Timing is Everything!

Ahoy Mates!

One of the most common sayings in the boating world is that the two happiest days in one’s life is when he buys a boat and when he sells it.  When we settled on SABA, our Hunter 38 sailboat, in May of 2009, we were jubilant and looking forward to the adventure that she would bring us. We were not disappointed! If you have following this blog for the last few years we know you’ll agree. In the ten years that have passed we have put over 8,000 nautical miles under her keel in South Florida, the Keys, as well as, the Abacos and Exumas of the Bahamas. It has been about 90 % pleasure, 5 % concern and 5% sheer terror!

 

There comes a time when you consider your options and realize that one the other common sayings is: “Sailing is defined as the most expensive way to travel third class”! And so it was for us. We offered our beloved SABA for adoption and in less than two months the sale was consummated. With the plethora of fond memories and great adventures the emotion we experienced was not one of happiness, but hope that the new owners would enjoy her as much as we had.

Joe of Preferred Yachts in St Petersburg helped us market our pride and joy with great effect:   http://vessel.iyba.pro/yacht-for-sale/40000040/?id=80196&vessel=2764269&title=2009Hunter38%27380-null

The timing could not have been better. Less than one week after the sale, we embarked on the Oceania Insignia, a 593 foot cruise ship with 682 other guests. Oceania is famous for its voyages around the world, award-winning mid-size ships and the finest cuisine at sea. This promised to be a premium cruise experience at sea with over 400 staff to pamper us. We boarded the ship in San Pedro near Long Beach for the 32 day cruise to Sydney which included 19 sea days and 13 ports of call. No more 3am watches!!

 

To embark on the Insignia, we first flew into LAX from Tampa and arranged to meet my cousin Gregory Scott Cummins in Marina del Rey. Greg is an actor that you may have seen Greg in “Cliffhanger” with Sylvester Stallone or in a myriad of other works including “Bosch”, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, “NCIS” and countless other productions. At 6’4” with steely blue eyes, he’s usually typecast a villain, violent arms dealer, money launderer or other unsavory type, but he’s a wonderful guy and he bought us lunch! And many thanks for the great FACEBOOK post:

 

We had a two day respite in downtown Long Beach and a tour of the Queen Mary was just the activity to get us ready for our voyage. At over 1,000 feet in length and a 118 foot beam she has a great history serving as a luxury cruise liner for the rich and famous including Royalty, Hollywood types and politicians, as well as, a troop carrier during WWII.

We spent over 5 hours touring the ship reliving the Glory Days of such a grand lady with truly luxurious salons and accommodations. They boasted the use of over 50 hardwoods from all over the world and incredible artwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day we started the journey that we planned over 19 months ago. The transfer to the ship including loading our ample luggage was efficient and courteous. After boarding, it was obvious that the Oceania experience would exceed our expectations. The staff was welcoming and kind. Their actions assured us that we were in for a trip of a lifetime.

The Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest body of water. It covers about one third of the Earth’s surface. It is twice the size of the Atlantic. All of the land masses on the planet can fit within the boundaries of the Pacific Ocean with room to spare. Obviously, crossing it in a ship takes more time than your usual Caribbean holiday. Here is the detailed itinerary:

So it is Monday morning and our sixth day at sea. We have traveled 2150 nautical miles since departing  Los Angeles. We’re about 200  nautical miles from Nawiliwili, Kauai and will be arriving there tomorrow morning at 07:00.  Many have wondered what there is to do to pass the time on a cruise ship. Trust me, there are enough activities to keep any ADHD victim off his meds. In addition to enrichment lectures on various topics including history and oceanography, there is bridge, table tennis, putting, spin classes, pilates, yoga, art lessons, a stocked library, computer room, card room, bingo, slots, blackjack, baggo bean, dancing lessons, chamber music, a jazz band, entertaining shows, jewelry seminars, model ship building, afternoon tea, team trivia, religious services, wine tasting, martini tasting, Solo Travelers Cocktails and also LGBTQ Get Togethers for those who wish to switch teams. And how can I forget . . . all you can eat , all the time!

Overall the passage has been relaxing except for day three when we powered through 15′ seas and 25 knots of wind doing 19 knots over ground. There were quite a few people missing from the dining room that night! Robin is busy with a needlepoint project and reading while I am spending time reading and organizing photos and writing this blog entry. We just learned that a USCG helicopter will be evacuating one of our cruisemates at 15:00. The good news is, I don’t think it’s Robin or me.

We’ve got a few activities planned during our three stops in Hawaii. I’ll update you after we do some kayaking, meetup with friends on the island, take a submarine ride and hike a volcano or two.

Please feel free to comment on this entry and share it with your friends and family if you like. Look for our Hawaii adventures in my next post on the way to Nuka Hiva in the Marquesas.

Aloha for now.

Captain Bobby