WHAT TIME IS THE MIDNIGHT BUFFET?

A couple celebrates 25 years together with their first cruise.

Though the author and his wife don’t consider themselves “vacation people,” their upcoming quarter-century anniversary prompts them to do something special. Despite their initial misgivings about cruises–it’s for old people, they might hate it and be stuck on a boat for ten days–they find it an attractive option, especially after researching the cost of a stay at a New England resort. To find the best option, the author, or “chesterh” as he is known on the Internet, consults numerous books and online message boards about cruises. His research enables him not only to pick what he thinks will be the right cruise–a ten-day trip from Baltimore to the western Caribbean–but also what kind of room to book, what to pack and what to expect during their journey. Based on the advice of experienced cruise-goers, he also acquiesces to the twinkle in his wife’s eyes inspired by the thought of her husband in a tuxedo and secretly rents one for formal dinners during the cruise. Despite all their research, the author and his wife are not quite prepared for the level of luxury they encounter onboard. Having reserved a suite, they enjoy the privileges of a private veranda with a spectacular view and top-notch butler service. Their excursions off the ship–swimming with dolphins in Cozumel, a jungle safari to visit Mayan ruins in Belize and snorkeling in the Bahamas–are once-in-a-lifetime treats as well. Readers not planning to take a cruise in the near future may not fully appreciate the level of detail with which the author describes every aspect of their adventure, but he is a charming, self-deprecating narrator who makes it easy for anyone considering a similar journey to follow in their wake.

An enjoyable recount of a carefree holiday at sea.