A passive yes for a cruise holiday after two years of hiatus: Last two years have been difficult for everyone because of the ongoing pandemic. However, it was exceptionally difficult for me as I met with an accident and suffered multiple fractures, and have been bedridden for days at a stretch.
It was over two years that I had been on a holiday. I love going on solo trips, trekking, and exploring new places. However, due to the injury, I wasn’t sure if I could do it. Meanwhile, my friends were busy doing trips after trips. By the time I decided to independently plan for a holiday for myself, something really nice happened. My friends asked me to join them for a luxury cruise holiday. Having some prior commitments and being a believer of minimalistic lifestyle, I wasn’t sure if a cruise holiday was the right thing for me. However, the excitement of a free trip and peer pressure overtook the philosophical side of me and I was on the Cordelia cruise on 20th December for a 5-day trip.
Day 1 & 2: Sailing Through The Indian Ocean Exploring The Ship
The voyage started on December 20, and we were cruising through the Indian Ocean for the first two days. The cruise was huge and the first day went in exploring the ship and acclimatising to the surroundings. There were multiple categories of rooms and I was in the beautiful and cosy ocean-view room. At first glance, the room looked too small but it was big enough to accommodate two people with five-day luggage. Also, if an extremely unorgansised person like me could live comfortably, then most people should be able to manage a happy stay. However, it always helps if you have a rich brat in the group who enjoys luxury and upgrades to a suite with a big balcony view. To catch the feels of the wind, moon, and blue sea, I spent more time in their room than my own.(Ameer dost hone ka kuch toh faayda ho).
Also, the uppermost deck of the cruise is a good place to enjoy the sea. Most pictures clicked here looked so unreal & dreamy that it makes a mediocre-looking person like me look a notch better (Just kidding, I’m very good-looking!)
The cruise had everything one can ask for including lots of good food, restaurants, gym, pool, spa, casino, clubs, plays, lounge with a live band, and TT table. I had a great gym partner with whom I continued my morning workout & then hogging on food, continuing my high protein diet. Swimming and rock climbing were other interesting activities I did during the day. Apart from this, there was a ship tour and bridge tour organised by the cruise staff to better understand the magnificent ship.
Evenings at the cruise were equally – heartwarming dancing, listening to live music, plays, and performances.
Also read: This Girl Went For A Free Dream Cruise To Singapore After Winning A Contest On Instagram
Day 3: Excursion To The Untouched Island Of Lakshadweep
The highlight of the five-day trip was an excursion to Lakshadweep on the third day. I was told that the staff had arranged for a day’s excursion to Lakshadweep, which was just another activity that we were going for without expecting much from it. But to my surprise, it was the most beautiful thing to happen. Lakshadweep is an untouched, underdeveloped Indian island with the bluest sea and white sand I have ever seen. What’s more, The island has the cleanest of air to breathe and is sparsely populated with a small local population of around 5000 people. They have started water sports in a small way and were serving local cuisines and coconut water.
Kayaking, jet skiing, sitting by the beach, and swimming in the clean blue ocean at Lakshadweep are something I’ll never forget. For once, I felt maybe I belong to Lakshadweep but reality stuck and by evening we were back to the cruise.
Day 4 & 5: Halt In Goa With Exotic Lunch At Planet Hollywood
The fourth day was spent in the high seas enjoying the cruise and on the fifth day, we had a halt at Goa. Being a part of not so active/adventurous group, we woke up late and decided to have an exotic lunch in Goa. We went to a premium resort Planet Hollywood for the feast. The resort’s sea-facing restaurant was one hell of a beautiful place serving some kick-ass seafood from prawns to lobsters to fish. It also served vegetarian food, cocktails, and mocktails. The size, rooms, interiors, architecture, amenities of the resort were of international standards. I loved it so much, that I immediately wishfully planned my next Goan holiday at Planet Hollywood. If I write an article on Goa and Planet Hollywood, you will come to know whether or not my wishes and plans materialise.
Also read: 10 Airbnbs In Goa Perfect For A Relaxing Stay Amid Nature
Day 6: Time To Say Goodbye, An Indulgence Worth-While
The best part of the trip was watching the infinite sea in the moonlight with your favourite song on loop (it was Talwiinder for this trip), spending time with your favorite squad talking and laughing about nothing.
By the time we reached back to the shores of Mumbai, there was a bit of sadness as the voyage was coming to an end. In our hearts, we wanted to continue exploring newer shores and newer places. A journey that looked a little over the top or overwhelming in the beginning, ended with a feeling of craving for more. The sea grows on you more and more with every passing day making it hard to leave. But I’m sure we will have many such trips that add so much to our lives and of course make us feel alive!