Day 15 – Farewell Seabourn Encore: Wonderful Memories and a Little Polar Bear Magic! 🚢❤️🐻‍❄️

Well, here we are, our last full day aboard the beautiful Seabourn Encore, and I have to admit, I am feeling rather sad about leaving.

Although this hasn't been the easiest cruise for Joe, I have absolutely loved being back at sea. There is something about being on the water that brings me such a wonderful sense of peace and happiness. Whether it's watching the ocean from our balcony, walking around the decks or simply enjoying the gentle rhythm of life on board, I always feel so at home on a ship.

And then, of course, there is the incredible crew.

I really cannot praise them enough. Every single member of the team works so hard to make our experience special, often going above and beyond to ensure we are comfortable, happy and well looked after.

From the restaurant staff and entertainers to the housekeeping team and, of course, the wonderful medical centre, they all deserve an enormous thank you.

We started our final sea day with another family breakfast, which has become a lovely part of our routine.

Joe was back to his usual breakfast favourites — All-Bran, Greek yoghurt, prunes and lightly poached eggs. After all the trouble he has had with his health during this trip, it was lovely to see him enjoying his food again.

And, naturally, breakfast was followed by his daily visit to the medical centre!

I honestly think this has become as much a part of his cruise routine as visiting the Sushi Restaurant.

The doctor was particularly pleased to see him today, not just to check on his progress but because he wanted to have a chat about South Africa's recent cricket victory!

It was lovely to see them enjoying a conversation about something other than Joe's health.

We said our goodbyes to the medical team, who told us that they would miss Joe's daily visits.

I think he has certainly made an impression on them!

I cannot thank them enough for the kindness, patience and care they have shown him throughout the cruise. There were moments when I was genuinely worried that we might have to leave the ship for him to receive hospital treatment, so being able to complete our journey together feels particularly special.

After breakfast, Gaby and I headed to Seabourn Square for a little relaxation and some reading.

It has become one of our favourite places on board, somewhere to enjoy a coffee, read a few chapters of our books and simply unwind.

Of course, with the communal jigsaw now completed, Gaby no longer had her puzzle to keep her occupied, but I think she was still feeling rather pleased with herself after yesterday's achievement!

We then enjoyed one final walk around the decks, taking in the surroundings and appreciating our floating home for the last time.

I always find these final walks rather emotional. You begin to notice all the little places that have become familiar over the course of the cruise, and suddenly you realise how quickly the days have passed.

After checking on Joe, we all headed to The Restaurant for a lovely family lunch.

It was another opportunity to sit together, enjoy a meal and appreciate the fact that Joe was finally feeling so much better.

After lunch, Gaby decided she wasn't quite finished with the ship's activities.

First up was another attempt at Ring Toss.

Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, she wasn't successful. But if there is one thing I have loved watching throughout this cruise, it is Gaby's willingness to join in and give everything a go.

Whether it was trivia, Baggo, Ring Toss or the various other games, she has certainly embraced the experience.

After a little relaxation, it was time for her final attempt at the Polar Bear Plunge! 🐻‍❄️

Now, Gaby has been trying her luck at this throughout the cruise, and although she hasn't managed to win, she has certainly enjoyed taking part.

Sadly, today wasn't her lucky day either.

However, something rather lovely happened.

A very kind lady who had previously won a polar bear had clearly taken a shine to Gaby and decided to give her one of her own!

What a beautiful gesture.

It was such a thoughtful act of kindness, and I think it made the little polar bear even more special than if Gaby had won it herself.

Sometimes the nicest souvenirs aren't the ones we buy or win, but the ones that come with a lovely memory attached.

Afterwards, Gaby and I headed for our final coffee and hot chocolate in our favourite mugs.

It's funny how quickly we develop little routines when travelling. A particular place to sit, a favourite drink, a familiar mug — all those small things that make somewhere feel like home.

We then headed to the Captain's Farewell Reception.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating, so the reception had to be moved indoors. But it was still a lovely opportunity to mark the end of our cruise and reflect on the journey we had shared.

And then came the part of cruising that I enjoy the least.

Packing!

There is something rather sad about seeing the suitcases come out again, knowing that our time aboard is almost over.

Nevertheless, it had to be done, so we headed back to our suites to start getting everything organised before dinner.

Our final evening meal was another lovely experience, and Joe was particularly impressed with his tuna steak.

It was wonderful to see him enjoying his food and feeling so much better than he had at the beginning of the trip.  Gaby tasted her first Vanilla Souffle and was suitably impressed by it.

After dinner, Gaby and I headed to the theatre for the final performance by the wonderful Seabourn Six, entitled Earth Song.

And what a performance it was!

They certainly didn't disappoint us. Their talent, energy and passion shone through, and it was such a beautiful way to finish our final evening aboard.

We have thoroughly enjoyed their performances throughout the cruise, and I really do think they are an incredibly talented group of entertainers.

One of the loveliest moments of the evening was seeing them give Gaby a hug and say their goodbyes.

It was so touching to see the friendships and connections she has made during our time on board.

From her dinner invitations and social activities to the wonderful entertainers and fellow passengers she has met, she has certainly made the most of this experience.

And for me, being able to share this adventure with her has been something very special.

After the show, it was back to our suites to finish packing.

We had to have our suitcases outside our doors by 11pm, so there was a final flurry of checking drawers, gathering belongings and making sure nothing had been left behind.

Eventually, everything was packed, the cases were outside and it was time for bed.

We have an early start tomorrow as we arrive in Tokyo and begin the next part of our journey.

As I settled down for our final night aboard, I couldn't help but feel an enormous sense of gratitude.

This cruise may not have gone entirely according to plan, particularly with Joe's accident and the health challenges that followed, but we have still made some wonderful memories.

We have explored fascinating places, learnt about different cultures, enjoyed incredible entertainment, met lovely people and experienced so much kindness along the way.

Most importantly, we have been able to share this adventure together as a family.

And although I am sad to be leaving the Seabourn Encore, I am taking away far more than photographs and souvenirs.

I am taking away beautiful memories, new friendships and a heart full of gratitude.

Thank you, Seabourn Encore, and thank you to every single crew member who made our journey so special. Until we meet again! 🚢❤️

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🌿 Daily Reflection

The true magic of travel isn't just the places we visit, but the kindness, connections and memories we carry with us long after the journey ends.

✨ Highlight of the Day

The wonderful farewell performance by the Seabourn Six, their heartfelt goodbye to Gaby, and the lovely act of kindness from the lady who gifted her a polar bear.