Day 61 - Phuket: Blue Skies, Banana Island & A Surprise Honeymoon

Today began with an unexpected bonus — we arrived early into Phuket after the captain had increased speed overnight due to a medical emergency that required hospitalisation. Thankfully all was handled swiftly, and for us it meant extra time in Phuket.

Our tour had been delayed by a few hours, so we were able to ease into the day. I slipped happily back into my routine — gym, veggie juice, and breakfast on the balcony. After several sea days of rain and cloud, it was a joy to wake up to blue skies again.

Joe just made it to the morning quiz, which had been moved earlier so guests could still attend tours. His team came joint second, still keeping up their strong run.

I spent a little time with the crossword and some reading, while Joe grabbed a light lunch — I was still full from breakfast. From our balcony we watched scuba divers cleaning the keel of the ship, something that’s required before sailing into Australia and New Zealand — another quiet reminder that we’re moving steadily eastward.

Off to Banana Beach



We headed out for our tour and, amusingly, immigration never once asked for the e-visa we’d carefully completed online. Off we went — bus to the marina, walk to the shuttle, then onto the boat where we were offered soft drinks, fruit, and snacks for the journey.



When we arrived at Banana Island, we discovered it was accessed via a floating pontoon — not the easiest thing to navigate. Thankfully, staff were on hand to escort Joe across. I had more than enough on my plate just keeping myself upright without trying to keep us both balanced!

Once safely on dry land, we were welcomed with a buffet lunch. Joe was delighted — his favourites were there: papaya salad and seafood soup. He declared it one of the best papaya salads he’s ever had, even better than his beloved Lek Bangkok — high praise indeed.

Sea, Sand & Sunsets

After lunch we had time to swim or relax. I played photographer for Joe, capturing his sea shots, then took a walk along the beach. The water was warm, the sand white, though a little stony near the shoreline with plenty of shells. Joe reported that further in it was beautifully sandy.



We then boarded the boat again, sailing toward Promthep Cape just in time for the sunset. For me, this was pure magic — sitting on a beanbag, soaking it all in, fully present. A truly wonderful ending to the island part of the day.



Joe, on the other hand, was quite ready to get back to land.

We were offered more fruit and a glass of bubbles to savour the moment as the sun dipped below the horizon.



Rain, Chaos & A Special Dinner

Returning was a little chaotic — multiple tours arrived back at the same time and everyone was clamouring for shuttle buses. I persuaded Joe that walking back would be quicker. He wasn’t thrilled, but we did in fact get back before many who waited.

Just as we boarded the bus to return to the ship, the heavens opened — torrential rain. Joe immediately panicked about our dinner plans, but the guide reassured us: “Don’t worry — we’re ready whenever you are.”

A quick shower later, we were met and chauffeur-driven to the Blue Elephant Restaurant, one of Phuket’s most renowned Thai restaurants. It was absolutely beautiful, the staff warm and gracious, and the food utterly delicious. I even treated myself to a cocktail with dinner.

Then came a moment that genuinely touched us both — at the end of the meal, the guide had secretly organised with the restaurant to present us with a plate that read:
“Happy Honeymoon.”



The irony?
Joe and I never actually had a honeymoon. After our wedding lunch, Joe went straight back to work. So perhaps this —  world cruise — is our very delayed honeymoon after all. 

We were also surprised at the end of the meal to find out that friends of Sam, who had arranged the meal and transport had also so very kindly paid for the evening. Such a beautiful and totally unexpected surprise to end the day. Kindness comes in many formats and it is so lovely when it shines a light on you.

On the way back, of course, there was a detour to a pharmacy so Joe could stock up on meds — some things never change.

We returned to the ship full, happy, and a little awed by just how special the day had been.

Daily Reflection:

Sometimes life gives you the honeymoon you didn’t know you were waiting for —
just a few decades later, in the middle of the Andaman Sea.

Highlight of the Day:
🌅 Sunset at Promthep Cape… and being told “Happy Honeymoon” when we least expected it.

A truly magical first day in Phuket 🌴✨ 

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