I find my suite quite easily once on board the M/V Silver Whisper. Some suite. It's 919 square feet of elegance that would not be out of place in a swanky Toronto high-rise. A knock at the door. Who could it be? My private butler Nissim has my bags and prepares to unpack and hang my clothing in the walk-in closet. He offers tea sandwiches and champagne. We're about to set sail on a cruise along the Eastern Caribbean. I step out to my spacious teak verandah, put my feet up on a lounge and watch the orange and magenta sun set behind the hills of Barbados.
Up until the very last moment, I had my doubts about taking a luxury cruise on my own. I imagined the worst-case scenario: seven lonely days and evenings, staring at the sea. How mistaken I was.
Cocktails at 6:00; dinner at 7:00. The hostess at The Restaurant has a nice surprise for me—I will be seated with my countrymen tonight. The open seating allows guests to dine when and with whom they wish—a policy I appreciate. Except for the fact that we are moving, I could easily be in my hometown. Low cal, low carb, vegetarian and vegan options are on the menu. The thought of a wellness program or a spartan food plan flits through my mind for a few seconds, until I read some of the signature French dishes created by the Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux. I resolve to visit the gym every morning at 7:30 for a circuit training class, or Pilates, or at least jog around the track on the upper deck. Now I can order delectable food and wine to my heart's content.
Would I embark on a cruise on my own again? Absolutely. It's the only way to travel.