Kayaking in the Azores

We got caught in a cowjam. It’s quite common, as our tour guide explained, and delighted me, because as a kid in England I would help herd cows from one field to the other. Really, the cows don’t need herding, they know full well where they’re going. Having a human along is more to … Continue reading Kayaking in the Azores →

When in Rome…or Vigo…

Well, there’s a storm comin’ in. Dammit. Hurricane Helene, unmentioned in any of the news we’ve been getting on our cruise ship TV, is heading for Ireland. In addition, there’s a low pressure system gathering over the North Sea. Well, I took astronomy at university so that means jack all to me. Until the captain … Continue reading When in Rome…or Vigo… →

All Alone With Dessert and the Giggles

I WOULD have to experience this alone. As a person who bakes, I’m always interested in what the cruise lines offer for desserts, especially sugar free numbers. What would you call this? The Princess head chef, in his (gotta be a guy) wisdom, dubbed it “Paris Breast”. I couldn’t stand it. I got a … Continue reading All Alone With Dessert and the Giggles →

Rotterdam

Angry Sounds like the Dutch are pissed off. I couldn’t figure out why, for our first stop the morning after we got on this ship (Royal Princess), we didn’t arrive into Rotterdam until noon. Southampton to The Netherlands is a rollicking 293 nautical miles... cross the English Channel, hang a left, boom! You’re there. But...we’re … Continue reading Rotterdam →

Norwegian, LAX and Gatwick

I spent the last month trolling departures and reviews of Norwegian to see how they performed...kind of a mixed bag, really. When they messed up, it was spectacular, and don’t expect a whole lot of help on the ground from the sound of things - or from their phone lines. But when they perform, which … Continue reading Norwegian, LAX and Gatwick →

A Brief History of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal was amazing. For those not in the know, the French first attempted it in the 1880s and by 1888, and millions and millions of francs or whatever, decided cutting a flat canal through the 50 miles of jungle and the 400+ ft elevation was a fool's errand. Hell, I coulda told them … Continue reading A Brief History of the Panama Canal →

Amtrak in a Sleeper Roomette

Showering on Amtrak should be an Olympic sport. The requisite coordination, athletic ability and agility needed is astonishing. It’s not so much like a cruise ship, although I’ll grant you, the swaying is very similar to being in a bad storm. Ships, with their stabilizers, just sorta swish a bit. On Amtrak you’re in gale … Continue reading Amtrak in a Sleeper Roomette →

The Waldorf London

We stayed in very nice room, but there ARE some differences at the Waldorf compared to what you'd see in an American hotel. I think the American hoteliers actually STAY in the rooms they design - or at least pretend to - when they do the layout. Granted, of course, most American hotels are not as old … Continue reading The Waldorf London →

Me, the Stingray & the Squid…

My beloved and I went on a Princess Cruise in January of this year. We’re avid cruisers, she and I, although we sometimes disagree on activities and where to hang out. This was our 25th anniversary cruise, long planned, through the Panama Canal, and our first excursion was a "Stingray Encounter, Snorkeling and Lunch on … Continue reading Me, the Stingray & the Squid… →