Day 4 – All Aboard the Seabourn Encore! 🚢

Finally, the day had arrived! After what had been a rather eventful journey to Japan, today was the day we would be boarding the beautiful Seabourn Encore and beginning our cruise around Japan and South Korea.

The morning started with Gaby and me heading down for breakfast before taking a little walk around the block to explore our surroundings. Of course, no visit to Japan would be complete without popping into a 7-Eleven! We needed to get some Japanese Yen from the cashpoint, but Gaby was equally interested in exploring all the weird and wonderful products on display. There really is something fascinating about seeing the everyday things that are so different from what we are used to back home.

Then it was back to the hotel to collect Joe and take him to the medical clinic for another injection to help with his back pain. The doctor also adjusted his medication, so we were keeping everything crossed that this would finally start to give him some much-needed relief.

Once that was done, it was time to gather our belongings and head to the port.

By this point, Gaby was getting very excited. It was lovely to see her enthusiasm as we approached the ship, ready to begin our next adventure together.

Thankfully, embarkation was incredibly smooth and well organised, and before long we were stepping aboard the Seabourn Encore.

Unfortunately, the gangway proved a little challenging for Joe with his painful back, but the crew were wonderful and quickly arranged a wheelchair for him. They then escorted us up to the restaurant on Deck 9, where we could enjoy some lunch whilst waiting for our suites to be ready.

What a lovely way to start our cruise, sitting down to lunch and finally being able to relax after the last few days of travelling.

Soon enough, the announcement came that our rooms were ready, so we headed off to find our new homes for the next 12 days.



Whilst we waited for our luggage to arrive, Joe decided that the best thing for him was to have a lie down. Meanwhile, Gaby and I wasted no time in heading off to explore the ship!

There is always something exciting about boarding a new cruise ship for the first time. Discovering the restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues and all the little spaces where you know you will be spending time over the coming days. It was especially lovely to share this with Gaby.

Eventually, our luggage arrived, and it was time to unpack and settle in properly.

Unfortunately, poor Joe was still not feeling well. His back was causing him considerable pain, and he was also feeling sick. We managed to complete the mandatory guest safety essentials, but after that, he decided he had had enough for one day and headed straight to bed.

Not quite the start to the cruise that he had hoped for, but hopefully a good rest and the medication would help him feel better.

Gaby, on the other hand, was already embracing ship life! She had received not one but two welcome invitations — one for drinks and another for dinner. So, whilst her dad was tucked up in bed, she had her evening social calendar sorted!

I decided to order room service for Joe and myself, which was a lovely, relaxed option after such a busy few days. Sometimes there is nothing nicer than being able to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your own room without having to get dressed up and head out.

Later in the evening, Gaby and I met up again to watch the resident entertainment group, the Seabourn Six, perform their show Can't Stop the Music.

And what a fantastic show it was! The singing, music and energy were excellent, and it was such an enjoyable way to spend our first evening on board. If this is a taste of the entertainment we have ahead of us, we are certainly in for a treat.

It was also lovely to spend some time with Gaby, enjoying something together whilst Joe got the rest he needed.

By the time the show finished, the exhaustion of the last few days was definitely catching up with us. Between the flights, airport transfers, medical appointments and finally boarding the ship, it had been quite a journey just to get here!

So, it was an early night for us all.

As I settled into bed, I couldn't help but feel grateful that we had finally made it aboard and that our next adventure was officially underway.

I am hoping that tomorrow brings a little more comfort for Joe and that we can all start to relax and enjoy everything this wonderful cruise has to offer.

Our Japanese adventure has officially begun!🚢❤️

🌿 Daily Reflection

Sometimes the journey doesn't begin as planned, but gratitude, patience and kindness help us appreciate each moment along the way.

✨ Highlight of the Day

Finally boarding the Seabourn Encore and sharing the excitement of exploring our new home at sea with Gaby.

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