Starting the Trip Home
Our first leg of the trip home is on Via Rail. It is a substantially different experience to Amtrak. Going to have to take a cross country trip sometime and check out the differences in sleeping accommodations.
2026 Canada, New England
For our 35th anniversary, we're sailing from Philadelphia to Quebec City on Norwegian Jewel. Join us for the train trip to Philadelphia, the cruise and the train trip home, starting in September...sign up for email posts or allow browser notifications today!
Wednesday: Deer, and Photography, And Deer, and Beer, and Deer....and Glass...
Did I mention the 10 deer he photographed this morning in Rockwood Park? While Russ is an engaging guide, his focus on photography detracts from the historical insights that could enrich a tour. Our group had a more rewarding experience with Cher, who provided a well-rounded look at St. John’s history and landmarks.
Asticou Terraces: A Don't Miss Addition to Acadia National Park
The Asticou Terraces, crafted by Landscape Architect Joseph Henry Curtis, are a hidden gem that transform the rainy day into a photographer's paradise. With vibrant flowers and lush greenery, I experimented with light and angles to capture the beauty that unfolded before me. Our tour guide, Carli, added to the experience with her wealth of knowledge about the island's history, making this stop truly memorable.
Tuesday: Bar Harbor
On a rainy fall day in Acadia National Park, the waterfalls come alive, cascading down the granite due to the park's unique topography. Despite the lack of vibrant autumn colors, the rain brings its own beauty, transforming the landscape into a dynamic display of nature's power. And under the trees along the trails, the pace of a genrle rainfall on the leaves.
I went to Green Gables...
I went to Green Gables and all I did was take pictures of trees!
Oldest Catholic Church on PEI
St. Augustine Church, as the sign says, oldest on the island.
Oddly enough...
There hasn't been a lot of opportunity for sarcasm during this trip. So I may be a bit rusty... An interesting place to put a juicer....(Port of Charlottetown, PEI)
The most photographed lighthouse in North America
According to the legend, anyway.
Lunch on a Small Group Tour in Halifax
Our tour operator set us up with a lunch reservation at McElvies...it was a great pick!
Monday: Portland, ME
Tuscan Table exceeded my expectations, blending a homey, eclectic vibe with delicious food. The lobster bisque was a revelation—thick, rich, and brimming with lobster chunks. My server, Jennifer, was incredibly patient as I navigated my limited appetite post-surgery, allowing me to savor each course at my own pace. The grilled chicken Caesar salad was intriguingly sweet, providing a delightful twist on a classic. I left feeling satisfied and eager to return for more …
Sunday: Time to Catch Up on the Trip to Date
The Latitudes version of the behind-the-scenes tour offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the ship, focusing on the main galley and laundry areas. Starting at 8:00 am, the tour showcased the processes behind meal preparation and sheet folding. Watching the crew orchestrate their tasks seamlessly is a reminder of how vital each department is to the overall cruise experience.
Your Bus Tour Probably Didn't Stop Here
One of the advantages of a small group vs. sticking with the cruise lines. The relationships you build with the local operators and your tour group are pretty cool. And sometimes you get an extra stop....
Good Morning from the Reversing Falls
Saint John, New Brunswick. These falls go back and forth twice a day based on the tide. We're nearing low tide and so the water's flowing out right now.
100% Guaranteed, not AI Generated
I'll be honest, I can't be sure my Pixel 11 is not enhancing this using AI, but I didn't generate a thing. These flowers were truly beautiful, and the camera captured them wonderfully.
Muted Color, but a Beautiful Day
A lot of beautiful sights seen in Acadia National Park today. Much more to come.
Review: Cagney's, Norwegian Jewel
The sailaway dinner at Cagney's left us underwhelmed, particularly after switching to the filet. While the shrimp cocktail was decent, the portion size of the cocktail sauce was disappointing. The filet, though tender, paled in comparison to what I expect from a top-tier steak, resembling lower grade beef. Our dessert choices, like the apple pie tart, were good yet forgettable, leaving us wanting more from the dining experience.
Embarkation and the Nor'easter
Nor'easter impacts nearly a dozen cruise ship departures on the east coast the weekend we sail. But not ours, in any appreciable way. However, the rocking and rolling does take some accomodation.
Panorama of Philadelphia Airport from Spinnaker Lounge
I've claimed my spot for the Sailaway toast in a little while. Rainy morning in Philly and that's stopped. It was said waves got onto deck 7 last night. Pools are empty. But I'm on the ship and ready for fun!
This or That?
After nearly 3 weeks of only being around vacuum flush toilets, I may forget what a regular one sounds like. I noticed this last night, and decided to have a little contest...which has the flimsiest toilet paper, trains or cruise ships? The largest challenge: making sure contestant 1 survives long enough to get on the ship tomorrow.
Beautiful Day in West Virginia
I'd worried about the forecast for fog and clouds for our run through New River Gorge today...it's been gorgeous!
Surprisingly Good Heat and Eat
I was pleasantly surprised by the Asian BBQ Salmon on rice served on the Cardinal. The salmon fillet was larger than it initially looked, and the meat was good quality. The mixture of tastes was just right, even better than my freshly prepared 3-egg omelet on the Southwest Chief at breakfast. Roxan's Chicken Alfredo was good, too; she gives it a … Read more
Day 1: The First Train Leg
Getting on in the middle of the night, your bed is made up and waiting. Crowded? Yes, a roomette made up for sleep means we had to do most of our bedtime unpacking standing in the hallway and reaching into the room, but after we got situated, we could lay down and let the train rock us to sleep while continuing to make progress toward our destination. This is one of the things I'd forgotten …
Good Morning from near Independence, MO!
We're getting caught up, time wise. Left Kansas City only 45 minutes behind schedule. It's a pretty morning. Enjoying some breakfast. I forgot how tight roomettes are when made up for the night!
An Hour Away from Boarding
The locomotive set shown gave me the chance to test that my uploads for the trip tracker are working. Our train is about an hour away. Westbound left about 15 minutes ago, running about 20 minutes late.
The Difference Between Late Trains and Late Planes
In a word: where you wait.  I'll take waiting in my living room over an airport lounge any day of the week!
Our Excursion Menu
I've learned over the years not to pack the days full, and that I prefer small-group tours. We've left some open time purposefully -- I call it "serendipity time."
What is a Half-Sleep?
The excitement is palpable as we count down the sleeps until our journey begins. With only two and a half sleeps left, I find myself ready to go earlier than expected. The rebranding of my travel practice, Squared Away Travel, came together perfectly, allowing me to focus on last-minute projects like ensuring our cats can lounge safely on the patio.
On Vacation vs. "Content Producing"
I go on a cruise to relax. So why has being a host and "live" blogging the trip become part of the experience? Whither go thou, life balance?
A Week from Sailaway
The overwhelming sensation of anticipation is palpable as I dive headfirst into this exhilarating journey. Each moment feels charged with energy and excitement, making me reflect on the possibilities ahead. It's a rush unlike any other, where every thought is amplified, and every decision seems monumental. The thrill of what’s to come is almost intoxicating, and I can’t help but embrace the uncertainty … Read more
Last Major Event Before the Trip
Today, our local disaster response team is diving into an essential training session on Large Animal rescue, a skill set we uniquely possess in Kansas. After this weekend, I’ll also help train new volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team, fostering a spirit of neighbors-helping-neighbors in times of disaster. This isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s my passion project that brings meaning to my life beyond travel planning … Read more
Feels Like We're Running Behind
Thirty minutes ago, our suitcase made its appearance, and I can already tell this 11-day cruise will be a unique experience. Among the essentials packed are an extension cord for our CPAP machines, personal conditioner because not all cruise line products work for us, and of course, Mardi Gras beads for easy identification at the sailaway party. As seasoned travelers, we’ve honed our packing strategy to minimize hassle and maximize enjoyment …
Kitchen Trash Bags?
The most unconventional item in our cruise kit? Trash bags. By lining laundry bags with them, we can logroll our clothes and fit 20-30% more items. It's a game changer for maximizing space during travel. On our first laundry day, you'll see just how effective this method is, transforming a limited bag into a practical solution for packing more efficiently. Don't underestimate the power of a simple trash bag … Read more
35 Years: A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Our 35th anniversary trip is a celebration of survival and resilience, marking not just the years together but the battles fought along the way. After years of struggle with addiction, it was Roxan's relentless support that kept us together. Our 25th anniversary was almost lost to my past, but recovery opened the door to healing and discovery. This journey …
The Planner's Response to Train Travel's Unique Challenges
While train travel can be a delightful adventure, it also comes with challenges that can catch you off guard. Early morning departures in Newton, KS, and the inconvenient Buffalo train station can complicate plans. With trains meeting during the wee hours, I had to strategize around my arrival and departure times. Luckily, a nearby airport hotel and a quick phone call made the logistics easier.
So Why the Train?
Flying today sucks, and I’ve found that taking the train offers a far superior experience. Boarding at 2am for our 35th anniversary cruise just feels right, especially compared to the exhausting two-day drive. With the freedom to bring what I want and the comfort of a roomette, every moment of this trip has me appreciating the journey more than the destination. This is the way to travel, and I can't wait to board!
This Trip is Special in Many Ways
Sailaway. Dinner on the balcony at sunset. I always figured it would be a neat experience. But based on what I've put together in the past few days, the experience may be one for the ages.
T -18 Days, I'm Starting to Get Excited!
Getting priority luggage tags in the mail was a delightful surprise for our first suite experience. I printed our eDocs this morning, feeling the excitement build. Tomorrow, I'll call the concierge desk to finalize arrangements and ensure everything is set for our trip. The anticipation of indulging in suite perks has me buzzing with excitement as we prepare for this new adventure … Read more
35 Years Together, a Decade Cruising!
Aboard the Symphony of the Seas, I was surprised by how quickly I slipped back into ship mode, even after such a short stay. Disembarkation felt like a letdown, reminding me how much I love the cruise experience. With just 60 days to go, plans are shaping up for our upcoming trip, including a Cruise Critic Meet & Mingle onboard our first sea day and a perfect mix of excursions and relaxation …
New Schedule for our September 2026 Trip
Instead of the southbound Quebec City to Philadelphia trip from September 16 to 26, we're moving to a northbound adventure from September 26 to October 7. This change comes with the hope of catching peak fall colors—something we narrowly missed in 2023. With a major life event looming for our youngest daughter just before our original departure, this new schedule offers us the flexibility we need. Plus, I’m excited about revisiting the aft balcony experience on the Jewel-class ship.
We’ve Chosen Our 35th Anniversary Cruise
Exciting news for cruise lovers! Our favorite NCL ship, the Jewel, is set to sail from Quebec City to Philadelphia in September 2026. After our incredible trip to Canada and New England in 2023, we're eager to embark on this journey. With life's financial challenges, this cruise will be our next adventure, and we can't wait to explore the beautiful route once again!