Sure, it sounds glamorous, but I do this because I love to travel and see new places, Sometimes though, you have a chance to visit an old friend. I had that this week when I made what may well be my last visit to Explorer of the Seas.
This ship will always be my favorite. She's not the biggest nor flashiest in Royal Caribbean's fleet, but I've made so many memories there. that I just thought I should take a chance to say 'good bye' before she repositions to Florida and eventually Europe and the South Pacific.
The tour was rather superfluous, as I've sailed on this ship about 12 times, and made several visits for the day. (I was lucky enough to know the former Hotel Director who would often extend an invitation to come visit, as long as I paid an 'admission fee' - several packages of Oreos! )
Having spent so much time on this ship, I really didn't NEED a tour per se, but I still participated, and chatted with those in my group, often answering questions about this lovely vessel. At the same time, I was observing the arriving guests, wishing I was one of them, and secretly sharing their excitement about spending a week on the ship that always feels like home to me.
Many of the crew that I know have moved on to other ships, or even other careers and sadly I didn't bump into any old friends this time. The crew and officers had taken such good care of my mom and I, especially when she was sick, that a final visit was in order. Explorer is also the place where I met people who are now among my closest friends. I've had sad times aboard, and happy ones too - I'm lucky that I was able to spend so much time on the sea surrounded by the wonderful people I've met on this amazing ship.
The ship is still beautiful, the cabins are still comfortable and of a nice size, and the crew was still, for the most part, smiling. The Windjammer was full of hungry guests, the bars were starting to get busy and people were booking their shore excursions. I longed for some quiet time-just a moment-to say farewell but the tour moved too quickly.
Alas, it doesn't appear that I'll be able to sail one final time, on my favorite ship, just to say goodbye. Time and money seem to both be in short supply, so I will have to settle on the tour. I didn't expect to get teary eyed when I left, but I did.
You might say it's 'just a ship, there will be other ships." Well no dear readers, it's my second home, and I'll miss my ship.
Fair winds and following seas. . .
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