Day 67 - Singapore, Shifting Seasons & Bittersweet Goodbyes

This morning it really hit me — in just four weeks we’ll be flying home to Gibraltar. How on earth did that happen? It feels completely unreal.

I eased myself back into routine with an early gym session, blissfully quiet, followed by sitting out on the pool deck soaking up the soft morning sunshine with my veggie juice. A perfect pause before the day unfolded.

Joe was already up and determined not to miss the last quiz. His team came second, a respectable finish — though of course, first would have been preferable 😉

Grand Voyage Milestones

We were invited to the premiere of Parts 1 & 2 of our Grand Continental Sojourn, shared with us by Ray before his departure tomorrow. It was beautifully put together — emotional, inspiring, and something I can’t wait to share with friends and family back home.

There were a few announcements that marked a real changing of the guard:

  • Ray shared that the new Cruise Director won’t join until Darwin, so Patricio will step into the role

  • Captain Loris will be leaving us in Indonesia

  • Dominic, our wonderful Restaurant Manager, is disembarking tomorrow for a well-earned break

  • Several crew members are also leaving, including Angela, our former room steward

After weeks of familiar faces, it will be strange — but also part of the rhythm of life at sea.

Joe spent time watching the Ashes Test up on deck until play was stopped due to weather. I caught up with the crossword, finished my book (which I thoroughly enjoyed), and then started my next read:
When the Body Says No — already powerful and thought-provoking.



I treated myself to a manicure and pedicure, while Joe grabbed lunch. Later, I worked on my Mindvalley course and we selected all our tours for the final leg of the journey — Beautiful Bali & the Barrier Reef. It’s starting to feel very real that we’re heading into the final chapter.

An Evening in Singapore



As we were docked in Singapore, we got ready to head ashore to meet Luke for dinner. Immigration, however, had other ideas — an issue with our landing cards meant I had to redo paperwork. Joe’s back was already sore from the long walk, so he was not a happy bunny. Eventually it was resolved, but the walk to the taxi rank felt endless.

We did manage a quick stop at a chemist so Joe could buy Panadol — priorities firmly in place.

Seeing Singapore from the taxi reminded me just how impressive this city is. We arrived at Raffles Hotel, which is absolutely stunning. If we come back, afternoon tea there is a must.



We went in search of The Long Bar, spotting the Macallan shop/bar en route (definitely one for the boys), but the queue was huge. Instead, we settled for drinks in the courtyard where Luke joined us.



From there we headed to The Quayside for dinner, choosing a seafood Chinese restaurant. Joe’s highlight?
🦀 The aprons they give you to wear while eating — he may or may not have acquired a few to take home!

We then said goodbye to Luke as he saw us off in a taxi. The final twist of the evening came when our taxi took us to the wrong cruise terminal. Another cab, another long walk — Joe was immensely relieved to finally get back to bed.

✨ Daily Reflection

Today felt like a threshold day — one foot in the deep familiarity of life on board, the other edging closer to home. Goodbyes, transitions, and small frustrations reminded me that even in the most extraordinary journeys, patience and compassion matter — especially with tired bodies and aching backs.

I’m becoming more aware that this voyage isn’t just about places visited, but about learning how to move through change with grace.

🌟 Highlight of the Day

🎬 The Grand Voyage film premiere

Seeing our journey reflected back to us — the places, the faces, the moments — was deeply moving. A beautiful reminder of just how much we’ve experienced, and how special this voyage truly is. 

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