This week, Jeff Golenski asks us to share an image or two reflecting exceptional ambience. He goes on to say, “Ambience is the atmosphere of one’s surrounding environment. It basically boils down to how one’s surrounding impact the human senses and alter the feelings of an individual.” You can read the entire challenge post here.

One of our favorite pastimes finds us on a cruise ship. The ocean environment, the relaxed atmosphere, the thrill of visiting new locations all demonstrate that a cruise is a special example that the excitement is in the journey, as much as it is in the destination. The two images above, and the gallery of images below feature sights captured on two separate cruises on Norwegian Cruise Lines ship, the Norwegian Pearl. Just putting together this gallery reminds me of the great times we had journeying through the Panama Canal, and then a couple years later going north to Alaska. A cruise ship has an ambiance all her own.

You can read more about our excursions on the Norwegian Pearl here and here. Click on an image in the gallery below to enlarge it and to scroll through the images.

Our exercise of choice is walking the prominade deck.

Bowl a few frames on one of the four lanes open for bowling.

The Bliss Lounge is a comfortable place to hang out.

Wall art is found indoors and out.

Our balcony room.

One of the bars in a quiet moment.

Our piano man, Jim, entertained us nightly.

The pool deck is a great gathering place.

Running and walking tracks help guests burn off those extra calories.

The promenade deck provides great sea views and lots of space for walking.

The Blue Lagoon was our breakfast spot of choice.

In the hallway carpet, the fish swim toward the front of the ship.

John Steiner