Category Archives: Cruising

Tender into Kona

Posted on 2026-10-03 by Holly

Today was our first “real” port stop. I am not counting Catalina which was also a tender port. I attempted to get a picture of the ship – but it was into the sun. Not worth sharing.  But the shore? … Continue reading →

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Waffle Cake

Posted on 2026-10-02 by Holly

My other alternative for naming was going to be “Mixed Feelings.” But it seemed like it would be most fun to start on an upnote. Rather than go for cake (or if I was on NCL, this would most definitely … Continue reading →

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Treats

Posted on 2026-10-01 by Holly

Travel: What can I say – I am a complete sucker for chocolate covered strawberries… So I helped myself off the evening offerings while in the lounge. The berries were lovely and ripe, the chocolate was dark. Then I came … Continue reading →

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Amenities

Posted on 2026-09-30 by Holly

I look back to my first “long haul” cruise which was a transAtlantic from Genoa to Bueno Aries on MSC back in 2007. I was sailing with a friend and colleague. For various reasons, we both just wanted out of … Continue reading →

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Quantum of the Seas – Cabins #2

Posted on 2026-09-29 by Holly

(re-arranged order …) – Now Ship, Basketball, Cabin. Today was the “Cheers with an Officer” which used to be Meal with an Officer back before Royal became a victim of its own success. Then there might have been 20-40 people, … Continue reading →

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Cabins

Posted on 2026-09-28 by Holly

I should not continue to whine – but seriously – the RCCL home office doesn’t do customer service well or happily. OTOT – both my travel agent and the Concierge on this ship are amazing. Let me review – various … Continue reading →

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Catalina Island

Posted on 2026-09-27 by Holly

Once again (the last time was in 2023) this not-small ship needed to anchor in the harbor and rely on tenders to ferry passengers to shore. Last time I was here, we walked rather extensively around a goodly portion of … Continue reading →

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Bound for Queensland

Posted on 2026-09-26 by Holly

This is the same ship I made the transit on back in 2022, that time sailing from Vancouver.  So here is the route – (actually, neither VTG or Royal have a map on their site…._ and the schedule – Saturday, … Continue reading →

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The last day

Posted on 2026-04-29 by Holly

And this is my final evening on the Celebrity Summit. I’ve packed and my carry-on is outside my cabin door. I have my clothes for tomorrow and everything in my backpack except for this laptop and my phone.  I have … Continue reading →

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Really ugly art

Posted on 2026-04-28 by Holly

I was going to label this post “Bad Art” but then thought better of it. The crafted pieces are incredibly detailed, superbly constructed,  But, hello? Whomever chose them as art on a ship either works for Park West (the scamming … Continue reading →

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Fishing 4 Condiments

Posted on 2026-04-27 by Holly

  What I should be doing is telling you about Mazatlan today. About the ship sailing into harbor this morning. About docking in a commercial port. About all the cars, buses, and trucks staged & the huge Solar Hybrid transport. … Continue reading →

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Puerto Vallarta

Posted on 2026-04-26 by Holly

Mexico, in case it wasn’t obvious. The ship docked about 0700 with clearance shortly there after. The usual early birds streamed down the gangway. I heard grumbling from more than a few later that nothing was open. Hello? Mexico? Sunday … Continue reading →

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Cruising in the Rain

Posted on 2026-04-24 by Holly

This is a sea day. I am planning on spending the majority of my day sitting in the Sky Lounge relaxing & stitching. Then about  0830 we started sailing thru massive downpours.  The lounge has been filling up steadily. It … Continue reading →

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Backstage tours

Posted on 2026-04-20 by Holly

Like many ships & cruise lines, a certain amount of behind the scenes glimpses are offered. Sometimes these are free, sometimes available for a fee. Those that are free (at least on the larger ships) are normally associated with various loyalty … Continue reading →

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through the Panama Canal (again)

Posted on 2026-04-19 by Holly

  There is an order and rhythm to passing through locks. But first – for the history of the original locks – please see your favorite reference or a quick but thorough overview courtesy of Wikipedia which covers both the … Continue reading →

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too many trivias

Posted on 2026-04-18 by Holly

The amount of “entertainment” provided on a cruise varies widely across the cruise lines. Also, what is offered as entertainment also varies. I am not talking about access to the fitness center or the sales pitches thinly disguised by merchants … Continue reading →

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Cartegena, Columbia

Posted on 2026-04-17 by Holly

As you might suppose, I have been to this port city more than a couple of times. I won’t say that I really know it – I don’t think that is possible for a tourist in port for a few … Continue reading →

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and another Sea Day

Posted on 2026-04-16 by Holly

Looking around the ship today, there seems to be an inordinate number of people just laying around in the sun, For hours on end.  I wish I could believe that they are all using sunblock.. Me? I just rove the … Continue reading →

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George Town, Grand Cayman

Posted on 2026-04-15 by Holly

Ok, now that I have told you where we were anchored today, anyone who knows me well can guess how I spent my day. Besides our ship, there was also the Celebrity Silhouette & a Virgin Lines ship at anchor. … Continue reading →

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Skipping the formal stuff

Posted on 2026-04-14 by Holly

One thing that happens if a person has taken more than a few cruises is that you start to know what to expect out of the various loyalty club activities.  My perspective is probably not similar to many people’s. For … Continue reading →

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