A Standing O

"EACH MOMENT IN TIME WE HAVE IT ALL, EVEN WHEN WE DON’T.” MELODY BEATTIE FROM O’S LITTLE BOOK OF HAPPINESS

- Michel Verdure

BOARDING EURODAM IN SEATTLE THAT DAY appeared unexceptional — until I approached the gangway to the ship. There, staff members were giving each boarding passenger a beautiful long-sleeved T-shirt showing off the “O” logo of O, The Oprah Magazine. The stage was being set for the week.

Certainly passengers aboard Holland America Line’s first O, The Oprah Magazine Share the Adventure Cruise boarded full of excitement and anticipation at the prospect of rubbing shoulders with the Queen herself. It quickly became evident to me why: Oprah Winfrey is a phenomenon.

The Week at a Glance 

Choosing this special cruise was not just to sail with Oprah, but to engage with an entire program designed and catered to individuals who share her ideas and philosophy. Most impressive was the lineup of featured speakers for the week.

Every day the stage was set with half an hour of meditation by the pool, led by yoga and meditation guru Sara Ivanhoe. Other onboard activities were a well-orchestrated mix of readings, lectures, music, games, and physical activity. Much of it was interactive and we had the opportunity to meet and converse with these amazing people, including singing artist India.Arie, authors Glennon Doyle and Elizabeth Strout, and food evangelist Elettra Wiedemann, just to name a few.

Each evening, passengers returned to their staterooms to find a gift waiting for them. This wonderful extra touch included a visor, water bottle, a book, a pair of gloves, and a journal.