Embark on a captivating journey through the eyes of a seasoned traveler as they chronicle their experiences aboard the Celebrity ASCENT during a transatlantic cruise. From the sun-drenched shores of Alicante to the rugged beauty of Gibraltar, this diary offers a glimpse into the enchanting world of luxury cruising, where every day is filled with moments of relaxation, exploration, and unexpected delights.

Discover the Allure of a Transatlantic Cruise Adventure

Embracing the Leisurely Pace of Alicante

The cruise begins with a leisurely day in Alicante, where the traveler indulges in a light lunch at Café Baccio and enjoys a meet-and-greet with the ship's officers, including the charismatic Hotel Director, Christophe. The afternoon is spent in the Eden Lounge, where the traveler reconnects with old friends and makes new acquaintances during the LGBTQ+ happy hour. The evening is capped off with a captivating performance of "Bridges" in the theater, followed by a delightful dinner at the Luminae restaurant.

Weathering the Winds of Gibraltar

As the ship approaches Gibraltar, the traveler decides to spend the day onboard, taking advantage of the Retreat Lounge and its cozy ambiance. Despite the rainy and windy conditions, the traveler finds solace in reading, enjoying a relaxed lunch at the Oceanview Buffet, and reconnecting with friends during the LGBTQ+ happy hour. The evening brings another delightful dining experience at Luminae, followed by a side-splitting comedy show by AJ Jamal.

Embracing the Tranquility of the First Sea Day

The first sea day dawns with a sense of relaxation, as the traveler indulges in a leisurely breakfast in the cabin and dedicates an hour to the gym, fulfilling a personal commitment. The day is spent exploring the ship, chatting with friends in the Retreat Lounge, and enjoying a cappuccino from Café al Baccio. The afternoon is marked by a delightful dinner at the renowned EDEN restaurant, where the traveler savors the exceptional culinary offerings.

Discovering the Azores' Natural Wonders

The ship's arrival in Ponta Delgada, Azores, is a highlight, as the traveler ventures up the mountain to witness the stunning crater lakes. Despite the initially foggy conditions, the traveler is rewarded with a breathtaking view that makes the wait worthwhile. The day is spent navigating the slightly rougher seas, but the traveler remains undeterred, indulging in the ship's dining options and enjoying the onboard entertainment.

Embracing the Calm Before the Storm

The subsequent sea days leading up to Bermuda are marked by a sense of tranquility, with the traveler maintaining a routine of breakfast in the cabin, gym sessions, and leisurely meals in the specialty restaurants. The traveler also takes the opportunity to connect with the talented performers from the Eden Lounge, forging new friendships and gaining insights into their lives.

Navigating the Turbulent Election Day in Bermuda

The arrival in Bermuda coincides with Election Day, adding a layer of tension to the proceedings. The traveler ventures out on a glass-bottom boat excursion, but the evening is dominated by the anxious wait for the election results. As the night unfolds, the traveler's mood sours with the unfolding political landscape, leading to a retreat to the cabin and a night of restless contemplation.

Weathering the Storm: Reflecting on the Election Aftermath

The following day dawns with a mix of emotions, as the traveler grapples with the election results and their implications. Determined to channel their frustration, the traveler pens a column reflecting on the state of the nation, acknowledging the persistence of racism and misogyny. The day is spent seeking solace in the ship's amenities, from the gym to the Retreat Sundeck, where the traveler finds comfort in the company of friends and the tranquility of the sea.

Bidding Farewell to the Voyage

The final day of the cruise is marked by a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, as the traveler savors the last moments of the journey. A farewell dinner with the entire group at the Rooftop Garden Grill provides an opportunity to reflect on the memories made and to look forward to the next adventure, a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic, scheduled for the following year.As the traveler disembarks, they are left with a renewed appreciation for the power of travel, the joy of shared experiences, and the resilience to navigate the ups and downs of life's journey, both on and off the high seas.