Pier 35.  San Francisco, California

January 14, 2011

Noon.

Seasoned travelers ascended the raised rail gangway of the Seven Seas Voyager.  I leaped at the opportunity for another adventure,  a world cruise.  Seeking ports so exotic that they are rarely visited and attracted by the fiercely social crowd, this self-proclaimed "baby on board" didn't want to wait to see the world until I got old.  I wanted to see it now while I was still young.

As I had anticipated, a red carpet was rolled out, guiding the way on board.  The luxury hotel floated.  Not far off, the ship's horn sounds and a gala band plays.  I take notice of the steady pace of passengers; no need to rush on this first day of a 145-night odyssey.  I crossed over the ship's threshold and scanned the luxurious space where I will wake up to the voyage of new sights and sounds everyday and the world will revolve around me and six hundred and ninety nine other passengers.

A voice spoke, full with wonder.  "World cruiser.  Pleased to meet you."  Of the nearly 700 passengers a mere 120 embark on the full trip, others disembark during various segments.  Within a handshake away, inside the glassed atrium, the woman smiled at me.  She was slight and petite with wavy short hair.  Her eyes were that of my grandmother, knowing and true.  She drew out her hand to mine and smiled warmly.  "This is my second world cruise."  Her voice strong and with accent not easy to place.  "I wanted to travel the world again before I get old; I just turned ninety years old." 

"This is my first," I said excitedly.  "Meeting you is a good sign that this may not be my last!"  

"You will find many second timers here."  The lady spoke directly at me with a sparkle in her eyes.  "You will find a rekindled spirit of adventure and you will not want to leave after 5 months."  I felt a surge of excitement.  How did she know my thoughts precisely?

"Tonight the motivation to indulge will be restored.  Following a cocktail party, dine at Signatures, the French restaurant inspired by Le Cordon Bleu of Paris and applaud the sophisticated fun of an intimate cabaret-style performance."  The woman tilted her head in an elegant yet friendly manor.  "What's not to love for us global wanders?"

I found myself breathless with anticipation.

The woman held up her hand agreeably.  "Wait," she said eagerly.  "I will tell you that the staff is highly trained and thoroughly dedicated to attend to your every need and desire.  The Canyon Ranch Spa will nourish, calm and rejuvenate you like never before.  World-renowned experts and award winning luminaries will provide you a fresh perspective and insight into our destinations."  The woman spoke her next words nearly in a whisper.  "There is truly nothing on earth quite like this legendary journey across the hemispheres and around the globe."

When the woman had finished speaking, I smiled.  "Yes.  This is exactly what I wanted to hear."  "Others will tell you the same", she said.  "I look forward to our getting to know each another, starting here in San Francisco, across the sun-drenched tropics, through the exotic orient and mystical India, the Holy Land and Middle East, dazzling Mediterranean and ending in London."  

The Golden Gate Bridge appeared slowly.  Orange vermilion became more visible as the fog rolled and lifted.  A familiar sight, as I recall sailing under "the most photographed bridge in the world" and one of the Wonders of the World built in 1937.  Holding my coat close and tight against the cold wind I saw the spectacular and graceful structure, hand-painted steel, and sturdy rivets and cables.  This modern wonder.

Tears well in my eyes.  

Sailing into the setting sun and open ocean I trust that I will be enlightened and thrilled in ways that I've never imagined during my cruise, my first world cruise.