4. March 2026

Back at Sea: First Weeks in the Caribbean 🌴⚓

Hey guys — sorry I’ve been away for a little while, but I’m finally back and ready to start updating more regularly. The last few weeks have been full-on getting everything ready for my next full contract… and now I’m here! I’m officially back onboard, sailing around the Caribbean for the next four months, and it feels amazing to say that. ✨

I flew out to Barbados and spent the night in a lovely three-star hotel 🌙 before joining the ship the next day. Unfortunately, things took a bit of a turn — I became ill the day after I joined and ended up in isolation for a couple of days. Not exactly the start I’d hoped for. It meant I missed the first sea day and our first port, which was disappointing. But the good news is I’m feeling so much better now, and I’m back at work and back out exploring again. 🙌

🌴 First Port Back: Saint Kitts

Once I was out of isolation, the first place I got to visit this contract was beautiful Saint Kitts. After some morning training, I spent a couple of hours wandering around the port, picking up my souvenirs (as always!) and grabbing some lunch ashore before heading back for my shift.

☀️ Tortola

Next stop was Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. I kept it simple — a little wander, a little sunshine, a little souvenir shopping. Sometimes that’s all you need.

🌊 Sea Day Fun

Our second sea day was pretty relaxed. We took the kids to mini golf in the evening and did a colour hunt around the ship earlier in the day. Nothing dramatic — just good fun.

🏖️ St. Maarten Magic

St. Maarten was a highlight for me. I went to the beach, enjoyed a passion fruit sorbet, and even had a swim in the sea — which, if you know me, is a big thing! I hardly ever swim, and definitely not in the sea, so that felt like a little personal win. 💙

🌙 Antigua Overnight

We had two days in Antigua with an overnight, and although I had early shifts both days and didn’t do a huge amount, I still managed a lovely night out. Sometimes it’s the simple moments that make a place stick in your memory. I also took some time each evening to unwind and treated myself to the spa — soaking in the hydropool, warming up in the sauna and steam room, and spending some quiet time with my book. It was exactly what I needed.

🚢 Grenada: Rounds & Drills

After that came another sea day, then Grenada — though this one was very much a working port for me. We had rounds (cabin checks) and drills (emergency practice), so it was all about staying organised and ship-shape.

🌿 Saint Lucia & Rest Day

Our final port was Saint Lucia. It was the last day of the cruise, and honestly, I just needed a rest. So I stayed onboard, got cosy, and spent some time working on my cross stitch. A slow day, but a needed one. 🧵💛

Then we wrapped up with one more sea day before heading back to Barbados to start all over again with a fresh group of guests and a new adventure.

It’s been a whirlwind start — not perfect, but full of small wins, fresh places, sunshine, and moments that reminded me exactly why I love this job.

Here’s to living joyfully,
Jodie ✨