Day 2, cruising…Heavenly, amid a few glitches…

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Before sailing away, we took this photo of the world-famous Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to be sailing the seas once again. After months of anticipation, the feeling of stepping onto a ship, hearing the faint hum of the engines, and seeing the endless blue horizon fills us with a familiar joy that never gets old. The gentle roll of the ocean feels like home, a rhythm we’ve grown to love after years of traveling the world, always seeking that perfect balance between adventure and serenity.

Last night, we had our first cocktails in the Crown Lounge, exclusively for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members.

Still, the boarding process was trickier than we’d hoped. I pride myself on being organized with travel documents, but even the most seasoned travelers have their hiccups. Somehow, I made an error when completing our Namibian e-visa applications, and it wasn’t discovered until check-in. My heart sank when the agent pointed it out with a polite but firm smile. We’ll have to redo them in the next few days before arriving in Namibia. Thankfully, there’s time, and as frustrating as it was, it’s all part of the unpredictable nature of travel. These are the moments that remind me that patience and flexibility are as essential as a passport when living this life.

Tom was in the Crown Lounge last night.

Once we were on board, the mood lightened immediately. The familiar scent of the sea and the sound of cheerful greetings from the crew washed away the minor stress of boarding. The ship, though a bit older than some of the newer Royal Caribbean vessels, has a charm all its own: warm, inviting, and comfortable. After unpacking and settling into our cabin, we decided to get our WiFi working so we could stay connected to the world, post updates, and check emails. That’s when the next little hurdle began.

I was in the Crown Lounge previous evening.

We’d prepaid for the VOOM internet, Royal Caribbean’s Starlink, expecting it to be as seamless as on past cruises. Previously, it was as simple as entering an access code and connecting. But this time, the process was anything but simple. There were multiple instructions depending on the device, confusing login pages, and no clear way to activate our prepaid plan. We each tried our phones and laptops, only to end up in a loop of sign-ins that went nowhere.

Tom’s prime rib dinner in the Main Dining Room last night.

After thirty minutes of fiddling, we finally gave in and stood in line at the tech help desk. The line moved slowly, filled with other puzzled passengers holding their phones aloft, hoping for that magical moment when “Connected” would appear on the screen. Usually, we can figure out these things on our own, but this time it was simply too convoluted. Eventually, a patient crew member guided us through the new system. Within minutes, we were online, relief washing over us like the sea breeze outside.

My dinner last night… chicken breast, poached eggs, and a bit of broccoli.

It’s funny how dependent we’ve all become on connectivity, even when sailing across the ocean, far from the routines of everyday life. For us, it’s not just about posting photos or browsing the news. It’s how we manage our travels, communicate with family, and continue writing about our journey for all of our dear readers. Once the connection was stable, we could finally exhale.

The ship’s security department confiscated my big knife that travels with us. At the end of the cruise, we’ll be able to collect it.

As evening approached, we wandered to the deck to watch the sunset, the horizon glowing in shades of gold and pink. The minor frustrations of the day faded as the ship glided smoothly over the calm sea. Below us, the wake shimmered like a trail of silver, a reminder that each day at sea brings both challenges and beauty. Tomorrow, the ship will be farther from shore, and we’ll settle into the rhythm of cruising life, meals, walks on deck, conversation with fellow travelers, which has already been such fun, and the gentle lull of the ocean, reminding us how lucky we are to be here once again.

Even after all these years, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of being at sea.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 28, 2015:

Cows are always curious, and we laughed when this grazing cow picked up his head to check us out. For more photos, please click here.

Off we go! Interesting facts about our cruises..

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Here is the map of our three back-to-back cruises beginning today and ending on December 13.

Tom looked up some facts about today’s 47-night cruise(s) that surprised us.

  • 10 Countries

  • 4 Continents,

  • 4 Hemispheres,

  • Cross the Equator 3 times 

Wow! We certainly are looking forward to this adventure and will share details with you as we sail on this fun journey.

We’ve taken every possible precaution to avoid getting sick, including taking immune-supporting supplements, taking cold showers, eating healthy food, getting good sleep, and exercising (which I’ve done daily). Tom did the three flights of stairs many times, collecting packages from Amazon, groceries, and Uber Eats.

We’ve both been doing intermittent fasting and have each lost over 16 pounds (7.3 kg) in 6 weeks, averaging 2.63 pounds (1.2 kg) per week. Tom is as light as he’s been since we left the US in 2012, but I still have 11 more pounds (5 kg) to reach my usual weight. I’d gained over 25 pounds from the previous heart medications I had to take for a year.

It will be a challenge to keep losing weight on the cruise, but I will try. It will be too hard to continue intermittent fasting, but since we don’t eat lunch, I’ll be careful with portion control and food choices during breakfast and dinner. Since we didn’t drink any alcohol, except for last Monday when we went to lunch with Linda and Ken, it was easier to lose.

On the ship, as Diamond Plus members, we’re each allowed five complimentary drinks each day. I will only have two glasses of wine each day, so we’ll see how it goes. Hopefully, all the walking we’ll do on the ship and out on tours will offset some of the extra calories we consume from the alcohol.

We are fully packed and ready to go. Soon, Carlos will arrive to help Tom get the bags downstairs. We arranged a larger taxi to take us to the cruise terminal. We have an assigned arrival time of 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. We won’t have any trouble making that time.

We signed up for internet so we each have our own connection on the ship and will still be able to communicate with family using WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

We’ll be back tomorrow, but it may be later than usual since we’ll be having breakfast and unpacking in the morning.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 27, 2015:

This tiny chemist shop has more inventory packed into this tiny space than imaginable. One need only ask for an item, and they happily scrounge around until they find it. The owner, of Muslim heritage, refused to allow interior and staff photos, which we’ve encountered and respected in Morocco and other Muslim countries. For more photos, please click here.

Traveling to Greece?…Euphoria Retreat…Five days and counting…

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Not our photo. Euphoria Retreat in Greece.

Many of our readers are cruising and flying to Greece for their vacations/holidays. Today, we stumbled across this article that may be of interest to those interested in wellness and spas. This article was written in the first person by the author from her personal experience.

From Travel+Leisure online magazine:

“This Might Be the Most Transformative Wellness Retreat in Greece—Where Ancient Philosophy Meets Modern Healing

At Euphoria Retreat in Mystras, timeless philosophy and holistic therapies help guests rediscover balance and purpose. By Janine Di Giovanni Published on October 11, 2025

I’m a strong believer in psychotherapy, but the concept of professional coaching never appealed to me. The one time I tried it, I was unnerved by a trust exercise and gave up almost immediately. Then, a couple of years ago, I became CEO of a nonprofit investigating war crimes in Ukraine. Having spent most of my career as a writer, working alone, I found leading a team to be exhilarating, but I needed a new skill set. So I signed up for a leadership program at Euphoria, a wellness retreat in Greece.

The word euphoria is derived from ancient Greek. (Its literal meaning is “to bear” or “to carry well.”) It’s a fitting name for the first—and most acclaimed—wellness center in the country. The property is set in the fortified town of Mystras, about a three-hour drive south of Athens. I arrived just as the sun was going down behind Mount Taygetos, the highest peak in the Peloponnese, and casting a golden light across Euphoria’s stone floors.

The property, which opened in 2018, was designed by Greek architect Natalia Efraimoglou to reflect the area’s Byzantine heritage. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was a key inspiration; elements of that building are reflected in Euphoria’s domes and arches, as well as its palette of gold, blue, red, and yellow. Most of the retreat’s 45 rooms are set in the main building, but I stayed in one of six suites located in the 1830s Leoncini Mansion, which has marble floors and is decorated with Turkish rugs and traditional wooden furniture. My balcony overlooked a sweeping green valley. I didn’t unpack that night—unusual for me—and instead fell into a deep sleep. When I woke to birdsong and a crowing rooster 10 hours later, I realized it was the first time I’d slept without sleeping pills or melatonin in years.

That morning, I began the leadership program, which the property curates for each participant. Euphoria blends ancient Greek and Chinese therapies, as these two great civilizations developed similar well-being philosophies that emphasize inner peace, unity, and holistic balance. In my first session, a therapist explained how the elements of ancient Hellenic medicine (water, fire, earth, air, and a fifth element known as aether) and traditional Chinese medicine (water, fire, earth, wood, and metal) were reflected in my body and personality. My dominant traits were a mix of earth for pragmatism and fire for passion.

On the spa’s top floor, which overlooks a shady evergreen forest, I met my teachers. Marina Efraimoglou, Euphoria’s founder (and the sister of architect Natalia), had, like me, switched careers later in life. A former Wall Street banker who moved to Athens to continue her career, she was diagnosed with cancer in her late twenties. Chemotherapy and recovery prompted her to re-evaluate her life. She stayed in finance for a while, then founded Euphoria to promote physical, mental, and spiritual healing.

Her teaching partner, Mary Vandorou, provided a counterpoint. The daughter of a dancer and an actor, she had been a ballerina and later trained in Zen Buddhist meditation. While Efraimoglou is bold and authoritative, Vandorou is quiet and reflective. The pair divided the classwork, which included discussions and exercises. We began with meditation, then explored how to become an effective messenger. “What are your examples of true leadership?” Efraimoglou asked. “Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi,” I answered. Both led their people through seemingly impossible conflicts with grace and the ethos of nonviolence.

The retreat’s core teachings are based on three levels: leadership of the self, of a small group, and on a broader, global scale. The first is rooted in the phrase “Know thyself”—the Socratic idea that self-development begins by understanding your body, mind, and emotions. To this end, Efraimoglou presented me with a set of handwritten questions, most of which focused on the way I presented myself to the world—at conferences, symposia, and meetings—and whether that reflected my true self. She asked what mattered most to me. Commitment, loyalty, principles? Are there personality types I resonate more with?

One evening, I was asked to talk about and reframe the parts of my life or career that I regretted. I expected to struggle with opening up to strangers, but both women were such good listeners that I found myself revealing things I’d never shared before. “Why are you apologizing?” Efraimoglou asked. “Why don’t you own your path?” Vandorou added. “What does ‘own my path’ mean?” I asked. They both laughed. It means to accept your work, your life, and yourself. To focus on the good things around me. And there are many.

At Euphoria, there’s also a strong focus on female empowerment and leadership that draws not from yang (masculine) energy but from yin: intuition, empathy, care, nurturing, and supportive teamwork. That prompted me to reflect: When was I short-tempered? When did I shut down a good idea? When was I judgmental with my team? After our sessions, I retreated to the forest to walk. I spent a lot of time in the spa, which had an outdoor pool where I lay floating on my back, staring up at pine and cypress branches.

My retreat only lasted five days; I wished it had been longer. Several other women were staying for three weeks, and I was jealous of them. Before leaving for Athens, I took one last walk through the private woodland bordering the property, which Efraimoglou called “the enchanted forest.” There was no rush, no desire to climb the highest peak. Just a simple path to follow around the ancient trees, all stable and firmly rooted. Be like that tree, I thought. Stay on your path. Efraimoglou would have approved.

A version of this story first appeared in the November 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “Deeply Rooted.”

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 22. 2015:

There were no photos posted on this day ten years ago.

What is a guarantee cabin on a cruise ship?…We’ve tried it for the first time…

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This is the layout of our balcony cabin (it may be reversed) on the upcoming Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas: 203 sq. ft., with a 47 sq. ft. balcony.

When booking a cruise, one of the most mysterious and often misunderstood options a traveler encounters is the guarantee cabin (sometimes spelled guaranty cabin). It’s a term that sounds both promising and uncertain at the same time, as though you’re guaranteed something but also taking a gamble. Over the years, as we’ve sailed across oceans on various cruise lines, we’ve learned that a guarantee cabin can be a blessing or a mild disappointment, depending on your expectations and how flexible you are as a traveler.

A guaranteed cabin means you’re booking a specific room category— for example, inside, oceanview, balcony, or suite —but not choosing the exact location or cabin number. In other words, you guarantee that you’ll have at least that type of accommodation. Still, the cruise line has the right to assign you any available cabin within that category or even upgrade you to a higher one. The idea is simple: you’re trading control for value.

Cruise lines love guaranteed bookings because they give them more flexibility to manage their inventory. For instance, if certain sections of the ship need balancing for safety or operational reasons, or if they’re trying to sell more desirable cabins later at a higher price, they can shuffle guarantee guests around to fill the gaps. For passengers, the allure of a guarantee cabin usually comes down to price. These rooms are often cheaper than picking a specific cabin yourself, which appeals to those of us who prefer to save a bit for shore excursions, specialty dining, or perhaps a cocktail at sunset.

However, there’s always a catch. When you book a guarantee cabin, you won’t know your cabin number until closer to your sailing date, sometimes weeks before, sometimes even a few days. For travelers who like to plan down to the smallest detail, this uncertainty can be unsettling. We’ve known fellow cruisers who were assigned cabins in less-than-ideal locations: near elevators where late-night conversations echo through the corridor, under the pool deck where early-morning deck chairs scrape across the floor, or close to a crew service area where there’s a constant hum of activity.

But we’ve also met passengers who lucked out, getting unexpected upgrades to higher categories at no additional cost—say, from an interior to a balcony. Those moments feel like winning a little cruise lottery, and they do happen more often than one might think. Cruise lines prefer happy passengers, and if filling a better cabin makes sense logistically, it’s an easy gesture for them to make.

From a psychological standpoint, booking a guarantee cabin tests your comfort with uncertainty. As full-time travelers, Tom and I have learned to adapt to the unexpected—different cultures, languages, currencies, and accommodations, so a little unpredictability on a cruise ship doesn’t rattle us much anymore. In fact, there’s something oddly exciting about not knowing exactly where you’ll end up on board. It adds a layer of surprise, a small adventure before the bigger one begins. When the cabin assignment finally appears on your cruise app or booking page, it feels like unwrapping a gift.

That said, there are some practical considerations. If you’re particular about cabin location—say, you get seasick easily and prefer the middle of the ship on a lower deck where motion is minimal—then a guarantee cabin may not be wise. Likewise, if you’re a light sleeper or sensitive to noise, you might not want to risk being near high-traffic areas. In those cases, it’s better to pay a bit more and handpick your cabin.

On the other hand, if you’re simply thrilled to be sailing and aren’t fussy about where you lay your head at night, then the savings of a guarantee cabin might be worth it. After all, much of cruise life takes place outside the stateroom—on the decks, at shows, in restaurants, or exploring exotic ports of call. For some, the cabin is just a place to sleep between adventures.

On these three upcoming back-to-back cruises, for the first time, we booked a guarantee balcony cabin, not knowing where on the ship we’d be or whether we’d have to move twice. I hesitated when Tom suggested this during the cruise booking process a year ago, even with the over US $1000 in cost savings. But, I relented and said, “Let’s give it a try.”

Now, with only 12 days until boarding, we’ve been informed of our balcony cabin number and that we’ll be able to stay in the same cabin for the first and second legs of the back-to-back. We won’t be informed about the third leg for weeks, but if we have to move, it won’t be so bad, since we’ll be able to stay in the first cabin for the first 35 nights (out of 47). We are thrilled.

All in all, the unpredictability keeps travel from becoming routine. Much like flying standby or choosing a mystery hotel, the guarantee cabin is for those who can embrace a little chaos in exchange for potential reward. It’s about trusting the process and remembering that every cabin, whether inside or out, shares the same destination, the same ocean breezes, and the same star-filled nights.

If you decide to try a guarantee booking, it helps to understand the fine print. You can’t change your cabin once it’s assigned, and you can’t request a particular location in advance. The assignment is final, and that’s the trade-off for the lower fare. Some cruise lines assign guarantee cabins weeks before departure, while others wait until the last moment as they juggle cancellations and upgrades. Patience is key, and a positive mindset goes a long way.

For travelers like us, who’ve lived out of suitcases for years and learned to find comfort wherever we are, the guarantee cabin fits our philosophy: make the best of every situation. What matters most is the experience itself, the laughter shared at dinner at shared tables, the sound of the sea against the hull, the feeling of waking up in a new port with the world waiting just outside your door.

So if you’re planning your next cruise and debating whether to book a guarantee cabin, ask yourself this: Are you more excited by certainty or by surprise? Either choice can lead to wonderful memories. But for those who crave a touch of adventure even before stepping on board, a guarantee cabin might just be the perfect way to begin the voyage.

We’ll let you know what transpires for our third leg of the back-to-back cruise when we know sometime in the next several weeks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 15, 2015:

In Fiji, the tiny freezer contains meat for the week, streaky bacon, bagged portions of Tom’s daily egg dish, homemade low-carb flax-and-almond-meal lemon poppyseed muffins, and low-carb coconut cookies. Also, ice, lots of ice. We Americans like ice with our cold tea. For more photos, please click here.

Theme parks on cruise ships…

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Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship with the most extensive amusement and water park.

Theme and Amusement Parks on Cruise Ships: The Floating Fun Revolution

Cruise ships are no longer just about shuffleboard, sun decks, and midnight buffets. Over the past decade, they’ve evolved into floating cities offering increasingly wild and whimsical attractions—none more jaw-dropping than the rise of full-blown theme and amusement parks at sea. The concept may seem far-fetched to some, but for the modern traveler, especially families and thrill-seekers, these onboard playgrounds are becoming a major draw.

What once began with a simple rock-climbing wall or a waterslide has exploded into a seafaring spectacle of roller coasters, surf simulators, go-kart tracks, and immersive themed zones. These floating theme parks redefine what it means to vacation on the ocean, blurring the lines between cruise ship and amusement resort.

Royal Caribbean: Pioneers of Onboard Adventure

When it comes to pushing the envelope, Royal Caribbean International leads the charge. Its Oasis Class ships, such as Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, are not just among the largest passenger vessels in the world—they’re virtual amusement parks.

Royal Caribbean was the first to introduce neighborhood-style layouts on its ships, including areas like the Boardwalk, complete with carousel rides, hot dog stands, and outdoor amphitheaters. The Ultimate Abyss, a 10-deck dry slide twisting down the back of the ship, became an iconic thrill.

But the innovation didn’t stop there. Their Quantum Class ships introduced RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a glass observation pod rising 300 feet above sea level. The SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, features bumper cars, roller skating, and even a circus school.

Carnival: Water Slides and Thrill Zones

Carnival Cruise Line leans into fun with its Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, which feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea. Riders strap into motorcycle-style seats on a track that twists and turns around the upper deck—while reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. That’s right: a real, electric-powered roller coaster circling the top of a ship.

Water parks have long been part of Carnival’s DNA, but they’ve upped the ante in recent years. Their WaterWorks park includes spiraling slides, splash zones, and racing tubes—all perched several decks above the ocean. Combined with the high-energy SportSquare (ropes course, mini-golf, and outdoor gym equipment), it’s a full-scale amusement experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Go-Karts and VR Worlds

Norwegian’s Prima and Encore ships are designed with adrenaline junkies in mind. They offer multi-level racetracks with electric go-karts zipping along the ship’s upper decks—where guests can race each other with an ocean view flying by. The track even extends slightly over the side of the ship for added drama.

The Galaxy Pavilion adds a high-tech edge, delivering an entire deck of immersive virtual reality games and rides. Passengers can pilot fighter jets, explore haunted houses, or simulate high-speed racing in a hyper-realistic environment. It’s ideal for families and tech lovers who want more than sunbathing and swimming.

MSC Cruises: European Elegance Meets Family Fun

The MSC World Europa and MSC Seascape have brought the brand into the amusement space, particularly for European travelers. The Robotron, a robotic arm ride that lifts and flips passengers while synchronizing to music and LED lights, is something you’d expect at a land-based theme park, not cruising through the Mediterranean.

MSC also offers dedicated aquaparks, adventure trails, zip lines, and 5D cinemas. Their approach blends European-style luxury with the playfulness of a resort-style family vacation.

Disney Cruise Line: Where Magic Meets the Sea

Disney Cruise Line blends its signature storytelling with cruise ship innovation. Their newest ship, the Disney Wish, offers a “water coaster” called AquaMouse, which combines water ride thrills with immersive animation, sound, and story scenes featuring Mickey and friends. It’s not just a water slide—it’s a narrative ride experience, complete with sudden drops and twists.

Themed zones, such as Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars: Cargo Bay, and Frozen-themed dining experiences, elevate the family cruise into a full-blown magical adventure. It’s no surprise Disney would ace the art of combining theme parks with cruising—they’ve simply shifted their magic from land to sea.

Why the Shift Toward Theme Parks at Sea?

Cruise lines are in fierce competition for younger audiences, multigenerational families, and thrill-seeking vacationers who once might have opted for Disneyland or Universal Studios. Today’s cruise passengers expect more than relaxation. They want Instagrammable moments, adrenaline-pumping experiences, and interactive entertainment.

Moreover, cruise vacations are increasingly seen as cost-effective family trips. Instead of paying for flights, hotels, meals, and admission to a theme park separately, a cruise offers all-inclusive pricing with amusement-level attractions included.

Challenges and Future of Floating Fun

There are unique challenges to building amusement rides on a moving vessel. Engineers must account for weight distribution, ocean motion, and safety standards. Every roller coaster loop and splash zone must be tested for stability, especially during rough seas.

Still, with technology advancing and cruise ships growing larger, we can only expect more innovation. Rumors suggest concepts like indoor ski slopes, escape rooms, AI-driven attractions, and augmented reality parks could be next on the horizon.

Today’s cruise ships are no longer just transportation…they’re destinations in their own right. Theme and amusement parks at sea have reshaped the cruising experience, offering something for everyone: thrill rides, splash zones, family fun, and tech-powered escapes. Whether you’re riding a coaster above the Atlantic or ziplining across a Caribbean sunset, one thing’s for sure: cruising has never been more exhilarating.

On another note, last night, we had a fun evening with friends Carol and Colin and Carol’s two nieces, Ursula and Anita from Pretoria, at Ngwenya for their Thursday night buffet. The conversation was as delightful as ever and left us all with smiles on our faces. Tonight, we’re off to Jabula for more entertainment. We love to be busy socializing on all these evenings!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 1, 2015:

As shown in this photo, few swimmers in parts of Australia are in the water, many fearing sharks and stingers. For more photos, please click here.

Part 3…We booked 4 cruises!…Here are prices, itinerary and details…Excitement for the future..

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Sadly, the formerly beautiful Whaler’s Village in Lahaina is no longer operational after the 2023 fires.

The days are flying by. In only 18 days, we’ll be on our way to Nevada, arriving on December 18. It will be Tom’s birthday only five days later, which we’ll celebrate by heading out to dinner. A few days later, it will be Christmas, which we won’t do much to celebrate. We don’t mind at all.

This will be our 13th Christmas since we left Minnesota in 2012. We don’t put up a tree or decorations since it’s neither practical nor necessary in our unusual lifestyle. The meaning of Christmas is always in our minds, and we have been able to observe the holiday season in our hearts.

Following is the information on the third cruise we booked:

royalCaribbean_Logo
Royal Caribbean_map

12 Night Cruise from Singapore to BNE

Royal Caribbean
Voyager of the Seas

12 Night Cruise

Departure Date: Mon, Dec 01, 2025

Embarkation Port: Singapore

Return Date: Sat, Dec 13, 2025

Disembarkation Port: BNE

Non-Refundable Deposit
Date Port Arrive Depart
Monday, December 1 Singapore 4:30 pm
Tuesday, December 2 At Sea
Wednesday, December 3 At Sea
Thursday, December 4 Benoa, Bali, Indonesia 7:00 am 10:00 pm
Friday, December 5 At Sea
Saturday, December 6 At Sea
Sunday, December 7 Darwin, Australia 9:00 am 5:00 pm
Monday, December 8 At Sea
Tuesday, December 9 At Sea
Wednesday, December 10 Cairns, Australia 8:00 am 5:00 pm
Thursday, December 11 Airlie Beach, Australia 9:00 am 6:30 pm
Friday, December 12 At Sea
Saturday, December 13 Brisbane, Australia 6:30 am

There’s not much on the agenda for today. The workout is going well. Each day, I increase either the time on the treadmill or the elevation. Today, I did 17 minutes on the treadmill with 7 minutes of elevation. Once I get to 20 minutes, I’ll focus more on time and elevation rather than increasing the time.

I’ll miss five days while we travel to Nevada, but once we’re situated in the condo in Lake Las Vegas, the next day, I’ll start up again, hoping to pick up where I left off. If not, it should only take a day or two to return to my previous level. I keep track of each day’s workout stats on my phone’s calendar app, attempting to improve daily.

Thanks for staying with us through this long and less exciting period.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 26, 2014:

At the Whalers Village Museum, destroyed in the horrific Lahaina fires, ship masthead rings held the sailors to the mast. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…We booked 4 cruises!…Here are prices, itinerary and details…Excitement for the future…A weird glitch…

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Quaint little coconut shop in Maui.

Yesterday afternoon, after Tom’s considerable research, we booked four cruises at Costco Travel. Over the next four days, we will present one cruise and all its information, including prices, itinerary, and miscellaneous details.

It took us most of the afternoon on the phone with Costco, especially when we ran into a glitch. Since we have a Costco Citibank credit card we use primarily for Costco purchases, we wanted to use the card for the four deposits totaling $3900 since we receive 3% cash back plus more credits on our annual Costco rebate.

When the Costco Travel rep tried to use the card, which we’ve used many times, it kept getting declined. We didn’t want to use another card and miss the perks associated with this card. We didn’t owe a balance and had never had a late payment. While on the phone with the Costco Travel rep and later with Royal Caribbean also on the call, there was nothing they could do to get the charges to go through.

Frustrated, we called Citibank while the two companies were on the line. Citibank insisted something was entered incorrectly when attempting to process the charge. To make a long story short, we used another card after trying to figure this out for over an hour.

Costco assured us once we figured out the issue, they’d reverse the charges on the second card and charge the Citibank card. Tom called Citibank and got nowhere. I went into the bedroom to work on it alone and resolve it once and for all. I asked for a Citibank manager or supervisor. Once someone took the call, I explained the scenario once again.

After checking and checking, precipitated by my relentless persistence, the Citibank rep figured out the problem was due to our billing address’s zip code. The four-digit number at the end of the main zip was on their system as our billing address, but it wasn’t used when Costco or Royal Caribbean tried to enter the charges.

The Citibank rep removed the four digits, after which we called Costco back, and they could process the four transactions. In the next few days, we’ll see the $3900 credit on the second card we used and get the perks we were entitled to. What a hassle!

Only our enthusiasm for booking these four cruises got us through this laborious, time-consuming process. We were anxious to wrap it up before sharing the information in our posts.

Thus, here is the information for our first of the four cruises, all of which we are with Royal Caribbean, Voyager of the Seas:

Itinerary Map

18 Night Cruise from Barcelona to Cape Town

Royal Caribbean

Voyager of the Seas

18 Night Cruise

Departure Date: Mon, Oct 27, 2025
Embarkation Port: Barcelona
Return Date: Fri, Nov 14, 2025
Disembarkation Port: Cape Town
Non-Refundable Deposit
Total Package Price (for two): $3,582.62
Your booking includes a $210 Digital Costco Shop Card Shop Card Tooltip - Opens a dialog
Date Port Arrive Depart
Monday, October 27 Barcelona, Spain 5:00 pm
Tuesday, October 28 At Sea
Wednesday, October 29 Tangier, Morocco 7:00 am 6:00 pm
Thursday, October 30 At Sea
Friday, October 31 Grand Canary Island, Canary Islands 8:00 am 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 1 At Sea
Sunday, November 2 At Sea
Monday, November 3 At Sea
Tuesday, November 4 At Sea
Wednesday, November 5 At Sea
Thursday, November 6 At Sea
Friday, November 7 At Sea
Saturday, November 8 At Sea
Sunday, November 9 At Sea
Monday, November 10 Walvis Bay, Namibia 6:00 am 10:00 pm
Tuesday, November 11 At Sea
Wednesday, November 12 At Sea
Thursday, November 13 Cape Town, South Africa 8:00 am
Friday, November 14 Cape Town, South Africa Disembark

When we arrive in Cape Town on November 14, we will stay aboard the ship for the next leg. We are doing a triple back-to-back. We wouldn’t want to stay in South Africa so close to the holiday season and during the hot summer months in the Southern Hemisphere, and thus, we’ll continue on.

Other than the $210 Costco Shop card, there are no special perks. Tips, at $37 per day for two of us, totaling $666, and drink packages and WiFi services are not included. These costs could easily add another $1500 to our cruise bill.

Tomorrow, we will be back with the next leg of our triple back-to-back, and on the fourth day of posting, we’ll share the details of the 2026 cruise.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 24, 2014:

We spotted spam-flavored macadamia nuts on a visit to Lahaina, Maui. For more, please click here.
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Part 1…Pros and cons of retiring on a cruise ship…

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Could you retire on a cruise ship?

Over our years of world travel, we’ve been asked countless times if we’d ever consider living full-time on a cruise ship. In each case, we’ve always said “no.” The novelty and excitement of cruising would soon diminish due to the cons, as listed below, when, over time, it became less and less of a novelty.

We don’t have a problem living in a small space, so that wouldn’t be an issue, as we’ve proven to ourselves repeatedly staying in hotels long-term, as we have most recently as we’ve faced my medical issues.

However, living on a cruise ship as a long-term lifestyle choice has unique advantages and challenges. Here’s a look at some of the main pros and cons:

Pros

  1. All-Inclusive Lifestyle:
    Many cruise packages include accommodation, meals, and entertainment. This makes budgeting easier since many living expenses are bundled into one price. You won’t have to worry about utility bills, grocery shopping, or routine house maintenance.
  2. Travel Without Packing:
    One of the biggest perks of living on a cruise ship is the ability to travel the world without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. Your room becomes your home base as you explore different destinations.
  3. Access to Unique Destinations:
    Cruise ships visit ports that might be difficult or expensive to access otherwise. You can wake up one morning in the Caribbean and the next in a European city, all while maintaining a consistent place to sleep and eat.
  4. Built-In Social Life:
    Living on a cruise ship means being surrounded by other passengers and crew, creating an environment ripe for social interaction. With communal dining areas, events, and activities, there’s always the potential to meet new people worldwide.
  5. Entertainment and Amenities:
    Cruise ships have various amenities like pools, gyms, theaters, and spas. There are also frequent shows, live music, classes, and other activities, so boredom is rarely an issue.
  6. No Need to Cook or Clean:
    With restaurants on board and staff to take care of your room, your daily chores are significantly reduced. This frees up time to relax or engage in other activities.
  7. Health Services on Board:
    Most ships have medical services available, so there’s some peace of mind in knowing healthcare is just steps away, especially for those with chronic health concerns.

Cons

  1. Limited Space:
    Cabins on cruise ships are often small compared to typical apartments or homes. Living in tight quarters can feel cramped, and lacking personal space can become challenging over time, primarily if you’re used to a larger living area.
  2. Limited Internet and Connectivity:
    While most ships offer Wi-Fi, it’s often slow and expensive. This can be frustrating if you need reliable internet for work or staying in touch with loved ones.
  3. Constant Movement:
    There’s a slight sense of movement even on the most stable ships. This can lead to seasickness or discomfort for some, particularly during rough seas.
  4. Lack of Personalization:
    Cruise ship cabins are standardized, unlike a home or apartment where you can personalize your space. You might miss the ability to create a space that feels like yours.
  5. Long-Term Friendships and Connections:
    While meeting people is easy, cruise passengers are often transient, and the crew has strict work schedules. Maintaining long-term relationships or forming deeper connections can be challenging, especially if people are only on board for a week or two.
  6. Health and Wellness Concerns:
    Although ships have medical services, if a severe health issue arises, getting advanced care could require being airlifted or evacuated to the nearest port. Living in a somewhat enclosed environment can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases quickly, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  7. Missing Life on Land:
    While traveling by ship can be exciting, it may also lead to feelings of disconnection from the routine pleasures of life on land—like access to familiar places, walking to a favorite café, or attending events in a community you’re invested in.
  8. Cost:
    While cruising offers an all-inclusive lifestyle, the cost can vary depending on the ship and route. Luxury cruises, in particular, can be expensive, and not all extras (like premium dining, excursions, or specific activities) are included in the base price.

Living on a cruise ship can be a dream for those who crave constant travel, minimal responsibility, and adventure. However, it’s also a confined, somewhat isolating lifestyle that may require certain sacrifices and adjustments to feel at home. It’s a unique experience that works beautifully for some but might not be sustainable for everyone.

In tomorrow’s post, Part 2, we’ll share the varying costs of retiring on a cruise ship.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 18, 2014:

While awaiting a cruise to Hawaii, we stayed in Vancouver, British Columbia, for a few days. This was the view from our beautiful condo in downtown Vancouver. For more photos, please click here.

What happens if you don’t return to your cruise ship on time after a port of call tour?…Family of nine stranded…

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The Norweigan Encore sailed away before the family of nine returned from their tour.

This morning, I stumbled across an article on this site that piqued my interest. After 34 cruises and many tours at ports of call, we were always well aware of how imperative it is to return to the ship on time before it sails away, heading to its next port of call. If we failed to return on time, it would be necessary to fly to the next port of call to pick up the cruise, incurring costs for hotels, meals, and flights, often expensive from somewhat remote locations.

We paid particular attention to the time, making a point of returning to the ship in plenty of time to avoid the hassle, cost, and inconvenience. When encountering the article below, we felt it was important to share this story with our readers to remind everyone of the importance of getting back to their ship on time:

The family of nine was left stranded in remote Alaska after the cruise ship had departed without them.

The family was left with a $9,000 bill after the holiday mistake…

Zoe Griffin

A family of nine found themselves stranded in Alaska after a mix-up with a local tour operator caused them to miss their scheduled cruise departure.

What was intended to be a memorable trip of a lifetime might now be recalled for very different reasons. The Gault family faced hefty costs to return to Tulsa, Oklahoma when the ship containing their clothes, passports, and medication sailed from Ketchikan port without them.

The family, comprising of two parents, six children, and a 78-year-old grandmother, was also hit with an immediate fine of almost $9,000, working out at $971 per passenger, by Norwegian Cruise Lines for missing the vessel.

That fee stemmed from the US Customs and Border Protection’s Passenger Vessel Services Act, which they violated by not visiting a foreign port before they returned to the US.

The family’s nightmare started when they went on an excursion to see a lumberjack show on the Norwegian Encore ship they were traveling, which docked in Ketchikan in Alaska.

After watching the show, the group tried to catch a bus back to the port by a local tour operator but were told that the bus was full and they had to wait for another one.

“We go to get on the bus and one of the attendees is like, ‘The bus is full and you know, you got to wait for the next bus’,” Joshua recounted to KJRH.

However, that bus never came, and after frantically calling the port authority to arrange transportation, they finally arrived back at the docks to see Norwegian Encore sailing away — taking their passports, medication, and clothes with it.

“We all had to quit cold turkey medication these last few days because it was all on the cruise ship,” Joshua added.

Stranded in Ketchikan, a remote port 300 miles from Alaska’s capital of Juneau, with no accommodation or transportation, the family worked out how to arrange transportation back to their home in Tulsa. However, as they looked into booking flights, they found that Joshua’s credit card had already been charged the customs fee of almost $9,000.

Joshua claims that they had to pay for flights for nine people, hotel stays along the way, and food. The trip ultimately took them several days, during which they had canceled flights and overnight airport stays, during which time some family members caught COVID-19.

After returning to Oklahoma, Joshua added: “So yeah, we’re beat down right now. We’re unhealthy and beaten down.”

Cruise line officials said they would reimburse the family for the out-of-pocket expenses, the fee they incurred from US Customs and Border Patrol, and a pro-rated refund for the two missed cruise days.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said: “On the afternoon of Friday, 12 July, a family of nine guests missed the ship’s all-aboard time in Ketchikan, Alaska, due to a misstep by a local tour operator. When the guests did not return to the ship at the published time, we attempted to contact them but could not reach them. As such, we alerted the local port agent in Ketchikan and requested that they assist the family with booking a hotel for the night.

“As the guests would be unable to downline in the next port of call, Victoria, British Columbia, the port agent also helped the guests secure flights to Seattle the following day, 13 July.

“We will be reimbursing the family for all of the out-of-pocket expenses they incurred over these two days due to missing the ship in Ketchikan, including meals, accommodations, etc. Reimbursements will be processed once receipts for these expenses are provided to us. Additionally, we have already initiated the process to refund the family for the fee imposed by the US Customs and Border Patrol as a result of the guests not visiting a foreign port before returning to the US, as required when an itinerary originates from the US in accordance with the Passenger Vessel Services Act.

“These guests will also receive a prorated refund for the two missed cruise days. As a gesture of goodwill, the company will also be providing each of the nine guests with a future cruise credit in the form of a 20 percent discount on their cruise fare that can be used towards their next voyage.”

Although the cruise line partially reimbursed the family for this situation, it is a harsh reminder of how important it is to avoid missing a cruise ship’s departure at any port of call.

Note: Most cruise ships will wait for passengers who don’t return on time if they’ve booked a ship-arranged tour. Often, cruise passengers book their own tours based on the lower costs of such tours, as opposed to those arranged by the cruise line. It was unusual for the cruise line to reimburse/credit the passengers for the expenses in this type of scenario.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 22, 2014:

‘The inflorescence is a complex structure that includes the flowers that will develop into fruits.” We spotted this banana tree and it’s blooms in Madeira, Portugal. The hanging pink and yellowish protrusions are the flowers. For more photos, please click here.

Our friends, Lea Ann and Chuck, are enjoying their nine month world cruise…Would we do that?…

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May be an image of map and text

When our friends, Lea Ann and Chuck, whom we met on a cruise in 2017 sailing from Sydney to Seattle, came to visit us while we were staying in The Villages in Florida, they were excited to share their enthusiasm about booking Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas Ultimate World Cruise.

While we were in Florida last summer, Lea Ann and Chuck visited us. It was wonderful to see them and hear about their upcoming world cruise.

Our mouths were agape when we heard they’d decided to embark on the nine-month cruise. We asked them endless questions while wondering if we’d ever want to commit to such an extended period on a cruise ship.

Although we revel in their enthusiasm, after they left, we talked, and both agreed we’d never be interested in such a long cruise. Nine months is a huge commitment, and for the following reasons, we wouldn’t be interested now or in the future:

  1. Cruising for so long could easily diminish our enthusiasm for cruising in the future. We love the anticipation of booking a cruise and the days and months before sailing when the excitement is at the forefront of our minds. For us, it would take away the mystery and magic of cruising.
  2. Living in such tight quarters for so long would not be easy for us. No, we don’t always use all the space available in a holiday home, usually only spending time in the bedroom, kitchen, and living room. But, being able to move around with ease and enjoying spaciousness is a huge part of our enjoyment. Cruise cabin space, even the balcony we always book, is limited and confining.
  3. Many of the ports world cruises visit are ports we’ve visited in the past. After all, we’ve been on 33 cruises, most with new and unfamiliar ports of call, many of which we wouldn’t be interested in visiting again.
  4. The food can become tedious and repetitious, besides often being fattening and unhealthy.
  5. The risk of getting sick when a captive audience for such an extended period is an issue for us. On at least half of our cruises, at least one of us, if not both, picked up a cold or virus, many lingering for weeks. Now, with COVID-19 and all its variants, we’d hesitate to embark on such a large ship for so many months. Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, with a passenger capacity of 2476 plus 832 crew, is a breeding ground for many illnesses, especially when new passengers embark for the next leg of the journey at some ports, disembarking at the end of that leg. Plus, passengers can pick up an illness when they get off the ship for activities at various ports of call. When we were on the small boat in August 2023, Azamara Journey, with only a capacity of 702 passengers and a crew of 408, neither of us became ill.
  6. Cost: One would pay well over $117,599 (per person) for a balcony cabin. We wouldn’t be interested in an interior cabin with no windows, and those prices start at $59,900 (per person). Based on the above five points, it wouldn’t be worth paying such a sum for a long-term cruise.

Here’s an article from the New York Post about the cruise Lea Ann and Chuck are on right now, focusing on how many Gen Z passengers are participating:

“It’s been three years, and Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise has finally set sail.

The epic nine-month-long holiday is a first-of-its-kind for the cruise liner, and they’re not surprised it’s gone viral on TikTok despite having hit the shores just over a week ago. (Related: Best cruise lines review).

“Many guests booked their tickets over two to three years ago during the pandemic, and we are thrilled to be hosting a range of guests from young solo travelers to couples and families,” Dave Humphreys, director of sales at Royal Caribbean International AUNZ, told news.com.au.

“We have an impressive number of Gen Z and millennial cruisers, with a significant number of guests between the ages of 18-30 joining us on various legs of this cruise.”

As the name suggests, it’s a pretty ‘ultimate’ experience, with the cruise traveling to more than 60 countries and 11 world wonders in 274 days.

The cruise is broken into four segments — Ultimate Americas Cruise, Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise, Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise, and Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise.

Depending on the destination and room you choose, prices can vary from $19,895 to $37,268 (per person)

But, if you want to do nine months, the price tag is much heftier. The cheapest is $88,000 for an interior stateroom and up to $1.2 million per person for a Royal Suite.

“Each guest who has booked the Ultimate World Cruise Package received business class airfare, premium transportation, and a pre-cruise hotel in their package up to $5892 per person,” Mr Humphreys said.

“The business class airfare applies to specific getaway cities. The package includes a beverage package, laundry services, inclusive gratuities, and a VOOM Surf and Stream package.”

TikTok has become inundated with passengers sharing their experiences, from the meals they’re eating, restaurants they’re visiting, and gym classes to glimpses of what their rooms look like and the entertainment and performances they’re attending.

“I am LIVING for your videos. Please, pretty, please don’t stop. Greedily. I will beg you to post more,” one viewer commented on a passenger’s ‘sea day in my life’ clip.

Mr. Humpreys said they also can’t wait to join some of these guests virtually along with the wider TikTok community.

“There will be 27,000 passengers on the various legs, of which over 600 are sailing for the full nine months,” he told news.com.au.

“We have almost 2,000 Australians joining us along the way, including 30 Aussies doing the full nine-month world cruise.”

He said guests were offered the flexibility to book one or more of the four expedition packages.

Mr. Humphreys described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience where guests can traverse the globe in one incredible journey.”It’s going to be epic.”

It’s fascinating to read about this and see Lea Ann and Chuck’s blog, which may be found here. We continue to see their updates and the sheer joy they are experiencing on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 3, 2014:

Louise suggested we put out some yogurt at night for the nocturnal bush babies. We placed a small bowl in a hanging wood birdhouse near a tree. Unfortunately, we were distracted yesterday morning and forgot to remove the little plastic bowl of yogurt. Going inside to get beverages, we returned to find these Vervet Monkeys lapping up the yogurt with the little bowl in hand. Tom scared them off (they can be destructive), and they dropped the bowl and ran off. For more photos, please click here.