Celebrity Beyond - One Particular Statue

L’Origine (“The Origin”)
by French contemporary artist Fabien Mérelle
Celebrity Beyond
September 29, 2026

 The art collection on the Celebrity Beyond is eclectic. The art is varied from paintings, to photos, to sculptures.

The signature piece in the 4,500-piece, mostly contemporary art collection is a large statue of an elephant standing on a man--in near real size. The piece is L’Origine (“The Origin”) by French contemporary artist Fabien Mérelle.

I was fascinated by this particular piece and why it was prominently placed on a cruise ship. It is huge and stunning at the same time. Why is a white elephant standing on the shoulders a man?

Coincidentally, during the Chef's Table discussion about the meal with the head chef, I asked about the theme that tied all of the dishes together and what the chef was trying to help us understand or experience? Sadly, the head chef on the ship had not had this discussion with Daniel Boulud, the master chef who created the meal.

But why such a statue on a cruise ship? It makes sense. The original is installed on a beach near Le Harve, France.

One interpretation of the statue is:

The piece reflects Mérelle's exploration of themes related to religion and the human experience. It serves as a metaphor for the burdens that individuals carry, particularly in relation to faith and belief systems.

This sculpture is a notable example of contemporary art that engages with deep philosophical questions through visual representation. (Jaques Bravo) (Chat GPT)

Why a cruise ship? 

Cruising, especially Sea Days, provide the perfect opportunity to tune out the world and deal with the crushing issues that the elephant represents, or just escape from them for a moment. 

Who knew cruising could be so deep an undertaking?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tequesta Sunrise

 

Tequesta Sunrise
Tequesta, FL
October 6, 2026

I stepped onto my veranda this morning and was greeted by a vibrant sunrise. 

What could be more perfect than to see the signature palm tree silhouetted against a brilliant sunrise. It caught me immediately. For my second morning back after the cruise,  I was reminded why I love Florida living. 

Impressionist Tequesta Sunrise
Tequesta, FL
October 6 ,2026

I am looking forward to heading out on my bike for my inaugural October ride. I have been slacking when it comes to riding my bike--but mostly due to an aggressive travel schedule. 

I took the image into my photo editor and created an impressionist interpretation of the scene--just for fun. That was a fun exercise. 

Let me know which you prefer.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 5, 2026

 1. Monday Musings returns. This is the first Monday of October and the first Monday of the Fiscal New Year--at least we did not have a shutdown this year. There are 12 Mondays remaining in 2026.

Miami in the Morning
Port of Miami on Celebrity Beyond
October 4, 2026

2. One of the things I enjoy at the end of a cruise is getting an image of the port as we sail in under the cover of darkness. I thought I was thwarted during the most recent cruise due to the dirty infinite veranda window that would not open. But, I snapped an image anyway and with the help of AI to remove the haze caused by the window and optimize the image, I am pretty happy with the result. It is Miami in the Morning. I took the image at 5:50 AM as Celebrity Beyond was approaching the Turning Basin. Amazingly, Chris and I would be off the ship, in our car, and on the way home in about two-and-a-half hours.

3. Family Football Catch-up. Well, the family teams continue to be mediocre, often snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They went 3-3 for the week and are now 12-12 for the season.

Ravens (3-1) held on against Titans (0-1), 24-18

Steelers (2-2) lost ugly to Browns (3-1), 24-27

TFKATR* (1-3) lost to Colts (2-2), 13-30 

*TFKATR - Team Formerly Known As The Redskins

Cowboys (2-2)  snatched victory from Texans (0-4), 34-30

Dolphins (0-4) failed to execute against Vikings (4-0), 10-15

Chiefs (4-0) snuck past Raiders (0-2) 30-27

4. It is just over one month to the mid-term elections. I have never before noticed the incredible amount of corruption hovering on the edge of the elections. Votes are being bought. Offers of $5000 if Republicans win, an $100 to seniors on Medicare are nothing more than vote buying schemes designed to coerce votes. And worse, remember the Big Beautiful Bill? The absolutely negative aspects of that bill go into effect after the elections. I am concerned there will be pain and suffering as has not been seen since the Great Depression across America. 

5. Today in History. On October 5, 1892, the famous Dalton Gang attempts the daring daylight robberyof two Coffeyville, Kansas, banks at the same time. But if the gang members believed the sheer audacity of their plan would bring them success, they were sadly mistaken. Instead, they were nearly all killed by quick-acting townspeople.

For a year and a half, the Dalton Gang had terrorized the state of Oklahoma, mostly concentrating on train holdups. Though the gang had more murders than loot to their credit, they had managed to successfully evade the best efforts of Oklahoma law officers to bring them to justice. Perhaps success bred overconfidence, but whatever their reasons, the gang members decided to try their hand at robbing not just one bank, but at robbing the First National and Condon Banks in their old hometown of Coffeyville at the same time.

Yemeni government launches offensive to seize all areas from Iran-backed Houthis - Reuters

US removes B-1 bombers from UK base amid security concerns - Reuters

Ukraine will hit Russian refineries in response to Moscow's 'new doctrine' of airstrikes, Zelenskiy says - Reuters

In crude Ohio speech, Trump says he may not help the state if Democrats win - Reuters

Trump is suddenly urging Republicans to ‘vote by mail’ - MS Now

Why doesn’t high speed rail work in America? - CNN

California woman arrested for spying for China and surveilling Taiwanese president’s son, officials say - CNN

Iran’s Top Security Official Warns of Dire Economic Conditions - The New York Times

Measles Outbreak in Amish Country Forces Some to Rethink Vaccines - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And it is Over

Brown Boobie
Celebrity Beyond, North Atlantic
October 3, 2026

Disembarkation day is generally a sad day. Last evening we sat at the Martini Bar and said good-bye to some of the friends we had made during our cruise.

We enjoyed a relaxing day, spending some time watching the brown boobies dive for fish. I enjoyed seeing them chase flying fish. It seemed to be an even battle. The birds would sometimes snatch the fish out of the air, but alternatively the fish would make a severe trajectory change and the bird would miss. 

Sitting on the Magic Carpet
Celebrity Beyond
October 3, 2026

Leaving the ship went smoothly as we enjoyed a last breakfast aboard and precisely when we rose from the table our departure number was called. Perfect timing. Even better, our car was right where we left it and ready for the return trip home.

Despite some of the annoyances we felt during the cruise, Chris and I both had fun and really appreciated the attentiveness of the crew and the diversity of the food. 

It was a sad good-bye, but being home felt good as well. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Day 7 - Final Sea Day

 

Turning Screws for Home
Celebrity Beyond, North Atlantic
October 2, 2026

Today is our final full day aboard Celebrity Beyond. It is also our final Sea Day and we do not have much planned. 

Well, other than packing because tomorrow we will arrive back into Port Miami to begin the transition back into day-to-day life. 

Yesterday we attended another greet the officers function. Prizes were awarded, but of course we were not winners. It was held in the beautiful Eden restaurant area and we explored the entire area trying to find a seat--which we eventually did. I took the image through the windows at the very stern of the ship. 

Out the Stateroom Window
Celebrity Beyond
October 2, 2026

Earlier in the morning, I was again confounded in my quest for an image by the design of the Infinite Veranda. Due to the storm we were on the edge of, the captain closed the veranda windows and all I managed to image were raindrops and not the rainbow on the edge of the storm. My frustration with the Infinite Veranda continues. I tried to open the window this morning to enjoy the sea breeze and capture an image, but now the window seems non-functional. 

We enjoyed some shopping and relaxed most of the day. 

Chris at Dinner
Celebrity Beyond
October 2, 2023

Dinner was fun as we were able to be seated at a table with wait staff that we enjoyed on a previous evening. Chris decided to join the food service staff parade around the dining room and she had a lot of fun. 

After dinner we enjoyed a spirited conversation at the Martini Bar before turning in for the night.  

-- Bob Doan, Celebrity Beyond, North Atlantic near 2405N 07334W, Heading 344 degrees 

Day 6 - Sea Day

 

Ready to Sail
Philipsburg, St Maarten
October 1, 2026

Heading Home began last evening about 5 PM as Celebrity Beyond departed Sint Maarten and turned northwestward. Today and tomorrow are sea days with arrival in Miami Sunday morning.

I enjoy sea days. Sometimes though I have the urge to sat, "are we there, yet?"

Yesterday was, without a doubt, a drink and food day.

View from the Dutch Blonde Beach Bar
Philipsburg, St Maarten
October 1, 2026

About noon, Chris and I headed off the ship for a wine tasting in Philipsburg. Advertised as the Small Group: Dutch Blond Beach Bar French Wine and Cheese Tasting, we were pleased to learn, upon arrival, that calling it a tasting was a misnomer. It was a wine drinking experience. And we experienced it with five nicely chosen French wines paired expertly with Dutch cheese. As a backdrop to the tasting, we were treated to the story of the how the owner came to have a restaurant on Sint Maarten, which was very compelling. We had a great time with the about twenty other oenophiles and learned a lot about Dutch cheese and French wines.

Returning to the ship about 4 PM, we had just enough time to prepare for our Chef's Table experience. 

Dessert
Celebrity Beyond
October 1, 2026

The Chef's table is not for the faint hearted. And I don't just mean the price. We were unprepared for the dining experience that was to come. We enjoyed five courses of dishes that we did not even conceive of before the dinner.

I enjoyed having the Chef explain each of the courses and the Sommelier provide a dissertation about each wine. The wine explanation was very personal because Chris and I were the only ones who chose the premium wine add-on--which was not for the faint of heart. It was pricey, but worth the cost to enjoy perfectly paired wines with each course.  

Well, it was a day of wine and food. And it was fun. We also met a lot of very nice people. 

 

-- Bob Doan, Atlantic Ocean, 

Day 5, St Maarten

 

Celebrity Beyond
Tortola, BVI
September 30, 2026

Happy October 1st

Yesterday, a relaxing day was enjoyed. 

Walking the streets of the Tortola cruise port, we enjoyed the bright sun and gentle sea breeze. Together they were refreshing. A Norwegian Cruise Lines ship was in port as we arrived, but due to our late day arrival, they were in the final hour of their stop and most of their passengers were headed onto their ship as we disembarked from Celebrity Beyond.

Tortola, BVI
September 30, 2026

Chris and I did some shopping, but did not head out on a tour.

We have a busy day planned in Philipsburg, St Maarten. We are doing a French Wine and Cheese tasting with a little beach time added. We may also wander the streets of Philipsburg a bit. Tonight we are dining at the Chef's Table. We are both excited about that. 

Through the Dirty Window
Philipsburg, St Maarten
October 1, 2026

At this moment we are cruising into Philipsburg and the coastline is bathed in morning light. I would take an image, but Chris is sleeping and the window makes an incredible noise. I am still not a fan of the Infinite Veranda that this class of ships sports.

We have vacationed in St Maarten and also visited here on at least two previous cruises. This is one of our favorite islands in the Caribbean. 

-- Bob Doan, Philipsburg, St Maarten

Day 4, Tortola

 Our second Port Call of the cruise is today. We are making a stop at Tortola, BVI. 

Fortress of San Filipe
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
September 292926

Chris and I enjoyed a relaxing day yesterday as most of the other cruisers got off the ship to explore the Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. We actually had a hot tub almost to ourselves and the noise level in the solarium was greatly reduced. Teh heat and the jets in the hot tub did wonders for my back, which has been problematic for the entire trip thus far.

Enjoying the Solarium
Celebrity Beyond
September 29, 2026

We had fun in the solarium. On this ship, the solarium is climate controlled, which made the experience nicer. The solarium was pleasant and we spend a while there before returning to our stateroom to head out for lunch. 

In the evening, we enjoyed a Captain's Club welcome celebration in the Eden. I enjoy these activities because we got to meet the captain and many of the senior officers of the crew. While at the event, I noticed the rocking of the ship abnd captured the motion on a chandelier. 

We had fun and are looking forward to visiting Tortola today. 

-- Bob Doan, Celebrity Beyond, Atlantic Ocean near 1850N 06557W

Day 3, Welcome to the D.R.

 

Arriving Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic
September 29, 2026

Day three dawned with the ship preparing to enter Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, for a brief port call. It truly is brief, we arrived at 8 AM and the gangway goes up at 2:30 PM. 

Chris and I are staying onboard today.
This is our third visit to Puerto Plata and the port area is very nice, but we are going to take the opportunity to enjoy the ship while most of the passengers are off.

First Wine Tasting of the Day
Atlantic Ocean
September 28, 2026

Yesterday's sea day was especially fun. We attended two wine tastings and enjoyed a very nice dinner.

The two wine tastings was a complete accident. I had purchased the worldwide wine tour for our afternoon enjoyment and when we boarded we were advised that because of our Captain's Club status we were invited to a complimentary late morning wine tasting. So we wined out for the day.

Tomorrow we visit Tortola and while we do not have an excursion planned, we will definitely get off the ship to explore.

-- Bob Doan, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

And we are off

Bag Drop-off
Terminal AA, Port of Miami, FL
Septemberb 27, 2026

Embarkation Day was not without its challenges. The challenges began right as we dropped our bags off and then had to park. It was not the smoothest process.

Let me explain.

South Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL
September 27, 2026

I knew that our ship was docked at Terminal AA, and I had previously received a notice from Celebrity that we would also park at Terminal AA. I understood then that we returned that the ship would dock at Terminal A and we would have to schlep our bags to Terminal AA and depart the garage. Well that got changed. We dropped the bags off at Terminal AA and then drove to the Terminal A parking garage and then had to return to Terminal AA to depart. Sound confusing? Yup! And wait, the Post of Miami is a confusing enough to begin with.

The process to board the Celebrity Beyond was very smooth and we only stopped long enough for them to review our passports and verify us as the travelers. With the parling gymnastics wev arrived a mere 15 minutes before our scheduled time. That is the latest we have ever presented ourselves for boarding. 

Being Chased by Icon of the Seas
Atlantic Ocean
September 27, 2026

Our welcome aboard Concierge Class lunch was fantastic, although I didn't understand the non-English words on the menu--we chose wisely.

Our bags were a bit late arriving to the stateroom, but that allowed us to take a nice midafternoon nap. 

We were lucky to be able to watch the tense game between the Cowboys and the Ravens in the sports bar. I felt bad for Chris because the overwhelming majority of those watching the game were Ravens fans. We might have gotten a bit rowdy when the Ravens were the winniers with a 1 second remaining field goal. 

First Impressions: 

The ship is beautiful. It is 4 years old and wears it design well. 

Stateroom Door Secorations
Celebrity Beyond
September 27, 2026

The stateroom, however, is tough to enjoy. It is long and narrow and the much touted infinite veranda is a poor excuse for trying to convince people that dual use space is a good thing. So far, it is not. It becomes a problem when one of us is awake and desiring to sit on the veranda without disturbing the other. The motors for the blind and the window are loud! I am, however, writing on the veranda with the window closed and the blind half down. And it is too small--there are no recliners.

The crew has been fantastic even last evening when I could not find the room service menu to order or the promised bath robes. Within 15 minutes I had everything I needed. 

More to follow. And Monday Musings are on hiatus until next week.

-- Bob Doan, Atlantic Ocean near 2429N 07529W heading 210 degrees