So sorry, once again, that we are still unable to post photos. It feels strange to be sharing our days without the visual pieces that usually bring these moments to life, but for now, words will have to carry the story. And as it turns out, there is something meaningful about that.
We are thoroughly enjoying this cruise, perhaps even more so because it has become such a social experience, as always. At every turn, there is someone to chat with, a familiar face from a previous sailing, or a new acquaintance who quickly feels like an old friend. It is one of those environments where conversations begin easily and linger longer than expected, often stretching into the next activity or meal without a second thought.
Of course, with all this socializing comes one of the biggest challenges of cruising, the food. Before we boarded, I had lost 25 pounds over the past five months, and I will admit I had some quiet concerns about how I would manage once surrounded by endless options and constant temptation. It is one thing to stay disciplined at home, and quite another when every corner offers something delicious, beautifully presented, and readily available.
I have been doing my best to stick with my way of eating, but it is not always easy. At our two recent holiday homes, I had settled into OMAD, one meal a day, which worked wonderfully for me. It simplified everything and helped me stay focused. But here, on the ship, that approach simply does not fit. Meals are not just about nourishment; they are part of the experience, a time to gather, to laugh, and to connect. Skipping them would mean missing out on so much of what makes this journey special.
So, I have adapted. We have found a balance that feels both realistic and sustainable. We skip breakfast entirely and enjoy lunch and dinner, making those meals count without turning them into an all-day grazing event. We both avoid snacking, which is no small feat given the constant availability of treats, and I pay attention to portions, even when everything looks tempting.
One small but surprisingly powerful tool we brought along is our bathroom scale. It may sound a bit excessive to some, but for me, it provides a sense of accountability. Each morning, I step on it, not with dread, but with curiosity and awareness. It helps me stay grounded and mindful of the choices I am making. So far, it has been reassuring, and that alone makes it worthwhile.
I feel so much better after losing the weight, lighter not just physically, but in energy and outlook as well. It is not something I want to lose sight of, even as I fully embrace this experience. There is a way to enjoy it all without undoing the progress, and I am determined to find that balance.
The dining room chef has been absolutely wonderful. Each evening, he makes a point to check in with me to ensure I am happy with my meals. That level of care and attention does not go unnoticed, and it makes this whole process feel supported rather than restrictive. It is those thoughtful touches that make such a difference.
Between meals, we are far from sedentary. Our cabin is quite a distance away on Deck 10, and we walk a lot. What might seem inconvenient at first has turned into a blessing in disguise, as we easily get in plenty of steps throughout the day without even trying.
Today, I am returning to my regular exercise routine while Tom takes a nap. Getting back into that familiar pattern feels good, like reconnecting with a part of myself that keeps everything else in balance.
As for photos, they will have to wait for now. Being at sea most days, and having taken countless ship photos over the years, I find I am less inclined to capture the same scenes again. Once we are back on land, that will change, and we will do everything we can to upload and share those moments.
Until then, we will continue to savor these days, one conversation, one meal, and one step at a time.
Be well,
Photo from ten years ago today, April 16, 2016:
