T THE NEXT DAY we arrived at medieval Dubrovnik – dubbed “pearl of the Adriatic”. This was a highlight for all the guests on board, who were eager to see the restoration after the 1990s siege by Serbia and Montenegro. As is incumbent on visitors, we climbed up to the 14th century wall and circled the ramparts to view the wealth of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. For us and our fellow guests, love was in the warm air as the Spirit sailed toward Split. We enjoyed a festive outdoor barbecue featuring steak, lobster, oysters and other delicacies. Dancing under starry skies, we laughed that, decades after meeting at a teen dance, we could still twist and jive. Split was a treat, as much for the spectacular Diocletian palace built in AD 295 as the jaunt with our Chef to the fish and fruit markets. Seeing his meticulous selection process added appreciation to dining on langoustine and tuna ceviche appetizers, then Dorado with lobster spaetzle. In Triluke Bay, active guests came out to play when our yacht opened her marina, releasing a netted swimming pool and a bevy of water toys – windsurfs, kayaks, banana boats, paddle boats and motored Zodiacs for water skiers. Jutting from the Istria Peninsula, Rovinj exceeded our expectations from the first glance at its cliff-top church rising from tiers of colored houses. Behind ancient walls and a town square with yet another Venetian lion, we explored a steep maze of streets, peeking at artists’ studios and displays of stone jewelry. On deck before dawn the next morning, we watched the rising sun cast orange and crimson hues first across the sea and then to illuminate the sky. Venice appeared like a mirage afloat on an iridescent green sea, its mosaic domes and gilded statues glistening, its proud lion welcoming us back to the city of amore. That evening we celebrated with an anniversary meal of caviar, fois gras with caramelized apples, beef Wellington, and a chocolate tart. Later in the show lounge, we were stunned when the flutist played Moe Kofmann’s Swingin’ Shepherd Blues. Talk about “meant to be!” In our dating days, we’d often listen to the artist finger variations on that piece in Toronto’s old George’s Spaghetti House. Ecstatic, we returned to our suite to find it decorated with balloons. On the table was a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries and a little paper boat tucked with pictures of our faces. To learn more about Seabourn Cruise Line call your Cruise Holidays cruise expert. BREAKING NEWS… just prior to publication, Seabourn announced the sale of three of its ships from their eet of six. Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend will transition to Windstar Cruises in April 2014, April 2015 and May 2015 respectively. Seabourn will continue operating its three vessels: Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn and is committed to delivering their award-winning standards to clients sailing on the three vessels that will be leaving the eet in the near future, and continuing this legacy onboard the remaining three in the eet. 40 CRUISE HOLIDAYS