25 October 2026 — At Sea: Champagne, Service, and Patty’s Pinnacle Moment

Oct 25

4 min read

25 October 2026 — At Sea on the Mediterranean.

Some sea days are made for doing very little. This one seemed determined to give me a little of everything: bright Mediterranean light, good conversation, a morning at the spa, a friend’s remarkable milestone, a tribute to veterans, and more than one reason to raise a glass.

6:00 a.m. — A bright beginning

I woke at six to a bright sun and a beautifully clear Mediterranean Sea. The light was strong, the view was extraordinary, and I took a moment simply to appreciate it. There is something about waking up at sea that makes the day feel full of possibilities.

7:00 a.m. — Breakfast with Judy

I went down for my Pinnacle breakfast and was joined by my good friend Judy Kunhardt. Judy always brings such enthusiasm to the table, and we enjoyed another excellent, stimulating conversation. Good company makes an already pleasant morning even better.

9:00 a.m. — A little morning pampering

Next came a return visit to Vitality Spa for the Ultimate Men’s Facial and Shave. I enjoy pampering myself in the morning, and there is much to be said for walking out feeling refreshed and looking your best. Retirement has its privileges, and I am doing my best to appreciate them.

A morning stop at Vitality Spa aboard Explorer of the Seas.

10:30 a.m. — Patty reaches Pinnacle

The Royal Caribbean Top Tier Event brought the day’s most joyful occasion: my good friend Patricia “Patty” Verbeeck was recognized for reaching Pinnacle Club. Seeing her honored onstage made this a very special morning.

That recognition represents a tremendous amount of cruising and a great many memories collected along the way. I was delighted to be there to celebrate her achievement. After the event, I ordered champagne. Some occasions deserve a proper toast, and this certainly qualified.

The invitation to Royal Caribbean’s Top Tier Event.

Guests arriving at The Palace for the celebration.

Live music sets the mood in the theater.

A look at the Crown & Anchor family sailing aboard the ship.

A special welcome to the Pinnacle Club for Patricia Verbeeck.

Patty’s photograph fills the screen during her recognition.

A proud moment with the ship’s team during the Pinnacle celebration.

11:30 a.m. — Honoring those who served

I put on my veterans outfit and cap for the veterans celebration. These gatherings always mean a great deal to me. The orchestra, the military music, and the cake create a festive occasion, but what stays with me is the recognition of service and the people who answered the call.

After my own years in uniform, I never take that acknowledgment for granted. It was good to stand among fellow veterans and share a moment of pride, remembrance, and gratitude.

The American flag displayed during the veterans tribute.

The veterans celebration onstage in The Palace.

Noon — A quiet lunch at Chops

Lunch at Chops Grille gave me a quieter interval. I sat by myself, collected my thoughts, and considered the shore excursions and activities ahead on this leg of the voyage. I enjoy being with people, but I also value these moments to pause and let the day settle.

2:00 p.m. — Women of Wine

One of my favorite onboard events is Women of Wine. Over the course of an hour, we tasted five wines while learning about vineyards led by women and wines produced by women. It was a chance to enjoy some excellent wine and celebrate the women whose work and expertise helped bring it to the glass.

3:00 p.m. — A taste of the Caribbean in the Mediterranean

From wine, I moved on to the Taste of the Caribbean Experience, an onboard cocktail tasting and mixology class built around six rum-based tropical drinks. The bartender explains ingredients and preparation techniques as guests sample the cocktails; some sessions also bring volunteers forward to help mix and shake.

To give you an idea of the island flavors associated with this experience, a reported session featured Goombay Smash from the Bahamas, Planter’s Punch from Jamaica, Painkiller from the British Virgin Islands, Papa Jac from Puerto Rico, Rum Punch from Barbados, and Dark ’n Stormy from Bermuda. The lineup can vary, so I would treat that as a flavor of the experience rather than a guaranteed menu for every sailing.

It is a relaxed, social way to discover drinks and pick up a few techniques to try at home. Sessions are generally described as about an hour, although one reviewed session ran 90 minutes and cost $50 per person, separately from the beverage package. Those are reference details, rather than a statement of what I paid today; the Royal Caribbean app is the place to check the arrangements for your sailing.

4:00 p.m. — Time to rest

By four o’clock, I was thoroughly relaxed and feeling my oats. My room seemed like a very sensible next destination. I got into bed, rested, and enjoyed the afternoon Mediterranean sunshine through the window. Sometimes the best activity on the schedule is giving yourself permission to stop.

7:45 p.m. — Dinner at Chops Grille

Refreshed and dressed in a nice suit, shirt, and tie, I returned to Chops Grille for dinner. I dined by myself and enjoyed a quiet evening meal.

10:30 p.m. — Moonlight and thoughts of Sicily

I finished the evening with a walk around the ship, looking up at the moon in a dark, beautifully clear sky. I felt good, grateful for the day and for the people who had made it memorable.

Tomorrow brings Sicily and the Exclusive Sicily: Mt. Etna & Taormina excursion. I am looking forward to another day of discovery, with my camera ready and a new place to explore.

Today reminded me that a sea day can hold far more than open water: friendship over breakfast, pride in service, the pleasure of a quiet pause, and the joy of celebrating someone else’s happiness. A very good day to be aboard Explorer of the Seas.