We’re on the road again searching for adventure. I use the term “on the road” loosely since we are taking our first transatlantic cruise. On Saturday, May 4, we set sail from the Port of Tampa bound for Amsterdam, with a few stops in between. Prior to sailing, we bought all the seasick remedies available, but so far the seas have been kind to us, and we’ve had no problems at all.

We’re making this journey with our dear friends, Randy and Sandy Seely, who we spent time with last fall in Idaho. The Seely’s have been friends for more than 40 years; we couldn’t find better traveling companions. All of us met the day before the cruise began, and spent the night in Tampa prior to boarding Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas. The ship is scheduled to stop in the Azores, Ireland, Belgium, and finally, Amsterdam. We’ve all waited months to make this trip, and have been watching the clock in anticipation of our first trip of 2019.

Arrival on the Portuguese islands of the Azores is scheduled for day nine of the cruise, the first eight will be at sea; a relaxing Atlantic Ocean crossing. There’s plenty to do on the ship if you care to stay busy. You can occupy your time at the casino, at the buffet tables, learning to make jewelry, listen to music, read, walk, or just relax with a drink in hand. We’ve done a bit of all these activities, but sitting on the balcony in our stateroom is our favorite place to be (even though we haven’t done much of that). Yesterday we went to a movie and watched The Mule with Clint Eastwood. Pretty good movie, and definitely a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.The spa on the 13th deck was beautiful with images and decor from India.

The solariumThe CentrumJack trying his hand at steering the ship. Can’t make a big mistake because we’re literally in the middle of the Atlantic.JJack excels at many things..Slot machines..not so much

The formal photos we took are better than the ship’s. We found all kinds of pretty backgrounds.

We’re grateful for all the adventures we’ve taken since we’ve been together; London, Athens, the Greek Islands, Paris (always Paris), Croatia, Malta, Madrid, Pisa, Rome, and Sun Valley, Idaho. We’ve visited some wonderful friends in some magical places, while making new friends along the way. Food on the table every day, a new car, a roof over our head, and people to love. Life is amazing, and we are very thankful.

So after eight days at sea, we are about to reach our first destination, Ponta Del Gado in the Azores. Randy and Sandy lived there for three years, so they’ve given us some previews on what we can expect. When we get there, we’ll definitely be sharing the experience with you. Now, back to my glass of Merlot.