected world.
How fortunate we are to live this life, to share it with readers and fellow travelers, and to occasionally meet those whose paths have intertwined with ours. Each encounter, each shared story, adds another layer of meaning to our journey, and for that, we couldn’t be more grateful.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 1, 2015:
