There is something special about sailing on a holiday that goes beyond just celebrating the event.
I have always said that if there was just one time of the year I could cruise it would be around the December holidays. The ships are all festively decorated. All the passengers just seem to be in such a great mood. Even the dining room menu has something special to offer us. From the moment we walk on the ship, there is a wonderful air of anticipation that can’t be denied. After 30-some cruises, sailaway, the moment the ship leaves the dock, is still my favorite part of the experience. Often bringing a tear of joy or two when I look around on deck and see everyone having such a good time, this is what it is all about.
If you read some of the reviews we have on our website for holiday sailings, that happy theme dominates the tale of those sailings.
A summer holiday sailing is no less festive, making cruises that are at sea on the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day, one of the most sought-after and expensive times of the year to sail. There’s a good reason for that and those who are at sea right now or will be for the upcoming holiday are about to find out why. If you have not sailed on a holiday, gather up your friends and family. Try it once you’ll be hooked. No cleaning the house for company, no huge trip to the grocery store for all the stuff you need, and no choking through Aunt Roberta’s green bean casserole just to be nice. It’s a great way to go.
Looking ahead a few days to the upcoming July 4th holiday, I wonder if tryng something new wouldn’t be a good idea here on land too though. Independence Day is one of if not the most patriotic of all holidays. I was reminded of that today when talking to a retired friend who served in the US military for many years. We were lucky enough to sail with Norm and I must say, there’s nothing quite like showing up in the dining room on formal night with someone in full dress uniform along. The respect that uniform commands is undeniable. And rightfully so. These are people who have put their lives on the line to keep us free, to allow us to live in a country free from so many of the horrible things that happen in the rest of the world. Whatever their job in the miltary may have been, they did their part.
We should do our part too.
This weekend, between the picnics, fireworks or whatever else you may be doing, find someone in uniform, walk up to them, shake their hand and say “Thank You for protecting us”. You don’t need to know them, what they do now or did when they served their country. It does not have to be a member of the military; someone in law enforcement, a firefighter or emergency service worker of some sort works too. Take a minute, just a minute, to pause, get in the game, and make a difference in your own way.
At a time in our history when economic troubles touch us all in one way or another, when our worlds are changed as high-profile celebrities pass away and we look forward to an uncertain future, embrace those who bring order and stability.
They deserve it and so do y0u.
Thank you Norm.
