Dispatches from Home – Happy Valentine’s from the Brilliance of the Seas.

Anthony Kalberg | Posted on February 14, 2026 |

On Board the SS Brilliance of the Seas. February 14th. 4:45 p.m. Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Parting is such sweet sorrow,” sayeth the Bard. And he is correct! I’ve started packing for tomorrow’s 7:00 a.m arrival in New Orleans. Where oh where have the past days gone? It’s been an amazing adventure.

Last evening, we danced the night away. But when Rhonda, James, and Wayne said good night, yours truly kept dancing until the band played its last song at 12:30 am. Older couples and young people filled the dance floor with merriment, while the band rocked the house, or should I say the boat. Earlier that evening, after a sumptuous dinner of lobster and steamed vegetables, we attended a musical review. The dancing, the singing, the costumes, and the orchestra were top-notch! However, the dancing later that evening was, at best, amusing. A gaggle of 20-somethings blasted onto the scene and hit the dance floor. A duo of Fred Astaire wannabes, with two left feet, precious little talent, but possessing much enthusiasm, lit up the room with their youthful energy and enthusiasm. A good time was had by all.

This morning, there was a contest to see who could create a homemade parachute-like device that cradled a raw egg. Of all the entries, my personal favorite was a bathroom garbage bag that incorporated dental floss and baby diapers. That egg survived the 11-story fall, amazing! The sea is very rough right now due to wind and the merging currents of the Gulf and Old Man River. This old girl is dancing back and forth, as my stateroon curtains sway and the wooden clothes hangers clatter in the closet. The coffee in my cup jiggles…and…I love it!

We’re dining tonight at Giovanni’s for our last supper aboard ship. It’s the most posh restaurant on board. From all accounts, the additional price tag is well worth it. A good steak and another lemon drop martini are calling my name. Well, let me dash. We’re dressing for dinner and will be decked out in red and white. And for those of you worried about me always wearing shorts you’ll be glad to know that I’ll be in trousers, white of course.

Alas, though. The moon won’t be as beautiful as it was a few night’s ago. Thanks for all your likes, loves, and comments after reading my “scribbles.”

Big hug y’all.

(Originally posted February 14, 2025)