top of page

Blog Posts - the "Daily Diary"
Explore solo travel stories, cruise experiences, tips & guides.


34 Cruises in One Year: Life at Sea, Reflection, and Finding Balance
I spent 225+ nights and 34 cruises at sea in one year. This reflection explores balance, purpose, community, and what comes next.
colesjoholm
Dec 26, 20253 min read


Don’t Apologize for the Sun in Your Path: Life at Sea Reflections
To say that things happen for a reason is probably the biggest understatement in the world. I’ve spent the last seven days onboard the Carnival Celebration with stops in Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and St. John via St. Thomas. It’s a ship that I am very familiar with, having spent two weeks onboard in January 2023 during my first solo cruise—the beginning of my journey to setting foot on all seven continents. I sailed again in March 2024 for a we
colesjoholm
Jan 19, 20254 min read


Getting Out of the Funk: Finding Perspective Through Life at Sea
Today marks my 51st day of travel since I left Grand Junction, Colorado, on November 20th, meaning I have 37 days to go before I fly home on February 16th. Pinch me—I don’t want it to end. The majority of my time has been spent onboard Carnival ships, while this week’s voyage has been aboard the award-winning and Forbes Four-Star-rated Celebrity Apex . To say the experiences between cruise lines are different is an understatement, but I’ve found myself enjoying the variety mo
colesjoholm
Jan 10, 20253 min read


Spinning without a purpose
After a year of purposeful travel, life at sea feels different. A reflective journey through Cartagena, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, and beyond—searching for meaning again
colesjoholm
Dec 12, 20243 min read


Pinching Myself Everyday: Life at Sea in the Caribbean
Five Caribbean ports in five days while cruising from NYC—reflecting on friendships, life at sea, and gratitude during a winter spent onboard.
colesjoholm
Dec 12, 20246 min read


Panama Canal Bound: Solo Life at Sea on an Extended Cruise.
Multiple sea days, forced relaxation, shipboard routines, and unexpected connections—life aboard the Carnival Spirit unfolds slowly as we sail south towards a full Panama Canal transit.
colesjoholm
Oct 12, 20242 min read


Christmas at Santa’s Summer Home: Celebrating the Holidays in Antarctica
Celebrating Christmas in Antarctica with zodiac rides, penguins, ship traditions, and unforgettable moments at the end of the world.
colesjoholm
Dec 26, 20235 min read


Find Me Another Group That’s Sung Karaoke in Antarctica
From whales sightings to homemade karaoke, this spontaneous Antarctic night proved that the best moments can't be planned.
colesjoholm
Dec 25, 20236 min read


A Martini Kind of Day: Stepping Foot on All Seven Continents
After kayaking icy Antarctic waters, I stepped onto my seventh continent—an unforgettable milestone worth celebrating.
colesjoholm
Dec 22, 20234 min read
bottom of page