On the Road

摘要

U.S. Virgin Islands: Sighted across Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas, the 160-foot, three-masted schooner Arabella was a beacon of classical loveliness amidst monstrous cruise ships. (Among them was one from Disney's fleet, which periodically blasted out the first phrase of "When You Wish Upon a Star" on a giant foghorn.) Once on board, we got out of there fast, headed for open waters. The prospect of four days on a small ship with a bunch of strangers raises certain questions. Will you hate them? Will you be required to chat with them before you've had your coffee? One clever girl put her finger right on it.