The sea is special. The ever present horizon, fresh air, constant motion and the excitement of anticipation as each day brings the familiar along with the new. But what makes cruising special, whether on Oceania or on Holland America is the sense of community. Everyone is literally in the same boat – heading to the same places, sharing the same experiences. Cruising brings together thousand of people, passengers and crew, doing different tasks but joined by a common goal and expectation.
Back before cable and the internet which gave us lots of choices for entertainment at home, there were basically 3 channels and everyone shared the same experience. The last episode of MASH, Mary Tyler Moore, the whole country shared these events. Now everyone is forging their own path and we have lost some of our sense of community. Cruising brings some of that back. But I fear the new Mega Ships with Anytime This and Anytime That and "wear what you want where you want" are starting to turn cruising into just another all inclusive – a floating hotel.
A cruise experience is a shared experience. Everyone checks in the same day, goes to the same places, sees the same shows and eats the same food.
People come up the stairs, people go down the stairs, use the elevator. We are all moving about this ship. Today is a very sad day because we are finishing our packing. Sending 4 bags home with Luggage Free and carrying off 2 small rolling duffels. Hope to see them in Gananoque soon. Tomorrow is our party with a lot of the ATW's at a passengers home that she is opening up for the day. Then we board by 4:30 for our last sail away to Miami. 6 months gone in a flash I still cannot believe that we were able to experience this in our life. We just heard about the Turkey International Airport bombing yesterday. So sad pretty soon half these places where we visited will not be able to go anymore. Sad Sad.
Last night dinner
was so much fun
Last night show. "Divas 3"
Packed most of everything this morning just a few last minute items. Tonight we are back in the Pollo Restaurant for our last specialty dinner with Karen & Harold and Andy & Faith. Until tomorrow. Thanks again for joining us. Leslee & Bob
Cherish The Moments, Love Deeply, Dream Big
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