Have you ever been on a cruise? I’ve just taken my very first cruise (a mini-one). It was almost over before it began, but not before I got to feel like life is all about cruising, not rushing – just being (not to mention laughing).
Did I mention drinking (just a little bit of wine)?
When you cruise you’re going somewhere fast, but it feels like you are going so slowly that you may as well just be drifting along. All at sea – only content.
I cruised with my mum, sister, aunts and girl cousins – eight of us ‘girls’ – hence the wine and the laughter (copious amounts of both).
“Chardonnay!” was the squeal of the on-board comedian, in his gag about a ‘girls’ night out. He went on, and on, shrieking – “Semillon, Champagne, Chandelier, Clementine, Clandestine, Turpentine,” as he mimicked the cries of a gaggle of girls, tanked and on the move to the next party spot, no-one stopping to help the (use David Attenborough voice here) ‘injured female of the species’ with a broken heel.
It was hilarious, and we laughed, and laughed, like there was no tomorrow, and no other place to be, other than cruising.
Two of my aunts met a retired couple who had cruised for 1,500 days on the same ship – now that’s an ‘unreal’ life, or is it?
The real meaning of life might just be cruising, for a while at least.
And laughing loudly.
Back in one of our cabins, as we primed for the evening’s adventures with Champagne (maybe it was only mid-afternoon), my sister came up with the bright idea to film a mock fight, with her camera on slow-motion. My mum and one of my cousins rose admirably to the acting challenge, with others interjecting less reliably. And while I tried to act the part, I mostly collapsed in fits of laughter. It felt good.
We laughed on the dance floor. We giggled while people watching. We donned funny glasses and sung silly songs to celebrate my aunt’s 70th birthday. We replayed the ‘Chardonnay’ gag in shrieks of mirth as our running joke for the rest of the trip.
It was short – two nights on the cruise and one in Sydney, but it was sweet.
I’d been a bit worried that a shared genetic heritage of a propensity to criticise might turn things into a bit of an Irish Catholic guilt trip, but there was no room for judgment or competition amidst the chatter and the laughter.
There was only room for family and fun. And gratitude, to be just cruising.
All too soon it was over, as short girl’s getaways are wont to be, and I flew back home to the warmest of welcomes from the kids (and hubby).
And now reality, even though I’ve had moments since getting off the boat where I’ve felt wonky – the earth seeming to move under me, having grown so quickly accustomed to the roll of the ship. Those wobbly moments are a reminder not to take for granted the opportunity to spend time with family, to cruise, to laugh – to never underestimate the importance of laughter. To always be grateful.
Girls weekends are great for the soul, don’t you reckon – when was the last time you enjoyed one? When was the last time you laughed so hard you (almost) wet yourself? Or did you really wet yourself?!
Linking up with Essentially Jess for a Tuesday IBOT.
Kathy X
24 Comments on “Just cruising”
I’ve sort of wanted to try a cruise – but at the same time I don’t like being around lots of people!! I’m not interested in the cruises where you go to a new country for like 4 hours, I think I would either like or hate a cruise – I suck at relaxing and I assume a cruise would force you to do so!
There are a lot of people of course, and the cabins aren’t that big for hanging out on your own. But it was surprising that there were still quiet spots to be found on the boat and plenty of entertainment so you didn’t have to just relax passively.
So envious. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise but hubby heads to sea with work and suffers sea sickness so he just will not entertain the idea for a holiday. I might need to case a small cruise on my own.
I reckon you should find a short cruise and maybe do a deal that hubby gets his own little break away. The poor guy having to work at sea and getting sick with it.
That sounds fabulous. So much laughing!!! I have never been in a cruise and it does not appeal to hubby unless it is a sailing vessel for maybe 6-12 people!! I also don’t think I have ever gone on a girls weekend. Think I need to rectify that situation. Welcome back.
You have to rectify that situation Deb. Problogger feels a little like a girl’s weekend away, but it is no substitute for a weekend of total laughs.
This sounds like such a fun-filled few days. I’ve not been on a cruise but know lots of folk who have. Judging from your pics and stories, it sounds like the perfect way to unwind and (literally) just ride the waves. Love it!
It really was great Tonya although I don’t think I’d sign myself up for a long cruise – 5-7 nights would be the max I reckon.
Sounds absolutely perfect. The girls, a cruise and of course the wine.
It was the ideal combo Sally. Thanks for visiting.
Sounds lovely! It would be good to just laugh for a few days!
My belly hurt but it was fantastic – thanks for visiting
Kathy that sounds like the greatest little getaway forever. Laughter is such good medicine and it’s so special and important to be doing this with family. I haven’t had a girls’ weekend away for a few years. Would love to do one again soon. #teamIBOT
You have to schedule one in Renee. It was special doing it with family and my Aunt who turned 70 got a really kick out of us all being together.
Love cruising – been on 3, number 4 is only a couple of weeks away – and girlie weekends! Looks like you had the best of both worlds – though I bet you’re glad you’re not stuck on the cruise ship just outside of Sydney Harbour because of the wild weather!
It would have been horrendous if the weather was bad, but thank God it was lovely. You sound like a cruise director (eat your heart out Julie from the Love Boat) with all your experience – hope No 4 is fantastic.
Oh yay I was hoping for an update, it looked like so much fun and you really deserved it! It’s been too long in between ‘wee my pants laughter’. xx
Thanks Em – that kind of laughter really is essential I reckon.
Oh I’m so glad you had a lovely time Kathy. It was probably the perfect amount of time really; short and sweet and everyone has fun. I haven’t had a girls night in a long time. It’s very overdue.
Absolutely Jess – our little dinner was a nice catch-up but you need a proper girl’s night out or weekend away if you can swing it!
You look soooo happy hun. So thrilled you had such an awesome time. I havent been on a cruise.. apart from a trip form Dover to France and man that made me sick so I havent been game to try again for any longer period of time lol xx
I did take a couple of seasickness tablets – more prevention than anything. I’m counting my lucky stars we weren’t on the cruise boat that was left sitting off Sydney in 11 metre seas during the super storm – it would have been horrific.
Oh it looks like you had a fabulous time! I also get seasick on large vessels so I’ve never had any desire to go cruising but I completely understand that notion of having a getaway which requires you to completely relax etc. I think I’d go to a wintery chalet (as opposed to a tropical island) where I could just loll, read, watch stuff and hang out with my besties.
What a great opportunity for you! Spending time with the people we love in such a carefree way is a beautiful thing.