Getting caught between the moon 🌙 & New York City

Our final official activity in New York City was one that neither of us could have imagined would become one of the highlights of the entire trip.

This morning we stepped aboard a beautiful luxury yacht aptly named MANHATTAN for a brunch cruise that would fully circumnavigate the island of Manhattan, passing beneath twenty bridges and showcasing every corner of this remarkable city from the water. As we settled into our seats, the gentle strains of Yacht Rock drifted through the vessel — one of my favourite genres of music. Smooth, melodic and calming, it felt like the perfect soundtrack to carry us around Manhattan on our final day in America.

And then… wow 🤩

Just wow 💥

Honestly, this was one of the best things I have ever done in my life.

A luxury yacht, incredible food, spectacular service, and New York City unfolding around us in glorious Technicolor from every angle imaginable. Every time you thought you had seen the best view, another iconic landmark would appear around the next bend. It was a constant stream of “wow” moments.

The brunch itself was exceptional. In fact, I think it may have been the best food we have had on the entire trip.

We began with a beautiful fresh fruit platter — cleansing, refreshing and the perfect accompaniment to a Bloody Mary. Then came baskets overflowing with warm croissants, banana bread, apple tea cake and authentic New York bagels served with smoked salmon, capers and cream cheese.

The main course featured crispy chicken and waffles served with maple syrup and fresh salad, alongside perfectly portioned brunch dishes that somehow felt both indulgent and elegant at the same time.

Every bite was delicious.

Around us, guests sipped Mimosas, Bloody Marys and sparkling wines from Napa Valley while Manhattan slowly drifted past. The atmosphere onboard was one of pure joy. There was laughter, conversation and that wonderful feeling that everyone knew they were experiencing something special.

As we cruised around the island, I couldn’t help but feel that somehow this one experience had managed to encompass our entire holiday.

We celebrated Pride Month onboard, which felt particularly fitting given how much of this trip has revolved around LGBTQ+ spaces, events, shows and communities. From Palm Springs to Las Vegas, San Francisco and New York, Pride has woven itself throughout our journey, and it felt like the perfect final chapter.

Standing on the bow of the yacht with the wind rushing past was exhilarating and strangely humbling at the same time. You gain such a unique perspective of Manhattan from the water. Entire neighbourhoods reveal themselves. Bridges tower overhead. Parks stretch out along the shoreline. It allows you to appreciate just how vast and magnificent this city really is.

Then came one particularly special moment.

The Chrysler Building appeared in the distance.

It has always been one of my favourite buildings in New York and although we never quite managed to get up close to it during our stay, seeing it gleaming in the sunlight from the deck of a luxury yacht somehow felt even more magical.

Perhaps it was the wine talking.

Perhaps it was simply gratitude.

But I found myself completely overwhelmed by the experience.

A huge thank you must go to Chris’s friend Mike for recommending this cruise. What made it even more enjoyable was that we were surrounded mostly by locals rather than tourists. There was a completely different energy onboard. Relaxed. Authentic. Effortless. It felt less like an attraction and more like being invited into a local New York tradition.

As we approached the pier at the conclusion of the cruise, the speakers began playing:

“When you get caught between the moon and New York City…”

I actually laughed.

What a perfectly timed soundtrack.

“The best that you can do is fall in love.”

I will admit that New York and I have had a slightly complicated relationship over the past five days. There have been moments of frustration, exhaustion and sensory overload. But after today, I think I’m finally beginning to understand why so many people fall head over heels for this city.

We raised another toast to Faye for her birthday before heading off in separate directions for the afternoon. Mark was determined to visit a bakery recommended by his sister, while I chose a much slower pace.

I wandered along the High Line, one of the loveliest surprises of our New York stay.

It felt like a hidden oasis floating above the city streets. Birds chirped in the trees while people strolled leisurely beneath the sunshine. Others sat on benches eating ice creams, reading books or simply watching the world go by. The amount of greenery was remarkable and everything felt so thoughtfully designed and lovingly maintained.

Given another week in New York, I think I could happily spend several afternoons there.

Eventually I found myself at Chelsea Market.

What an absolute treasure trove.

Lobster rolls. Tacos. Bakeries. Specialty food stores. Every corner revealed another temptation. One taco stand had a queue stretching almost out the door accompanied by a sign boldly declaring it to be “the best ever.”

Judging by the line, people clearly agreed.

The market was bustling with energy and excitement, and while I could appreciate how fantastic it was, it wasn’t quite the peaceful atmosphere I was craving before embarking on twenty-four hours of travel home to Australia.

And so, with that, another holiday comes to an end.

As I sit here reflecting on the past three weeks, I feel enormously proud of what I planned and achieved.

This trip required months of research, coordination and organisation. Flights, hotels, transport, shows, tours, restaurants and countless logistics all had to come together across multiple cities and states.

And somehow, it all worked.

From Los Angeles to Palm Springs. Las Vegas to San Francisco. New York City and everywhere in between.

There were unforgettable experiences, wonderful people, incredible food, unexpected adventures and memories that will stay with me forever.

As always, travel reminds me just how big, diverse and fascinating our world truly is.

So goodbye New York.

Goodbye United States of America.

Thank you for the memories, the laughter, the surprises and the adventures.

It has been an absolute blast.

And who knows?

Perhaps one day we’ll meet again.

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