Greetings friends and family,

The rest of the story, despite what you may have read, goes like this.

I have yet to receive my luggage, house and car keys, white linen clothes and beautiful long white silk shirt … And more. I say ” it’s still on the ship”, like, it’s on the cruise even though I came home. Lol

I don’t want to understate the deep sadness of the loss of life of the men who worked on the Insignia that day when I saw her last. I am so sorry for the families and friends, co workers and the world … That this loss of human life surely is. A sad story.

I do want to say that for passengers, travellers and by-standers, we all have a choice as to how we perceive any given circumstance. I have heard, read about and been questioned on how it was the day of the fire on our fine cruise ship, and subsequently.

My story is this. Oceania cruises is a hero. I knew it, since I cruised with them four years ago. I feel it more strongly now. They treat their guests with extra special care.

I watched crew and staff try to give passengers that which they asked for … To get on the ship, to get off the ship, for medications and other items from the ship. I witnessed the emergency whistle and sounds the day we were all removed from the ship.

The staff and crew needed to be free to do what they must in an emergency, what they have practiced and drilled to do. Go to their stations and follow the direction of the very well trained and experienced ship officials. Once the needs of the passengers are met there are other chores to be completed.

Should the fire have happened when we were out at sea, or, should we have been a much bigger vessel with thousands of passengers instead of only six hundred and fifty, the story might have been very different in the telling.

I am, we all are, fortunate that our experience was as it was: Plenty of updates as details changed, extra bottles of water and fresh fruit provided, bathroom facilities and snacks for those wanting something to eat; The president of the company flew to the airport to greet us all as we boarded and flew to Miami; Oceania representatives were out in full force at the Miami airport and hotels as we arrived there. It was done for us. No need to ask … Everything was provided. Well rehearsed and carried out in our time of need.

I can’t say enough about the treatment I personally have received from this cruiseline. I will never hesitate to travel with them and recommend others to do the same.

As a travel agent I need to know I can confidently offer the best product there is to people who trust me with their hard earned vacation dollars. It is my ‘job’ to ensure I make the best suggestions and not to disappoint or mislead.

I escorted a group of 8 women, including myself, to the Caribbean. Some had never cruised before. Many people I would meet on this trip I had never met previously. I feel they all came home with a little taste of why Oceania is a cruise above the rest.

My “perspective” in the time of crisis and also, on a daily basis, was to offer my skills and strengths to as many people as possible. That day and evening, I walked around offering my positive thoughts, my phrases of well wishing and comments of how people were doing so well.

We all had and continue to have the same choice to make every day, and each precious moment within each day.

I called the cruiseline when I got safely home to thank them and offer some assistance with regard to how my luggage will be sent to me and my travel partner.

I tell everyone I talk to about the great job the crew and staff did to ensure my comfort and care.

I want you, my friends and family, to know the truth, despite what you might read to the contrary.

Thanks for reading and believing that travel dreams do come true.

Happiest of holidays,

Pamela

Flying North

American Airlines is the carrier today for Miami to Dallas Fort Worth and then on to Vancouver. I am on the leg to Vancouver right now as I write this. Sitting beside a couple we met on the cruise and have been seeing and sharing rides with since the disembarkation from the ship.

I really enjoy meeting people. As well I have gotten to know the gals on the cruise travelling with me, even more intimately. We travel well together and look out for each other, say hi and hug. Being through this kind of experience seems to bring people together as much or more than the experience of cruise travel.

We talk about what we like about cruising, travel destinations, luggage, insurance and more. We learn where we are from and we find commonalities like being born in the same Province, or we know same people, or enjoy the same travel experiences. We talk about our travel dreams and expectations.

In the everyday details we find special moments. We share stories, and smiles.

Filling out customs declarations and remembering what was purchased. For me the trip had only just started and precious few purchases were made, flags of new countries to give to my grandsons when next I see them, postcards I popped in the mail for them …. I wonder if they will ever receive them or will they be discarded with other items on board? Time will tell and it is all just stuff. The real value is in the relationships and closeness of the people with whom we share experiences. In that regard I feel richly abundant indeed.

And we get our money back and then some to book again with Oceania. The group of women are already talking and planning to meet up again.

Time to rest again, few more hours till we get home.

Pamela

Does Dallas ever cross your mind?

I am at Dallas Fortworth airport in Texas making my way home to Victoria.

I think this is my first time here and so exciting. I can see almost forever out the window. Big big sky like Calgary. Lovely clear weather and flat with great sky scapes off in the distance, of city buildings. Flying in I was reminded of the Dallas TV show of years ago. JR Ewing and all that.

Lots of renovation happening at the airport, it is clean and nicely organized. We stopped at a TeaVana store and had a piping hot fresh cup of tea, mint chocolate for me. Yummm

I wandered in to a Brighton store. My mom purchases Brighton jewellery for me during the holidays, often. This store was full of sparkly stuff, colourful bags and a tempting carry on suitcase. I don’t have much time to look around but am delighted by the find.

Getting ready to board

Good morning and good bye Miami

This has been my first time spent in Miami, Florida. The hotel at the Hilton by airport is really lovely and comfortable. We found a little shop and bought the last tacky warm and oversized tourist hoodies, mine is hot pink. We picked up a few necessities and took the shuttle to the mall for some warm clothes for the flight home. Once back to hotel we had a nice leisurely glass of wine and buffet dinner. The salad bar included a black bean soup, gluten free …. Very satisfying.

We are up now … Around 330 am to prepare for the drive to airport and begin our travels back home. The cruise was to be over on 17 December and today is the 13 th I think. I have lost track of days and dates by now, vacations are often like that for me.

We have been offered our money back and more for when we rebook with Oceania for the next time.

Heroes and others

Crew died in the explosion and fire on board Oceania Insignia yesterday. People, guests and crew were up for more than 24 hours in a state of wakefulness and discomfort. This was a tragic event. The energy was sadness, and compassion. Of personal grief and worry combined with positivity with people helping each other in a crisis.

There was a passenger woman doctor on board that we saw throughout the evening. At some point earlier people had witnessed her delivering CPR to one of the crew. Later as we sat around in wait, she had summoned an ambulance so a few of the elder and more frail guests to have a place to lay out, relax and stay calm.

Most guests moved me to tears. Couples of climbing years and deep affection for each other, in embrace, or sleeping sitting up, beside each other in chairs. With obvious mobility issues and ill prepared for such discomfort and inconvenience were quietly and patiently waiting for what was happening next. Getting each other a sandwich and more water, holding chairs and sitting in quiet witness.

People were walking around in their newly purchased gift shop ware. Probably purchased for an aunt or ailing mom, or even one of the kids or grandkids, ripped off tags and wrapped up for warmth and comfort, ‘Welcome to St Lucia’! Even others were good sports and wore their bathing suit cover ups all day, some twenty four hours without even so much as a towel. Some guests had been swimming in the ship pool when directed to leave the ship by staff, no longer rehearsing a drill.

People in wheelchairs and with walkers finding spots to sit and wait.

Tensions high for some, and in small groups people could work themselves into rage. There is always something to do to help. I walked around wishing people well, touching shoulders gently and commenting on how nice looked or how calm and helpful everyone was. Food was provided, none gluten free, except apples which I am allergic to! My friends found and scrounged oranges and grapes. Water bottles were plentiful and there were adequate bathroom facilities and plenty of places to sit together in groups.

I tried to keep in touch with the other nine passengers I was traveling with and even some new faces I had already met and connected with on the cruise, now fun familiar faces. No one had anticipated this would, so soon, be our only time together.

Lists were provided and plans underway to move some guests to Miami and begin their trip home. The cruise was over, no one could go on ship. Staff milled about and then attended meetings and disappeared. Later we were to see them packed up and heading home and or to other ships for work. This cruise is ended, the ship is cold and dark and not going anywhere, soon.

Everyone feels the discomfort of not having fresh clothes, toothbrush, iPhones, credit cards, and so on. Ships personnel were helpful in locating emergency medications for people and passports needed for the flight back to the United States. Some passengers were adamant to not leave without all of their belongings however this was not to be so.

As the sun rose this morning, 20 plus hours from hearing of the fire, we were the last bus to leave,the ship pier and head to the airport an hour fromCastries, on the island of Saint Lucia. We too were flying off the island. Three and a half hours of uncomfortable flight in a chartered plane, no food or warm blankets, we endured more wakeful discomfort and sure knowledge that our precious belongings were not coming home with us as we had hoped.

Met at the airport by Oceania delegates, after clearing customs (nothing to declare!), we were welcomed and ushered to the bus to spend some time cleaning up, eating and learning of the next travel plan. I was sent to the Hilton in Miami where I was again happy to reunite with some of my travel group for breakfast and purchase of warm oversized Miami tourist hoodies!

Cleaned up, redressed in a sandy tired bathing suit, I wait for my shuttle to the airport to begin a series of flights back to Victoria.

More to come!

Ciao for now,

Tired in Miami,
Love Pamela

And the explosion continues

While at the spa having my feet and legs caressed and soaking in some warm solution followed by paraffin wax …. There was an announcement that there had been a fire in the engine or generator? But under control and the electricity to be back on soon.

Terry and I prepared to head to town, better than sitting on a dark ship with only emergency lighting. As we were about to disembark, Terry went back up to fetch an umbrella as it looked like more rain showers outside. I was the lone passenger on the deck 3, the crews quarters, the gangway and the hub of activity. Radios had to be used by staff as phones were not working. I could hear activity and made myself small, stood out of the way and waited, watching in awe.

The ships officers were busy making decisions and giving direction, it became clear that the situation had escalated on board and I was ushered to the direction of my room on the eighth deck. As I climbed, ship staff directed me to muster station and the ships alarm sounded. After a short time there all passengers were required to disembark. We did.

We joined a few other gals and off we went to the beach by cab. With thoughts of the ship, the guests that have mobility issues, the crew and what might lay ahead. Not expecting or even thinking of the worst.

Swimming and bobbing around in the sea as the environment was clearly Caribbean in culture. A small colourful boat, with a thatched cover and many international flags, spunky reggae music playing for all to enjoy and a man selling fresh pineapples, coconut, watermelons and pouring rum inside. People donned in all manner of bathing attire would walk through the strong warm surf to partake in his offering. Big business when cruise ships in town.

A few hours spent leisurely people watching and enjoying swimming in the wild surf. Four women with chairs rented, taking wee corners of shelter from a rented umbrella.

No food that I could eat, still existing on room service toast from the morning room service, my thoughts wandered back to our ship. By three pm we had all had enough of the beach scene and curiosity took us to see the ships and get out of our sandy clothes. Little did I know that when I packed and dressed in the morning that this would be it for me, for several days.

Still not able to get on board Insignia, we were shuttled to a pier building to meet with other passengers and wait for more news and updates. Organizing some 650 guests, many in only bathing suits, or beach wear, some in shorts and tshirts, the ships officers started to receive abusive comments and demanding questions from outraged guests wanting the comforts of the cruise to be restored.

I am pleased to say that many more passengers were kind, patient and caring to each other and appreciative for all the extra effort from crew and officers in such a difficult situation.

More to follow:

Love p at sea
Xox

More about St George’s, Grenada.

They celebrate their Carnevale in August, ‘having a grand time.’ Singing calypso.

We stopped for a tour where nutmeg, and other spices are harvested. Tried rum punch and loved it enough to take a Mickey to try on the ship. Lol.

30% unemployment is one of the barriers for people who live here, however they are friendly and warm people, highly educated. Outside the shop there were varieties of Spices being offered for sale by local woman. Spice liquor also for sale and jams and syrups. Second stop was a herb and spice farm. We had a tour and enjoyed the fragrances and feel of the items offered to us to try. We saw cocoa pods, fruits, grasses, weeds, and spice bushes. The main crops are cocoa and nutmeg due to climate. Tourism is really the main business in this area.

Plenty of very big posh homes in the hills, however they typically are not owned by locals. Perhaps some wealthy people who once fell in love with the island had a home built, however do not take the time to come enjoy what their money can buy.

Snakes and mongoose are local wildlife, we saw a larger gecko, and interesting to see goats and cows dotting the road side, some on rope. According to our tour guide, parents will gift an animal, a goat or cow, to their children hoping to teach responsibility. The youth ensures the animals are cared for and then reaps the benefit of making money from the animal.

On the island, they import fuel, diesel and it is expensive. They also now have to import sugar for use in many products for local consumption. Building materials including wood, steel and cement are also purchased from off island. Roads and homes are made mostly of cement and it is a high cost. Education is encouraged and in fact by law all will go to school and graduate. Medical costs are privately paid, no government assistance for that.

Stopped at old Westerhall Rum Distillery, including museum and how it used to work when sugar cane was planted here. Tasting followed. 140 proof. And then sipping rums. People bought Christmas presents. I am not a big fan of the strong alcohol flavour.

A very interesting day all around. Back to the ship and had appies, a glass of wine and ready for the best meal yet, at specialty Italian restaurant Toscana. I had some amazing items including risotto with lobster, and lobster with gluten free pasta. The flavours of the many courses and the balsamic vinegars and olive oils to dip my gluten free bread, were carefully selected by the wait staff. Dining in this restaurant takes time and is worth the extra attention to detail. Fantastico, piacere!,

Now it is time for bed and tomorrow landing in Bridgetown Barbados.

You say Grenada, I say Grenada.

Grenada

I am at an enrichment talk about this port of call for today. I have a shore excursion booked to see and learn about the Spice of Life, spices grown here and of course a rum distillery for some tasting! Living the dream … Here are some of the notes:

Independent island of British commonwealth since 1974. Agriculture is important, spices, sugar, turned to slavery to work fields for a time as they did not have enough population to tend the crops. Hurricanes killed sugar plantations. Now nutmeg and other spices major to economy.

Unique flag. Parliamentary democracy. Queen is the monarch. Associate of the EU countries.

History of invasions, executions and other political upsets. I recall something about this country, hearing about it in the news. Hurricanes history, severe weather in the hurricane belt. Three major hurricanes in my lifetime. Roofs of buildings gone, used tarps. 90% of the buildings damaged. Many still stay in same condition now, today.

80% of nutmeg were damaged. It takes 7-15 years to grow a new nutmeg tree.

High rate of poverty, small farming on the island of less than 5 acres a farm.

Use Eastern Caribbean Dollar, however most places take USD.

Volcanic island, beautiful tropical rainforest, some of the best beaches in the world, and. Coral reefs. Eco tourism is popular. There is a sunken ship to explore with scuba diving. Grand Anse beach by water taxi.

Steep streets, deep gutters, drive on other side of the road … Pedestrians look out. Many sights not well preserved. Beaches are popular and some are spectacular. The museum used to be a prison. There is a fort as well to see views of harbour.

There is an old town, Carenage. Water taxis available for hire to take you around the island, to beaches, etc. There is an underwater sculpture garden Moliniere point, you have to scuba or snorkel to see it. Over 160 pieces on display under water. Helps protects the reefs from erosion. Annandale Falls is lovely, with gardens, swimming, vendors, open to tourists.

Local bus, water and land taxi, van, privately owned independent drive vehicles to explore this 21 x 12 miles island.

More to come after I see it for myself! Sunny, warm and docked in port.

Ciao for now,

Pamela

Day one, St Kitts and Nevis, December 8 2014

We arrived in time to enjoy our complimentary champagne in our stateroom while we unpacked into the well appointed room for two. We spent a bit of time on the veranda and ordered shrimp cocktail and a cheese plate to hold us over till our dinner reservation in the specialty Polo Grill restaurant.

In e meantime we had to attend an emergency evacuation drill and met a very fun and funny couple on their first cruise. We laughed, maybe the champagne made it all seem funnier?

Lovely dinner, I ate lobster, the whole thing, after Caesar salad and soup, all gluten free. We also enjoyed another bottle of wine, this time Prosecco. Dinner was fantastic, the atmosphere was great. Th.e service outstanding. And the little jelly square fruit items suitable for gluten free, I remembered from my last cruise with Oceania on this very ship, at least 4 years ago. In fact exactly to the date four years ago as we sailed from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am so glad they still had those jellies and of course, fresh made marshmallows with sauce.

The seas a bit rough, the exhaustion and lack of sleep, he rich food all caused me to decide that an early evening was in order. I slept. And slept.

Today we got up in time to see us arrive in St Kitts at the port of call. No excursion were booked in advance. We ate a fresh fruit and toast kind of breakfast, and took the tender boat over. Little place, three large ships in dock, Celebrity and two Royal Caribbean ships, including the newest Quantum of the Seas. I took pictures.

Terry and I were determined to walk and find a beach. Ha ha. Locals told us not to, so after we walked through the village, we began our walk to the tender boat, shopping along the way.

Postcards for he grand boys, and a flag of this tiny country. USD are accepted here.

It was very hot and sunny today so we decided to come back on the ship a tech early, grab lunch and relax by the pool. If we could have found bicycle rentals or even shooter rentals, terry would have explored more, not to be today.

After a lovely lunch of taco salad, vegetarian style, with grapefruit sorbet, we cooled down in the salt water pool an enjoyed the sun a bit. Then off to the spa where we found the thalassotherapy pool. Steam room and spa terrace that we can use on a complimentary basis. We are also trying to decide on spa treatments for future days.

Terry did an hour of running and exercise today and I walked and ran with her for about half hour. It was fun and enjoyable to get to do that with her. I went back to the spa, enjoyed the pool, showered and now am sitting on the team veranda waiting for appies to arrive. Then we plans to enjoy happy hour from five to six, perhaps try a special drink or martini …. Then dinner after in main dining room.

Time to dress and enjoy more lobster. Ha ha .. I ordered this morning for dining tonight … This ship serves lobster every night somewhere, very pleasant!

Internet is slow and spotty but we have it complimentary, so going to try to post this soon.

Ciao my friends and family. Tomorrow we have a spice and rum tour on Grenada. Lucky me!

Pamela

At Toronto airport

Hey there, we are hopping along and making our way to San Juan Puerto Rico for a relaxing ten day cruise in the very South islands in the Caribbean.

Although I have not been away from cruising that long, I am due for another. I love the sun and heat. I enjoy the relaxation and pace of a lovely comfy luxurious cruise ship.

I anticipate a wonderful opportunity to celebrate my retirement from government with dear friends travelling with me. As well, I am looking to enjoy complimentary access to the spa terrace on the ship, with sea water pool, lounge chairs, steam room and quiet access to the sea air. Like a moment by moment with serenity.

I have picked up a pair of headphones to listen to my audible books for added inspiration as I encounter my muses and circle of genius.

It is the early morning here in Toronto airport and the sun rise was subtle and is now complete. It looks cold outside. Next stop, San Juan with some heat!