First Time Cruiser Heading for the High Seas

Dawn Princess

Imagine sailing off in to the sunset and cruising around the world? Sounds more like fantasy than real life. But people have been doing it for centuries, initially as a means of mapping out the world and discovering new places, and more recently as a way to lounge around and be entertained.

It’s never been on my bucket list of travel plans but due to events outside my control, this May I will be on the Dawn Princess as it sails out of Sydney Harbour on it’s way around the world.

Long story short, my parents discovered cruise travel last year and took a trip from Australia to Japan and China via numerous islands. They loved it, so much so, that even before they disembarked in Sydney, they had booked a berth on this year’s Dawn Princess world cruise from Sydney to Southhampton. It was going to be highlight of their year.

But it’s a highlight that, sadly, my Dad, who passed away in September after a brief illness, won’t be able to participate in. And while my Mom is probably one of the most independent women I know, she really doesn’t want to go on this cruise alone. So, after much family discussion, it’s been decided that I am the most logical person to go with her.

Personally, I’ve never given much thought to going on a cruise. It’s always been something that I associated with swinging singles (think Love Boat) and older, retired couples. Now, it seems, I’ll have chance to find out exactly what cruise travel is all about.

Entering into this adventure with a wide open mind, I’m expecting the cruise to offer up plenty of entertaining and humorous writing inspiration, with topics ranging from inter-generational travel to on board facilities and shore excursions.

I hope to share these adventures with everyone reading Planet Eye Traveler.

(photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)