Captain’s Log – Week 51 | Tara Riverboats
Week 51 brings a subtle but welcome shift in the air. The tension that lingered through previous weeks has not vanished, but it has eased just enough to allow optimism to surface again. Conversations feel lighter. Smiles come a little quicker. The river, as ever, continues its steady course, reminding us that movement forward doesn’t always need to be loud to be meaningful.
This week was highlighted by an unforgettable Christmas cruise aboard Queen Tara. We welcomed 80 special guests on board to celebrate Christmas together on the Tonlé Sap Lake — a truly memorable occasion. Laughter, shared meals, music, and the glow of festive decorations transformed the boat into a floating celebration. Watching the sunset over the lake while guests connected, relaxed, and marked the holiday together was a powerful reminder of why these journeys matter.
A very special moment came courtesy of a young lady, an accomplished violinist, who graciously played for our guests throughout the cruise. Her beautiful Christmas songs drifted across the deck and out over the lake, creating a calm, emotional atmosphere that stopped people in their tracks. It was a deeply touching moment — one that brought quiet reflection, smiles, and more than a few misty eyes. An experience that will be remembered long after the decorations are packed away.
Beyond the festivities, life on the water has returned to something close to its natural rhythm. Boats are running smoothly, engines humming, and crews moving with confidence and care. Guests arrive curious and open-hearted, many expressing relief to simply be travelling again, to sit back, watch the shoreline drift by, and reconnect with the slower pulse of Cambodia.
Along the riverbanks, everyday life continues with quiet determination. Children wave from stilted homes, fishermen tend their nets at first light, and markets buzz with familiar voices and routines. These small, ordinary scenes feel especially meaningful this week — reminders that resilience often shows itself in consistency rather than spectacle.
Our team has remained steady throughout. Guides share stories with pride, captains keep a careful watch on conditions, and behind the scenes there is renewed focus on maintenance, preparation, and planning for the months ahead. There’s a sense that while challenges remain, we are better positioned to meet them — together.
As the year draws toward its close, Week 51 feels like a moment to reflect rather than rush. Gratitude stands out: for calm waters, for guests who trust us with their journey, for the crew who made the Christmas cruise such a success, and for moments of unexpected beauty — like a violin echoing gently across the Tonlé Sap at sunset.
The river doesn’t promise certainty — but it does promise continuity. And for now, that is more than enough.
End of Log — Week 51