Day 57 - Christmas Day in Colombo: Connections, Kindness & Celebration

 Happy Christmas Day to all who celebrate 🎄

From the moment we woke, the ship felt wonderfully festive — everyone you passed wished you a very Merry Christmas, and the warmth of the day carried that spirit ashore into Colombo.



I began with a little Christmas gift to myself: the gym was completely empty. Pure bliss. After a peaceful workout, I grabbed a couple of veggie juices for Joe and me, then showered and got ready to head out.

Coffee, Catch-ups & Colombo

I took a taxi to meet Harinda from BW and Sri Lanka Samaritans for coffee. Getting the taxi driver to understand where I wanted to go took a bit of effort — and yes, we ended up at the wrong coffee shop — but thankfully the right one was only a few minutes away.



It was so lovely to see Harinda again. We last met during the BW conference here in Colombo last year, and the time flew by as we caught up. Before I knew it, it was time to head back to the ship to meet Joe, and Harinda very kindly gave me a lift back to the port.

Christmas Lunch Out

Joe and I then hopped in a taxi to The Kingsbury Hotel, just a five-minute ride from the ship. We had lunch in the Ocean Restaurant. Joe wasn’t entirely sold on the interior — he felt it was a bit too modern, very café-style — but the food was good and excellent value.



In fact, the most expensive item on the bill? A Cointreau Joe ordered to pour over his lychees. Christmas indulgence, Cuby-style.

Quiz Wins & Festive Performances

Back on board, Joe went for a swim before quiz time. He wasn’t feeling optimistic — it was a Christmas-themed quiz — but luck (and a knowledgeable team) was on his side. They came first today, which put him in especially high spirits.

I grabbed a coffee and enjoyed a quiet moment with my crossword and sudoku, then headed to the Christmas & Chanukah musical extravaganza. The Navigator Production Team put on a truly memorable performance, blending songs and dances from both celebrations — joyful, moving, and perfectly pitched for the day.

Dinner & A Gentle Close

For dinner, we headed to Compass Rose, only to find a 20-minute waitlist. Dominic, knowing Joe well — and knowing his love for Prime 7 — arranged a table for us there. We missed out on the Christmas menu, but Joe was more than happy with the alternative.

With an early start tomorrow for our hotel excursion, Joe headed off for an early night, while I stayed up a little longer catching up with friends and family, rounding off a Christmas Day that felt both festive and deeply connected.

Daily Reflection:

Christmas isn’t about where you are —
it’s about who you connect with, the kindness you share,
and the moments that make you smile.

Highlight of the Day:
✨ Seeing Colombo on Christmas Day — filled with warmth, reunions, quiz victories, and music that brought two traditions together beautifully.

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