back.
that was incredible.
best week of my life.
the ship #
virgin voyages scarlet lady is something else.
no kids. anywhere. the whole ship is adults-only.
our suite had this massive balcony overlooking the ocean.
woke up every morning to nothing but water and sky.
the food #
ate at a different restaurant every night.
the korean bbq place. the mexican spot. the test kitchen (experimental tasting menu).
pink agave had these incredible tacos and mezcal cocktails.
razzle dazzle was plant-forward but actually delicious.
extra virgin (italian) - A. loved the pasta.
we never repeated a restaurant in 7 nights.
the drinks #
so many fruity cocktails.
I lost count of the rum punches and piña coladas.
A. discovered she loves espresso martinis.
we’d sit on the pool deck, drinks in hand, doing absolutely nothing.
the spa #
this was A.’s favorite part.
we did couples massages twice.
she did solo treatments three more times.
I did a few extra sessions myself. deep tissue work on my shoulders from hunching over screens. walked out completely loose.
the ports #
puerto plata (dominican republic):
explored the old town. bought A. a local painting she loved.
beach day. crystal clear water.
st. croix (us virgin islands):
snorkeling. saw actual sea turtles.
A. screamed underwater when one swam past her. I could hear it through my snorkel.
bimini (bahamas):
their private beach club is ridiculous.
basically a resort just for cruise guests.
swim-up bar. cabanas. pristine sand.
the theater #
show every night.
not cheesy cruise entertainment - actually good productions.
one was this acrobatic circus thing. another was a full musical.
we never missed a show. became our nightly date after dinner.
formal nights #
two formal nights during the week.
A. in this black dress that I’d never seen before.
“bought it for this trip. surprise.”
god she looked good.
I wore an actual suit. first time since our wedding.
felt like a different life for a few hours.
dancing after dinner. holding her close.
she whispered “I can’t believe you planned this.”
the balcony #
our suite balcony became our private space.
morning coffee watching the sunrise.
afternoon reading while the ship cruised.
and at night…
we made love on that balcony more than once.
ocean air, stars overhead, just us.
no one could see us. no one could hear us.
she’d grip the railing while I took her from behind.
or we’d lie on the lounge chair, her on top, taking her time.
something about being out there, open ocean, completely alone.
she came harder than I’ve ever seen. body shaking. couldn’t be quiet.
didn’t care. no neighbors. just the waves.
no internet #
didn’t buy the wifi package intentionally.
8 days with no charts. no positions. no market news.
first time since 2020 I’ve gone more than 2 days without checking something trading-related.
at first it felt weird. kept reaching for my phone.
by day 3, I stopped caring.
by day 5, I forgot what my P&L even was.
the realization:
the world doesn’t end when I disconnect.
the market will be there when I get back.
I needed this break more than I knew.
what we learned #
about each other:
A. is really into snorkeling. who knew.
I actually can relax. who knew.
we travel well together. no friction.
about us:
we’re good at just being. no agenda, no schedule.
comfortable silence works on vacation too.
we laughed more this week than in months.
about the relationship:
this trip proved we made the right choice.
marriage isn’t just the hard parts.
it’s also this. adventures together. memories we’ll have forever.
the weight lifted #
remember the provider weight I wrote about?
still there. but different now.
providing isn’t just about money and security.
it’s also about moments like this.
watching her face when we pulled into port.
hearing her laugh at the pool deck bar.
feeling her body against mine on the balcony.
this is what I’m providing. this life. these experiences.
the weight doesn’t feel heavy anymore.
places list update #
56 → 62
- suite balcony (multiple times, different ways)
- ship pool deck (late night, no one around)
- spa private room (after couples massage)
- beach cabana bimini (risky, almost caught)
- our cabin shower (technically mundane but the motion of the ocean…)
6 new places in 7 days. personal record.
tonight #
back in san diego. unpacked. laundry started.
haven’t checked markets yet. will look tomorrow.
for tonight, just wanted to write this down.
best week of my life.
11:52pm sunday. back from cruise. virgin voyages scarlet lady. 7 nights southern caribbean. no wifi, no trading, total disconnect. best food, drinks, spa, theater. made love on our balcony under the stars. places list +6. best week of my life.
-AK