The First Time I Traveled Alone in Grief
by Travel by Gloria

I went on my first solo cruise for Cody’s 5th angelversary.
This was before Henry. I sailed with Virgin Voyages and chose a balcony cabin—with
the hammock. That was important to me. I wanted space to sit, to sway, to think, to
cry. To be.
I booked a 3-hour spa experience that included a salt scrub, a mud wrap, and hot stone
massage. That spa treatment gave me access to the Redemption Spa, where I returned
two more times during the trip. Each visit felt like a soft reset. A place where I could
let go.
I also had a one-hour massage the first day, then again used the spa’s quiet spaces to
just sit with my grief.
On Cody’s angelversary—the last full day of the cruise—I had the full spa treatment. It
was sacred. It was intentional. It was space to cry without interruption.
I describe grief like waves. Sometimes they gently wash over you. Other times they
crash like a tsunami and you just have to hold on until the waters calm again.
That cruise gave me stillness when I needed it most. And in that stillness, I felt
healing.
This is what cruise therapy means to me. And now, I help others find their version of
that peace too.
You’re not alone.
And when you’re ready—I’m here.
—
Travel by Gloria
We take the worry out of travel.