I woke up early this morning knowing it was my last full day aboard the Poetry II. I decided to switch things up at breakfast—no eggs Benedict today. I asked the chef for an omelette, and it hit the spot. I even reached for a second Coke, which is always a sure sign that I’m tired. As much as I’ve loved the comfy beds on board, I think I’m starting to miss my own. Tomorrow I’ll be traveling all day, and by Wednesday night, I’ll be home in my own bed. That actually sounds pretty wonderful right about now.
This morning’s walking tour took us through Arles, a city that blends Roman ruins with artistic legend and Provençal charm. I’ve been looking forward to this stop for the art history alone—Arles is closely tied to one of the world’s most fascinating artists: Vincent van Gogh. He arrived here in 1888, drawn to the bright southern light and bold colors of Provence. In just over a year, he produced more than 300 paintings, including The Yellow House, Starry Night Over the Rhône, and Café Terrace at Night. His time in Arles was as creatively rich as it was emotionally turbulent.
We saw several sites Van Gogh painted, including the building where he lived with Paul Gauguin. Their friendship, though intense, ultimately unraveled—and it was here in Arles that Van Gogh famously suffered a breakdown and cut off part of his ear. Our guide—who clearly knew how to tell a story—pointed out the location of what he called “the ladies’ bar,” a brothel Van Gogh frequented. Legend has it that he wrapped his severed ear in cloth and gave it to a woman there. Whether that’s exactly true or not, it certainly brings a human side to the story when you’re standing right where it happened.
As part of our morning, we also participated in a painting class to better understand Van Gogh’s use of color and brushwork. We each selected one of his pieces to try to recreate. Let’s just say mine won’t be mistaken for the original, but it was a fun and humbling experience. Remy enjoyed it too—especially when he spotted a handcrafted Van Gogh doll in the studio and posed for a few pictures with his new friend.
Later in the day, we had time to explore more of Arles, and I discovered a little boutique where the owner hand-makes everything herself. I bought a lovely tablecloth and napkin set that I know will remind me of this day every time I use them. She was gracious enough to pose for a photo with Remy and me, and he especially loved her sewing machine, which sat right in the shop, ready to be used between customers.
Lunch back on board was simple but satisfying—just a cheeseburger and fries—but the view of the Rhône River was the real showstopper. Afterward, I took advantage of a rare break in the schedule and squeezed in a nap. I’ve definitely hit a wall today. It’s been so much fun, but I think my body is reminding me that I’ve been going non-stop for over two weeks now.
Our final excursion of the cruise took us to Carrières des Lumières, an immersive art installation set inside a former stone quarry. Today’s show focused on the works of Claude Monet, and it was absolutely stunning. His art came to life—projected floor to ceiling with movement, light, and music—turning the entire quarry into a living, breathing masterpiece. I’ve wanted to experience something like this for a while, and doing it here, surrounded by the stone walls of Provence, made it feel incredibly special.
After that, we visited the nearby village of St. Rémy de Provence, a charming little town filled with winding streets and quiet squares. It’s also the birthplace of Nostradamus, and we saw the house where he was born. I did a bit more shopping—picking up a few lavender sachets to tuck into drawers or suitcases—and of course, Remy posed for a few final pictures in France.
Dinner tonight was bittersweet. I’ve made some wonderful friends on this cruise, and we lingered at the table long after the plates were cleared—so long, in fact, that the staff politely started hinting that it might be time to go. We laughed, we shared stories, and we promised to stay in touch. I’m sure I’ll see some of them again.
As for dinner itself: I started with a shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad, helped myself to a couple of chicken fingers from nearby plates (perks of being friendly with your tablemates!), and enjoyed a delicious chicken dish served with mashed sweet potatoes. For dessert, I went with the green apple sorbet. It was light and refreshing—even if apple isn’t usually my go-to flavor when it comes to frozen treats.
Now I’m back in my cabin, packed and ready for tomorrow. I’ll be flying from Marseille to Paris, then from Paris to Miami. I’ve booked a hotel near the airport so I can crash when I land before making the drive back to Vero Beach.
It’s hard to believe this journey is ending, but I feel full—in every sense of the word. Full of beautiful places, incredible memories, and new friendships that I hope will last long after the river fades from view.
Cleared For Take-Off! 