An unexpected meeting on the ocean

There are beliefs about how the right individuals tend to attract each other in surprising places—or perhaps it’s linked to a ship. Regardless, when two unfamiliar faces come together in a bustling setting, anything is possible.

Winters in the Midwest can be harsh. The cold is biting and seems to stretch on forever. It’s frigid. That’s why people from the Midwest make great vacationers! When the chance arises, they pack their bags and head to warmer shores. And if there’s anyone who understands the importance of escaping winter for a refreshing drink on a sunny beach, it’s Dominic Lacy.  

During a particularly severe cold wave in January 2013, Dominic decided to take a break from work and travel to the Caribbean. Eager for a getaway, he planned a solo trip south to unwind and rejuvenate. However, he never anticipated boarding a cruise ship in Florida that would lead to a fortuitous encounter and change his status as a lifelong eligible bachelor. 

In the weeks leading up to his journey, Dominic diligently worked and scoured the web to prepare himself for the Caribbean experience. Eager to discover the kind of people he might meet on his cruise, he joined a Facebook group for fellow travelers also setting sail and gathered insider tips on how to enhance his enjoyment.

Dominic arrived in Florida and made a beeline for the Dinogo Breeze. The first event of the voyage was the Welcome Aboard reception—a grand occasion designed to energize everyone and set an upbeat tone for the week ahead. The venue was filled with over 600 enthusiastic guests ready to celebrate. There were tasty drinks, lavish food, loud music, and an electrifying host who promised the crowd this trip would be the highlight of their lives. Dominic was all in!

“People frequently inquire about my journeys and whether it’s feasible to meet someone while on vacation, so I simply share that I met my fiancé in that way.”

As the reception drew to a close, the host encouraged everyone to stand and introduce themselves to another traveler. Awkward interactions spread throughout the crowd as Dominic stood up. “I turned around to see a woman who looked oddly familiar,” Dominic recalls. “She was one of the individuals I connected with in the Facebook group and just happened to be right behind me—in a room filled with hundreds of people!” What were the odds! Her name was Elizabeth, and their ship had only just begun to depart the port. 

The two began chatting (in real life) amid the buzz and excitement of the packed room, realizing that, out of all the places in the world where two strangers could live, their homes were only 15 minutes apart in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Incredible! Instantly, their conversation found a groove, and Dominic sensed that his vacation was about to take an exciting turn.  

As the voyage unfolded, Dominic and Elizabeth began spending more time together. It felt as though the ship itself was playing matchmaker, guiding them to the same spots at just the right moments. One evening, while sailing into a port under the stars, they found themselves outside on the deck, chatting late into the night as if they were on a private getaway of their own.  

The entire experience became one of the most memorable trips of Dominic’s life, and he realized he wanted to nurture his connection with Elizabeth once they returned home to Minnesota. He was convinced that this was more than just a fleeting vacation romance.  

It was well into the harsh Midwest winter when they finally went on their first official date a few weeks later. Settling into a cozy local café with steaming drinks, they effortlessly slipped into conversation about their Caribbean adventure, sharing laughs over the recent onboard festivities that now felt like distant memories. As they reminisced about their trip, the spark they had onboard reignited, turning that first date into a series of wonderful outings. 

Now, Dominic and Elizabeth have been together for over seven years and are in the midst of planning their wedding. This adventurous couple has become pros at escaping the winter chill and making the most of their vacations. “We travel a lot and take trips together all the time!” Dominic shares. “At least once a year, which means we’ve enjoyed seven or eight vacations since we first met.”

“People often ask me about my travels and whether it’s possible to find love while on vacation, so I simply tell them I met my fiancé that way,” he adds. There are beliefs about how the right individuals can gravitate toward each other in crowded settings, and perhaps these well-traveled Minnesotans are living proof of that. Or maybe it was the magic of the ship that facilitated their unforgettable first meeting. Regardless, they both found their perfect match the day their ship set sail!