Amsterdam to Miami Travel Notes
AUGUST 19, 2024 – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (Day 253)
Amsterdam greeted us with a mix of charm and grit as Gwen and I wandered through its interesting neighborhoods. The beauty of the historic canals and centuries-old buildings contrasted sharply with the occasional pockets of dirt and trash that reminded us no city is perfect. Strolling past shop windows filled with everything from Dutch cheese to quirky souvenirs, we soaked in the unique feel of this city. We took public buses to make our way to the dock for a canal tour.
Doug and Margaret had their own little adventure, darting through the streets to meet up with us at the boat. Their last-minute dash added a bit of drama, but thankfully, the captain waited for them to arrive. The tour was hosted by Captain Jack’s Canal Tours, though our guide’s real name was James. The boat, cozy and intimate, carried fewer than 20 passengers, creating a personal and relaxed atmosphere. There was wine and beer along with savory and sweet snacks to enjoy. James expertly guided us through the canals, sharing fascinating insights into the city’s history and architecture along with some personal anecdotes .
We learned that many of Amsterdam’s iconic buildings lean precariously, propped up like old friends holding each other up. Built on wooden pilings driven into marshy soil, the foundations have shifted over the centuries, giving the structures their signature tilt. While James’s historical tidbits were captivating, his commentary on American politics veered into uncomfortable territory. With several Americans onboard, including us, the remarks fell flat, and let’s just say, his tip jar saw fewer contributions that day.
After disembarking, we wandered through the famous flower market, where bursts of tulips and other blooms seemed at times to envelope us with every imaginable color.
From there, we hopped on a tram to Amsterdam’s central station. It was a hub that allowed us to catch a short ferry ride that whisked us across the IJ canal to a spot called The Lookout, where we ascended to a panoramic vantage point. The view was spectacular, with the city unfurling beneath us in a mosaic of rooftops, waterways, and bustling streets. We enjoyed the view for a short time but did not linger for a drink or snack. Since our wine and food are included on board, we tend to only eat or drink off ship if it really appeals to us, and this definitely didn’t.
Our return to the ship was perfectly timed to catch the evening sail down the canal. The calm waters reflected the setting sun, painting the scene in hues of orange and gold. As we neared the locks, the ship made an unexpected stop at a side dock for a medical evacuation, a reminder that life at sea carries its own set of surprises.
Dinner that night was a casual affair at the Windjammer buffet, where we recharged after the day’s explorations. Gwen and Margaret capped off the evening by attending “Duo Elegia,” an acrobatic show that brought a love story to life through dazzling stunts and artistry. They couldn’t stop raving about how excellent it was. Doug and I, however, decided to sit that one out, opting instead for some quiet time.
AUGUST 20, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 254)
A “relaxing” day at sea? Not quite! People often ask how we fill our time on the ship, so let me walk you through one of our jam-packed sea days.
The day started early, with Gwen and me up before 8:00 AM. Gwen dove into her Bible study while I grabbed some much-needed coffee. By 8:30, we were on deck for her “Walk Around the World” book stamp, which is part of a fun cruise tradition. If I haven’t already fetched coffee, she will sometimes stop by Latte-tudes and get coffee for me on her way back to our cabin.
At 8:45, Gwen headed to her “Sit to Be Fit” class—a morning stretch and exercise session—while I got ready for the day. By 9:15, we both had to be present to finalize paperwork for our Iceland visa. That didn’t take long, and by 9:30, Gwen moved on to her diamond art crafting session while I prepared to lead our Bible community group.
At 10:00 AM, our Bible Community group came together for a great discussion. It’s always uplifting to share faith and stories with fellow cruisers. Right after the group, Gwen dashed off to an Iceland enrichment talk at 11:00, where she soaked up fascinating information about our next destination. We regrouped at 11:45 in the Safari Lounge for choir practice, where Gwen and her alto group got did great from the extra practicing in our room.
Lunch rolled around at 1:15, though it was a quick bite for Gwen. She had a 1:45 photo group meeting for a Canada tour. Afterward, we met up back in our cabin for a little quiet time, which we used to work on our website—a satisfying project when we are both working on it together.
In the afternoon, I indulged in a couple of hours of play in the Vortex Lounge, enjoying the golf simulator. Nothing like hitting a few virtual fairways while at sea! It seemed like 7:00 PM snuck up on us. For dinner, Doug, Margaret, Gwen, and I sat with two other guests: Mark, a pilot from Atlanta, and Maxanaya, who introduced herself as a “frat mom.” The conversations went some very interesting ways and made it a memorable and interesting dinner.
As soon as the meal wrapped up, Gwen was off again at 8:00 PM, this time to a line dancing class she wouldn’t dream of missing. She barely had time to kick up her heels before heading to an 8:30 show featuring Pete Furman, a comedian-magician with plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Meanwhile, I wasn’t in the mood for magic, so I made my way to the casino and joined a Texas Hold’em game. Luck was on my side, and I ended the night ahead—a satisfying end to a whirlwind day.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned on this cruise, it’s that there’s always more to do than we have time for. Every day feels like a choose-your-own-adventure story, with so many interesting activities vying for our attention. This day was no exception, and it’s safe to say we made the most of it.
AUGUST 21, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 255)
Today was another enjoyable day at sea, though it ended with some rough waters. Gwen began her morning as usual, getting her books stamped and heading to “Sit to Be Fit.” Later in the morning, we attended a Q&A session with the captain in the theater. These sessions are always fascinating and often quite entertaining, as the captain shares insights and anecdotes about the ship and life at sea.
Afterward, we had choir practice before heading to lunch at the Windjammer. Today’s highlight was the Mongolian grill setup, a favorite of ours for its fresh and flavorful dishes.
The afternoon was spent working on the website, making good progress on organizing photos and updates. For dinner, we had reservations at Izumi at 5:30 with Doug, Margaret, Allie, and Andrew Kenney. I’m glad we booked an early seating because the seas turned very rough as the evening progressed. Izumi, located at the very back and top of the ship on the starboard side, was noticeably affected by the waves, rocking significantly during our meal. Andrew, unfortunately, struggled with motion sickness.
By the time we finished dinner, the crew had closed the outside decks for safety, and the waiters escorted us through the crew areas to reach the inner hallways. The rough seas were some of the worst we’d experienced, and the evening show was canceled as a result.
Despite the challenging conditions, we ended the night with a game of Euchre in the Centrum. It was a close series, with the guys taking three out of five games. Afterward, we all agreed that the best place to ride out the waves was in bed, so we called it a night, hoping for calmer seas ahead.
AUGUST 22, 2024 – REYKJAVIK, ICELAND (Day 256)
We started the day exploring. Our first stop was the Harpa Concert Hall, which had a very interesting design. We then walked to the Sun Voyager sculpture and continued into town, enjoying a lot of street art along the way. We stopped at Braud Bakery, famous for its amazing cinnamon rolls. We had heard about it from our daughter-in-law Jaime, who visited the bakery during a recent trip to Iceland. Thanks for the recommendation—it was worth it!
Next, we visited Hallgrímskirkja Church. Inside, someone was playing the organ, and it was nice to sit and listen to the music for a while. Gwen and Margaret went up into the tower to enjoy the views and see the bells ring. Afterwards, we walked down the streets of the town and came across an interesting café called Hresso. We tried a hot tomato soup that was absolutely delicious along with some appetizers. We intentionally left without an entrée as we had another stop planned. We just had to have the somewhat famous hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. We found the stand and ordered our hot dogs Icelandic style, topped with fried onion crumbles, raw white onion, mustard, ketchup, and remoulade.
Since this was an overnight stay, we decided to rent a car and head north out of the city to hopefully get a chance to see the Northern Lights and get some great waterfall photos. The rental car process was the most casual experience we’ve ever had. They didn’t check our IDs or paperwork—just asked for our name when we came in and walked us out to a car. They told us not to worry about dings or dents since the car already had plenty, and assured us they’d handle any issues. With Doug driving, we hit the road.
Our first destination was Thingvellir National Park, where we saw the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. We also explored geysers and visited the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall. By evening, we made it to our destination, Kirkjufell.
Finding the accommodations was another casual experience. When we walked in, there was just a note on the counter with our room keys. We wrapped up the day with a glass of wine in plastic cups, recounting our adventures. We remarked on how little wildlife we’d seen, apart from two mink chasing each other behind Doug in Reykjavík. While drinking our wine, we starting getting pings on our cellphones about the eruptions of a volcano near Reykjavík. People were able to see the some of the fire and smoke from the ship. Mark, our next door neighbor, organized a small group that rented a car and headed out to get better pictures. This was one of those moments that we were wondering if we made the right decision and there were no Northern Lights in our skies, but there was plenty of excitement back in town.
AUGUST 23, 2024 – REYKJAVIK, ICELAND (Day 257)
Waking up early in the crisp Icelandic morning, we set off to visit Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, one of the most picturesque spots in the country. Located near the iconic Grundarfjördur mountain, the waterfall created some great pictures with cascading waters and the Kirkjufell mountain in the background. It was impossible not to be awestruck by the way nature had sculpted such a perfect scene—a postcard-worthy memory etched into our minds.
The drive back to Reykjavik was equally mesmerizing, with the rugged Icelandic countryside. Our first stop along the way was Budir Church, often referred to as the Black Church. Perched on a windswept plain, its stark black exterior stood in bold contrast to the pale grasslands and distant mountains. It is simple but it is very interesting to have a black church with all the green background. It is a reminder of Iceland’s deep history and its enduring connection to nature.
Of course, we couldn’t leave Iceland without one more stop at Braud Bakery. The scent of freshly baked pastries greeted us as we walked through the door. We got more of their cinnamon rolls that were just as gooey and sweet as they were yesterday. Every bite was a little piece of heaven, and it was easy to see why this bakery had become a must-visit spot for travelers. It felt like a perfect way to bid farewell to Iceland—indulging in a treat that somehow captured the cozy charm of the country.
As we checked our phones we saw all the posts from fellow cruisers who had stayed closer to Reykjavik. They had managed to catch incredible views and pictures of the volcanic eruptions the night before, with lava glowing against the dark sky. While we couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy, we also felt immensely grateful for our decision to explore the countryside. The quiet roads, hidden gems, and breathtaking landscapes gave us a deeper sense of what Iceland is truly about. Sometimes, it’s not just about capturing the most dramatic photo but about soaking in the essence of a place.
That realization struck us again as we sat over drinks and reflected on our journey. On this world cruise, so many of our stops had focused on bustling port cities. While they were rich with culture and energy, venturing out into Iceland’s wilderness gave us an entirely different perspective. There’s something transformative about standing in the middle of untouched nature, where the wind carries only the sound of rushing water and the occasional birdcall. It’s moments like these that stay with you long after the photos fade. We left Iceland with full hearts, tons of memories, and a newfound appreciation for the stark beauty of the countryside—something we wouldn’t have known if we hadn’t struck out on our own to see more than city buildings.
AUGUST 24, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 258)
Today was one of those perfect sea days, with smooth sailing. Sometimes it’s just nice to just feel like you are doing normal types of things at our own pace while still squeezing in some awesome activities.
Gwen kicked things off with a morning class called Sit to Be Fit. It’s a chair-based workout that might sound super easy, but it actually gets you moving and stretching — she loved it! Afterward, she went to a lecture about Prins Christian Sund and Qaqortoq, Greenland (yea, not the easiest to pronounce for us either!). We’re heading that way soon, so it was cool to learn a bit before seeing it in real life. Prins Christian Sund is this super narrow fjord surrounded by massive cliffs and ice — like something straight out of a nature documentary. Qaqortoq is a small, colorful town with a lot of Inuit history, carvings in the rocks, and even hot springs nearby. It’s definitely not your typical tourist stop.
Later in the morning, we both went to choir practice onboard. We all laugh and joke together and it has been a great community to be a part of. We grabbed lunch after choir, relaxed and read, then later had dinner at the Windjammer buffet. The variety was solid as usual — everything from international dishes to classic comfort food.
That evening, Gwen and Margaret went to The Beatles Celebration show, which they said was fantastic. The band sounded great, played all the classics, and had everyone singing along. Lots of energy and fun memories packed into one show.
Doug and I headed down to the casino to try our luck. The slot machines started off hot, and Doug won a little, but I stayed even. Texas Hold’em started calling my name as Doug headed to the craps table. The cards didn’t fall my way and though I didn’t lose, I didn’t win either. I did enjoy the banter at the table with fellow cruisers I have gotten to know. It’s funny how every area of the ship has it’s own group of cruisers. There are people I know from the casino and they are different from the pub music group and so on. In the end, the money evened out, so no big wins, but I had an evening of entertainment that I enjoyed probably as much at the girls at the show.
AUGUST 25, 2024 – CRUISING PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND (Day 259)
Our captain woke everyone up around 8:00 AM with an announcement: Iceberg ahead! Though we had been to Antarctica, you still don’t want to miss seeing one. It’s not something you hear every day, and definitely not something you sleep through. We jumped out of bed to check it out, and the timing was perfect — the sun was shining, and the weather looked amazing for a day of scenic cruising through Prins Christian Sund.
Gwen kicked off the morning with her Sit to Be Fit workout. Then it was time to hit the decks, because this part of Greenland is next level. Prins Christian Sund is a narrow, winding passage with towering cliffs, massive glaciers, and water so still it looked like a mirror. We started our day up on the helipad, snapping pictures of the incredible reflections and the rugged, untouched landscape. It honestly felt like we were floating through another world.
At one point, the captain announced that whales had been spotted nearby — but sadly, we weren’t in the right place at the right time to catch them. Still, the scenery totally made up for it. We passed six massive tidewater glaciers, and so many waterfalls we lost count. Gwen was on a mission with her camera — by the end of the day, she had taken 260 photos! Safe to say, picking our favorites is going to be tough. After lunch, Gwen was back out on the helipad and later moved up to the front of Deck 12 for even more photo ops. Though our day started off sunny, the temperatures were dropping fast, and eventually the cold chased us back inside.
Tonight, Gwen and I went to the evening show, which was a fun combo of music and comedy. Patricia Bernier (my favorite voice of all the singers) did a fantastic solo performance, and the comedian Robbie Prince had everyone laughing — a great way to warm up after all that chilly deck time.
We met up with the Rogers and had dinner at the Windjammer, along with Jim and Michelle. Afterward, the Roger’s wanted to play Euchre, so the four of us headed up to the Vortex lounge. Everything outside was totally socked in with fog — like, you-could-barely-see-past-the-glass kind of fog — but it actually made the perfect moody backdrop while we played a few rounds of Euchre. We couldn’t stop talking about the views we had seen today!
AUGUST 26, 2024 – QAQORTOQ, GREENLAND (Day 260)
Today we stepped off the ship to check out Qaqortoq, Greenland—a small town that felt way different from the other places we’ve visited on this trip. Right away, we noticed it was much smaller, more basic, and definitely had a rugged vibe.
The first thing that caught our eyes was the famous carved rocks right near the dock. Local artists had etched detailed figures and faces directly into the rocky bluff, which looked pretty awesome up close.
But our enjoyment didn’t last long before we started noticing the bugs—lots of tiny, pesky gnats or flies that buzzed around everywhere, especially near our faces. Some passengers who’d been here before were smart enough to bring netting to cover their heads. Unfortunately, we weren’t that prepared, and spent half our time waving our hands around trying to keep them away.
We wandered into a local fish market next, where fishermen were busy cleaning and displaying their daily catch. It smelled exactly like you’d expect—a bit too fishy for our liking—but definitely an authentic experience. After leaving the fish market, we climbed further uphill into the town for some great views of the port below. It was worth the walk to see the colorful houses and boats in the bay.
Gwen particularly enjoyed visiting Gertrud Rasch’s Church. Inside, there was a cool blue mural painted behind the altar, featuring delicate flowers that really stood out. After exploring the church, we walked by a quirky giant boot sculpture and continued along the street called “Great Greenland,” where they work on taming seals and processing seal skins. We popped into a shop and found some really neat ornaments to remember our visit.
After about an hour of exploring, I had decided I’d had enough of swatting flies and feeling annoyed. So, I said my goodbyes to the group and headed back to the ship to escape the bugs and relax a bit. Gwen wanted more pictures and stayed with Doug and Margaret for more exploring.
GWEN: (Gwen will eventually get around to telling you about the rest of her day!)
AUGUST 27, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 261)
Our day started with Sit to Be Fit, and then we both went to our Bible study. This group has been such a blessing—we really enjoy the conversation, and it keeps us grounded and connected in our faith.
Later in the morning, we attended a Diamond Plus event called “Cheers with an Officer.” It was a fun little gathering where we got a free glass of champagne and had the chance to meet and greet with some of the ship’s officers. After that, Gwen joined a flash mob dance class, which is all part of a surprise flash mob planned as a takeover at the end of the cruise guest talent show. It should be a fun moment when it all comes together!
In the afternoon, we had choir practice, which continues to be our routine. Gwen also went to the “Love and Marriage” game show, which turned out to be extra entertaining. One of the couples who participated was deaf, and their segment brought a lot of humor and charm to the show. The whole event was full of funny moments that had everyone laughing.
We took some time to rest after that and worked on updating our website and organizing photos. Gwen decided to spend a bit of her downtime doing diamond art, which has become a relaxing hobby for her on sea days.
That evening, we went to a show featuring Niels Duinker, a juggler and comedian who really impressed us. He’s actually listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, and his performance combined humor with excellent juggling skills.
We wrapped up the night with dinner in the Windjammer and then a few rounds of Swoop with Brian, Sherry, Doug, and Margaret. Playing cards together has become one of our favorite ways to unwind and socialize on this trip. It’s been a staple activity that keeps us connected and laughing night after night.
AUGUST 28, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 262)
Gwen has been faithful to go to Sit to Be Fit, and today it focused on flexibility stretching. I met up with her afterward in the theater for a town hall meeting for all the world cruisers. The meeting covered disembarkation processes in both New York and Miami. A lot of people are planning to carry off luggage in New York to avoid the hassle in Miami.
I never realized there were companies dedicated to shipping luggage to and from ports and airports. It made perfect sense for many cruisers who had multiple bags—they could send some home ahead of time and avoid juggling too much in Miami. We decided to go ahead and pack a bag today, so now we have two packed and ready.
We went to choir practice again, then spent the afternoon working on photos and updating our website. We also treated ourselves at the spa—Gwen got a facial treatment, and I opted for a deep tissue massage. Our kids had given us a gift card before we left Miami last year, and we finally decided to use it. Looking back, it was probably for the best that we waited; otherwise, we might have been tempted to spend a lot more time (and money) in the spa over these past nine months.
That evening, we went to the “In Concert” show featuring the Royal Singers and the Serenade of the Seas band. After a nice dinner in the dining room, we made our way to the pub to listen to Daniel. Ale was celebrating her birthday, so we joined in some of the festivities—and by festivities, we mean drinks and a friendly game of darts! Happy birthday, Ale!
AUGUST 29, 2024 – ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND (Day 263)
With the itinerary change, we found ourselves in St. John’s, Newfoundland today. Gwen and Margaret headed out on a photography tour with a local photographer. Their first stop was Cape Spear, the easternmost point of North America, where they captured some incredible shots of the coastline under a brilliant blue sky dotted with interesting cloud patterns. They also visited two scenic lighthouses that stood proudly against the sky, perfect for photography. From there, they made their way to Petty Harbour, a quaint little fishing village known for being a filming location for various movies and shows.
The group continued on to St. John’s Harbor and the Southside Hills. One of the highlights of the morning was heading up to Signal Hill to witness the noon cannon firing—an iconic tradition in the area. However, by afternoon, colder weather rolled in, bringing with it blustery winds and light rain. They made a quick stop at the visitor center and explored a craft village near a place called Quidi Vidi, another charming little fishing port. The final stop was back in downtown St. John’s to admire the famous “Jelly Bean” houses, a row of brightly colored homes that looked straight out of a fairytale.
I spent the day enjoying some quiet time, strumming my ukulele and catching up on reading. Eventually, I wandered off the ship into town, mainly to find our traditional Christmas ornament and enjoy a slow-paced walk through the port area. It was nice not to have an agenda, just taking in the scenery and people-watching. I ran into a few fellow cruisers along the way, and it was fun sharing tips and recommendations with each other about what was worth seeing. Gwen returned to the ship in time to join me for a late lunch. I could tell she had a great day as she shared stories about the photos she was able to get.
With different ideas on how we wanted to spend the evening, Gwen and Margaret went to the Whitney tribute show followed by a Tex-Mex dinner. Afterward, they danced the night away at a Beatles-themed party, which had a fun and lively vibe.
Doug and I had noticed that there was a steakhouse located at the end of the pier. We wanted to get off the ship for a dinner as it was rare that we stayed overnight at a port. It turned out to be a great choice—the steaks were better than what we usually get in the ship’s dining room, and it was good for the two of us to get a chance to talk some business over a nice meal.
AUGUST 30, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 264)
Gwen is really enjoying Sit to Be Fit and raves about it to me often. She got her fix in this morning, and then we both attended the last Crown and Anchor Society Top Tier party of the cruise. So many people reached their Pinnacle status today. As always, they held the Employee of the Month awards during the event, which we’ve really come to appreciate. It’s become something we genuinely look forward to—celebrating the amazing crew and giving them the applause they so well deserve.
After the event, we headed to choir practice, and Gwen continued on to her flash mob rehearsal. We spent a little time today doing more packing—hard to believe it’s already that time. Gwen also went to work on her diamond art, something she’s really grown to love. I think it’s not just the artwork she enjoys but the conversations she shares with the other women gathered around the table, chatting about life and faith while they work on their projects.
For dinner, we treated ourselves to our favorite specialty restaurant on board—Giovanni’s. We started with the caprese salad and the calamari, which is unlike any we’ve had anywhere else. There’s something about how they prepare it here that makes it unforgettable. Dinner also included mushroom risotto and filet mignon with mashed potatoes. One of the things we love most about Giovanni’s is that you can get a fantastic steak—just like at Chops—but you also have the option to order a half-portion of pasta. Tonight, we both chose the mushroom risotto as our side, and it was incredible. It was a perfect evening to enjoy a very special meal together.
After dinner, we played Euchre just outside the pub so we could still listen to Daniel singing. Inside the pub was nearly impossible to enjoy because of a loud dart tournament taking place. We’ve never quite understood why they don’t schedule those tournaments for the afternoon when fewer people are trying to enjoy the music. We weren’t the only ones feeling frustrated about not being able to hear Daniel clearly, but at least we made the most of it from just outside.
AUGUST 31, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 265)
Today was a sea day, and it was nice to have the second one in a row. Gwen started the morning with her usual Sit to Be Fit class, and then both of us decided to join a painting class that was offered to world cruisers for free. It was a fun and relaxing experience—you got to enjoy a glass of wine while following along as the instructor guided us through painting a beach scene. There were about 20 to 25 people in the class, and everyone seemed to be having a good time tapping into their creative side.
Afterward, Gwen headed off to her flash mob dance practice while I stayed behind to work on the website. She came back a little worn out from all the activity and decided to unwind out on the balcony with a good book. It was the perfect setting—just the breeze, the sea, and a quiet moment to relax.
Later in the day, we attended a summer showcase called “Voices of Royal.” It was a casual performance where all the featured singers from the ship came out and performed a few songs from their own repertoires. It turned out to be a really enjoyable show and a nice break from the usual structured entertainment.
We had a formal dinner in the dining room tonight and invited Renske to join us since Heinrich had ended his trip early and gone back home. Gustav and Ami also decided to join the table, and we had a wonderful evening with great conversation and good food. It felt like a proper gathering of friends who’ve shared a long journey together.
After dinner, we decided to call it an early night and headed back to our room. I spent a little more time working on the website before bed, wrapping up another relaxing and fulfilling sea day.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 – HALIFAX, NOVA SOTIA (Day 266)
Today we landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. This stop wasn’t part of our original itinerary—it was added when changes had to be made due to the situation in Greenland. As it turns out, there’s only one couple onboard from Halifax—our friends Roy and Edna. They were absolutely thrilled when this port was announced. For them, it meant the chance to offload most of their luggage and souvenirs without having to haul it all the way to Miami. A definite win!
Margaret wasn’t feeling well today, so Doug, Gwen, and I set off on foot to explore the city. We walked up to the Halifax Citadel, a historic fort overlooking the city, and then continued on to the Public Gardens. How on earth could we ever pass up on visiting ANOTHER garden? Gwen especially loved it, saying it was one of the most beautiful places we’ve stopped at, with an explosion of flowers everywhere—particularly the vibrant dahlias. So there’s that.
Together we walked back down the hill to visit the Maritime Museum. One of the most fascinating exhibits was focused on the Titanic. Halifax was the closest major port when the disaster occurred, and several recovery ships launched from here. The museum also included open-air exhibits, and we boarded the HMCS Sackville, a Corvette-class coastal patrol ship, which gave us a real sense of naval history. Margaret had been looking forward to exploring this ship since here father had spent time on a Corvette-class ship. We took a lot of pictures for her. She will definitely have to come back.
We stopped for lunch at a waterfront restaurant tucked into a warehouse-style building. The seafood chowder and lobster roll hit the spot, though Gwen and I agreed that it didn’t quite compare to the incredible chowder we had in Ireland. Still, the harbor area was a beautiful space to relax, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the view alongside other cruisers.
Doug and I eventually made our way back to the ship, while Gwen stayed behind for a bit. She found a quiet spot in an Adirondack chair along the harbor and soaked in the peaceful view. On her way back, she stopped for a long chat with our neighbors two doors down, Dave and Beverly. It’s funny how even on a ship with thousands of people, you form a little community—hallway neighbors, just like at home.
We had John and Phea Stark next to us earlier in the cruise, but they moved out because of the mysterious nighttime noises above our cabin. On the other side are Mark and Jane Sweetnam from the UK—two of our favorite people onboard. And just beyond them, of course, are Dave and Beverly. It really does feel like a neighborhood at sea.
Tonight’s entertainment was The Great DuBois, an energetic 2 person circus show. After that the centrum hosted the final 70’s party of the cruise. As usual, Gwen couldn’t resist the music. She dressed up in her sparkly disco outfit, hit the dance floor, and danced the night away—happy about the opportunity to burn off quite a few calories in the process!
SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 267)
Gwen started her day at Sit to Be Fit, focusing on flexibility. I know you might be getting tired of hearing about it, but I keep mentioning it so Gwen has a solid record that she did, in fact, work out on this cruise. The sessions rotate between flexibility, cardio, and strength, and I have a feeling she’ll want to keep something like this going once we’re back home.
Since today was a sea day, we decided it was a good time to pack another bag. We’re basically one week away from being home, and in some ways, it feels like we’ve been cruising forever. In others, it feels like it’s all coming to an end too fast.
The day got a little hectic from there. Gwen had a dress rehearsal for the talent show flash mob, then headed to lunch, where she sat with Edith—her “baggo friend”—along with Edith’s husband. After that, she met up with me for choir practice but had to leave early to prepare for the crew talent show and their flash mob take-over.
We went to the guest talent show later in the day, and it was genuinely fun. Kat hosted the event, and she’s always amazing with that kind of thing—full of energy and charm. The acts were all over the map: ballroom dancing, square dancing, a singer performing “I’ve Been Everywhere,” and then Joe Cantu, who sang his original song “My World Cruise Friends” with backup from several of our choir members. Dr. Jenny and her husband even performed a little acrobatic routine. Gwen’s flash mob group closed it out with a fun and energetic dance, which really brought the crowd to life.
After the show, we went back to our room to wind down and finish more of our packing. It was a little melancholy as we started putting away the personal items that had made this room more of a home than a cruise cabin. It was hard to take in that we are close to the end of this incredible journey.
Our evening entertainment was Gary Lovini, a talented violinist. We thought he was excellent—one of the better performers we’ve seen on this cruise. We all met up in the dining room for dinner, then wrapped up the night with a few games of Euchre outside the pub while Daniel played live music. The girls and guys split the games two and two. A pretty even match, and a perfect way to wind down another full and memorable day at sea.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 – NEW YORK, U.S.A (Day 268)
Finally back on American soil as we docked in New York. We’re going to be here for two days, and it felt both strange and comforting to be back in the U.S. after so many months abroad. Our plan for the morning was to take off two pieces of luggage to send home via FedEx, just to lighten our load before the end of the cruise. Because of the timing of a tour Gwen and I had prebooked required us to leave before FedEx opened, Doug generously volunteered to take our bags to the FedEx office after we left.
Gwen and I headed to Battery Park for our tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We took our time in both museums, soaking in the history and meaning behind each stop. Climbing up to the pedestal of the statue was a highlight—it was incredible to look inside and appreciate the engineering and symbolism from a new angle. It was almost surreal to stand outside and take in all the views of the New York harbor and the cityscape.
After the tour, we walked around a bit before flagging down a taxi for a ride to the ship. We needed some time to rest a bit and get cleaned up for our evening plans. Tonight we planned on going out in the city for our 42nd anniversary, even though it was actually tomorrow. We planned to walk to Broadway with a stop for dinner at Joe G’s, an Italian restaurant we found with good ratings not far from the ship. We were splurging a little with third-row seats for the Broadway show Wicked.
Joe G’s turned out to be a charming spot. The owner personally seated us at a table out on the street and recommended the lobster ravioli—which turned out to be fantastic. Before walking away after taking our our order, he leaned down and whispered in my ear, “You’re one lucky man.” He isn’t wrong.
The show was absolutely wonderful. Even though we’d seen Wicked before, Gwen felt like it was brand new from our seats so close to the stage. Our previous viewings had been from much farther back, and this perspective gave the entire performance more depth and magic. We were seated next to a young Scotsman who entertained us prior to the start of the show with great stories about his travels, adding another memorable moment to the night.
Once we were back onboard, we wrapped up the evening by relaxing in the pub with Daniel. Most of the other guests were still out enjoying the city, so it felt like we had the place almost to ourselves—a perfect ending to a special day.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 – NEW YORK, NEW YORK (Day 269)
We decided to take it easy today and just stay on the ship to rest. Gwen used the time to wander around the ship, taking photos from different angles and capturing moments she hadn’t yet documented. Meanwhile, feeling a little guilty about how far behind I was with the website blog, I spent some time catching up while Gwen worked on editing and organizing her pictures.
In the afternoon, we headed up to the deck for the sail away party at 2:00 PM. As part of the celebration, Captain Stig gave us a special moment—he spun the ship a full 360 degrees directly in front of the Statue of Liberty. It felt so symbolic and meaningful, especially since we were celebrating our 42nd anniversary. Everyone was able to get a great picture of Lady Liberty!We toasted the moment with a glass of champagne and soaked in the view of one of America’s most iconic landmarks.
We later found out from some of the crew that the Serenade of the Seas had its very first disembarkation from Pier 88, and it was actually christened at Liberty Island. That made the moment feel even more special—like the ship itself had come full circle.
For dinner, we returned to the main dining room and enjoyed a relaxed meal before heading to the theater for the crew talent show. It’s always fun to see the people who serve and support us every day show off their own skills and personalities on stage. We wrapped up the evening, as we often do, with a few games of Euchre—another great end to a simple but meaningful day.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 270)
This is our 270th day at sea! Gwen started her morning, as always, with Sit to Be Fit, and then we both met up for our last Bible study with our onboard community group. I had the honor of leading the group today, and we focused our discussion on fears and change. It was a meaningful and heartfelt session, and we closed it by sharing communion together. It was a little emotional—over the past nine months, we’ve grown close to this group, and we all knew we would truly miss one another once the cruise came to an end.
After Bible study, we headed to our choir dress rehearsal, followed by lunch. That afternoon, we performed our final concert, and it was one to remember. Our set included “The Weatherman,” “Drunken Sailor,” “Baba Yetu,” and “Joyful, Joyful.” It all came together beautifully, with Mickey accompanying us on piano and solos by Julian and Whitney. We were also joined by Maria from the string trio on violin, which gave the performance a beautiful finishing touch.
As a special surprise, our choir had secretly planned a gift for Dominic, our director. We presented him with a custom-made conductor’s baton that had been ordered weeks earlier and shipped to New York. He was genuinely shocked and touched by the gesture—it was the perfect way to thank him for his leadership and encouragement throughout the voyage.
After the concert, many of the choir members went to the pub, where we basically took over the space, laughing, celebrating, and reminiscing about all the performances and friendships we’d made during this incredible world cruise. It felt like a perfect send-off for our little musical family.
That evening, we went to the DSB show—short for “Don’t Stop Believin’.” It featured a Journey tribute band that had the whole crowd singing along to the classics. For dinner, we enjoyed lobster night in the dining room, which made the evening feel even more special.
To top it all off, we ended the night at the Gatsby Party. Everyone got into the 1920s spirit, dancing the Charleston while the Serenade Orchestra kept the energy high with upbeat swing and jazz. It was a joyful and festive celebration—a perfect way to honor 270 unforgettable days at sea.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 – ROYAL NAVAL DOCKYARD, BERMUDA (Day 271)
We docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda and decided to make the most of the day by taking a taxi to Horseshoe Bay. It turned out to be a perfect beach day—sunny, in the 80s, with a few picturesque clouds scattered across the sky. The beach itself wasn’t quite as pink as we had expected based on all the advertising, but as the tide went out, more of that signature pink hue began to show, especially along the wet sand.
We took leisurely walks up and down the beach, finding some more secluded areas, but for the most part, we stayed near the small cove that made for easy and peaceful swimming. We rented a couple of beach chairs and an umbrella and just relaxed, soaking in the sunshine and enjoying the calm waves. It was one of those simple but memorable days that made us grateful for the opportunity to be part of this cruise.
Back on board, the pace picked up quickly as we had to hustle to get ready for a scheduled drone photo shoot on the top deck. Several high-level Royal Caribbean executives are now onboard—some having boarded in New York, and others joining us here in Bermuda. As I was coming out of the elevator on my way to meet up with Gwen in our room, I ran into three people in the hallway who looked a bit lost. I asked if I could help them find something, and they told me they were looking for a specific room. I pointed them in the right direction and mentioned it was near ours.
To my surprise, one of the women was Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support, and Service. The other woman introduced herself as Michael Bailey’s executive assistant, and there was a gentleman with them, though I never caught his title. Vicki started asking me a lot of questions about my experience on the world cruise. She was especially surprised—and impressed—to learn that we had formed a Bible study and spiritual support group onboard. I ended up talking with them for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Gwen was trying to get in touch, wondering where I had disappeared to! I finally broke away and got ready. We made up to the top deck just in time for the drone picture.
Later, we spent sail away hanging out with Jim and Michelle at the small tables at the Sky Bar, enjoying some great conversation. After they left, we walked the deck for Gwen to take more photos. We found ourselves leaning at the ship’s rail next to another full world cruise couple, Eric and Nicole and couldn’t help but laugh that we hadn’t crossed paths until now. Later in the Windjammer, because of a lack of available tables, we shared space with Bob and Laney from Florida. We enjoyed sharing experiences and talking about Florida and places we had been. After dinner, we went to Joff’s Big Music Game Show. He always finds a way to make it fun and interactive, and it was a great way to cap off the evening.
It’s funny to think that after nearly nine months at sea, here we are—just a few days from the end—and we’re still meeting world cruisers for the first time. This cruise has been full of surprises right up to the end.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 272)
Today started with getting our books stamped—something we’ve done nearly every day for the last 270-plus days. As a surprise, Royal Caribbean gifted us stretch resistance bands when we got our stamps this morning, a nice gesture acknowledging our commitment. After that, Gwen headed to Sit to Be Fit, continuing her impressive streak.
Since the executive team had boarded the ship in Bermuda yesterday, today was packed with special events. The first was “Common Ground” with Michael Bailey, the CEO of Royal Caribbean. A few days ago, his assistant had heard the choir singing in the Centrum and asked us—okay, maybe gently coerced us—to sing “Baba Yetu” on stage for Michael during the event. It turned out to be a pretty cool moment.
During his remarks, Michael made a surprise announcement: there will be a world cruise reunion sailing to Alaska, departing exactly one year from today—on September 7, 2025. It felt especially meaningful since Alaska was one of the destinations we didn’t get to visit during this cruise. As soon as he made the announcement, phones started coming out, and people began booking right then and there. After the session, I went straight back to our room and secured a cabin for us—we’re in!
Next on the agenda was a champagne brunch for all the world cruisers in the dining room. It felt like a mini celebration, and the energy in the room was joyful and a little bittersweet. After brunch, we attended a charity auction in the theater where over $35,000 was raised for the Wishes at Sea program, part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We ended up with a winning bid on the Mediterranean chart map that had actually been used on the bridge during part of the voyage. We also won the opportunity to have our photo taken with both Captain Stig and Captain Schell, along with a private tour of the bridge. This is especially exciting, as it’s extremely rare to have two captains onboard at the same time.
Gwen had the chance to chat with Captain Stig. She told him she noticed that on multiple occasions he would spin the ship. He laughed—his whole body shakes when he laughs—and admitted that he really loves doing “donuts” at sea. His sense of humor is one of the many things we’ve come to love about him.
After such a full schedule, we took a much-needed break on our balcony. We read for a while and even got in a little swimming. Tonight marked our final Royal Caribbean production show: Center Stage. Even though we’d seen it before, it still felt fresh, and we especially loved the orchestra’s performance of John Williams’ movie themes. Over the course of this cruise, we’ve gotten to know several orchestra members personally, so now when we watch a performance, we’re watching friends—and that makes it even more meaningful.
We had dinner in the dining room, then gathered with the choir in the pub for one last get-together. The night closed with “Stars vs. Stripes,” a charades game show hosted by Joff. It is an ongoing feud game (fun and friendly competition) between the ship’s officers and the entertainment team. After the show, we played a few rounds of Euchre to end another unforgettable day at sea.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 273)
Our last sea day—and somehow it was one of the busiest yet! Gwen kicked things off, as usual, with Sit to Be Fit. Then we both went to a special event called “A Walk Down Memory Lane,” which took us through highlights of the cruise. It was fun reliving some of the moments that have made this trip unforgettable.
Afterward, we watched the flag parade, which showcased all the nations represented by both the crew and passengers. It’s something we always enjoy—seeing the diversity and spirit of everyone onboard waving their country’s flag with pride.
We had lunch in the Windjammer, and Gwen decided to participate in the Baggo tournament one final time. She was teamed up with the assistant to our friend Phillip, the hotel director, and they made it all the way to the semifinals. They had a blast competing and laughing through it all.
Later in the afternoon, the activities crew revived King Neptune for a special homecoming event. And wouldn’t you know it—dastardly Captain Stig was “put on trial” and found guilty of being a mischievous scoundrel. Of course, it was all in good fun, and the crowd loved it.
We found time to squeeze in a few chores—doing laundry and stopping by the Next Cruise desk to book some future adventures. For dinner, we met up again with Renske, Gustav and Ami, along with Andrew and Ale in the Windjammer for a Tex-Mex night. We’ve grown so close to this group and will really miss them. There was a lot of reminiscing around the table, and we hadn’t even disembarked yet!
Andrew, Ale, Gustav, and Ami were doing Instagram takeovers for Royal Caribbean. They said it was beneficial for their Tik Tok accounts, but they did have to explain to the rest of us what exactly was meant by a TikTok Takeover. We got a few laughs out of that. After dinner, we headed over to the Rogers’s room and polished off the last of the port that Doug had picked up in Portugal.
Before calling it a night, we made one last stop at the Centrum for the final party and the iconic balloon drop. It was a perfect mix of celebration, nostalgia, and joy—everything a final sea day should be.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 – COCO CAY, BAHAMAS (Day 274)
Back to our very first port where it all started—Coco Cay, Bahamas. This time, Royal Caribbean had reserved a brand-new section of the island called Hideaway Beach exclusively for world cruisers. It’s located on the back side of the island and felt like a private tropical retreat. We had bands and dancers performing on the pier as we made our way to Shuttles that whisked us over to the secluded beach area. What a perfect place for a party!
As we arrived, we were warmly greeted by crew as we set up in chairs under umbrellas at the water’s edge. Coursing their way amongst the crowd were colorful parades with dancers and marching bands passed through the beach area, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. One of the highlights was a jaw-dropping show featuring a trickster jet skier doing flips and stunts in the large bay. He was later joined by a flyboard performance where the rider soared above the waves with water jets attached to his feet. Up in the air the flyboarder would be doing double flips while the jet skier would do flips below. The whole scene felt like a celebration worthy of our last port.
We also attended a champagne party, where we learned that our young TikTok friends had scored a free cabana courtesy of Royal Caribbean—a nice little surprise for them. As the afternoon wore on and the sun began to take its toll, we knew that all good things must end as we made our way back to the ship to do some final packing and prepare for the last evening onboard.
We met up with Doug and Margaret in the Diamond Lounge for a relaxing drink, then stopped by the Centrum to hear Dominic play piano one more time. As darkness fell, we headed up on deck for a final treat—fireworks over Coco Cay. It was the perfect bookend to this incredible journey, ending where it began with even more magic than the first time.
Dinner that night featured lobster, fitting for our last evening on the ship. Afterward, we stopped by the theater for the “Frankie and the Dreamers” show, which closed with a heartfelt farewell from the crew. The mood throughout the ship was both joyful and emotional, with friends saying their goodbyes and making promises to reconnect on future cruises or somewhere down the road.
Fittingly, we wrapped up our last full day by spending the evening in the pub with Daniel, listening to him play until his final note. This cruise would not have been what it was without him and his low-key vibe in the Pub. In some ways it was similar to the TV-Show “Cheers”, it was a place to go and meet up with the regular crowd that kept our adventure more comfortable and tethered to what was important. Relationships matter more than the places. It’s hard to believe you could feel that way after going around the world, but it is true. Our emotions at saying goodbye to so many friends found solace in the fact the we were one day closer to seeing our family that was waiting for us to get home. Today was the perfect, relaxed ending to a whirlwind of a voyage—one we’ll carry with us forever. It’s hard to say good-bye to it all but there is more story after we turn this page.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 – MIAMI, FLORIDA (Day 275)
Wow, it’s here. Disembarkation Day. After 274 days at sea, we woke up knowing it was time to say goodbye. Royal had assigned us a disembarkation time for 10:00 AM and to catch the 11:00 shuttle bus awaiting to take us to Miami Airport. In true cruise fashion, things ran a little behind, and we finally walked off the ship around 11:30.
We were absolutely amazed at the sheer volume of luggage waiting to be collected. One couple had hired several porters and had 35 bags between them—it looked like they had done some serious shopping! We flagged down a porter and got help with our 8 bags and made our way out. As we exited the terminal we walked under an archway that had been made of balloons, with Royal Caribbean staff cheering and holding “Welcome Home” signs. The emotions caught up with us quickly. Gwen couldn’t stop crying during the walk-through—it was impossible not to feel overwhelmed after everything we had experienced.
At the Miami airport, we settled into the Centurion Lounge to relax and wait for our flights. Both legs of our journey home arrived ahead of schedule, which felt like a blessing after such a long travel day. But the absolute best part of the entire day was still waiting for us.
When we landed at XNA, our family was waiting at the bottom of the escalator with homemade signs, smiles, and open arms. The moment we saw them, our hearts burst. So many hugs, so much joy—we were home, and we were with the people we love most.
After more hugs, and hating to let go, we packed up the car and headed for home. It wasn’t long before reality set in. We looked at each other and laughed, realizing: we’ve got to unpack all this mess!
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Brian K and Gwenda G Smith
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God has had His hand on us from the first date!
"If we were to write about the story of our life, we would have to mention Him on every page we'd write."
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