We got to ride on the Viking tender into Maui this morning, reminiscent of Santorini, Greece. A tender is a boat used to service or support a larger ship, accessible where that ship is not. In this case, all passengers were able to get into Maui even though there were not enough local workers to enable us to utilize a dock. We anchored just outside of the island and as I ran this morning I could see these tenders beginning to transport both fellow passengers and departing crew members into shore.
Since we’re on a cruise ship where we’re entertained every night by performers, I also couldn’t help but think about Elvis and imagining him on a tender like ours singing “Love Me Tender.” I know this is a stretch of the imagination but I’m a bit stir crazy after all this time at sea. It’s been both relaxing on boring, so bear with me as I present these lyrics:
Love me tender, love me sweet
Never let me go
You have made my life complete
And I love you so
[Chorus]
Love me tender, love me true
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darling I love you
And I always will
[Verse 2]
Love me tender, love me long
Take me to your heart
For it’s there that I belong
And we’ll never part
[Chorus]
Love me tender, love me true
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darling I love you
And I always will
[Verse 3]
Love me tender, love me dear
Tell me you are mine
I’ll be yours, through all the years
‘Til the end of time
[Chorus]
Love me tender, love me true
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darling I love you
And I always will
Our vivacious Aussie cruise director led us in songs of ABBA, The Beatles, Broadway tunes, and Jersey Boys, to name a few of his selection, plus I’m quite confident there were some Elvis tunes and gyrating hips in the mix. I also read about the death of Elvis while aboard in the book, Killing the Legends, by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, so all these influences have me singing “Love Me Tender” as we depart from Maui and head to Honolulu for our final day on the ship.
This will be my final post until we get home and I wrap everything up about this voyage in a poem. Aloha from Hawaii and Love Me Tender. Good Day!
I felt steadier on my feet today, mainly because the boat was docked for the first time in a week by the time I rolled out of bed. I drank a bit too much red wine last night as we stayed up late in the Explorer’s Lounge talking to new friends. My wife and her partner had won the onboard Bridge tournament so that was part of our late night celebration. At some point in the middle of the night, my phone clock returned to normal, no longer showing a confusing 2-hour difference. As I double-and-triple checked the time throughout the night, I grew restless as the alcohol prevented me from getting back to sleep. When I finally left the prone position, rain was in the forecast and the deck was wet and slippery, forcing me back on the boring treadmill. However, I didn’t have to fight the rocking of the boat in addition to a slight hangover, as had been the challenge many previous mornings aboard ship.
We had several hours prior to our afternoon catamaran excursion and filled the time with a shuttle ride and walk around Kauai. We were able to locate the Marriott Vacation Club’s Lagoons resort in Kalanipu’u where we will be staying in just six short weeks. I had worn sandals in preparation for the boat ride so I only made it half-way to the complex with sore feet and waited for my wife as she continued on to check the place out. Satisfied, we returned to the ship for lunch with our late-night pals. They are from Connecticut and frequent travelers with lots to share about travel until it was time for us to meet the tour guide.
Another bus took us to the catamaran that was really more of a tourist pontoon boat rather than a sleek racing machine. Somewhat disappointed, we took our seats for a ride down the river that was the site of many a movie adventure: Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, King Kong, and South Pacific, as well as the golf comedy, Happy Gilmore were referenced by our guide. Wildlife was scarce on this particular tour but the unique tropical vegetation and green, mountainous backdrop was worth the price of admission. We then watched some surfers, including a dog, show their skills in the Pacific swells. We topped off the afternoon with a dip in the Deck Seven Pool after we returned to the ship. It was good to temporarily experience solid ground before the short commute to Maui tonight.
It’s day #21 of the cruise and 27 days since we left our Florida home. We’ve left behind our schnauzer pup, Tally, and some storm casualties including our roof tiles, refrigerator, and frozen food. I’ve called an inspector and the Kitchenaid warranty department about potential repairs we’ll have to deal with once we get home this Friday and back to reality – just four days away. This morning was the first outdoors run I’ve enjoyed since downtown Vancouver just before the boat left the dock. I finally able to get out on the main deck that is four laps to the mile. It had been too cold, too windy, or too slippery to step foot out there until today, as we approach Kauai. I’ve been stuck on the treadmill every morning as we bobbed and weaved our way along, but “The Streak” persists after 5, 034 consecutive days. I could feel the strain of the harder surface on my heels, as I counted the number of times through the engine room tunnel. Also, in trying to maintain my balance with the constant movement of the ship, the outside muscles of my legs are sore. It’s a challenge to run at sea, and I’m proud that I never gave up or took a day off despite the temptation.
Yesterday was definitely the most boring of the trip, as I drifted off to sleep early. I have yet to get sea sick but the lack of sunshine and fresh air coupled with too much food & drink has taken its toll on my stamina. I have to remind myself that I am no longer a spring chicken but rather a 71-year old senior citizen that wears himself out every single morning. I’m stuck with the same crew, the same people, and the same restaurant choices every single day with no land in sight. Everything is starting to run together, while laying in bed while the boat rocks is the most comfortable position without a doubt. I’m also never really sure what time it is with all the time zone adjustments that we’ve been through. My phone still shows it to be two hours later than the ship clocks.
I’m ready to get on solid ground tomorrow, although it’s for a catamaran tour of the Kalapaki & Hule’ia River, but still a calmer body of water. Only three more nights at sea and then a miserable overnight flight from Honolulu to Houston to Tampa. It’s been a month-long journey of planes, trains, automobiles, taxis, and boats. We’ll be home soon! No more endless buffets, luxury accommodations, or First-Class seats as we head back to reality!
Last Monday, six days ago, we set sail from Dutch Harbour, Alaska and haven’t been on solid ground since. We have another full day to go before we reach Kauai. It’s the longest stretch of my life at sea that will probably never be matched. I’ve been bobbing and weaving my way around the ship to the point where the outside muscles in my legs are sore trying to maintain balance. The treadmill has been another story of holding on while battling ocean swells. At the same time, the Pacific Ocean looks peacefully blue with no sign of land on either side. Fuel and food storage have I’m sure been a challenge for crew members, as none of us expected a month ago that we would be at sea this long. Initially, stops were scheduled for Russia and Japan. Those that aren’t debarking in Hawaii will go on to Australia for another long stretch of ocean travel. No one signed up for this level of torture.
A week from now, we’ll be home with only faint memories of this excursion that got me to my 49th of 50 states. I mentioned my need for a live sports fix in yesterday’s post, but it will also be over a month without my regular TV habits like House of the Dragon and Sons of Anarchy that I left behind on this journey. I’ll have a lot of catching up to do, and some maintenance to perform on our Ian damaged property. We don’t know yet all that we missed, like the fact that our neighbor just reported that the power never returned on our main refrigerator even after reactivating the breaker.
There isn’t much new to report on activity other than night after night of fine dining, wine & whiskey tastings, movies, lounge shows, and chocolate, but not much in the way of fresh air or sunshine. However, I’m now witnessing a blue-sky day with white puffy skies and smooth sailing, for once, as we near a full week at Sea.
Last night was single malt tasting is the Torshavn on Deck 1. It’s where all the late night activities take place, so I had never been inside. This event was early enough that we could also get to the piano duet in the Star Theater. It was not good enough to keep me awake until the end, although that’s really a reflection on me, not these talented musicians. I just don’t seem to have a taste for the finer things in life like gourmet dining, scotch, or classical music, although I got a sampling of each last night. My goal on the treadmill this morning was not to have a second tasting, although the waves have been kinder these last few days.
Yesterday afternoon, I spent about an hour outside on our deck in the sunshine and wore a short-sleeved dress shirt for the first time since we left Florida. This means we’re getting closer to the warmth of the Hawaiian Islands. Skies are clear, so we also witnessed a colorful sunset during dinner. Mamma Mia is this afternoon’s movie on the big screen. My only incentive to go is the popcorn. I’ve seen the movies and Broadway shows probably more than any other musical production. I can account for at least a dozen viewings, but there’s little else to do today while my wife plays bridge.
For dinner tonight we’ll once again go to the Chef’s Table. My wife has gotten to know Chef Zak through her cooking classes and table visits during our meals in his restaurant. They change the menu every three days and we’re excited about another sitting. In fact, I’m giving up the Artisanal Mac & Cheese Station in the World Cafe, another of the half-dozen dining choices aboard ship, plus room, pool, or bar service any time you want it. The Cruise Director will be singing tunes from the 60s, Frankie Valli, Les Miserables, and much more as billed. He’s a gregarious Aussie from a musical family and worth making an effort to see on stage. We’ll see if I can stay awake!
We entered Canada on September 20th, required to use the bothersome ArriveCAN app for border admittance. We went through the trouble of ordering expensive Covid testing kits as dictated by the Canadian government and taking video monitored at-home tests within three days of arriving. We were scared to death that these tests would come back negative and our trip plans would be interrupted. Thoughts of being quarantined in Vancouver as our cruise ship sailed away without us or worse yet being stuck in the engine room isolated from other passengers were major concerns. War had already destroyed any plans to enter Russia and Covid concerns by Japanese officials prevented us from going Tokyo. Instead, we were in Canada for one day while the only other territories that we ended up visiting were U.S. properties, Alaska and Hawaii – no testing or special apps required.
Also, to my horror, I was randomly selected for another mandatory Covid test at the airport, but I had no phone service to receive the directive. It wasn’t until we were at the Vancouver Sheraton and hooked into their wi-fi system that the message arrived. I called the number certain that they wouldn’t expect me to return to the airport for testing, especially after having my negative results from the day before available. We were leaving Canada the next morning so I then avoided the numerous text messages, requiring test results within 24-hours, worried that they might stop me as I boarded the ship. We also unexpectedly went a few hundred yards back into Canada as part of a vintage train trip. I had visions of being Wanted by the Mounted Police and pulled from the train.
Of course, none of this ever happened. In fact, no one even checked our Covid results as we boarded or left Canada. I was still worried that a letter was waiting for me at home about the potential $5,000 fine and that I would be hassled by the Canadian government for years to come. Maybe even banned from future visits! Instead, we were at dinner last night on the cruise ship, not even two weeks later, and our companions informed us that all Covid testing in Canada had been stopped as of October 1st, just after I faced this ordeal. I guess I’m now off the hook and grateful that I didn’t spend the time and money to follow their threatening directions. Oh, Canada what a farce!
We’re out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so I’m grateful to have consistent internet service. This is more than we have in our Florida home thanks to Ian. However, for the first time in over a week, I was able to see activity on our Ring cameras. The tile backsplash is being installed around the outdoor kitchen and neighbors have put back in place our urns and fountain. I will owe the folks back home a debt of gratitude for all their attention to our property when we return in a few weeks.
Yesterday, we booked another Viking ocean cruise, looking ahead to 2024. We were able to schedule a 22-day, three-continent excursion from Buenos Aires to Barcelona from the makegood credits that we earned by sticking with them on this cruise. This boat is less than a third full due to cancellations from itinerary changes. At the time of booking, Russia and Japan were the destinations that most passengers were looking forward to seeing. Instead, we made more stops in Alaska and are now headed directly for Hawaii. As it turns out, we’ll be getting nearly a two for one deal on travel, that will not only take me to one of my two missing states (Maine now left to visit on next year’s road trip), but also South America, the Atlantic Ocean crossing, Senegal, Casa Blanca, and Spain. It will be our first opportunity to explore the Southern Hemisphere and will take my continent count to six of seven. However, Antarctica, the missing piece, will probably never be of interest.
We’ve been at sea for the last three days, half-way to Kauai, so there’s little to report in term of sights. Dinners, movies, and shows occupy us during this rocky ocean route. Last night, a champagne reception was held for frequent Viking travelers, like us. We met and had dinner (the soup bar) with some friendly folks from South Carolina. My wife knew the women from bridge, while the men were part of the informal morning treadmill club. It’s so uncomfortable trying to get my daily mile in with the rocking of the ship. Decks are closed so holding on to the treadmill for dear life is the only option. I’ve had to walk the remainder of the 5k to battle the extensive calories I consume each day. Weight gain is inevitable.
If today is any indication, the next few days of this cruise could be miserable. I tried my best to run on the treadmill, unable to run beyond the minimum mile while weaving and bobbing the next couple of miles in a quick walk. I had to hold on to the side-rails to keep from falling off and even the sit-ups and push-ups were difficult despite being flat on the floor. It was, however, a busy day in the fitness center as passengers tried their best to exercise, knowing that we would be another 7-days at sea. “The Streak” barely continues at 5,028 days.
We have officially left Alaska, on the Pacific Ocean path to Hawaii. I’m feeling a bit queasy with a slight headache and in need of fresh air. This is the first day that I’ve really regretted being on a cruise. Tomorrow, however, we meet with the Viking travel consultants about future options. We do have a $10,000 credit voucher as a result of sticking it out for this venture that caused many cancellations once the leg to Japan was changed to Hawaii. Hopefully, we can find some smoother sailing in our future.
Walking from one end of the ship to the other is a major accomplishment. I did manage to do laundry, knowing that most people just stayed in their cabins. Room Service was very popular and after hearing the crash of dishes in the kitchen probably the safest way to eat breakfast or lunch. Dinner tonight will be at the Chef’s Table once again with a Mexican menu planned. My wife played bridge while I went to the movie documentary, “Wonders of the Sea,” produced by the Cousteau family. It was truly an underwater marvel narrated by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The swaying of the boat and thumping of the waves against the side of the Viking Orion added to the realism. The captain was facing 20-foot swells but indicated that the ship was built to handle at least fifty to make us feel safe. It’s been a swell day so far!
With the month of October suddenly upon us, September running mileage only totaled 78.1 miles. At least I got the minimum mile in every day to keep “The Streak” alive on this cruise adventure. Normally, I routinely do about 90 miles each month and 1,000 for the year. Between fewer miles and excessive eating I will naturally expect a weight gain that should be perfectly normal on a three-week cruise. They say if you don’t put on a few pounds then you didn’t enjoy yourself. Tonight, we’ll be back at Manfredi’s for more pasta and wine, The big relief of the day, was from our thoughtful who took the time to drive all the way to Schnauzerville to assure my wife that our precious pup Tally was doing fine. The dog sitters were relying on a generator and had no way to communicate with us, so a simple picture was worth a thousand words.
We should know more about our roof tile damage in the next few days when my son is able to once again check our property. He has been pre-occupied with rising water, soffit damage, and potential structural concerns after the hurricane. This goes along with his marital concerns and financial problems that have been his primary focus long before Ian rocked his world. His wife and kids have been sharing time with their parents, so I was glad to see them temporarily united as a family to deal with the storm. This once again shows that tragedies like this often bring people together, whether it be neighbors, relatives, or even strangers.
There are still street, landscaping, sewer and internet problems in our Islandwalk neighborhood. I do have some guilt having to rely on others for help while we’re thousands of miles away at sea. Our timing couldn’t have been better or worse, depending on how you look at it. Here we are stuffing our faces, bathing with clean water, and enjoying all the luxury cruise comforts while those back in our home town of Venice are suffering. We’ll have some serious dues to pay when we finally get back to Florida.
The onboard treadmill was an adventure this morning as we sail the rough seas on the way to our final Alaska stop, Dutch Harbor. We’re not sure what to expect since there are no excursions available but at least we’ll be docked and I won’t be rocked from side-to-side while running again tomorrow morning. After that, I’ll just have to somehow get used to occasionally grabbing on to the support bars to keep from falling off. It’s seven long days at sea from there to Kauai, our first of three Hawaiian ports.
Yesterday was sightseeing in the town of Kodiak including a military settlement, three museums, and a Russian Orthodox church. Like Sitka, it was once an important Soviet port before they sold the entire territory to the United States back in 1867 for a price of 7.2 million. The Kodiak History Museum is housed in the oldest standing log structure on the West Coast, called a Magazin (Russian for store), built circa 1808 as a storage facility. Across the street was the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Center where on display was a fascinating skeleton of a Gray Whale that was found on the local beach, intentionally buried for four years to allow bacteria to strip it to bare bones, cleaned, and eventually reassembled to be suspended from the ceiling of this museum. It was the tourism highlight of the day.
Dinner last night was once again at the Chef’s Table where we were entertained by dozens of whales just outside our window-side table. The evening ended with Reuel, a fabulous pianist from Austin, Texas that put on a dazzling performance in the Star Theatre. It was the first act on the boat to keep us awake for the duration, although some of the other artists had their moments. My wife is currently at a French cooking class while I write this and will spend the afternoon playing bridge. She was particularly excited this morning when we found out that power had been restored to our Florida home and a thoughtful neighbor had moved and watered our sheltered plants. However, we were also informed that we may have a couple of damaged roof tiles as a result of Ian. We’ll assess all the minor damages when we return in less than two weeks. Still no word on Tally, but as more homes get power, communication will certainly improve. We’re confident that she’s fine with all her schnauzer brothers and sisters but some reassurance would be welcome. Tally where are you?
