Standing in a mall parking lot in Portland, Maine on a rainy Monday. This was not on the itinerary, but that's okay. I didn't schedule anything for today at all, and so this is what I ended up doing was making a Walmart run. Also going to discover a restaurant that's not anywhere near the tourist area, locally owned. It's called Tuscan Table and got a really good review from my Uber driver. We'll see.
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?
The first plane hit the WTC during our live newscast. I saw the ABC coverage when it first came on, and like everyone else, I thought it was an accident. But then the second plane struck, and everything changed. A story about the day that broke me, emotionally -- the first and only time I've had to stop during coverage and collect myself.
This hotel stands out with its unique hard flooring in the living room, which I surprisingly liked. The room is spacious and equipped with all necessary features, including a generously sized bathtub. Although some minor issues like a non-functioning light and a noisy exhaust fan were present, they didn't detract significantly from my overall experience. I could see myself staying here again before a cruise out of New Orleans.
Driving from Wichita to New Orleans, I'm gearing up for a ship inspection of the Norwegian Escape, which has been struggling with engine issues. Her max speed has dropped from nearly 23 knots to just 18, causing significant delays and cancellations on recent cruises. The difference in wake between the engines is stark, revealing the extent of the problem, but it doesn't affect shift safety. I’ll also capture footage for my YouTube channel...
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The I-95, a crucial route on the cruise ship, operates much like its namesake highway, providing a direct path from bow to stern. This thoroughfare becomes a bustling hub during the turnaround hours, where the logistics of preparing for new guests and unloading supplies come into play. While we couldn't take pictures of some areas due to security protocols, the insights gained about the ship's operations were eye-opening. For instance, the galley...
Last night, I embarked on my first sales presentation as a Travel Agent, partnering with Eagle Media to offer an exciting group cruise tour to Alaska next June. With only a few weeks to finalize arrangements, I’m focused on delivering a unique experience, emphasizing flexibility and quality over the traditional group tour. My goal is to create a memorable journey that sets the tone for my travel business future. Plus, I have some amazing photos from Pamm Tropp to enhance the experience!
The Sunday morning 5:30ish alarm is already shut off, a rare moment of peace as events on the calendar begin to lighten up. This quiet time offers a chance to reflect and recharge, revealing how busy schedules can sometimes overshadow the simple pleasures of life. It's a reminder that...
To hear the coverage of Hurricane Lee in the national media, you’d think the world was coming to an end. However, the storm has behaved mostly as forecast, allowing me to make an educated projection on how it might impact the current sailing of Escape. As it stands, the Norwegian Escape is about 25 statute miles off the coast of Portland, Maine, running behind schedule. The current conditions have been cloudy, but they cleared up nicely yesterday in Newport. With the storm looming,
The countdown to what I’ve dubbed the 'Mega' cruise is underway, and excitement is building as we gear up for this unforgettable journey. With stunning destinations and unique experiences planned, every moment promises to be filled with adventure. More details will be revealed later this weekend, but for now, the anticipation is palpable as we prepare to set sail and create lasting memories.
The changes to our cruise itinerary have been frustrating, especially losing three ports and seeing the schedule shift unexpectedly. While the excitement builds with over 160 participants for the repositioning trip, I can't help but wonder why NCL hasn't been more transparent about these changes. The addition of an overnight in Panama City is a silver lining, but it would be nice to know the reasons behind the alterations...
I’ve also volunteered to be the forum host on those threads, taking charge of organizing the Meet and Greet and the big spreadsheet for CC members. Just finished the sheets for both cruises, and it’s exciting to see a growing number of participants gearing up for the back-to-back journey!
With a 40-pound weight loss since November, I'm feeling the benefits of my efforts. I even set a personal record, completing a mile in 18:30! Despite the challenges, including the cruise industry's ongoing issues and the loss of my photography mentor, I'm determined to stay accountable. As Spring begins, I'm ready to adjust my schedule and share more updates on my progress and goals.
I’m slightly ahead of my weight loss goal, shedding 14 pounds in just over a month. Using MyFitnessPal and Noom, I’m changing my relationship with food while getting active at the local Derby Recreation Center. Walking, cycling, and strength training are just the beginning; water aerobics are on the horizon. With a focus on accountability and tracking progress, I’m committed to this journey of health and self-improvement.
The term 'floating petri dish' is more click bait sensationalism than a tool to help understanding. Cruise ships are under scrutiny like no other industry, yet they maintain stringent cleanliness standards. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are held to rigorous inspections, with the lowest score being an 86. In comparison, airlines have abandoned social distancing efforts altogether, raising questions about the fairness of such comparisons.
Roxan and I are taking on our first two-year goal together after 31 years. This time, I’m focused on weight loss, aiming to shed 150 pounds to feel confident at the pool. With tools like My Fitness Pal and a gym membership, I’m ready to transform my health. I’ve already lost over 11 pounds, and I’m eager to share my journey with others as I commit to weekly updates.
The greatest risk of scheduling a late-season trip to Alaska, followed by a repositioning to Miami, is the looming threat of hurricanes. As a storm chaser, I've learned to assess these risks carefully. If we were sailing right now, Hurricane Eta would be far from our path, yet lingering concerns about delays into Miami remain. Despite the end of hurricane season being just weeks away, 2020 has proven unpredictable, pushing us to consider the unusual forecast tracks of storms.
The CDC's ruling has thrown a wrench into our planned 30th Anniversary cruise, now capped at seven days. With stringent new testing requirements and potential quarantine for all, the experience will be drastically different. Key West's vote to limit cruise passengers further complicates matters, reflecting local concerns about the cruise industry's impact on their resources and economy. This tightrope walk between safety and tradition is