Actress Carolina Vera (49) is part of the traditional "Dream Ship" New Year's edition. This time we're going to the "Bahamas" (1.1., 8:15 p.m., ZDF). In an interview with spot on news, she reveals her surprising assessment of the - supposed - dream island state in the Atlantic. The artist, who was born in Chile, also talks about her wishes for the New Year and what her milestone birthday, which she celebrates on January 4th, means to her.

Carolina Vera: Of course I've already seen the film, but I'm very curious to see how the film is received, what the ratings are and what feedback there is.

Vera: I've had that feeling a few times on different shoots. As if everyone is surfing, everyone on their own wave and yet all together. That's how it was with this "Traumschiff" shoot. That's a good feeling. You can spend time together or leave each other alone. It is a feeling of togetherness accompanied by freedom. That's great.

Vera: The sea. The sea and the sea.

Vera: I thought, like so many, that the Bahamas are such a paradise for travellers. On site, it quickly became clear to me that this country and I would not become friends. The right feeling, the sense of well-being that I get in some places just didn't materialize here at all.

Vera: I spent what little free time I had there besides filming with Dennenesch [Zoudé, fellow actress, ed.] on the beach.

Vera: In my role, I liked Marie's inner conflict. The inner journey from security to loss of control to letting go.

Vera: Every year on New Year's Eve you let go of the old and welcome the new. I take on this inescapable ritual and do the same. I visualize the year that is coming to an end with all its challenges and gifts, say goodbye forever and thus make room for something new.

Vera: On the one hand, I wish for the world that the difficult political situation will ease and that dialogue will be possible again. Because it is only through dialogue that the new can develop, solutions can be found and peace can be agreed. And on the other hand, I spontaneously wish to shoot again by the sea in 2023.

Vera: Initially, this number had a huge meaning that I couldn't quite grasp, but the closer it gets, the more I realize that it's just another adventurous round on this beautiful planet. After all, getting older and wiser is a luxury in life.