Teri West
I've always been drawn to water, likely because it both calms and exhilarates me.
I find swimming to feel like being on another planet, your body suspended, the world completely muffled. What a thrill to leave the ground behind.
Swimming laps has long been one of my favorite ways to de-stress, a part of my morning (or evening) routine now for nearly 20 years. Growing up, nerves would follow me at swim meets all the way up until the buzzer and then would fall away as soon as I entered the water, transported.
Even just being within view of a river can have a similar soothing effect, and I'm lucky to have plenty of access to such views in New York City. And many of my favorite travel memories involve water: Finding swimming holes in the woods, snorkeling with rays, hiking on cliffs above the Mediterranean, rafting in Ecuador as butterflies fluttered by in waves.
I know I'm not the only one who finds peace through water, which is probably why so many vacations are built around being near it.
Cruising, however, is new to me, and in my first month at Travel Weekly, it has already allowed me to experience water in a new way. Sitting on my balcony on the MSC World America during its inaugural festivities a few weeks ago, I was mesmerized by the sea below, a different depth and shade of blue than I typically experience on the shoreline.
The ship can accommodate a maximum of 6,762 guests, and as a city lover I enjoyed the buzz throughout as I hopped from activity to activity. But I also had a peaceful little corner of it, for just me and the open ocean.
Yes, I also tried the water slides, including a wild one with a vertical drop, which reminded me it's been too long since I've gone to a water park. But hey, no need to book tickets for one now. Cruises should keep me content for a while.
So that's me, your new, water-loving cruise editor at Travel Weekly.
I couldn't be more thrilled to be here working alongside such smart, adventurous journalists and covering what has already proven to be a dynamic beat. Travel journalism is an exciting transition for me after years in political reporting and other local news.
Teri West takes to the Colorado River in Utah's Cataract Canyon. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Teri West
Now, in addition to heading to the neighborhood pool after work, clearing my head after packed days of interviews and writing, you'll also be able to find me at the cruise ship pool. Or any spot onboard with a good view.