Day 30 - Four Days at Sea Begin: Rolling Waves, Rest & A Poached Halibut to Remember

Today marked the beginning of our next four days at sea, and the ocean certainly made its presence known. The ship has been very choppy and rocky, swaying with the kind of dramatic rhythm that reminds you just how powerful and awe-inspiring nature really is. There’s something strangely comforting about it — the sea reminding us who’s truly in charge, yet rocking us along our journey all the same.


I began the morning with my gym session, followed by my usual veggie juice, keeping to the habits that help me feel steady even when the floor is moving beneath my feet.

Joe headed off for a haircut, and naturally (in true cruise-spa fashion), he was sold hair serum before he escaped the salon — much to his amusement.

Afterwards, I settled into my favourite quiet morning rhythm: crossword, sudoku, and a cosy hour of reading in the library while the ship creaked and swayed around me.

Lunch at Compass Rose

Joe and I met for lunch at Compass Rose, where he declared the poached halibut to be the best he had ever tasted. He loved it so much he confidently ordered an extra portion, smiling from ear to ear. These are the moments that make cruising feel so indulgent — the simple joy of a perfectly cooked dish.

After lunch, Joe went to his scheduled facial, which should have been relaxing… but he came back a little ruffled after they attempted to sell him more products. The spa team really do try their best — perhaps too enthusiastically at times!

I spent the afternoon catching up on my tapping recordings and letting myself sink into the stillness that only a long sea stretch can provide. The rest of the afternoon and early evening drifted by peacefully as we lounged with our books and audiobooks, letting the hours gently pass.

Shabbat at Sea

This evening, Joe attended — and led — the Shabbat service, which welcomed two new couples who have joined for the next segment of the voyage through to Doha. It was lovely to see the community grow and to feel that sense of continuity even as new people join the flow of ship life.

Dinner… and a Third Guest at the Table

We returned to Compass Rose for dinner, but it felt at times like we had three guests at our table:
me, Joe, and Joe’s phone!



Despite the very clear rule of “no phones in the restaurant,” Joe’s phone seemed to think otherwise — lighting up, and capturing far more of his attention than the halibut had earlier. I gently reminded him that the restaurant rules exist for a reason! But as all those that know Joe well.....rules do not apply to him!

We ended the night with the sea still rocking us side to side, the horizon lost in dark waves, and the knowledge that tomorrow is another sea day — another opportunity to join some activities… or to simply continue resting, reading, and enjoying this floating pause in time.

Daily Reflection:

Nature’s power humbles us, the sea’s movement reminds us to be flexible,
and the quiet rhythm of a long voyage gives us space to breathe.

Highlight of the Day:

✨ Joe’s joy at his poached halibut — so delicious he didn’t hesitate to order a second portion. 

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