The Innocent Decision That Cost a Friendship but Gave Me the Ocean
Updated: 6 days ago
When I think about the last ten years, there was one decision that profoundly changed my life. If I told you the story just like that, you probably wouldn’t believe how much it mattered. Honestly, back then, neither did I. My current lifestyle, my career, my love life—everything grew from a moment that seemed completely insignificant at the time.
I just wanted to go. Why? Because I simply love discovering new things!
I was still "young," feeling like my life was just getting started, and I desperately wanted to see the world. But there was one thing I always said a strict "no" to: cruises. To me, they seemed like boring trips for old people, worse than a packaged bus tour. Mass tourism, where you’re locked in with thousands of people instead of fifty.
But then, I. and I were talking, and he said: "Just come with me. It’s enough if you just pay the price difference."
AIDA Cruises has different pricing tiers based on age. Kids under 14 travel for free, young adults between 14 and 24 get a discount, and anyone 25 or older pays the regular adult fare. Plus, if you travel solo in a cabin, you pay a heavy single supplement.
He told me: "If I go alone, I’m basically paying for two anyway, and you get the youth discount. I’m booking it regardless, so I don’t mind if you just give me the difference."
Who says no to an offer like that? I’ve always been someone who grabs every opportunity life throws at me.
A few days later, though, I. called me and wanted to back out. He had an understandable reason: he had been in the exact same situation before, but his previous travel companion had completely disrespected him and taken advantage of his generosity. It’s incredibly annoying when you pay for almost the whole trip yourself, right? (Wink, wink).
But guys, I really wanted to go. I hate nothing more than ruined anticipation.
So, I made him a deal: I offered to split the total cost 50/50. That way, we were on equal terms, and everyone could do whatever they wanted. (I should mention that I am naturally a very considerate person—but you know what I mean!). I managed to convince him, hoping that this trip would bring us closer together as friends. Well, in the end, the exact opposite happened.
Despite the drama, it was a beautiful vacation. It was a 7-day cruise to the Canary Islands and Madeira, starting in Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria – Sea Day – Madeira – Sea Day – Lanzarote – La Palma – Tenerife – Gran Canaria
The moment we arrived, I was absolutely blown away by the ship: AIDAstella. Our balcony cabin with the iconic hammock, the endless decks, so many restaurants, bars, and the massive Theatrium. And guess what? It didn't feel overcrowded at all, which was my biggest fear.
Having a "Sea Day"—or just being out on the open ocean on such a massive vessel—was completely new to me. It felt amazing! It’s like a small, floating city with nothing but deep blue water around you. And the ocean means waves. I was utterly fascinated watching the cutlery and the curtains swaying in the restaurant.
Since he had done this specific cruise itinerary before, we didn't book too many touristy excursions. On Madeira, we did a full-day jeep tour through the east of the island. On Lanzarote, we rented bikes and rode a short route to the lagoons. On La Palma, we explored with a rental car, and in Tenerife, we just spent a short time walking through the port city.
We spent one final night in Maspalomas, and that’s where things escalated. From the moment we checked in for our flight back home, we didn’t speak a single word to each other. But that's not the main focus here.
My decision to go on this trip started as a simple desire for adventure, a craving for a vacation. Yet, it ended up shaping my entire future.
First, I realized that I could finally afford to do things I couldn't during my apprentice years. Second, my deep longing for the ocean was born. This cruise sparked my love for ships, which ultimately led to my cruise ship crew career.
But most importantly, after being left completely alone at the airport by I. and having to navigate my own way back home, it forced me to ask myself a vital question: Is it really worth depending on other people? That trip triggered my solo travel mindset.
Have you ever made a seemingly tiny, insignificant decision that ended up completely changing the trajectory of your life?
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