Exploring amazing cruise destinations around the world
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Today has been all about rest and recharge, especially after dealing with an urgent family situation. The highlight was definitely the Choir of Man show this afternoon, which exceeded our expectations. While we’re taking it easy in our room and enjoying some naps, I want to dedicate this post to my “Vacation Heroes” — the amazing crew members who have made this trip truly memorable. Surina Taljaard, the GM Secretary, has been a lifesaver, arranging crucial details...
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.
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...
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.