South Korea Day 12 – Farewell from Seoul: Celebrity Cruise Departure Day

There’s that one moment every traveler knows too well — when you slip into your comfiest travel slippers, grab your airplane blanket, and realize… it’s time to head home. After sixteen incredible days exploring Japan and South Korea, I still can’t believe our journey has come to an end. This trip was everything — relaxing, inspiring, and filled with memories that will stay with us forever. From mouthwatering sushi in Tokyo to breathtaking temples in Busan, every single day felt like a new adventure.

Only in South Korea would a robot greet you the moment you step into the airport. Welcome to Incheon International Airport, where technology meets tranquility — and yes, your travel expectations will never be the same after this. The first thing that hit me wasn’t the size (though it’s massive) — it was how quiet and calm everything felt. No rushing crowds, no blaring announcements — just peaceful background music and mesmerizing floor-to-ceiling digital screens showing relaxing visuals. It honestly felt like I stepped into a luxury spa disguised as an airport. 🤖 Smart Travel at Its Finest Incheon Airport is one of the most advanced smart airports in the world, powered by big data, robotics, and biometric technology. From self-check-in kiosks and face-recognition immigration to helpful robots roaming around ready to assist, it’s clear that South Korea has travel innovation down to a science. Every detail here is designed to make travel effortless — even the seating areas have wireless charging stations built right in!

Ever wondered what really happens after the curtain closes on a cruise ship show? On Day 11 of our Celebrity Cruise in Busan, South Korea, we got a rare backstage pass to find out! My daughter works as a stitcher for Celebrity Cruises, which means she’s the unsung hero behind the glitter and glam—making sure every costume fits perfectly before the performers hit the stage. Thanks to her, my husband and I scored front-row invitations to the exclusive Cast After Party! 🍾 🎉 The Secret World of Cruise Cast After Parties Most passengers never see what happens behind the velvet rope. These after parties are a special tradition to celebrate the final show, where the cast, crew, and a few lucky guests unwind and relive the magic of their performances. The energy was electric—laughter, hugs, toasts, and a shared sense of accomplishment after weeks of incredible shows like On Broadway and Mamma Mia! We raised our glasses to the hardworking cast and talented performers, toasting to another successful run. You could feel the camaraderie and joy in every “cheers.” 🍰 Cut the Cake, Celebrate the Crew! And then came the sweetest moment of the night—a “Congratulations!” cake for the entire cast. And guess who got to do the honors? Yep… I got to cut the cake! What an absolute treat to be part of the celebration, surrounded by so much talent and passion. Fun fact: Each show on a Celebrity Cruise can require dozens of costume alterations per week! Stitchers like my daughter ensure every sequin, zipper, and hemline looks flawless under those bright stage lights.

If you thought cruising was just about ocean views and exotic ports, think again! Day 11 of our Celebrity Cruise in Busan, South Korea, brought the stage to us with an unforgettable On Broadway performance that had everyone singing and dancing along. The energy was electric as the show continued with ABBA’s timeless hits from Mamma Mia! – “Mamma Mia!”, “Voulez-Vous”, and of course, the ever-iconic “Dancing Queen.” 🎶💃 You couldn’t help but get swept up in the music, whether you were a Broadway fanatic or just a cruise-goer looking for a fun night. Next up was Footloose, and the high-energy dance numbers had the entire audience clapping along and tapping their feet. There’s something magical about seeing Broadway-caliber performances right on a cruise ship—it’s like taking the theater with you wherever you go!

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Broadway without booking a ticket to New York City, Celebrity Cruises has you covered — because on Day 11 of our South Korea adventure, the stage came alive right on the ship! After a fun-filled stop in Busan, South Korea’s vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, seafood, and neon-lit nightlife, we returned to the ship for a night of glitz, glam, and show tunes. And let me tell you — it was pure Broadway magic at sea! 🌊✨

If you’ve ever taken a cruise with Celebrity Cruises, you know it’s more than just a vacation — it’s a full-on experience. From the moment you step aboard, you’re welcomed by smiling faces, ocean breezes, and a team that feels like family. And in this farewell video, the amazing crew reminds us why we keep coming back again and again. Let’s take a little peek behind the scenes of this emotional send-off!

Last night on the Celebrity Cruise was something out of a dream — lobster and luxury rolled into one unforgettable final dinner. As I typed the last few notes and sipped my after-dinner drink, it hit me: this is really the end of our 12-day Asia cruise. And yes, I’m already feeling melancholic.

After days at sea aboard our Celebrity Cruise, we finally docked in Busan, South Korea — and let me tell you, this day ended with one of the most memorable meals of our entire trip. Picture this: hours of exploring Busan’s buzzing streets, the neon lights, the energy, the smells of sizzling street food... and then the quest for authentic Korean BBQ began. No tourist traps. No trendy Instagram cafes. Just good, old-school Korean BBQ in Busan — the kind locals love and travelers dream of finding. 🥩 The Search for Real Korean Flavor After what felt like miles of walking, we stumbled upon a tiny, tucked-away restaurant. No English menu. No fancy sign. Just an older woman waving us inside with a smile that said, “You’re home now.” That’s when we knew — we’d found the real deal. Inside, the warmth hit us instantly — both from the grill and from her motherly energy. Before we could even sit down properly, the side dishes (banchan) started arriving. If you’ve never experienced banchan, let me explain: these are small dishes served with every Korean meal — kimchi, marinated vegetables, pickled radish, seaweed salad, and more. But they’re not just side snacks; they’re part of the entire Korean BBQ ritual. Every bite builds on the last, creating an explosion of flavor with every combo you try.

Wait… why is there a Texas Street in the middle of Busan, South Korea?! On Day 11 of our Celebrity Cruise adventure, we stepped off the ship ready to explore downtown Busan — and what we found was not what we expected! After spotting an entrance to Chinatown, we wandered a little further and stumbled across a sign for Texas Street. I had to do a double take. Texas? In Korea? Yeehaw, partner — it’s true! 🤠