In the Moonlight

January 21, 2012

She literally shimmers in the moonlight. A ghostly incandescence rises from her very skin. With the only illumination in the sky a brilliant star behind us and the faintest suggestion of the moon low on the horizon, she still glows in the depth of the black of the night. The most beautiful ship on the oceans is spectacular during the day but simply takes my breath away at night. Forgive my poetic rant, but after walking the top decks in the warmth of the quiet Caribbean night, my heart, mind and soul are filled with these amazingly images of peace and beauty.

After three days below decks I finally breathed fresh air. We do have fun on this ship, even as we are working, but there is no question that the work is intense. This will never be confused with a cruise vacation. From the time we left New Jersey my pace has been insane. Still learning my job, I was responsible for organizing and then participating in a number of training classes. In addition, an experienced T&D Manager from another ship, Donna, came on board in Bayonne to spend six days with me to help me accelerate my learning curve. So, today, for the first time in four days, I grabbed two brief walks around the deck. The first was this afternoon when I was able to feel the sun’s warmth and see the shimmer of the impossibly blue Caribbean.

Then there was tonight . . . Finishing work around 11pm, I headed topside to simply stroll the deck one more time. Most of decks 12 through 15 were fairly empty and I was able to amble unencumbered. The sky and the sea had both faded to black, but the brilliance of the stars and hint of moon comforted us like old friends. As I strolled in solitude it all just felt so ‘right.’ Almost as if I had come home, to quote John Denver, “to a place I’d never been before.” This thought baffles me at times, but for now I’m simply happy to enjoy the experience.

Only twice on my walkabout was my solitary journey interrupted. At one point I gazed down on our dance band, Spira, singing top 40 covers for a large group of animated dancers on the pool deck below. The high spirits and energy stood in deep contrast to the stillness of the night. When I reached the far end of the ship, a group of officers had gathered at the Mast Bar on Deck 14 to relax at the end of the day. An invitation was quickly offered to join them . . . but tonight was a night to be alone . . . and rest.

For tomorrow . . .

The adventure continues . . .