As Winnie’s journey came to a close, the final ports carried a different kind of meaning.

After months at sea and across continents, arriving in Le Havre, France felt less like another stop—and more like a return.

“It felt wonderful to be back in Europe,” Winnie said. “It felt like I was really headed home.”

Rather than making the long journey into Paris for an excursion, she chose to stay local, spending the day exploring markets and the town itself. A food market and a nearby street market offered a familiar pattern—fresh ingredients, local vendors, and the simple pleasure of walking through a place that felt lively and approachable.

Lunch at a small, family-owned bistro and time spent wandering with friends made for a relaxed and memorable final day in France.

“It just felt really good to be back,” she said.

England’s Coast and Countryside

The next stop brought Winnie to Dover and nearby Deal, England, a seaside town that felt distinctly different from many of the places she had visited earlier on the trip.

The pace was slower, the setting quieter. Along the high street, local shops and a community street fair created a sense of everyday life unfolding around them. Lunch was simple but memorable.

“It was the best fish and chips I’ve ever had in my life,” Winnie said.

On the return, the English countryside stretched out in soft greens and rolling landscapes, a gentle contrast to the more dramatic environments she had seen along the way. A stop to view Deal Castle from a distance added a final historical note to the day.

London and the Last Evening

In Greenwich, the final stop of the journey, Winnie spent her last full day walking through town, visiting the historic naval college, and taking in views along the waterfront.

Nearby, she saw the Cutty Sark, the famed 19th-century tea clipper now preserved as a museum—an iconic reminder of Britain’s maritime history and a fitting sight on the final days of a voyage that had spanned the globe.

A stop for gelato became an unexpectedly fitting final memory—simple, shared, and enjoyed together after months of travel.

By this point, the pace had slowed. People were packing up, saying their goodbyes, and preparing for the journey home.

A Different Kind of Ending

The final days onboard carried a mix of emotions.

“There’s a little bit of a tear in everybody’s eye,” Winnie said.

After four months together, the people she had met along the way no longer felt like fellow passengers—they felt like something closer to family. Conversations, meals, routines, and shared experiences have created connections that are difficult to replicate anywhere else.

At the same time, there was a growing sense of anticipation. Everyone was ready to go home.

What Stays With You

Looking back, the journey left Winnie with a deeper appreciation for both travel and home.

Travel, she reflected, is something everyone should experience if they can—not just for the places themselves, but for the perspective it brings.

“It teaches you so much about the world,” she said. Including a an apprecitaeion for all we have in the United States. Winnie saw a great deal of poverty and suffering and it made her even more grateful for our comforts and safety in the USA.

From the landscapes she had never seen before to the realities she hadn’t fully understood, the experience reshaped how she thought about daily life. 

It also clarified something else. After months at sea, Winnie realized she prefers to experience destinations on land—moving at her own pace, seeing more of the places she visits, and having the freedom to explore more deeply than she was able to on an oceanliner.

The Journey Continues

While the cruise itself has come to an end, the connections made along the way and the places she visited will live in her memory. 

After four months together, the relationships formed onboard felt meaningful. They were built through shared experiences, routines, and time spent day after day in the same places.

For Winnie, it’s sad that realistically she won’t see these people again. A feeling felt perhaps on the last day of college or high school… the cohort will drift apart and be forever a fond memory of a moment in time. 

For travelers considering their own journeys, it’s a reminder that the places you visit matter, but so do the people you meet along the way. And sometimes, those connections become just as meaningful as the destinations themselves.

Whether that journey takes the form of a cruise or a thoughtfully curated trip on land, it’s about finding the right way to experience it. At Onward Travel, we help travelers explore destinations around the world—by sea or by land—with an approach that’s tailored to how they want to travel. 

As this leg of the journey began, Winnie moved along the eastern coast of Africa, where each stop brought a different perspective—some expected, others less so.

Kenya and a Change in Plans

Winnie’s first stop was in Mombasa, Kenya.

Her initial visit into town was brief and largely uneventful, with limited access to shops and services. The following day, she joined an excursion to a local park, where she saw giraffes, alligators, and hippos, followed by a visit to a residential community that supports people with disabilities and their families. The facility offered space for both living and creating handmade goods, providing a glimpse into daily life in the region.

A planned stop in Zanzibar was ultimately canceled due to a cholera outbreak, shifting the course of the itinerary.

Madagascar: A Memorable Stop

From there, the journey continued across the Indian Ocean to Nosy Be.

Here, Winnie visited a nature park known for its wildlife, including lemurs and giant tortoises. The lemurs stood out—active, curious, and unlike anything she had encountered earlier on the trip.

Mozambique and the South African Coast

After several days at sea, the ship arrived in Maputo, Mozambique. A city tour revealed a place of contrasts. Much of the city felt plain, but one area near the embassies stood out for its clean streets, hilly setting, and beautifully maintained homes overlooking the water.

In Richards Bay, the focus shifted to wildlife. A river excursion brought Winnie close to groups of hippos, including families resting together in the water. Some gathered in clusters, their heads just visible above the surface, while others moved slowly nearby.

The following stop in Durban offered a different setting. The city felt large, modern, and well-kept, with expansive sports complexes and broad stretches of coastline. 

A visit to the botanical gardens provided a quieter moment to walk and take in the surroundings.

A Day in the Reserve

One of the highlights of this stretch came in Gqeberha.

Here, Winnie visited a private game reserve, riding in a four-by-four vehicle across open land filled with wildflowers. Taking on the role of “spotter,” she quickly began identifying animals across the landscape—antelopes, elephants, zebras, warthogs, and rhinos.

The most memorable moment came with a group of lions resting under a tree—mothers with their cubs, alongside a large male nearby. For a brief moment, there was movement before the group settled again into the shade.

Cape Town and the Cape Winelands

From there, the ship continued to Cape Town, one of the most anticipated stops of the journey, with a magnificent view of Table Top Mountain.

A city tour followed the coastline, where homes are built along the cliffs in a way that preserves views for each property. The setting felt expansive, with the ocean, hills, and architecture layered together.

Winnie also made her way toward Boulders Beach, known for its colony of penguins, catching a glimpse along the way.

The following day, she traveled to Stellenbosch. The drive passed through vineyards into a town known for its university, restaurants, and wine culture. A stop at a winery included tastings and time to explore a nearby craft market.

On the return, the contrast was visible again—passing through townships where housing stretched for miles, tightly packed and built from simple materials.

Namibia: Desert Landscapes

After leaving South Africa, the journey continued into Namibia, where the landscape changed dramatically.

In Lüderitz and Walvis Bay, strong winds disrupted plans, delaying arrivals and altering excursions.

The desert itself left one of the strongest impressions on Winnie. Driving for miles and miles, seeing nothing but sand and dunes felt entirely unlike anywhere Winnie had been before—vast, quiet, and striking in its simplicity.

A planned boat excursion was ultimately skipped in favor of an evening event in the desert. The setting—lanterns lighting the way across the sand and an open sky overhead—was memorable, even if the experience itself didn’t fully meet expectations.

The following day offered another perspective. A local tour revealed towns carefully built within the desert environment. In nearby Swakopmund, the pace slowed, with low-rise buildings, clean streets, and a quieter atmosphere.

Along the way, there were small but memorable moments—flamingos gathered along the shoreline, camels appearing against the dunes, and long stretches of planted trees shaping the landscape.

Perspective Along the Way

As this part of the journey unfolded, what stayed with Winnie most wasn’t just the destinations, but the differences between them.

The scale of the landscapes—from dense cities to open desert—was striking. But even more so was the difference in how people live. The poverty she encountered along the way left a lasting impression and offered a perspective that’s difficult to ignore.

At the same time, there were moments of pride and care visible in every destination—historic buildings carefully maintained, monuments honored, and communities finding ways to support one another.

It’s a part of the world that brought a deeper appreciation for how we live here at home and a reminder not to take it for granted.

A Journey Still Unfolding

From Kenya to Namibia, this stretch of the journey moved quickly across regions, climates, and landscapes. Wildlife, cities, and open spaces followed one another in rapid succession, each offering a different view of the world along the way.

Up Next

As the journey continues north along the west coast of Africa, Winnie’s route brings her to Angola and onward to the islands of Cape Verde, before crossing further into the Atlantic toward the Canary Islands.

With more time at sea between stops, this next stretch offers a different rhythm—one shaped by long passages, changing waters, and a gradual transition toward a new part of the world.

This part of Winnie’s journey included Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand — with several sea days in between. After months at sea, she has settled into a rhythm, and this stretch of the trip was a mix of exploring new places, pacing herself and, most importantly, a very special visit from home.

Singapore: Clean, Beautiful and One of Her Favorites

Of all the cities on this part of the trip, Singapore stood out immediately.

Winnie spent two days touring the city and was especially impressed by how clean and well-maintained everything was, and how beautifully the city blends historic buildings with modern architecture.

“It was clean, it was beautiful. We felt safe there… It’s one of my favorite cities so far.”

During her time there, she visited Chinatown, saw the famous Merlion statue (half fish, half lion), tried traditional Singapore coffee made with condensed milk and walked through the famous orchid gardens, which she described as absolutely beautiful — lush, colorful and thoughtfully designed.

The only challenge? The heat and humidity, which often felt well over 100 degrees. Even so, Singapore was a highlight.

Malaysia: Temples, Batik and Mountain Roads

In George Town, Malaysia, Winnie visited several temples and then traveled into the countryside to see how traditional batik fabric is made using hand-printing techniques, including beautiful work on silk.

One memorable stop was a fruit stand at the top of a mountain, reached by a winding road lined with wild fruit trees growing everywhere. At the stand, they sampled local fruits and bought spices before continuing on to a snake temple — which Winnie described as “the biggest tourist trap I’ve ever been in,” complete with photo opportunities holding a very large snake for a hefty fee.

What made the day especially enjoyable, though, was their guide, who she said was excellent and made the experience much more interesting and enjoyable.

Thailand: A Day That Meant Everything

When the ship arrived in Phuket, Winnie didn’t take a tour or go sightseeing. Instead, she had something much more important to do — her son Jack happened to be traveling in Thailand at the same time, and they were able to arrange a visit while the ship was in port.

She met him at the dock, brought him aboard the ship and spent the day showing him her home for the past several months — from the top decks down to the dining rooms and common areas. They had breakfast and lunch together on board and spent the afternoon catching up.

“It was just great to see somebody from home,” said Winnie.

Their time together was short, but it was one of the most meaningful days of the trip — a chance to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with family and to show him what her daily life has been like on this journey around the world.

Sometimes the most memorable travel moments aren’t the tours or the landmarks, but the people you share the experience with.

Life at Sea: Finding a Routine

With more sea days during this part of the journey, Winnie says life on the ship has started to feel familiar — almost like home.

“It’s almost like living where I live in a retirement community, except it’s bigger and a lot more luxurious, and they do a lot more for you,” said Winnie.

Sea days are spent doing laundry, reading, attending activities, writing in her journal and simply taking time to rest between ports. After such a long journey, pacing has become important — knowing when to take a tour and when to take a day off and recharge.

Up Next: Sri Lanka and The Maldives

Next, the journey continues to Sri Lanka and The Maldives — another entirely new part of the world, with different cultures, history and food still ahead on this around-the-world adventure.

For someone visiting Australia for the first time, Winnie’s introduction came at sunrise.

She woke early as the ship approached Sydney Harbor, stepping out on deck just as the city slowly came into view. Even in the early light, it was clear why the harbor is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The water stretched wide in every direction, ringed by carefully maintained paths, bike trails and distinctive modern buildings.

As the ship moved closer to port, two landmarks came into view: the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House and the massive steel arch of the Harbour Bridge. From the water, both felt even more impressive than expected. 

Later that day, Winnie joined a harbor cruise excursion that explored the inlets and corners of the harbor while guides shared stories about the city’s history. At one point she spotted tiny figures climbing the top of the bridge — a famous adventure for visitors who aren’t afraid of heights.

It was an unforgettable welcome to Australia.

Encounters with Australia’s Wildlife

One of Winnie’s most anticipated excursions came a few days later near Mooloolaba, where she visited the famous Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin.

The zoo is expansive and beautifully landscaped, but the intense heat and humidity meant many animals had retreated into shaded areas. Still, the visit delivered several memorable encounters.

Along the walkways, wild lizards darted between rocks and plants. Dingo dogs rested nearby, and the zoo’s koalas drew plenty of attention from visitors.

But the moment Winnie will remember most happened in the kangaroo enclosure.

In a wide open area filled with kangaroos lounging in the shade, she approached one mother whose joey was tucked inside her pouch. At first only the tiny legs were visible, dangling out awkwardly. Then the mother shifted slightly — and moments later the baby’s head popped out.

The little joey looked around curiously while Winnie gently petted the calm and remarkably tame kangaroo. It was a small, quiet moment, but one that captured the magic of seeing Australia’s wildlife up close.

Heat, Humidity and Coastal Towns

As the ship continued north along Australia’s coast, the climate became a major part of the experience.

In Whitsunday, Winnie took a short bus ride into town to explore the harbor area and shops. The beach looked beautiful, but the heat and humidity were overwhelming, and after a brief walk through the town she happily returned to the ship for a cool shower.

The weather also influenced some decisions along the way. Although many travelers headed out to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Winnie chose to skip the excursion. The combination of strong currents, protective wetsuits and the possibility of stinging sea life made her decide it was better to admire the reef from afar.

A Glimpse Beneath the Water

Instead of snorkeling, Winnie explored the underwater world from a different perspective during a visit to the aquarium in Cairns.

The exhibits were extensive and beautifully designed, with guides stationed throughout the building explaining the marine life on display. From coral ecosystems to unusual reef fish, the aquarium offered a fascinating introduction to the waters surrounding Australia’s northeast coast.

It was an experience she thoroughly enjoyed — and one that required far less energy than venturing out into the reef itself.

Life Onboard Between Ports

Like much of this leg of the voyage, the journey along Australia’s coast included several sea days. Fortunately, life on the ship offers no shortage of ways to pass the time.

There are lectures, live music performances and creative activities throughout the day. One evening, the ship hosted a Valentine’s celebration in the atrium complete with music and an elaborate chocolate buffet. From her seat on the upper balcony overlooking the three-story space, Winnie watched the festivities below as the ship’s singers performed.

She also enjoyed a special dinner at the ship’s Chef’s Table restaurant, where the menu that evening featured Vietnamese cuisine — one of the highlights of the onboard dining experiences.

Between events, there’s always something happening: lectures before dinner, mahjong games, chair yoga, musical performances throughout the evening, and plenty of quiet corners for simply watching the ocean pass by.

Chair yoga on the ship

Perhaps most impressive to Winnie has been the crew itself. Throughout the journey, their warmth and attentiveness have stood out, making the ship feel less like a hotel and more like a floating community.

A First Impression — and a Reason to Return

Although Winnie’s time in Australia included memorable moments, she left feeling that she had only seen a small slice of such a vast country.

Most ports offered only brief visits along the coast, and many inland excursions required long days of travel that she ultimately decided were too demanding.

Still, the highlights remain vivid: the sunrise arrival into Sydney Harbor, the playful joey peeking from its mother’s pouch, and the glimpse of Australia’s extraordinary marine life.

If anything, the experience left Winnie with one clear thought.

Australia deserves more time.

Fortunately, the journey is far from over. As the ship now sails through Indonesia, a new chapter of discoveries is already underway.

Up next: Indonesia, where the adventure shifts from Australia’s coastline to a chain of tropical islands. From encounters with Komodo dragons to exploring Bali and the bustling cities of Java, the next leg of the voyage offers a vivid look at one of the world’s most diverse island nations.

Crossing the International Date Line meant Winnie quite literally skipped a day—going to bed Friday night and waking up Sunday morning. It felt like an appropriately surreal beginning to a milestone birthday spent in the middle of the South Pacific, surrounded by turquoise water, new friends and the easy rhythm of life at sea.

Cook Islands

Snorkeling in the South Pacific

Snorkeling quickly became a highlight of this stretch of the journey, with Winnie heading into the water three days in a row—once in Bora Bora and twice in Tahiti. Bora Bora stood out as her favorite experience. Traveling by small boat with a group of just nine, she snorkeled first in deeper water filled with beautiful fish before moving into a shallow lagoon. The day ended with an unexpected and memorable moment: a toast in the water with pineapple juice and rum, celebrating a perfect day on the sea.

Snorkeling in Tahiti offered a different experience. On one outing, spinning dolphins appeared alongside the boat, leaping and twisting through the air before diving back into the water. Another day brought strong winds and rougher surf aboard a large pontoon boat. While the boat made getting in and out of the water easy, the conditions kept Winnie’s time in the water brief—a reminder that every experience is shaped by the day’s conditions as much as the destination.

A Birthday Celebration at Sea

Winnie celebrated her 92nd birthday with a day designed for relaxation and connection. It began with a facial and massage, followed by an evening at her favorite onboard dining venue: the Chef’s Table. Known for its rotating themed menus and curated wine pairings, the experience feels closer to a tasting menu than a traditional cruise dinner.

On Winnie’s birthday, the theme was Japanese cuisine, served as a six-course meal with wines paired to each dish. The evening concluded with a surprise—an elegant mousse cake coated in chocolate ganache and a bottle of champagne—shared with friends she has come to know well over the course of the voyage. It was a celebration that felt thoughtful, unhurried and perfectly suited to the setting.

The People You Meet Along the Way

Life onboard has been just as memorable as the destinations themselves. Winnie has formed friendships with fellow travelers from a wide range of backgrounds: retired attorneys, teachers, engineers, nurses and others enjoying early retirement. Some are traveling the world for the first time, while others are on their third around-the-world voyage!

One particularly meaningful connection was with a woman whose eyesight is rapidly declining and who chose this journey while she could still see as much of the world as possible. These conversations, shared over dinners and days at sea, have become an essential part of the experience.

Favorite Corners of the Ship

Between ports, Winnie has found a comfortable rhythm onboard. One favorite spot is the pool deck, where rows of chaise lounges face the open sea, offering a peaceful place to read and watch the horizon. She also enjoys the forward deck, with its sweeping views and easy access to bars and casual snack areas.

Lectures on upcoming ports, ocean science and marine life add depth to the journey, while evenings sometimes bring films related to the regions the ship is passing through—even if those tend to run a bit late for Winnie’s schedule.

This stretch of the journey reflects a quieter rhythm of life onboard as the ship makes its way across the Pacific. With fewer ports and more time at sea, the days have been shaped by small rituals—reading with an ocean view, shared meals, lectures and conversations that unfold without rushing. It’s a pause that allows the experience to settle in, creating space for reflection as much as discovery.

That calm won’t last for long! Soon, the pace will shift as Winnie heads toward New Zealand, Australia and Southeast Asia, followed by an ambitious route that includes circumnavigating Africa. With more frequent ports, dramatic landscapes and culturally distinct destinations ahead, the journey is about to take on an entirely new energy.

Up next: New Zealand—where the scenery changes, the itinerary picks up speed, and the adventure moves firmly back on land.