Celebrity Summit still had a few things to show Jeannie and Skip before delivering them back to Florida. Some involved stage lights. Some involved bartenders demonstrating skills best left to professionals. And some required nothing more than stepping onto the balcony and looking at the sky.

Unfortunately, two uninvited traveling companions had also settled in: matching colds.

Your roving reporter checked the itinerary. Those were definitely not included.

October 16 — Taking It Easy, Until the Music Started

Friday moved at a gentler pace. Jeannie and Skip made their way to the spa for a scheduled body composition analysis, but otherwise, ambition took the day off. With a stuffy head and low energy, balcony time and rest held considerable appeal. The elevators also enjoyed a renewed appreciation.

An overcast sea day can be a perfectly good day to slow down. The ocean keeps moving, the ship handles the transportation, and a comfortable chair asks very little of its occupant.

An easy day at sea, with the horizon doing most of the work.

Their final specialty dinner brought them back to Tuscan Grille for a 6:30 reservation. They shared burrata and antipasti, followed by lasagna for Skip and ricotta gnocchi for Jeannie. Tiramisu and fig gelato rounded out the meal.

Everything was very good; however, their appetites weren’t quite keeping up with the kitchen. Waiter Ely performed another magic trick featuring Spoony and Forky. It was fun to see them again

Outside the restaurant window, the evening supplied another course: sunset over the water.

The kitchen prepared dinner. The Lord provided the view.

Somewhere in the evening’s entertainment lineup, the Martini Bar turned into a stage of its own. With “Gangnam Style” by Psy playing at full volume, the bartenders juggled and stood on the bar and poured multiple martinis in a lively display of coordination, creativity, and remarkably steady hands.

Jeannie and Skip had no alcohol that day, but enjoying this performance required only a good view.

Your correspondent’s beverage service generally involves one cup and a firm grip. This was clearly an advanced course.

A little “Gangnam Style,” a lot of talent, and considerably more coordination than your reporter possesses.

At 9 PM, Rockumentary delivered what Jeannie considered the best show of the cruise. That distinction came with some serious competition after more than two weeks of entertainment.

There was a farewell tucked into the music, too: the orchestra would be leaving in Tampa, making this their final performance together. Knowing that gave the evening an extra measure of appreciation for the musicians behind so many memorable nights.

One final performance together—and a cruise favorite for Skip and Jeannie

October 17 — The People Who Made the Journey

Saturday began with a sunrise that deserved everyone’s full attention.

Orange light blazed beneath the clouds, spilling a golden reflection across the sea. Their last full day aboard had arrived, and the Lord had given it a glorious opening.

One last sunrise at sea, with enough glory to stop the packing before it started.

Jeannie and Skip spent some time in pool loungers before retreating to their cabin and balcony. Both were feeling the effects of their colds, and a quiet ocean view was about the right speed.

There would be plenty to do soon enough. For a while, they could simply sit and enjoy the place that had been their floating home.

At the evening’s farewell, Captain George stood onstage with his officers and thanked the passengers for choosing Celebrity Summit. Then roughly 100 crew members walked through the theater to the audience’s applause.

The captain offered his thanks, and the audience had plenty of gratitude to return.

Those crew members had done far more than keep a ship running. Again and again, they had made Jeannie and Skip feel noticed and special. This was a chance to applaud the people whose daily work had become part of the pleasure of the journey.

Trenyce returned for the 7 PM show, Dancing to Disco, bringing another excellent performance. Jeannie preferred the Diana Ross and Whitney Houston music from her first appearance, but the talent was every bit as evident the second time around.

Trenyce brought the sparkle for one more evening in the theater.

Dinner plans were quieter. Rather than join their main dining room table and risk sharing their colds, Jeannie and Skip chose freshly made ramen bowls at Oceanview Café around 8:45.

But there were important goodbyes to make. Jeannie took extra tips to Satya and Dennis to thank them for their service and said farewell to Terry squared.

After so many evenings aboard, familiar faces had become part of what they would miss.

Then came the final packing assignment.

Suitcases had to be outside the cabin by 10 PM, while clothes and toiletries for an overnight stay at Wesley’s needed to remain accessible. This required the sort of careful thinking that becomes surprisingly difficult when all anyone wants is to lie down.

The suitcases, regrettably, offered no assistance.

Still, amid the farewells and packing, one balcony photograph held a thought Jeannie wanted to carry home. Beneath a broad covering of gray clouds, sunlight found its way through and stretched a silver path across the water.

He is there when the skies are gray, too.

It was a fitting reminder at the end of their days at sea. God had been present in the brilliant sunrises, the rainbows, the wide ocean, the remarkable places, and the kindness of people along the way. His presence didn’t depend on clear skies—or on two travelers feeling their best.

Tomorrow would bring Tampa and the next part of the journey.

For tonight, there was gratitude for all they had seen, all the people who had cared for them, and one last evening aboard Celebrity Summit.

Written in part by Lumen Aid, roving reporter

Editor in Chief: GOD

Island Time Travels | Seas the Day | October 15, 2026

Reporting from aboard Celebrity Summit, where the day’s most memorable excursion required neither a tender ticket nor a tour guide.

A Change in Plans

After many years away, Jeannie and Skip were looking forward to revisiting George Town, Grand Cayman.

Unfortunately, both travelers woke up with an unexpected souvenir of their cruise: aching backs.

Having matching luggage is one thing. Matching backaches? Entirely unnecessary.

Neither could point to a particular injury, but both were uncomfortable enough to question whether a tender ride through choppy waters would be wise.

Following some prayer and consideration, they made the disappointing decision to remain aboard their floating resort.

Yes, dear readers, sometimes the hardships of travel require remaining aboard a luxury cruise ship, surrounded by attentive staff, abundant food, and sweeping ocean views.

The sacrifices these two make!

Two aching backs, two smiling travelers, and one perfectly comfortable excuse to remain aboard.

The Master Artist

But the day’s most memorable adventure had already begun.

Earlier that morning, Jeannie had awakened with an aching back and questioned whether her usual walk on Deck 11 was a good idea.

She spent a little time sitting with a pillow supporting her back before deciding to give the walk a try.

Apparently, while she was contemplating her options, the Editor in Chief was arranging the morning’s scenery.

Rain had just passed through, leaving the deck glistening when Jeannie stepped outside.

The morning’s rain had departed, leaving the deck sparkling in the rising sun.

No other passengers or crew had ventured out so at first she was completely alone.

And within ten seconds, there it was.

A magnificent rainbow.

An unexpected greeting from the Master Artist.

But the Master Artist had only begun.

For the next 48 minutes, as Jeannie walked and listened to God’s Word, the rainbows remained visible. At one point, even a double rainbow stretched across the sky.

Double portion of blessings

And then came a sight that seemed almost too magnificent to capture: a great rainbow arching over Celebrity Summit itself.

No shore excursion could have arranged a view quite like this.

Imagine that scene.

An otherwise empty deck. The sound of the sea. Scripture filling her ears. And above it all, a breathtaking reminder of the One Who created the heavens and the earth.

Even as her walk ended, portions of the rainbow were still visible.

It was an extraordinary gift.

And to someone carrying the discomfort of an aching back, the disappointment of changed plans, and the ordinary uncertainties of life, it was a beautiful reminder that God is present in all of it.

The storms. The trials. The unexpected detours.

He doesn’t promise that every day will unfold according to our plans.

He does promise never to leave or forsake us.

Sometimes He allows us to understand the why.

More often, He invites us to trust the Who.

Somewhere beyond the storms and uncertainties, the Master Artist still holds His paintbrush. And on this particular morning, He offered a spectacular reminder that His presence is never far away.

Grand Cayman, From a Different Perspective

The island remained tantalizingly close throughout the day.

The tenders continued their journeys between ship and shore, and naturally, there were moments when the travelers second-guessed their decision.

Perhaps they could have managed the ride after all?

And then another tropical downpour would sweep across the harbor.

Apparently, the Editor in Chief had more than one way of reinforcing the day’s revised itinerary.

Grand Cayman beneath gathering storm clouds. Perhaps staying aboard wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Jeannie and Skip eventually made peace with their unexpected shipboard holiday.

After all, there are worse places to spend a day recovering than aboard Celebrity Summit.

A Little Creative Engineering

Meanwhile, the search for comfortable seating continued.

Apparently, lumbar support was not among Summit’s most generous amenities.

After testing several chairs without success, Skip devised a solution.

Rolled-up pool towels!

Positioned behind their lower backs, the towels provided almost immediate relief.

No engineering degree required. No specialty equipment. Just a couple of towels and a little ingenuity.

A valuable discovery for two people who have absolutely no intention of retiring from retirement travel.

A Scoop of Good Fortune

The day’s adventures also included a visit to the Gelateria to redeem their complimentary scoops of gelato.

Mint chocolate for Jeannie. Mango for Skip.

Both flavors received favorable reviews.

But with so many delicious frozen treats already included elsewhere aboard Summit, the travelers concluded that this free visit was enough for them.

Decisions, decisions! So many flavors, but complimentary might just be the sweetest one of all.

Thanksgiving in October

By evening, the Terrys had returned from their Grand Cayman excursion and joined Jeannie and Skip for dinner.

The dining room offered a traditional turkey dinner, a favorite of their Canadian companions.

And yes, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving, too, although a little earlier than its American neighbors.

There was even a rich chocolate dessert recommended by Dennis.

Unfortunately, the dessert was considerably more agreeable at dinner time than it was later that night.

Sometimes indulgence sends its regards long after the meal is over.

A Dazzling Evening

The evening’s entertainment brought a different kind of sparkle to Celebrity Summit.

Trenyce took the stage with Dueling Divas, celebrating the music of Diana Ross and Whitney Houston.

And what a performance!

With a powerful voice, a shimmering gown, and plenty of stage presence, Trenyce delivered a fantastic tribute to two legendary singers.

Trenyce brings the legendary music of Diana Ross and Whitney Houston to life aboard Celebrity Summit.

From God’s spectacular rainbow across the morning sky to the dazzling lights of the evening stage, October 15 certainly wasn’t lacking in color.

Apparently, staying aboard the ship didn’t mean missing the show. It simply meant enjoying a different one!

A Better Plan

Throughout the day, brief but powerful tropical downpours swept through Grand Cayman.

Each one seemed to offer a little reassurance that remaining aboard had been a wise decision.

And the travelers eventually recognized something worth celebrating.

Their plans had changed.

They hadn’t visited the island they hoped to explore.

But they had enjoyed the comforts of their ship, found a simple solution to their aching backs, shared another evening with friends, and witnessed a spectacular display of God’s handiwork.

Grand Cayman beneath a glorious sky. Sometimes the view from the ship is exactly where you’re meant to be.

Perhaps the day’s greatest blessing wasn’t what they had planned to see.

It was what they never could have planned.

The most beautiful part of a journey is discovering that God’s itinerary is better than our own.

Two sea days remain before Celebrity Summit reaches Tampa, bringing this remarkable Panama Canal adventure toward its conclusion.

But don’t put away those traveling shoes just yet.

The roving reporter suspects there are still a few stories waiting to be told.

Written in part by Lumen Aid, roving reporter for Island Time Travels

Editor in Chief: GOD

October 14, 2026 | Seas the Day | Ocho Rios, Jamaica

A Jamaican Welcome

Ocho Rios greeted the Celebrity Summit with rolling green hills, sparkling Caribbean waters, and a sky that seemed to have been painted in the softest shades of pink and blue.

The island was certainly making a favorable first impression.

As the morning progressed, the gentle colors gave way to brilliant sunshine, towering white clouds, and water displaying nearly every shade of blue imaginable.

God certainly knows how to make an entrance.

An Engineer Never Really Takes a Vacation

While some passengers were admiring the scenery, Skip’s attention was occasionally directed toward something less picturesque: the operation of the ship.

A squall had developed while Summit was tied at the dock, accompanied by an announcement of “Echo, Echo, Echo.”

Skip was waiting for an elevator to join Jeannie for breakfast on Deck 10 when he noticed that the elevators weren’t operating.

Most passengers might have regarded this as a minor inconvenience. Skip, however, had other thoughts.

His engineer-and-captain brain immediately went to work.

He suspected that wind and water were pushing against Summit, requiring the ship to respond quickly to maintain its position. Generating sufficient power for that task, he reasoned, would take priority over operating elevators.

Was that precisely what happened? This reporter can’t say for certain. But Skip’s understanding of ships gave him a different perspective on those few minutes.

Jeannie, meanwhile, was blissfully unaware that anything unusual might be happening.

This illustrates one of the many differences between these intrepid travelers.

Skip knows what’s happening behind the scenes.

Jeannie knows where breakfast is being served.

And both consider their respective areas of expertise quite satisfactory.

Shopping for Something Money Can’t Buy

Jeannie and Skip had deliberately chosen not to book an excursion in Jamaica. Instead, they would explore the shops and attractions near the port at their own pace.

Now, anyone familiar with Jeannie and Skip knows that shopping is not exactly their favorite recreational activity.

But Jamaica introduced an unexpected incentive.

Air conditioning.

The tropical heat was considerable, and the breeze apparently had other appointments.

Suddenly, every air-conditioned establishment became an irresistible attraction.

The travelers wandered into shops with renewed enthusiasm, lingering appreciatively in the cool air before gathering their courage for another expedition into the heat.

Merchandise was optional. Air conditioning was essential.

Still, their shopping adventures weren’t entirely without purchases.

Skip acquired some famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans. They also selected a colorful canvas bag and a refrigerator magnet as a thank you for the family members looking after their house as they travel.

The Jamaica themed bag may soon debut at a family event back home.

Margaritaville, Naturally!

No visit to this particular stretch of Jamaica would be complete without acknowledging Jimmy Buffett.

Skip is a longtime fan, so when the travelers encountered Margaritaville, a photograph was practically mandatory.

Their wanderings also took them past a cheerful establishment named “Pizza Please!”

Jeannie, who appreciates a good play on words almost as much as a beautiful flower garden, couldn’t resist taking a picture.

They didn’t eat pizza.

But they certainly appreciated the delivery of that pun!

A Different View of Their Floating Home

An opportunity in Ocho Rios was seeing Celebrity Summit from an angle the travelers rarely experience.

From the pier, they could admire her impressive stern and the design that makes such efficient use of available space.

Summit was designed to meet Panamax dimensional limits for passage through the original Panama Canal locks, a fitting characteristic for a ship that had just carried Jeannie and Skip through that remarkable waterway.

From this vantage point, her carefully arranged decks and impressive proportions were especially apparent.

The travelers also discovered a large, colorful Jamaica sign, with Summit conveniently positioned in the background.

Getting the ship’s name into the photograph proved impossible, but the enormous Celebrity X was unmistakable.

Sometimes an X really does mark the spot!

The Umbrella Theory Survives Another Test

Readers may recall the travelers’ highly scientific Umbrella Theory.

Its central premise is simple: Pack rain protection, and the rain will politely arrange its schedule around your activities.

In Jamaica, Jeannie and Skip took the experiment one step further.

They left their umbrellas and rain jackets in the cabin.

Notwithstanding this rather bold departure from established procedure, they enjoyed favorable weather throughout their approximately 90-minute exploration ashore.

As they headed back toward Summit, however, dark clouds were gathering over the hills.

Once again, they returned to the ship comfortably ahead of the rain.

A brief shower eventually arrived, but by then the travelers were safely aboard.

Their rain gear remained completely unused.

The Umbrella Theory’s remarkable success continues, although its scientific credibility remains under review.

Jeannie and Skip are simply grateful that God blessed them with another opportunity to enjoy His beautiful creation without getting soaked.

An Evening of Music, Memories, and Laughter

At 7:00 PM, the evening’s entertainment featured Steve Moris, a talented comedian and musician whose performance brought plenty of laughter along with some impressive musical versatility.

Moris has enjoyed a long career in entertainment, including work as a supporting musician for the Beach Boys and other notable musical credits.

His combination of comedy, singing, guitar playing, and harmonica made for a wonderfully entertaining performance.

And just when playing one instrument while singing seemed sufficiently challenging, he occasionally played guitar and harmonica at the same time.

Apparently, one instrument at a time simply wasn’t ambitious enough.

It was another reminder that entertainment aboard Summit continues to offer pleasant surprises. Sometimes the best shows aren’t the most elaborate productions, but simply a talented performer, a guitar, a harmonica, and the ability to make an audience smile.

The People Behind the Experience

At dinner, Jeannie and Skip found themselves once again in the capable hands of Satya and Dennis, their attentive dining room team.

Their table companions, the two Terrys, were absent. The travelers suspected their excursion to climb Dunn’s River Falls may have left them operating on a different schedule.

Satya and Dennis, meanwhile, had already endured a particularly demanding day.

Upon arriving in port, the crew had participated in a mandatory emergency drill, spending approximately an hour outside in the tropical heat wearing their uniforms and life jackets.

And while passengers enjoyed another delightful day in Jamaica, the crew continued carrying responsibilities that most passengers seldom consider.

Their dedication deserves recognition.

It’s easy to take the comforts of cruising for granted when so many capable people work quietly to make them possible.

Like Sands Through the Hourglass

Somewhere along this grand adventure, Skip began thinking about an old, familiar phrase:

“Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.”

His thoughts weren’t really about a television soap opera.

They were about time.

This remarkable journey is drawing toward its conclusion. More sand has collected in the bottom of this adventure’s hourglass than remains at the top.

And yet, as Skip observed, time passes at exactly the same pace whether the travelers are passing through the Panama Canal, exploring a Caribbean island, or going about the ordinary business of everyday life.

The difference is often how carefully they pay attention.

There is another hourglass to consider, too.

At this stage of their lives, Jeannie and Skip recognize that more grains may have already fallen than remain above. None of us knows how many are left.

But Skip’s reflection wasn’t about counting the grains that have fallen or worrying about those still waiting.

It was about treasuring the one passing through the narrow opening right now.

Being present.

Noticing the beauty.

Sharing the laughter.

Appreciating the extraordinary blessing of simply being together.

As evening approached, the heavens seemed to illustrate his thoughts.

Skip captured some extraordinary photographs of the sunset. Brilliant oranges, warm golds, and soft pinks illuminated the clouds above the darkening Caribbean.

It looked as though God had taken His paintbrush to the sky and created another masterpiece.

No two sunsets are exactly alike. And once a particular evening has passed, that moment cannot be recreated.

But it can be appreciated.

It can be remembered.

And, if we’re fortunate, it can be shared with someone we love.

Tomorrow will bring another day, another destination, and another opportunity for Jeannie and Skip to discover what the Lord has prepared. Come along for the next dispatch.

For now, they’re thankful for this one.

The sand continues to fall.

And they’re determined to treasure every grain.

Until the next adventure, this is your roving reporter aboard Celebrity Summit, where the scenery is magnificent, the company is even better, and every moment is a gift from God.

Written in part by Lumen Aid, roving reporter for Island Time Travels.