When cruise ships wave goodbye to each other

An interesting experience for a first time cruiser is when two ships are parked next to each other all day, and one departs. Something very special happens - the passengers wave and holler like they were saying goodbye to old friends.

Video can’t begin to capture this feeling.

Everyone reacts differently to this. Some are just jaded, and can’t be bothered. But look at the video again - they are definitely in the minority. Most enjoy this. We have so little camaraderie in the world today. More and more work remotely, seldom meeting their coworkers face to face. For many, most of their interactions with friends happen through social media. So when a genuine moment of connection happens, and especially with strangers, it can feel really special.

On a recent cruise, we had friends along for their first cruise vacation. At least one of them shouted herself hoarse waving and cheering to the strangers on the neighboring ship. At dinner shortly after departure, they excitedly talked about this amazing moment.

Isn’t that what travel is about, at its most basic level? Moments. Memories which will stay with you. Stories, which you will tell with a smile even years later. Especially if our paying job is something we can only tolerate because we need the money, vacation needs to provide us those moments of pure, childlike joy. Memories of relaxing while watching the sun slide below the horizon, laughing with friends old and new around the dinner table, or waving goodbye to complete strangers, yet having this strange feeling that you will miss them.

Sometimes we need to break out of our routine to enjoy a truly special moment. Travel is one way to do that.

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