24 October 2026 — Ravenna, Italy: New Beginnings and Moving with the Flow

An early start and a smooth turnaround

For some crazy reason, a good night’s sleep escaped me. By 6:00 a.m., I was awake in my stateroom, reading and taking care of a few small things while the ship prepared for another busy day.

At 7:15 a.m., it was time for mandatory processing into Italy. Royal Caribbean deserves a sincere thank-you: the process was smooth, quick, and easy. Sometimes they really get these things right, and passengers certainly appreciate it. On a turnaround day, a little organization goes a long way.

Pinnacle breakfast

2:00 p.m. — One hundred minutes at the spa

My afternoon appointment was the Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub, a 100-minute treatment pairing a body polish with a 50-minute massage. The treatment uses fragranced salt to exfoliate the skin, followed by nourishing body oil. The menu offers Frangipani Monoi or Lime and Ginger. After a restless night, setting aside that much time to relax felt like a very sensible decision.

4:30 p.m. — Raffle excitement and a change of plans

The spa raffle brought its usual enthusiasm, with people jumping up and down as the prizes were announced. I wasn’t one of the top three winners, but I did come away with the manager’s special. Tomorrow I’ll speak with the spa team about another treatment. A bamboo treatment has caught my attention, and I’m curious to try it.

Then it was down to Shore Excursions. My alpaca-and-lunch excursion had been canceled, so I needed a replacement. I chose Bracciano Lake and Wine Tasting: a chance to enjoy an Italian lakeside town and sample wines at a local winery. I had been looking forward to the alpacas, but a beautiful lake and Italian wine sound like a promising alternative. Travel has a way of rewriting your plans.

5:00 p.m. — Familiar faces, then a much-needed nap

I stopped to chat with Judy, Tracey, and Tracey’s husband, Graham, near the salon. We caught up on the day’s activities and compared plans for the next seven days of cruising. Seeing familiar faces makes the start of a new cruise feel that much more welcoming.

By 5:30 p.m., I was back in my cabin for a well-deserved nap. I might not have conquered the world today, but I was tired. The first day of a new cruise always seems to bring plenty of activity, even when you’re already aboard.

7:45 p.m. — Dinner with Patty at Izumi

Dinner at Izumi gave me a welcome opportunity to catch up with my fellow traveler and friend, Patty. We hadn’t had a proper chance to talk for the past two days, so it was good to sit down together and exchange stories.

Patty had experienced a few misadventures of her own today, although things ultimately worked out. Between our daily adventures and the occasional complication, we had plenty to discuss. I was simply glad to spend some time with her.

9:30 p.m. — Halloween aboard

After dinner, I wasn’t ready to call it a night. I wandered around the ship, browsed the shops, and enjoyed the Halloween party welcoming the new passengers. Seeing everyone in costume added a cheerful touch to the evening.

At 10:39 p.m., I finally returned to my cabin, took a little time to unwind, and prepared for bed. Tomorrow brings a sea day as we head toward Sicily. There will be plenty to keep me busy—and hopefully a better night’s sleep before it all begins.

Endings, beginnings, and moving with the flow

Today marked the end of one voyage and the beginning of another. New SeaPass cards, new accounts, new passengers, and the familiar business of starting over are all part of a turnaround. Thankfully, this morning’s processing was an easy start to the next chapter.

Over my years of traveling, I’ve learned that life is full of endings and new beginnings. You can fight the changes, or you can accept them and move forward. A canceled excursion becomes a different adventure. A tired afternoon calls for a nap. A new voyage offers another set of stories waiting to unfold.

I’ve decided that moving with the flow makes the journey a whole lot more enjoyable.