It's certainly the longest cruise we have ever taken and probably the longest period we will ever be away from home.
I chose a room that was in the center of the ship on a lower deck. That's usually the best place for avoiding seasickness.
We are taking four suitcases. Two of them hold our clothes. One is full of pills that we need and a bunch of pills that we might need. One is full of junk food and toys for children.
We have no pets and our children are all grown.
We needed someone to keep an eye on our condo. Thankfully, we just got a new neighbor, Karma, who lives next door. She agreed to check it for us.
We took a short cruise in 1992 and then another one in 1996. That first Caribbean cruise was on the S.S. Norway which was the former ocean liner, the France. The trip is a celebration for my husband's 50th birthday. The second one was for my 50th.
The Norway was a gorgeous ship with a beautiful promenade and two pools. Our room was dinky and nothing to write home about but the ship was very nice.
I chose a room that was in the center of the ship on a lower deck. That's usually the best place for avoiding seasickness.
We decided to start cruising again in 2009 because there was a huge sale on cruises. No one could afford to go because of the collapse of the worldwide economy.
We are taking four suitcases. Two of them hold our clothes. One is full of pills that we need and a bunch of pills that we might need. One is full of junk food and toys for children.
You might wonder why we need a whole suitcase full of pills. I have everything in there, including Tamiflu, because two years ago there was a flu scare. I think I have every possible eventuality covered. I even have some stuff to stick our caps back on our teeth in case they fall off in Bora, Bora.
Also, we each have a set of clothes that we soaked in Permethrin, an insecticide made of chrysanthemums that wards off all insects. This is the only insecticide that is acceptable to an Indian tribe called the Embara that we plan to visit in Panama.
Also, we each have a set of clothes that we soaked in Permethrin, an insecticide made of chrysanthemums that wards off all insects. This is the only insecticide that is acceptable to an Indian tribe called the Embara that we plan to visit in Panama.
The toys are for the children on Fanning Island. People living there have no electricity and only a few vehicles. Holland America ships visit twice a year. The crew and passengers get an assessment of their needs and we all contribute to bring them needed supplies. The toys are just a bonus.
