Top Deck

The continuous gust of wind from the top deck of the ship whipped my hair back into my face. Knots were weaving themselves through my hair after every step I took against the current. I slyly maneuvered my way through sporadic groups of people with my new husband following right at my heels. He knew how much I was enjoying myself and let me lead us through the crowds. We were more than 40 stories up into the sky with nothing but the wide surrounding ocean at every angle. There was no sight of land whatsoever, only bright skies and deep blue water. The two of us were honeymooning on a cruise ship with thousands of other travelers and staff members. I watched spectators perch themselves along the edge of the ship against tall glass window panes and handrails. They hunkered down to relax in lounge chairs, chat with friends or continue turning the next page in their book. Kids were anxiously awaiting their turn in line for the ice cream machine, while smiling staff members kept their promises to keep the cone holders fully stocked. They rushed to finish their treat so they could seize their last place in line to soar down the curvy water slide before it closed up for the night. More sections of cruisers were finishing up rowdy games of basketball, mastering their free throws as the ship rocked back and forth along with the waves. I saw families teaming up for ping pong tournaments where the winners held no shame in celebrating their victory.

My sandals were clapping loudly as they hit the soles of my feet. I could tell I was moving quicker than Seth but I didn't feel like slowing down. As the sun was setting along the horizon of the ocean, it was time to shut down the snack bars and poolside services. Chairs were stacked and the floors were being mopped. The crew members were counting money tills and restocking supplies for another day at sea tomorrow. I skipped up the stairs and finally reached the farthest edge of the cruise ship. My freshly polished nails gripped the railing and watched as the ship trekked through the strong currents of the ocean. I took in a deep breath of the clean and salty air. The sun was sinking deeper and deeper into the watery abyss, changing the colors in the sky as minutes passed. Everything seemed much smaller from this birds eye view from the ship, but along the bottom those powerful crashing waves were not to be taken lightly.

This was my first experience ever being on a cruise ship. We were sailing through the Eastern Caribbean on board the Allure of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. We were stationed to be there for a full week and we reached the half way point in the week of our vacation. My delicate sunburned skin was beginning to set in as a nice subtle tan. I couldn't manage to find a clean part in my hair so I would resort to flipping the tangled waves from side to side. I don't think I had brushed through my hair either and my skin smelt like a combination of chlorine and coconut sunscreen. Make up also seemed a little unnecessary, especially because it would melt away during the day when we laid out under the sunshine alternating laps and plunges into the pool. It was almost our time for dinner, but I didn't want to miss the sunset. It took a little bit of coaxing but I convinced Seth to bring out the more expensive camera that we brought on the trip to snap just a couple of photos of our vacation. The camera wasn't ours, but it was entrusted in our safe keeping by a good friend, so we might as well practice our safe handling skills and let the camera out of its bag to greet this side of the sea. Seth unzipped the bag and carefully took the lens cap off of the camera. We took a few pictures by the railing and then one against the back of the ship. I wasn't quite sure how to pose, but smiling is always a good option.

If I had a choice, I'd bring a pillow and comforter to the top deck of the ship and sleep there every night, just so I could see both the sunrise and sunset on a daily basis. It's a pretty cool feeling being able to lookout amongst the vastness of the ocean, witnessing and appreciating the beauty of this planet and how lucky we are to live in it. I think the biggest reason people like views like this overlooking the ocean or high on a top of a mountain or sometimes even on top of a roof is because it makes us feel small. Small in the sense that our problems, our issues, our worries and our fears are smaller than we think. The smaller they are the less intimidating they become. It gives you an opportunity to breathe through a problem or maybe give you a break from your own thoughts. You realize that this moment you're experiencing is the only thing that really matters. These are great reminders of allowing yourself to be present, even if it is for just a few minutes before the sun sets.

Lightbulbs flickered to life as the stars began to file one by one in the night sky. My hungry belly began to rumble signaling my body that it was our time for dinner. We made our way back down the stairs, hand in hand and went back to our cabin to get washed up for dinner. I've always been a mountain girl, appreciating the view from the op after a long and exhausting hike; but I will always be intrigued by the ocean. It reminds me of untapped adventures, that no matter what you may be facing that there are always opportunities around the corner.