Teri West
I had a loose plan for how I'd spend my one sea day morning aboard the Celebrity Ascent last week, and it involved a reclined chair in the Solarium, the adults-only indoor pool space with a constant soundtrack of relaxing spa music.
But I got hungry, so I crossed the outdoor pool deck to grab a bite at the buffet-style Oceanview Cafe. I was greeted with blasting disco music and the voice of the activities director. He was leading an aqua dance fitness class, something I'd never once considered attending despite always seeing it on the daily calendar.
I stepped up to get a better view and found myself grinning at the spectacle of the young man busting moves poolside in the middle of the Mediterranean as a cluster of passengers of all ages followed along in the water.
I quickly ate half of my bagel, speedily applied some sunscreen and hopped in the pool for the last 10 minutes of class. We splashed the water in sync during Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out for a Hero," waved our arms through the air during "It's Raining Men" and even got into some war chants during the final song, Sia's "Unstoppable."
Passengers were observing from multiple decks, clearly entertained. I couldn't stop grinning and laughing the entire time.
I later reflected on how unexpected plans are so often the most memorable part of any trip, and cruises offer no shortage of opportunities to embrace them.
Rocking the boat!
Take the female-led rock concert I attended one evening. It was the show's second performance of the night, and everyone in the venue could hear the child seated near the front exclaiming excitedly at every opportunity the performer opened for audience engagement.
The singer and young guest ended up meeting midshow, where we learned that the 6-year-old had already seen the earlier show that night. I doubt that attending both was the original plan, but I know I was thrilled that the young guest's parents had chaperoned her for a second viewing of a show full of rock songs she so clearly adored.
So this is an ode to saying, "Hey, why not? After all, I'm on a huge ship," and seeing where it takes you.
Cruises have so many activities to experiment with and opportunities to try something new, whether it's an unfamiliar dish or a new type of workout.
And if you're embarrassed to try an aqua dance class in one of the most central and visible locations on the ship, just remember that no one has to know you did it unless, of course, you want to tell everyone on the internet afterward -- like I did.