Day 59 - Sea Day Serenity, Special Invitations & A Winning Streak

We started the day with a letter letting us know that we needed to complete an online visa for Thailand. Thankfully, the Purser’s team made it incredibly easy by providing clear, step-by-step instructions — one of those small things that really takes the stress out of travel.

It was a beautiful sea day, and with the clocks having gone forward by 30 minutes, I allowed myself a slightly gentler start. I headed to the gym, which was wonderfully quiet — pure bliss — before making my way to the pool deck bar to collect our veggie juices and enjoy some fruit and nuts for breakfast.

After showering, I headed back to the spa for my pre-planned massage, which was a truly lovely way to spend the morning and continue yesterday’s relaxed energy.

Cricket Wins & Quiet Moments

Once back in the room, I helped Joe get his iPad set up so he could watch the cricket — and what a treat that was, as England actually won the match! A very happy Joe indeed.

I then made my way to the library to do the daily crossword and sudoku, before we decided to head up to La Veranda for lunch. Luck was on our side again — we secured a table out on the terrace, enjoying lunch with a view and warm sunshine on our faces.



After lunch, Joe stayed on deck to relax with his audiobook, while I returned to the room to catch up on recording my tapping and hypnosis scripts. Afterwards I spent time on our balcony, soaking up the sun and listening to my meditation audios — a very nourishing afternoon all round.



A Very Special Dinner

In the early evening, we got ready for a special dinner invitation from Jeff, the General Manager, and Claudia, the Assistant Destinations Manager. There were three other Grand Voyage couples joining us, and it was genuinely lovely to spend a few hours getting to know one another better.



Joe declared — without hesitation — that this was the best meal he has had on the entire trip. He enjoyed it so much that he asked for seconds of everything. Jeff even mentioned that with 24 hours’ notice, the kitchen is happy to prepare dishes that aren’t on the menu — music to Joe’s ears.

Ray popped by to say hello and entertain us with more of his wonderful stories, with plenty of friendly banter between him and Joe about the quiz questions. Joe’s team had come first again today — he really is on a roll.

Jeff also shared some behind-the-scenes insights into the New Year’s Eve preparations already underway. It’s incredible how much organisation and care goes into ensuring everything runs so seamlessly — a truly impressive operation.

Evening Wind-Down

I briefly popped into the show where Rhiannon was singing, but didn’t stay for the full performance as we have a private show tomorrow afternoon exclusively for Grand Voyage guests — something to look forward to.

Joe headed back to the room to catch up on more football, while I wound down for the evening.

Tomorrow brings another sea day, which is just as well — the clocks go forward another hour tonight. A slower pace will be very welcome.

Daily Reflection:

There is such comfort in sea days —
time stretches, the mind softens,
and life feels beautifully simple.

Highlight of the Day:

✨ That special dinner — wonderful company, extraordinary food, and feeling so well looked after. 

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