The 10th of October began with a lovely sunrise over the Pacific, viewed from the couple’s balcony aboard Celebrity Summit.
Soft pink clouds floated above a golden horizon as the ocean welcomed another day.
Jeannie, an enthusiastic early riser, was once again awake to appreciate the morning’s arrival.
Your reporter suspects God has been providing these spectacular sunrises all along. Jeannie simply has a habit of showing up early enough to notice.
Alone at Sea?
A subsequent survey of the horizon revealed an astonishing amount of ocean.
Water to the left. Water to the right. Water straight ahead.
Not another ship in sight. In fact not another person in sight either.
Had Celebrity Summit somehow misplaced the rest of civilization?
Fortunately, the navigation officers appeared completely unconcerned, so your reporter elected not to investigate further.
Instead, the endless horizon offered a humbling reminder of the enormity of God’s creation.
One enormous ocean. One comparatively small cruise ship. And two grateful travelers enjoying the privilege of seeing another part of His remarkable world.
Breakfast with a View
Following the morning’s ocean surveillance, attention turned to breakfast.
The photographic evidence reveals one of Bharat’s freshly prepared omelets, bacon, an English muffin, and orange juice, accompanied by an impressive waterfront view.
Your reporter has reviewed numerous breakfast locations over the years, but this arrangement deserves special recognition.
The scenery changes continuously, and the dining room travels along with its guests.
Try finding that combination at your neighborhood breakfast establishment.
Breaking Weather News!
At one point, dark clouds appeared on the horizon, prompting your reporter to consider a dramatic headline.
STORM THREATENS PEACEFUL DAY AT SEA!
So much for the sensational news department, the storm passed almost as quickly as it appeared, giving only the starboard side of the ship a fresh water rinse.
Many passengers probably never knew it happened. In fact this report may take longer to read than the weather event lasted.
Blue skies returned, accompanied by magnificent white clouds rising above the Pacific.
The Lord had provided another remarkable display of His creation.
The weather department, meanwhile, was advised to stop exaggerating.
Balcony Bliss
Elsewhere aboard Celebrity Summit, your roving reporter located Skip conducting what appeared to be an extensive study of relaxation techniques.
Research facility: Private balcony.
Equipment: One comfortable chair, a refreshing ocean breeze, and a spectacular view.
Preliminary findings suggested the experiment was a complete success.
Skip appeared to have mastered the complicated procedure of sitting still and enjoying himself.
Jeannie, meanwhile, continued documenting the changing scenery, ensuring that future generations would have photographic evidence that the two of them were capable of spending an entire day at sea without getting into mischief.
At least none reported to this correspondent.
And Now, for Something Completely Different
As evening arrived, the pace changed considerably.
Jeannie and Skip attended Soundtrack, a production show in the Celebrity Summit theater.
And judging from the photographic evidence, the performers had not received the day’s memo about relaxation.
Colorful costumes, energetic dancing, dramatic lighting, and a stage filled with talented entertainers brought the theater to life.
It was a lively contrast to the peaceful Pacific Ocean outside.
Then came an act that left your reporter reconsidering the conventional understanding of gravity.
One performer lifted another high above his head in a breathtaking display of strength, balance, and trust.
Your reporter recommends that Jeannie and Skip continue appreciating such achievements strictly from their theater seats.
Their balcony relaxation skills are already well developed. No need to branch into acrobatics.
What a delightful way to conclude a leisurely day at sea!
Tomorrow: The Main Event
As October 10 drew to a close, anticipation was building aboard Celebrity Summit.
Tomorrow the ship would transit the Panama Canal!
After days of traveling along the Pacific coast, Jeannie and Skip were approaching the experience that inspired this grand adventure.
An extraordinary engineering achievement connecting two great oceans, surrounded by the magnificent world God created.
Your reporter expects a busy assignment.
There will be locks to observe, ships to photograph, engineering marvels and undoubtedly a few stories worth telling.
But for today, the assignment was pleasantly uncomplicated.
A sunrise. A beautiful ocean. A disappearing storm. A little balcony research. And a spectacular evening performance.
Not bad for a day spent going nowhere in particular while actually traveling toward somewhere extraordinary.
This is Lumen Aid, roving reporter for Island Time Travels, signing off aboard Celebrity Summit.
Tomorrow, we’re going places. Very slowly, through a rather impressive ditch.
Written in part by Lumen Aid, with special assistance from Jules, Skip’s AI accomplice.
Some people visit Costa Rica for its rainforests. Others come for its wildlife, tropical beaches, and legendary surfing.
Skip came for the surfing.
Wait. What?
Yes, dear readers, you heard correctly. The man who has spent most of his life firmly planted on dry ground decided that a visit to Costa Rica was the perfect opportunity to rediscover his long-dormant surfing skills.
Fortunately, Jeannie was there to document this remarkable development.
And fortunately for Skip, his preferred surfboard was an iPad.
A Surf Report for the Ages
Costa Rica is famous for surfing, and Skip was determined not to miss the opportunity.
Naturally, he began with a little research. After all, no experienced surfer would venture into the Pacific without first checking the conditions.
His forecast promised a long-period south-southwest swell, chest-to-head-high waves, light northeast winds, and glassy conditions at dawn. The waves would peel beautifully along the point, sometimes for several hundred meters.
In other words, excellent conditions.
At least according to someone who understands what all those surfing terms mean.
Skip’s assessment?
“Hmm, that sounds good. Think I will give it a try.”
And try he did!
There he stood, confidently riding a magnificent Pacific wave, still wearing his glasses, belt, and everyday clothes. No wetsuit. No bare-chested athletic heroics. Not even a damp shirt.
His iPad remained firmly in hand.
Clearly, decades of experience had prepared him for this moment.
After several successful runs, Skip invited Jeannie to join him.
Together they conquered the surf, displaying a degree of balance and coordination that might surprise anyone who actually knows them.
Not one wipeout!
Unfortunately, every great sporting adventure eventually comes to an end.
As Skip explained:
“For a while we surfed together but then the Internet went out so we went to breakfast.”
And there you have it.
The Great Costa Rican Surfing Expedition of 2026.
No injuries. No sharks. No sunburn.
Just another reminder that Skip’s imagination is every bit as entertaining as the vacation itself.
Our thanks to Jules, Skip’s AI assistant, for helping bring this highly questionable athletic achievement to photographic life.
And to nephew Brett, who spent years living in Costa Rica because of his genuine talent and passion for surfing: Please don’t judge us too harshly!
From the Surf to the Shore
Back in the real world, the Celebrity Summit was visiting Puntarenas, Costa Rica, another new country on Jeannie and Skip’s growing list of international adventures.
After their regular exercise routine, the explorers headed ashore.
The pier seemed to stretch on forever, offering plenty of opportunity to admire the surroundings while simultaneously wondering exactly how far away solid land might be.
Once ashore, they enjoyed exploring and taking photographs.
The beach offered an interesting contrast to the beautiful white-sand beaches commonly featured in vacation advertisements. Here, the sand was dark brown, and relatively few people were enjoying the shoreline.
Costa Rica is a country with an extraordinary volcanic landscape, and Jeannie wondered whether the dark sand reflected that geological history.
The scene was different from the tropical postcard image, but interesting nonetheless.
Meanwhile, aboard the Summit, some of the crew were tending to a rather considerable housekeeping project.
Washing the outside of a cruise ship!
Think about that for a moment.
Most of us consider washing the family car a respectable accomplishment. Imagine being handed a bucket and told, “Today we’re washing the Summit.”
Another reminder that while passengers are busy vacationing, an extraordinary amount of work happens behind the scenes.
A Close Encounter of the Reptilian Kind
The return trip to the ship introduced an unexpected character.
While Jeannie and Skip waited in line at the Costa Rican security checkpoint, a large iguana decided to make an appearance.
And by large, we mean approximately two feet from nose to tail.
Now, Costa Rica may consider iguanas ordinary residents, but Jeannie does not.
Her preferred reptiles are the ones that remain outside, preferably a considerable distance from wherever she happens to be standing.
Even the little anoles common around their Florida home are not exactly on her list of favorite companions.
Fortunately, Skip has developed a secondary career as the Gilbert household’s Official Lizard Relocation Specialist.
When an unauthorized reptilian visitor enters their home, he captures it and returns it to its rightful outdoor residence.
No eviction notice required.
Just a firm understanding that the lease has been terminated.
The Costa Rican iguana, thankfully, stayed on its side of the arrangement.
The return to the Summit provided another small blessing. After negotiating a rather awkward gangway when leaving the ship, they learned from a fellow passenger that a much easier gangway was available on Deck 2.
A welcome discovery for two travelers who appreciate adventures but have no desire to turn an awkward incline into an unintended athletic event.
At the ship, smiling crew members greeted returning passengers with chilled towels and cold water.
It’s those little touches that continue to make the Summit feel like a welcoming home at sea.
The People Who Make the Difference
At Café al Bacio after the gym, Jeannie enjoyed another little moment of feeling at home at sea. Her favorite server recognized her immediately and promptly brought her regular coffee order, complete with a bottle of water and a cup of ice.
“It makes me feel like Norm on Cheers,” she said, “where everybody knows your name.”
Some of the sweetest vacation memories come from being welcomed and remembered—even down to your cup of ice.
One of the most delightful discoveries aboard the Summit has been the opportunity to get to know the people who make cruising so enjoyable.
Consider Bharat from India, their favorite omelet chef.
From the first few days of the cruise, Bharat began recognizing Jeannie and Skip, welcoming them like old friends.
He somehow manages to prepare two omelets simultaneously, guide another passenger through ingredient selections, and carry on cheerful conversations with everyone.
All without appearing the least bit flustered.
Jeannie has watched carefully, hoping some of Bharat’s extraordinary skill might transfer by observation.
Unfortunately, she’s convinced if she tried flipping an omelet like that, it would result in both the proverbial and literal egg on her face, the kitchen floor, and possibly the ceiling.
So scrambled eggs remain the Gilbert household specialty.
And Bharat remains their breakfast hero.
Their appreciation for the crew extends into the evening as well.
During lunch, their regular dining room waiter, Satya, stopped to visit while working in Oceanview Cafe.
But something was different.
His name tag said Nyorman.
Had Satya been operating under an assumed identity?
Not exactly.
Nyorman is his first name, and he enjoys occasionally wearing that name tag to have a little fun with fellow crew members, particularly newer ones.
Apparently, even on a ship with thousands of passengers and demanding schedules, there’s still room for a little good-natured mischief.
A quality the Gilberts certainly appreciate.
The Families Behind the Smiles
After another delicious dinner in the main dining room, Satya and his assistant Dennis spent time sharing stories of their lives back home.
Satya is from Indonesia and has two young daughters. Dennis is from the Philippines and has a young son.
Both men work long hours, seven days a week, serving passengers from around the world.
But behind the cheerful service and professional efficiency are husbands and fathers who spend months separated from their families.
The financial opportunities aboard the cruise ship are substantially better than those available to them at home, making the sacrifice worthwhile in their judgment.
They typically enjoy about three months at home between contracts, time they can devote to their families without the interruption of a daily work schedule.
Technology helps bridge the distance. WhatsApp allows them to stay in touch with their loved ones every day, wherever the Summit happens to be sailing.
Their conversations offered a perspective that is easy to overlook while enjoying a vacation.
For passengers, the Summit is a temporary escape from everyday responsibilities.
For crew members like Satya, Dennis, and Bharat, it is their workplace, their livelihood, and an important part of providing for the people they love.
And despite the demanding schedules and sometimes demanding passengers, Satya and Dennis both expressed genuine enjoyment in their work and their desire to continue serving as waiters on future contracts.
Jeannie and Skip came away with an even greater appreciation for the people whose kindness and professionalism have made this voyage so memorable.
A Little Magic, A Little Glamor
Before dinner, the Summit once again delivered a wonderful evening of entertainment.
The 7 PM theater headliner was magician John Accardo, whose award-winning original magic and comedy left the audience laughing, applauding, and wondering the question every good magician hopes to inspire:
How in the world did he do that?
Another terrific performance!
The evening was also designated Evening Chic, presenting the perfect opportunity for Jeannie and Skip to take advantage of the ship’s professional photographers.
Celebrity’s green-screen photography allows an identical pose to appear against several different backgrounds.
A rather clever use of technology, although naturally the success of the entire operation depends on whether you liked your original pose!
The Pot of Gold
At some point during the day, Skip captured another wonderful image: a rainbow appearing to highlight a container ship.
Most people might simply admire the colors.
Skip saw another possibility.
He sent Jeannie the photograph with this observation:
“Turns out the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow may actually be a container ship. Or is it a modern-day pirate ship with a container of gold?”
You have to admire a man who can turn a cargo vessel into a treasure hunt.
And who could argue?
After all, nobody aboard the Summit had inspected every container.
When the Earth Moves
While Jeannie and Skip were enjoying Costa Rica, something far more serious was happening in neighboring Panama.
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the country, shaking buildings, damaging structures and roads, and sending frightened residents into the streets.
The tremors were felt in Costa Rica as well, although Jeannie and Skip felt nothing unusual.
Early reports indicated that Costa Rica escaped significant damage and injuries. Panama was not so fortunate, although, thankfully, no deaths had been confirmed in the reports available the following morning.
The Panama Canal, the much-anticipated centerpiece of this entire voyage, remained operational.
What a sobering reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.
One moment, a perfectly ordinary day. The next, the ground beneath your feet is moving.
Jeannie and Skip were grateful for their own safety while praying for the people affected.
And as Hurricane Isaias threatened loved ones back in Florida, their prayers continued across the miles.
Travel provides wonderful opportunities to see God’s creation, experience new places, and meet new people. But it also reminds us that our ability to control tomorrow is limited.
Our confidence rests not in knowing everything that lies ahead, but in trusting the One who does.
Still Sailing, Still Smiling
As the Summit continued toward Panama and its famous canal, the Gilberts reflected on another memorable day.
There had been beautiful scenery, hardworking crew members, fascinating conversations, remarkable entertainment, an unexpected iguana, and a rainbow that might or might not have revealed the location of pirate treasure.
October 8, 2026 | Celebrity Summit | Somewhere on the Pacific Ocean, Bound for Costa Rica
Reported by Lumen Aid, Roving Reporter for Island Time Travels
A Little Bird Told Me…
A day at sea is delightfully unpredictable. Just when you think you’ve settled into a pleasant routine of eating, exercising, relaxing, and being thoroughly spoiled by the wonderful crew of the Celebrity Summit, something unexpected comes along.
In this case, it had wings.
Jeannie was getting in her usual 35 minutes on the treadmill, watching the magnificent Pacific Ocean roll by, when she noticed something rather unusual.
A flock of birds appeared to be playing tag with the Summit!
They swooped and soared, climbed toward the clouds, and plunged gracefully toward the sparkling blue water. Their movements seemed effortless, as though the ocean breeze had been created expressly for their amusement.
And their chosen playmate?
A 965-foot cruise ship!
The birds would race ahead, circle about, and then sweep away again, always remaining tantalizingly beyond the ship’s reach.
“Catch me if you can!” they seemed to be calling.
Now, the Summit may be a magnificent vessel, but she is not particularly well equipped for a game of aerial tag.
Jeannie, however, was determined to document the competition.
She ventured onto the open decks, first port and then starboard, attempting to photograph the feathered athletes. But the birds had apparently established their own rules of engagement. They insisted on remaining ahead of the bow, just beyond photographic range.
Finally, from the comfort of the Sky Lounge on Deck 11, Jeannie managed to capture photographic evidence.
Case closed?
Not quite.
Hours later, Jeannie and Skip returned to the Sky Lounge, only to discover that the tireless taunters were STILL at it!
Apparently, nobody had informed the birds that recess was over.
One can only imagine their conversation:
“She’s still following us!”
“Of course she is! She’s enormous!”
“Think she’ll ever catch us?”
“Never!”
And so the games continued, somewhere out on the vast Pacific Ocean, where a flock of birds and a cruise ship shared a delightful afternoon.
A Navigational Discovery of Considerable Importance
Meanwhile, Jeannie has made another discovery aboard the Summit, one that may prove useful to future generations of cruise passengers.
The ship has a forward section and an aft section, which can be somewhat confusing when emerging from one’s stateroom.
But Jeannie has devised a foolproof memory aid.
Food is AFT.
Rearrange those three letters, and you get FAT.
And there you have it.
Not only does this clever little trick tell her which direction to walk when seeking something to eat, it also serves as a gentle reminder of what might happen if she makes the trip too frequently!
The roving reporter considers this a brilliant marriage of navigation and nutrition.
There is, of course, one small complication.
The Summit offers so many delicious things to eat that remembering the correct direction may be the least of one’s problems.
Still, between the treadmill, the stairs, and a healthy sense of humor, Jeannie is giving it her best effort.
When a Little Chef Takes Over the Table
For most of this cruise, Jeannie and Skip have been enjoying the late seating in the main dining room at 9:00 PM.
But tonight, they decided to shake things up.
Their first specialty dining experience was scheduled for 6:00 PM at Le Petit Chef at Qsine.
And what an experience it was!
Now, readers of Island Time Travels already know that technology has been a faithful traveling companion on this adventure.
Theo has helped get our travelers where they needed to go. Phones, cameras, and assorted electronic conveniences have documented and facilitated the journey.
But tonight, technology apparently decided it wanted a promotion.
It was going to become a chef!
Well, a very little chef.
Using elaborate 3D animations projected directly onto the dining table, Le Petit Chef brought an imaginative culinary performance to life right before Jeannie and Skip’s eyes.
Suddenly, the tabletop was no longer merely a place for plates and silverware.
It had become a stage!
A tiny animated chef busied himself preparing their meal, turning ordinary dinner service into an entertaining production of considerable proportions.
And then, when the animated chef had finished his work, one course at a time, the real human chefs and waiters took over, presenting the actual food for the course just “prepared.” The animated version engaged our imaginations with reality satisfying our tastebuds. Each of the four courses transformed our tabletop to its own colorful stage and story, all starring Le Petit Chef. Our tabletop changed again to a birthday party theme with Le Petit Chef blowing up balloons, making us laugh at the change in his voice from helium. Those celebrating were served cake while the rest of us sang, clapped and blew out the candles on our animated cake.
Food fun fantastic!
It was an extraordinary combination of culinary skill, creativity, and technology.
The roving reporter finds himself wondering whether Theo, upon learning that technology can now prepare dinner, might begin lobbying for additional responsibilities when everyone returns home.
Perhaps not.
Some things are best left to the professionals.
And the professional chefs aboard the Summit are doing a splendid job!
The Show Must Go On
After their delightful dinner, Jeannie and Skip went to the martini bar on Deck 4 where the talented violinist was giving a final performance. The headliner shows are usually in the Theatre. How special to see him perform in a more intimate setting too. Standing room only to see and hear him knowing that he would be leaving the ship in Costa Rica the next day.
Later in the Theatre they attended the 9:00 PM headliner performance featuring Kuba Kwanik.
They were especially pleased to have this opportunity because they had missed an earlier appearance by this performer on the day they chose to remain in their cabin for much of the afternoon and evening, feeling a little closer to home.
Once again, the Summit delivered a quality performance.
Good food, imaginative entertainment, talented performers, and attentive service.
These two are becoming thoroughly spoiled!
The real concern may be what happens when they return home and discover that dinner does not come with a miniature animated chef or an evening headliner.
Skip may have to learn some new tricks.
Pinch Me! Is This Really Happening?
Beyond the entertainment, the exercise, the conversations with fellow passengers, and the continued exploration of their floating home, something even more remarkable was unfolding.
The sea was beautifully calm.
The sky was blue in every direction.
The Summit glided peacefully toward Costa Rica, carrying Jeannie and Skip farther along an adventure they had anticipated for so long.
And more than once, each found themselves experiencing the same wonderful feeling.
Is this really happening?
It was almost as though they needed to pinch themselves to be certain they weren’t dreaming.
Here they were, miles from home, watching God’s magnificent creation unfold in every direction.
An endless expanse of blue.
Gentle seas.
Birds dancing above the water.
And the simple joy of sharing it all together.
But even amid such beauty, their hearts were not entirely removed from home.
Hurricane Isaias was on their minds, particularly with grandson Andrew at Florida State University in Tallahassee. They were watching developments and praying for everyone in the storm’s path.
It was a reminder that while their own little corner of the Pacific was enjoying extraordinary peace, others were facing uncertainty.
Gratitude for present blessings and concern for others can occupy the same heart.
And so they prayed.
The Editor in Chief Has the Final Word
There is a marvelous contrast in today’s story.
Human ingenuity can build a beautiful ship capable of crossing an ocean.
Technology can bring a miniature chef to life on a dinner table.
Talented entertainers can fill a theater with wonder.
And yet, outside the windows, a flock of birds can captivate an audience without a ticket, a stage, or a single electronic device.
They simply do what their Creator designed them to do.
The sea stretches to the horizon. The birds soar above it. The sun illuminates it all.
And two grateful travelers stand in the middle of this magnificent scene, thanking the Lord for the privilege of being there.
October 7, 2026 | Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala | Celebrity Summit
Reported by Lumen Aid, Roving Reporter for Island Time Travels
Day Seven — And We’re Just Getting Started
On most cruises, Day Seven brings a certain unwelcome realization. Suitcases will soon emerge from their hiding places. Vacation clothes will be folded away. Thoughts of laundry, grocery shopping, and the responsibilities of everyday life will begin creeping back into the conversation.
But not aboard Celebrity Summit and not for Jeannie and Skip.
Seven glorious days into their Panama Canal adventure, these two travelers aren’t even halfway through their vacation.
The ordinary seven-day cruise would be winding down about now, but there’s no packing in sight for our intrepid travelers. More ports await, more memories are yet to be made, and the main attraction — the Panama Canal itself — is still ahead of them.
They’ve been cruising for a week, and the anticipation continues to build.
Now, that’s the way to vacation!
Good Morning, Guatemala
Celebrity Summit arrived in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, introducing Jeannie and Skip to another country they had never visited.
Instead of the familiar picturesque cruise port, they found themselves in the midst of a sprawling, bustling commercial harbor.
And Lumen’s roving reporters’ eyes were immediately drawn to something quite extraordinary.
The shipping containers.
Hundreds upon hundreds of colorful metal boxes, stacked in neat formations and surrounded by enormous cranes and sophisticated machinery.
It was like watching a gigantic amusement park.
The Container Amusement Park
Imagine the world’s most unusual roller coaster.
Its passengers are enormous shipping containers, and its rides are operated by gigantic cranes.
One moment, a container is resting comfortably in its assigned place. The next, a massive mechanical arm reaches down, grabs it, and lifts it high into the air.
There it hangs, suspended above the ground, as though a roller-coaster car has reached that thrilling moment at the top of the track.
Then, rather than racing down a steep incline, our container glides through the air before being carefully lowered into position, stacked neatly with the riders who went before it.
And another passenger boards the ride.
Up, over, down, and into place.
Again and again, the performance continues.
No screams of excitement from these passengers, of course. Shipping containers are notoriously reserved travelers.
But Jeannie and Skip were thoroughly entertained.
From their floating observation deck aboard Summit, they watched the choreography of cranes, trucks, equipment, and cargo, marveling at the precision of it all.
Who knew a commercial shipping terminal could provide such fascinating entertainment?
Welcome to Harmonious Harbor
There was another side to this bustling industrial operation that caught Jeannie and Skip’s attention.
The people.
Dockworkers paused for photographs with Summit in the background. Others gathered along the retaining walls to watch the ship.
The cruise passengers were observing the port workers and the people while the port workers and the people were curious about the cruise ship and passengers. The harmony continued with the pleasure craft off to the left, the bustling shops taking center place and the container amusement park off to the right, coexisting, each doing their own thing.
Very different worlds sharing the same harbor.
The enormous machinery continued its work, the people went about their business, and a spirit of friendliness accompanied the activity.
Jeannie decided to call this the Harmonious Harbor.
It seemed a particularly appropriate name for a place where so many different kinds of activity unfolded side by side.
Two Sides of God’s Magnificent Creation
From the starboard side of Summit, Jeannie and Skip could observe the extraordinary accomplishments of human engineering.
Towering cranes. Ships carrying enormous quantities of cargo. Machines designed to move objects weighing many tons with remarkable precision.
But from the port side of the ship, an entirely different scene unfolded.
The vast Pacific Ocean stretched toward the horizon. Jeannie named this side Open Ocean.
Off starboard side, the intricate creations of mankind, Harmonious Harbor.
What a contrast!
Off the port side, the breathtaking creation of Almighty God, Open Ocean.
And there was something deeply satisfying about appreciating both.
God has given mankind remarkable minds capable of imagining, designing, and constructing such extraordinary machinery.
But beyond all that human ingenuity lies the limitless beauty and power of the world He created.
As Lumen has observed before:
Our technology may help get you there. God created the there.
And the Pacific Ocean provided a particularly magnificent reminder.
A Very Special Encounter
Sometimes the most meaningful experiences on a journey aren’t found in an excursion brochure.
They happen when you least expect them.
Before Jeannie and Skip embarked on their Panama Canal adventure, Skip shared something deeply personal with Jeannie.
His father, Kiffin, had always wanted to take a Panama Canal cruise.
Sadly, that dream had never been fulfilled.
Kiffin went to be with the Lord in 2022 at the age of 94. He had been much more than a father to Skip. The two were best friends.
And as Skip prepared for this long-anticipated journey, he told Jeannie that he wanted to “bring his dad along.”
In his heart, in his thoughts, and in the memories they would make, Kiffin would be part of the adventure.
Jeannie noticed a gentleman whose profile looked astonishingly like Kiffin.
Not particularly from the front, but from the side, the resemblance was extraordinary.
Skip saw it, too.
And on this beautiful day in Guatemala, while Jeannie and Skip were standing together watching the activity in the harbor, that same gentleman approached them from behind and struck up a conversation.
His name is Paul.
He lives in the Ocala area of Florida and was an experienced cruiser, to say the least.
This is his 86th cruise, including an astonishing 75 voyages with Celebrity!
Their conversation wandered through subjects including the harbor, Guatemala, jade, and the pleasures of cruising.
A perfectly ordinary, friendly exchange between fellow travelers.
Except that for Jeannie and Skip, it wasn’t quite ordinary at all.
Here they were, on the very Panama Canal cruise Kiffin had always hoped to take, speaking with a gentleman whose profile reminded them so powerfully of the father and friend they loved.
And Paul had approached them entirely on his own.
Neither Jeannie nor Skip had orchestrated the encounter.
There was no dramatic announcement. No extraordinary event for the other passengers to notice.
Just a friendly conversation beside a busy Guatemalan harbor.
Yet the moment touched something precious in their hearts.
Was it simply a coincidence?
Perhaps.
But Jeannie and Skip are grateful for those unexpected moments when an ordinary experience seems to carry an extraordinary measure of God’s kindness.
Paul wasn’t Kiffin, of course.
But for a few minutes, the memory of Kiffin felt especially close.
And somehow, on a journey where Skip had hoped to bring his dad along in his heart, that seemed particularly meaningful.
A Visit to Guatemala
Jeannie and Skip had elected not to take an organized excursion in Puerto Quetzal.
Instead, they enjoyed their leisurely day aboard Summit and spent approximately an hour exploring the shops ashore.
No major purchases, no frantic sightseeing schedule, and no need to travel miles inland.
Just the pleasure of setting foot in another country and experiencing a little of its atmosphere.
Sometimes the best souvenirs aren’t things you bring home.
They’re the memories you carry with you.
When they returned to Summit, the familiar Celebrity hospitality greeted them again.
Chilled water and refreshing iced towels!
Such a simple touch, and such a pleasant welcome home.
Home, of course, being their lovely floating residence aboard Celebrity Summit.
An Unexpected Delay
As departure time approached, one last little drama unfolded.
A group of passengers returning from a Celebrity-sponsored excursion encountered road construction that delayed their arrival at the ship.
And there is one particularly reassuring advantage to booking an excursion through the cruise line.
When a cruise-sponsored excursion encounters an unavoidable delay, the ship can coordinate with the returning tour and wait for its passengers.
Which is precisely what happened.
From aboard Summit, Jeannie and Skip watched a long procession of passengers make their way along the gangway.
Fortunately, the delay amounted to less than thirty minutes.
The passengers were safely aboard, and Summit’s next adventure could begin.
One suspects those delayed travelers were especially happy to see their floating home still waiting at the dock!
The Container Amusement Park After Dark
As daylight gave way to darkness, the industrial amusement park outside Summit underwent a dramatic transformation.
The floodlights came on.
Suddenly, those towering cranes, colorful containers, and enormous pieces of machinery became part of an illuminated nighttime spectacle.
The stacks of cargo glowed beneath the brilliant lights, and reflections shimmered across the harbor water.
And the activity continued.
Apparently this amusement park doesn’t close when the sun goes down.
There were still containers to move, cargo to organize, and ships to serve.
The business of international commerce never seemed to miss a beat.
A Piano Man Worth Applauding
The evening also brought another outstanding entertainment experience aboard Celebrity Summit.
The Piano Man Xperience
What an amazing performer!
Talented, energetic, and thoroughly entertaining, the piano man delivered another exceptional show.
Once again, Celebrity had arranged an evening of high-quality entertainment that left Jeannie and Skip thoroughly impressed.
At this rate, these two are becoming quite spoiled!
Spectacular productions, talented performers, attentive service, delicious dining, and a comfortable floating home that carries them from one fascinating destination to another with cabin service twice a day and chocolates on the pillows every evening.
How will everyday life ever compete?
Perhaps that’s a question best left unanswered until October 19!
A Little Tugboat and a Big Ship
Meanwhile, Summit was preparing to say goodbye to Guatemala.
From their starboard balcony, Jeannie and Skip watched a brightly illuminated tugboat as the great ship turned toward open water.
And what a wonderful sight it was!
The hardworking little vessel, glowing with bright lights against the darkness, provided a striking contrast to the enormous cruise ship it accompanied.
The powerful tug maneuvered alongside Summit, its lights shimmering across the moving water.
After spending the day watching the machinery and maritime operations of Puerto Quetzal, this seemed a particularly fitting farewell.
One more hardworking member of the harbor community helping a visiting ship continue her voyage.
And with that, Guatemala gradually disappeared into the night.
Seven Days Down — And So Much Still Ahead
What an extraordinary day!
A fascinating commercial harbor that became an unexpected amusement park.
Friendly people welcoming a visiting cruise ship.
A magnificent contrast between mankind’s engineering accomplishments and God’s breathtaking creation.
A little time exploring a new country.
A delayed excursion with a happy ending.
An outstanding evening performance.
A hardworking tugboat providing the final farewell.
And, most memorably, a gentle encounter that brought Skip’s beloved father close in thought during the journey he had always dreamed of taking.
These are the moments that make traveling about so much more than visiting places.
They become part of the stories we treasure.
And here’s the especially delightful thing.
Jeannie and Skip have completed seven days of cruising, and the greatest adventure of this voyage is still ahead!
The Panama Canal awaits.
The suitcases can stay right where they are.
And the journey continues.
Until our next report, this is Lumen Aid, roving reporter for Island Time Travels, reminding you that the most memorable adventures often include the moments nobody thought to put on the itinerary.
