This has been a fantastic journey so far aboard Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas, and we find ourselves feeling both grateful and a little cautious as we look ahead to the remaining eleven days. So much of our enjoyment has come from the people we have met along the way, those easy conversations that begin as small talk and somehow turn into shared stories, laughter, and the comfort of familiarity. In a setting like this, connections seem to form quickly, perhaps because we are all floating through the same vast stretch of ocean together, removed from the usual distractions of everyday life.
Equally important has been the fact that we have managed to stay healthy. That alone feels like a major victory. We have been diligent, perhaps more so than ever before, with our sanitation habits. Washing hands frequently, using sanitizer without hesitation, and being mindful of what we touch have become second nature. We cannot say for certain that these efforts are the sole reason we have avoided getting sick, but it certainly feels like they have played a role. There is a sense of reassurance in knowing we are doing everything we can.
One of the more noticeable changes in our routine has been skipping a second daily meal in the Windjammer Cafe. We do miss it at times, especially the variety and the casual ease of wandering through the buffet, but there is also a trade-off that feels worthwhile. Continuing with our one-meal-a-day approach has helped us maintain our weight, which can be challenging on a cruise where indulgence is always within reach. At the same time, avoiding the buffet may reduce our exposure to germs. Whether or not that is truly the case, it gives us peace of mind, and that is reason enough to continue this approach on future cruises.
Our evenings have settled into a pattern that feels both comfortable and enjoyable. Around 4:30 each afternoon, we make our way to the Crown Lounge, where a small spread of food is set out. We take a few bites, nothing excessive, and pair it with a large glass of water. It is just enough to prepare our stomachs before that first adult beverage. Starting the evening this way feels balanced and sensible, allowing us to enjoy our drinks without overdoing it.
From there, we often find ourselves at the R Bar, where a familiar group has naturally formed. Some nights, the conversations pick up right where they left off the evening before, while other nights bring new faces into the mix. By 7:00, we are seated at a shared table in the main dining room. Sometimes we dine with people we already know, and other times we meet passengers who are entirely new to us. There is something special about those moments, sitting down with strangers who quickly become acquaintances, and occasionally even friends.
By the time 11:30 arrives, we are usually ready to retreat to our cabin. There is a comforting simplicity in winding down after a full day, reflecting quietly before sleep. Last night, however, sleep did not come easily, and I found myself restless for much of the night. It happens, even in the most peaceful surroundings. I am hoping to make up for it with a short nap this afternoon before we attend the 3:00 pm seminar we have been following. The series on past US presidents and their wives has proven to be unexpectedly engaging, offering glimpses into lives shaped by history and circumstance.
For now, we sit in the Promenade Cafe, our usual spot on the banquet, watching the steady flow of passengers passing by. It is a lively place, filled with small interactions and passing conversations. We often pause to chat with others, sharing a few words, a smile, or a story. These simple exchanges have become one of the highlights of our days, a reminder that travel is not only about the places we go, but also about the people we meet along the way.
Tomorrow, we will not be posting as we disembark around 10:00 am and make our way to our dear friends Kathy and Don’s home in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii, before we all head out to lunch. It will be a lovely change of pace to spend time on land with them. We plan to post the following day and resume sharing our journey. Thank you for traveling along with us!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago, today, April 27, 2016:
