/Pink Beach (Long Beach)-1-v4.webp)
/Sebayur Island (Turtle Point)-1-v4.webp)
Cameron Davies
San Jose, US
A Babymoon Anchored in Serenity
At 24 weeks, I needed calm—and the Cheng Ho offered it in spades. The Master Suite’s layout allowed for privacy, and the queen bed was firm enough to support my back. Each morning began with warm lemon water delivered without asking. We spent a quiet afternoon at Batu Bolong, where I floated at the edge of the reef, watching coral trout dart through the current. The crew learned my preference for ginger tea and had it ready after each outing. One evening, anchored off Nusa Kode, the captain arranged a private beach dinner—lanterns in the sand, grilled lobster, and a playlist I’d curated. It felt deeply personal. Padar Island was a stretch, but worth it; we took it slow, pausing every few minutes to breathe. The only flaw: the lower deck can get warm by midday, even with fans. But evenings cooled quickly, and sleeping with the porthole open to the sound of waves was dreamlike. This wasn’t escape. It was sanctuary.