Reflections From the Sky and the Sea: Travel, Perspective, and Representation

My first blog post for Passports and Promises Travel, LLC was supposed to be something entirely different. I imagined it would be a reflection on past travels, stories from places I had visited before and memories I wanted to share. But the inspiration for that never quite came. Instead, some

thing else did.

Today I’m returning home after spending a couple of weeks away, including a 12-day cruise aboard the beautiful Celebrity Ascent, and something stirred within me that felt worth sharing.

This trip also marked my second experience flying first class. Both times I noticed something that made me pause: there were not many people who looked like me sitting in those seats.

No one said anything to me directly, and I want to be very clear about that. Throughout my travels I was treated professionally and with courtesy. But I did notice the looks, the lingering glances, the quiet curiosity from other travelers both while flying and on the ship. It made me wonder what people might be thinking when they see someone like me in spaces where people who look like me are less commonly represented.

These are simply my personal reflections, not accusations. Still, those moments stayed with me and gave me something to think about.

Despite those reflections, the cruise itself was absolutely wonderful. My time aboard the ship was filled with incredible service, memorable experiences, and truly outstanding food. I met wonderful people among both the guests and the crew, and I enjoyed several specialty dining experiences throughout the voyage.

Among my favorites were Fine Cut Steakhouse, Eden, The Magic Carpet, where dinner is served dramatically over the edge of the ship, and the Rooftop Garden Grill. Each restaurant offered its own unique atmosphere and exceptional meals. I also enjoyed every dining experience in the main dining rooms.

Overall, I had a fantastic time and left the ship feeling excited about the possibility of sailing with Celebrity again in the future.

During the cruise I visited several beautiful Caribbean destinations, including St. Kitts, Sint Maarten, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and Dominica. In each port, I made a point to ask my tour operators and drivers a question that had been on my mind:

Do you see many travelers who look like me?

Interestingly, many of the transportation providers and guides themselves looked like me. However, when I asked about the travelers they typically hosted, the answer was overwhelmingly similar. Occasionally they would see a few, but not many.

That response gave me even more to reflect on.

As someone who works as a travel advisor, I notice similar patterns within the industry itself. I am grateful to be part of a wonderful host agency and to work in a field that allows me to help others experience the world. Yet when I look around at trainings, rankings, familiarization trips, and lists of top producing advisors, I still do not often see many people who look like me represented in those spaces.

Again, this is simply an observation, not a criticism.

Travel has the power to open doors to new cultures, new friendships, and new perspectives. It allows us to taste incredible food, experience breathtaking places, and connect with people whose lives may be very different from our own.

There is truly a whole world out there waiting to be explored.

This isn’t meant to suggest that everyone must travel. Some people may not want to, and others may not have the opportunity. Both are completely understandable. But for those who do have the desire, the dream to see more of the world, I sincerely hope those dreams are realized.

I stand in unity with those who believe God for opportunities like these. Travel can be transformative. It reminds me how vast and beautiful the world truly is and how much we can learn from one another along the way.

And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that there is space for all of us to explore it.

If you are dreaming about seeing more of the world, I would love to help you plan the journey through Passports and Promises Travel.

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Shareljia Lawrence is the founder of Passports and Promises Travel, LLC, a travel advisor specializing in meaningful travel experiences, group travel, and unforgettable journeys around the world.