How Travel Writer Learned To Love Cruises Other Lies From Sinking Ship

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to embark on a luxurious cruise ship, sailing to exotic destinations and indulging in endless entertainment and delicious cuisine? As a travel writer, I thought I had experienced it all, until fate took me on a journey that would forever change my perspective on cruises.

Picture a breathtaking ocean sunset, warm breeze caressing your face, and an endless horizon awaiting your arrival. These were the images that filled my mind as I eagerly boarded the ship, ready for what I thought would be a dreamlike adventure.

Little did I know that beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect getaway lay a web of hidden truths and unexpected realities. From the moment the ship set sail, a series of events unfolded, revealing a different side to the world of cruising.

The Passenger: How a Travel Writer Learned to Love Cruises & Other Lies from a Sinking Ship

by Chaney Kwak (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7077 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Illusion of Luxury

From glossy brochures to dazzling online advertisements, the allure of luxurious amenities and top-notch service seduced many travelers, myself included. However, it didn't take long for me to realize that these promises were merely an illusion.

The staterooms, touted as spacious and elegant, turned out to be cramped and basic. The promised five-star dining experience was overshadowed by mediocre buffet options with limited variety. And the entertainment, advertised as world-class, barely managed to capture our attention.

The reality was a far cry from what I had expected. The ship struggled to keep up with the demands of its numerous guests, resulting in long lines, worn-out facilities, and an air of constant chaos.

Hidden Costs and Disappointing Excursions

As the days went by, I discovered that the initial cost of the cruise was only the tip of the iceberg. Additional charges for onboard activities, Wi-Fi access, and even bottled water quickly piled up, leaving a bitter taste in our mouths.

Moreover, the excursions we had eagerly signed up for turned out to be major letdowns. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore breathtaking destinations was marred by overcrowded tour buses, limited time to explore, and rushed itineraries.

It became increasingly clear that the cruise line was more interested in maximizing profits than providing a truly enriching experience for its passengers.

Unexpected Turmoil on the High Seas

The real shock came when a powerful storm hit our ship unexpectedly. The calm seas transformed into a tempestuous battleground, testing the vessel's durability and our nerves. The once-seemingly invincible ship now felt vulnerable and fragile.

Passengers were sent into a panic as the ship tossed and turned, while crew members frantically scurried to maintain order. The thought of being stranded in the middle of the ocean with no immediate help sent shivers down our spines.

It was in those harrowing moments that my fear transformed into resilience. As the ship weathered the storm, I realized that the true strength lay in the unity and support of the passengers and crew, not in the luxurious facade that had initially captivated us.

A Lesson Learned

When the ship finally docked, and the ordeal was over, I couldn't help but reflect on the lessons I had learned from this tumultuous experience.

First and foremost, I realized the importance of doing thorough research before embarking on any adventure. It is essential to go beyond the glossy marketing materials and delve deeper into honest reviews and testimonials from fellow travelers.

Secondly, I discovered that the true connections and memories we make during our travels are often found in unexpected places. It is the chance encounters with fellow passengers, the breathtaking sunsets witnessed from the deck, and the shared moments of laughter and resilience that truly define the essence of a journey.

Finally, I understood the value of embracing the imperfections and unpredictable nature of travel. The unexpected twists and turns often lead to the most extraordinary stories and personal growth.

In

So, did my experience aboard a sinking cruise ship make me hate all cruises? Not entirely. While my perception of lavish luxury and flawless experiences has forever changed, I now approach traveling with a more discerning eye.

Cruises, like any form of travel, have their pros and cons. It is essential to manage expectations, be aware of hidden costs, and embrace the unexpected challenges that may arise.

Ultimately, whether you choose to embark on a cruise ship or explore other forms of travel, remember to look beyond the surface and seek genuine experiences that will leave a lasting impact on your soul.

The Passenger: How a Travel Writer Learned to Love Cruises & Other Lies from a Sinking Ship

by Chaney Kwak (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7077 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

“Beautifully written and astutely observed. This is a marvelous book.”
—Washington Post

“For fans of The Perfect Storm, In the Heart of the Sea, and Bill Bryson on his sassiest days.”
—Afar Travel Magazine and Guide

Aboard a sinking cruise ship, a journalist faces death and reconsiders life. “If you’re looking for a great read, look no further than The Passenger.”—San Francisco Examiner

In March 2019, the Viking Sky cruise ship was struck by a bomb cyclone in the North Atlantic. Rocked by 50-foot swells and 40-knot gales, the ship lost power and began to drift straight toward the notoriously dangerous Hustadvika coast in Norway. This is the suspenseful, harrowing, funny, touching story by one passenger who contemplated death aboard that ship.

Chaney Kwak is a travel writer used to all sorts of mishaps on the road, but this is a first even for him: trapped on the battered cruise ship, he stuffs his passport into his underwear just in case his body has to be identified. As the massive cruise ship sways in surging waves, Kwak holds on and watches news of the impending disaster unfold on Twitter, where the cruise ship’s nearly 1,400 passengers are showered with “thoughts and prayers.” Kwak uses his twenty-seven hours aboard the teetering ship to examine his family history, maritime tragedies, and the failing relationship back on shore with a man he’s loved for nearly two decades: the Viking Sky, he realizes, may not be the only sinking ship he needs to escape.

The Passenger takes readers for an unforgettable journey from the Norwegian coast to the South China Sea, from post-WWII Korea to pandemic-struck San Francisco. Kwak weaves his personal experience into events spanning decades and continents to explore the serendipity and the relationships that move us—perfect for readers who love to discover world travel through the eyes of a perceptive and witty observer.