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2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

These are our Vacation Heroes
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

These are our Vacation Heroes

Surina Taljaard, the General Manager’s secretary, was a beacon of support during our trip on Norwegian Encore. She coordinated surprises and helped set up Internet access for live blogging, all while maintaining a calm professionalism. Her genuine appreciation for guests truly made our experience special. Julius Cantel Villavelez, our Room Steward, quickly became a familiar face, always ready with extra towels or a firmer pillow, embodying the essence of hospitality.

October 31 – Puerto Vallarta, sort of
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoMexican Riviera

October 31 – Puerto Vallarta, sort of

We woke up late Monday morning, but news that Roxan’s dad had taken a dramatic turn for the worse set us scrambling to debark the ship. As we rushed to arrange flights home, I struggled with ship WiFi and poor cell service, all while Roxan packed our bags. The timeline was tight; we had to meet customs by noon, and our laundry was still in question. Just when panic started to set in, Francisco knocked on the door with our clean laundry!

October 30 – Mazatlan
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoMexican Riviera

October 30 – Mazatlan

Ironically, I ended up indulging in a 'Resort Day' at the same hotel I initially planned to visit for a day pass. For $95 each, we enjoyed a bus ride, access to pools, a beach, and a delightful lunch buffet. It was my first time swimming in the ocean, a refreshing experience after years of only dipping my toes in. Relaxing under a palm front gazebo, with stunning views and the thrill of parasailers overhead, made for a perfect day.

October 29 – Cabo San Lucas
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoMexican Riviera

October 29 – Cabo San Lucas

Tendering in Cabo San Lucas was a unique experience for me, especially since the Encore had to anchor in the bay due to its size. Unlike traditional ships that use lifeboats, Encore employs a folding platform to facilitate shore access. After a quick trip ashore, we enjoyed a delightful lunch at The Sand Bar, where the vibrant decorations for Dia de Muertos brought the local culture to life. The massages we booked were simply out of this world, surpassing anything we’ve had in years.

October 28 – At Sea
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoUS West Coast

October 28 – At Sea

With Roxan's dad back home, we finally found a moment of peace during our sailing trip. I recall the excitement of pushing off from the dock in Los Angeles, feeling the thrill of adventure ahead. We laughed at shows featuring a comedian and a magic act, where I surprisingly ended up on stage. The theater's technology caught my attention as I soaked in every detail, from the speaker stacks to the lights, all while knowing our journey would soon take a somber turn.

October 27 – Los Angeles
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoUS West Coast

October 27 – Los Angeles

Sitting atop the ship in the Vibe, I finally feel the warmth of the sun. It’s our first time soaking up the views on the deck, away from the crowds. Earlier, I enjoyed a delightful coffee with my coworker Elizabeth, discussing everything from family to the growth of Convesio. This trip, originally planned for our 30th anniversary, has become a wonderful 31st celebration, filled with great memories and the anticipation of meeting Tom and Jen in Miami.

Is my Face Red?
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Is my Face Red?

After days of searching for my missing wallet, I found myself flanked by security officers, navigating the assumptions of onlookers. The situation turned comical when a waiter practically fled at the sight of our entourage. The search unfolded with a series of humorous mishaps, including a forgotten light switch. Just as the tension peaked, a security officer emerged from the safe with my wallet, leading to a collective laugh about how it could be lost in plain sight...

October 26 – At Sea
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

October 26 – At Sea

Roxan’s dad's condition has improved, extending his life unexpectedly, which brings mixed feelings. While relieved to remain on the cruise, we know our departure hinges on family decisions. My role now is to manage logistics while embracing each day. Today, we indulge in self-care—massages and a dinner at Cagneys—before heading to Los Angeles tomorrow to meet friends. Life is about living day by day, and we’re navigating this journey together.

October 25 – San Francisco
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoUS West Coast

October 25 – San Francisco

The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind as we navigate the decline of Roxan’s Dad. As we approach Los Angeles, the Golden Gate bridge emerges from the fog, but our minds are elsewhere. We wrestle with the decision to explore or simply relax. Lunch at American Diner was a nostalgic visit, although the waitress’s approach with VacationHero cards left me uneasy. Finally, fulfilling a long-time desire, I enjoyed a meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp, reminiscing about past trips.

October 24 – At Sea
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

October 24 – At Sea

As the ship battles 11-foot waves and relentless wind, the weight of tough family decisions looms large. With sleep elusive and the sea's roar echoing around us, thoughts of home overshadow our vacation. Roxan, with her medical expertise, is at the center of these discussions about pending end-of-life choices. Each wave reminds us of the urgency to stay focused on our journey, yet the uncertainty makes it hard to fully embrace the experience.

October 23 – Depart Seattle
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoUS West Coast

October 23 – Depart Seattle

The sail away party was an absolute blast, filled with laughter and excitement as everyone geared up for the upcoming trips. With so many people involved, the energy was contagious! We even took a moment to plan our next cruises, but the highlight was definitely the comic set at Social, although Tracy’s performance left much to be desired.

Turnaround Day – Seattle
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoUS West Coast

Turnaround Day – Seattle

We have about 150 people back-to-back today, waiting in Cagney’s for over 90 minutes. Delays have already crept in as customs has not cleared the ship for disembarking on time. Now, the crew is struggling to account for one passenger and five back-to-backers. I can’t help but remember the frustration of sitting in that waiting room, so close yet so far from boarding the ship. The atmosphere is tense as we move from Cagney’s to Manhattan, visually corralled off...

October 21 – Ketchikan
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoAlaska

October 21 – Ketchikan

The day started strong with an impressive new docking facility in Ketchikan, but quickly unraveled as our excursion left little time to explore the town. The 20-minute drive to George Inlet felt like a race against time, with only 2.5 hours left to enjoy Ketchikan before heading back. Despite the long bus rides, the George Inlet Crab Feast was a highlight, serving up generous portions of Dungeness crab that completely overshadowed the day’s setbacks.

October 20 – Cruising Glacier Bay
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoAlaska

October 20 – Cruising Glacier Bay

The highlight of my day was witnessing a humpback whale blow, likely an adult and a calf, near the beach. Although I missed the shot, seeing the double blow was exhilarating. The day was cold and damp, yet I found myself feeling more comfortable than the day before. Glacier Bay National Park was stunning, but I must admit, I prefer Hubbard Glacier over Johns Hopkins. Here are some photos from the trip...

October 19 – Icy Strait Point
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoAlaska

October 19 – Icy Strait Point

Our guide today was entertaining and informative, known around Hoonah as “Rainbow.” I wonder why? The “kitchen” is part of a recently-constructed theater building that’s in an alcove at the “far” end of the main attraction area. We were able to enjoy a wine spritzer, taste smoked salmon dip, and eat salmon burgers and halibut breakfast sausage. You honestly can’t tell the meat in the sausage is fish.

October 18 – Juneau, Alaska
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoAlaska

October 18 – Juneau, Alaska

The day in Juneau began with a raw chill, the thermometer hovering between 57-60 degrees. After a massage to ease my tight neck, we decided to brave the weather and go ashore. With rain briefly paused, we headed to Tracy’s Crab Shack, right on the dock. I opted for the crab bowl, a satisfying mix of crab, rice, and coleslaw. Though the cashier seemed unsure about the season's success, her comment about the weather resonated with the locals' perspective...

October 17 – Sailing the Outside Passage
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoAlaska

October 17 – Sailing the Outside Passage

As we navigated the choppy seas with winds shifting to the southeast, the day was filled with vibrant meet-and-greet events. With over 90 signed up, the Cruise Critic and Facebook group gathering brought together laughter and stories, though I foolishly forgot to capture the moments in pictures. Following the cocktail party at Q Texas Smokehouse, we ventured on a bar crawl, sampling unique shots and specialty drinks, all while trying to...

Embarkation Day: Seattle
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoUS West Coast

Embarkation Day: Seattle

The check-in process dazzled me, taking just over 25 minutes from door opening to boarding lounge. It was a stunning day in Seattle, the smoke from last night diminished, and as we settled in, I couldn't help but notice how smoothly everything flowed. The new safety adaptations in muster drill training felt like positive changes. We kicked off our journey at The Local with celebratory drinks, soaking in the atmosphere...

Day 1: Getting to Seattle
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal RepoUS West Coast

Day 1: Getting to Seattle

As we flew over the breathtaking landscapes of Wyoming and Idaho, I was once again reminded of the beauty our country holds. Upon arriving in Seattle, we checked into the Hampton Inn, eager for some well-deserved rest after our uneventful flight. But first, we indulged in a delicious lunch at Sharp's RoastHouse, where I savored a four-cheese patty melt that was nothing short of heavenly.

She’s Trying!
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

She’s Trying!

Roxan couldn’t resist the playful banter, joining me in my sarcastic commentary as we kicked off our vacation. It was a perfect blend of humor and irony that set the tone for our trip. With each passing moment, our laughter echoed through the air as we embraced the absurdities of travel. Little did we know, this vacation would be filled with unexpected twists and delightful surprises that would keep us on our toes.

Suitcase Jenga
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Suitcase Jenga

It offends the “handle it one” freak inside of me, but packing at home was a smart move. We’ve cleverly separated our clothing into each checked bag, ensuring that if one gets lost, it won’t derail our trip. Half of our T-shirts, jackets, and shorts are in each bag. Like a game of Jenga, we balanced everything to achieve the right weights. Now, at 4:45 AM, we’re all set to take off to Seattle!

On the Road, Off the Grid (ish)
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

On the Road, Off the Grid (ish)

We’re about 1/3 the way to Kansas City, where we board the plane early tomorrow. Tonight we will dine at 54th Street Bar & Grill and do some final shopping at Walmart before we check into the hotel. Gotta love this, 6 hours before check-in…. So yeah, the system accepted a reservation in a closed hotel, and the property didn’t get around to telling us until the day of check in.

Pouring on the Gas
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Pouring on the Gas

As the vacation countdown ticks down to just 32 hours, life feels like it's zooming by. Between helping my daughter with a new car and managing the logistics for our fur kids, every minute is packed with tasks. Our cats, Tippy and Charlie, are sensing the changes all around them. Charlie's clinginess and Tippy's newfound affection are signs they're aware of the upcoming trip, adding a layer of emotional complexity to our preparations.

Takin’ Pictures
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Takin’ Pictures

Photography has been a passion of mine since high school, where I spent hours developing black and white images in the darkroom. Now, as a storm chaser, I capture extreme weather events with my phone, ensuring each shot is rich with context. The goal is not just to document the beauty of these phenomena but to provide valuable information for forecasters. This trip, I’m excited to explore new techniques and equipment to enhance my skills and pay tribute to my late friend Steve, who inspired me.

A Room with A View
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

A Room with A View

The 155-square-foot balcony of room 8112 offers a unique intimacy with the ocean, perfect for capturing stunning photos as we navigate the Panama Canal. Located on the ship's lowest deck with balconies, this room is ideal for minimizing seasickness while providing a serene environment, shielded from public areas. However, being at the front means a longer walk to amenities and potential operational noise from below that could disrupt our peace.

Giving Up
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Giving Up

Transitioning out of my role has been a journey, especially handing over responsibilities to Luke, my capable replacement at church. Today marks a significant milestone—full turnover day. I finally let go and immersed myself in worship, a refreshing escape from the daily grind. The experience has reinforced my belief in...

Our Ship Home for Four Weeks
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Our Ship Home for Four Weeks

The Norwegian Encore, the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, offers an incredible array of dining options that showcase cuisine from around the globe. With beautiful dining rooms and stunning views, the culinary experience is just one highlight of this impressive vessel. The ship also boasts unique bars like the A-List, where cocktails are crafted with fresh ingredients, making for a delightful drinking experience.

Just a Week Away
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Just a Week Away

In typical 'me' style, I'll be working right up to our departure as our daughter drives us to Kansas City. We've already faced flight rescheduling, which led us to push our travel to Thursday night instead of Friday. With the unpredictable nature of air travel lately, I decided it was better to take the first flight Friday morning, giving us more options. This way, we have ten opportunities to avoid delays over the weekend.

Itinerary for the Big Trip
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Itinerary for the Big Trip

Our journey begins with a three-week repositioning cruise from Seattle to Miami, traversing the iconic Panama Canal. The excitement builds as we prepare for a meet and greet among fellow travelers after the Alaska leg. With plans in San Francisco including the Alcatraz Tour and a visit to Pier 39, each day promises new adventures and delectable dining experiences. The anticipation of Cabo San Lucas looms as one of the highlights of this trip, ensuring unforgettable memories await us.

Three Months and Counting
2022 Alaska, Panama Canal Repo

Three Months and Counting

Today marks three months until we set sail, and I can hardly believe how much planning has gone into this trip. After years of struggling with our finances, we've finally managed to fully fund our vacation. Everything is paid for—from flights to excursions—allowing us to focus on the excitement ahead. Our itinerary is packed, including a special dining experience at Cagney's and excursions in Juneau and Skagway. It's been a long journey to get here, and