My first cruise was in May 2008 – right in the middle of the GFC. I badly needed a break to rest, refresh and return ready to tackle life again. I made my third in 2023, after that ‘other’ traumatic global event ...

I went alone for Cruise 1 in 2008 – bound for the Mediterranean on a fully escorted group tour aboard Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. It didn’t disappoint. I explored ancient cities, met new people, sailed in the warm Northern summer, itineraries taken care of. I loved that ship … clean towels, lovely cabin, free room service. The assigned ‘jogging deck’ offered three rounds from aft to bow, at just under 1km. I did six rounds every morning!

Best of all, for one without sea legs, I wasn’t seasick – thanks to ‘Avomine’ tablets carefully dosed through the trip. We really couldn’t fault Cruise Express; their tours were perfectly organised, and our tour guides were friendly and fun. The ship welcomed us back from each adventure in port, just like home. I’d shower, put on some nice clothes and head off to our special table in the dining room. Our group of nine chatted just like old friends, even after just one day together! And we hugged and exchanged phone numbers after the cruise was over. With mind and body revitalised, I was happy to get back home to resume work again. 

Cruise 2 was with my cousin Jeannette, who ran her own travel business from Los Angeles.

“Shirl, I have two tickets for an Arctic Cruise with Holland America – we only pay the taxes and airfares.”
“That’s wonderful, Jeannie – when are we going??” 
“But I’m thinking of how seasick I was on a previous trip!”
“I’ll tell you what to do”, I said. “I promise you’ll feel OK”.
“Are you sure??” (Her favourite line).
“Yes, Jeanette. Now email me the dates.”

Well, we had a ball on the Oosterdam! It was in July 2010, another Northern summer. We both took Avomine the night before we sailed. Out of Seattle that night, the ship rocked and rolled, but Jeanette didn’t get seasick. She was so relieved she gave me a great big hug. The next day we glided into the Inland Passage – a lake of brilliant blue, so calm and serene. Oh, those perfect sunny days and awesome scenery. Not a care in the world … except my regular prompts of “What are we having for dinner tonight, Jeannie?” …

In February 2023, Shirl’s Pearls took a holiday: I went on Cruise 3 with husband Lionel aboard the Westerdam. It was three years since I entrusted my initial deposit to ‘Imagine Holidays’ until it was safe to sail again. Covid testing and vax histories were no longer required – not even masks. I bravely chose a SE Asian setting; we sailed through Phuket in Thailand, and Penang and Kuantan in Malaysia (which I so wanted to see). This time it was pure tropical weather: no cardigans or thick socks … just shorts, T-shirts and my ‘Archies’ arch-support thongs (highly recommended, I did so much walking with them).

It was a lovely, lovely trip. We walked, shopped for our favourite local fruits, while I practised my Malay! It was the Westerdam’s first voyage to SE Asia since Covid; there were a few teething problems including a blocked toilet, but that was thankfully fixed. I relished not having to cook, make the bed or do the laundry. Pampered by the friendly Indonesian and Filipino crew, it couldn’t get much better. 

We disembarked at the end of it feeling fit, fresh and with no added kilos (well, maybe just a few hundred grams …). 

My food advice? Please don’t get carried away with the abundance and variety that’s usually available 24 hours a day with a ship’s room service. Pause before you add more to your plate and wait a few hours after dinner if you must have your ice-cream. As long as you do your walks and fit in a couple of gym sessions with the gorgeous sea as your backdrop. Just enjoy it! 

Until my next adventure on the high seas (I’m thinking Cunard for their famed High Teas), I’ll keep doing my best here to help you live that GOOD LIFE!