Embarkation Day on MSC

Aloha Everyone,

Fortunately, J.J. and I didn’t walk to the MSC ship. Virtuosa was docked in the nearest port, but we didn’t realize that it was at the very end of the berth. A taxi was at our hotel door dropping off people and we quickly grabbed the car. Minimum of 10 pounds. We gladly paid it.

There was a problem regarding our two bags preventing them from being loaded on the ship. Error was on the side of the port security. They had paged the wrong passengers. By the time we tried to settle the issue and accept their apologies, J.J. and I had walked about 2 miles.

One of the most environmentally advanced ship of MSC fleet, she was commissioned in February 2021. The largest ship in the MSC cruise company globally, she has a total guest capacity of 6,334 passengers.

Our 8th floor stateroom has a large window. It is about the size of our Regal Princess but no balcony. Simply put, this is the worst of mass tourism. People everywhere with so many children and teens running about. Two pools, outdoor and indoor, are inundated with families. Large corridors and public areas resembling a modern shopping mall. Bright ceiling with lights reminds us of Las Vegas Fremont Street.

We are trying to find some good things to say about MSC Virtuosa.

Aloha -- Cathi

Disembarkation Day in Southampton, UK

Aloha Everyone,

Another end of a cruise. Our two medium sized suitcases are much lighter due to us getting rid of some items. The heaviest was J.J.’s purple and black Alaskan jacket. Ariel was super happy when J.J. told him that we are leaving it behind. Ariel said, “I think I can wear it.”

I must mention three couples we met who left strong impressions on us.

1) From Australia. They have been traveling for about 12 years. They sold their home and travel around the world via cruise ship or land tours. Australia requires that one owns a home in order to get a government pension. Solution was to purchase a house that is subdivided into 3 residences. Their home will remain vacant, but they will financially come ahead with tax, universal medical, etc.

2) From Utah. JD is a Bishop in his congregation. His life is devoted to his service to his church. He has served in Argentina and learned to speak Spanish. Very proud of his two older daughters who are pursuing careers. His youngest daughter is a student and will be going to Argentina this summer on a mission. His son works at home to serve his community. JD spent nearly an hour while we were sitting down for lunch trying to convert us to the Mormon religion.

3) From Essex, England. They live just outside of London. Elderly couple who long for the easy, peaceful time of their youth. J.J. told them about the 3 stages of retirements. They are realistic that being in the cusps of stage 3, their travel now is limited to doing cruises around UK, Northern Ireland and Scotland. They have yet to ventured out to Ireland and Wales. As we parted their company, the wife squeezed my arm and mumbled, “Enjoy your travels.”

Went to have our Chinese Dim Sum lunch inside the old city. Enjoyed the food which is similar in quality to Hong Kong.

Hot day. Family Fun Fair at Highland Park has attracted young children & their parents to enjoy a beach outing. Our corner room on the 2nd level has a view of the harbor. Tomorrow we might be able to see MSC Virtuosa’s arrival.

Aloha -- Cathi

Last Day on Regal Princess

Aloha Everyone,

This 3rd cruise seemed to have gone quickly.

Today we are docked in Le Havre. J.J. and I decided to remain on board and spent a relaxing day catching up with our family and friends and watched an excellent film in our stateroom.

The Boys in the Boat produced and directed by George Clooney is a 2023 biographical sports drama about the rowing team of the University of Washington. Their quest and ultimate achievement was to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.

Excellent performance by 4 main characters. Inspiring and entertaining film. We saw similarities to Chariots of Fire, a British historical sports drama based on a true story of two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics.

Our meals for the second 1/2 of our 3rd cruise.

Aloha -- Cathi

Outstanding Senior Staff & Staff Members

Aloha Everyone,

The two of us were seated in the Princess Theater ready to enjoy the evening show. With his usual calm manner wearing an easy smile, Florin, Assistant Restaurant Manager from Romania, came walking up the aisle. He handed me the menu for our formal dinner.

It was totally unexpected. He missed seeing me at the dining room to pre-order my gluten free food for the next day. His going over and beyond service is to be recognized.

Martin from the Philippines is a waiter. With his dry sense of humor, he always anticipates what guests at his tables might like.

Martin from the Philippines is a waiter. With his dry sense of humor, he always anticipates what guests at his tables might like.

Alexandra Ambriano is a super high-energy woman who brings laughter to people around her. Her daily Wake Show is helpful. Today she was being interviewed on how she became the Cruise Director by her colleague, Matt.

J.J. and I had a quick meal on the Lido Deck.

I was more interested in taking photos of special displays including huge slabs of cakes and other sweets. Made me cringe when I saw happy passengers carrying large pieces of 4 different kinds of cakes plus ice cream.

Aloha -- Cathi

Edinburgh, Scotland

Aloha Everyone,

Another fabulous day. All worked out like a clockwork. Took a tender to the port. Then we went straight to a X99 shuttle bus. Once in Edinburgh, we stopped for a coffee break at Starbucks and planned our activities. So many people filling the streets of a popular old city center.

We hired a taxi and asked him to take us to many of the top attractions. Robert was born and raised in the French town of the city. Its French reference comes from the time of Mary Queen of Scott. After she was executed, her friends and attendants remained in Scotland and many had married Scotsman.

Our 4 hours of expedition including the shuttle bus ride to and from Edinburgh, $31.07 and taxi fare came to $73.02. 

Fulfilling day. Grateful that J.J. and I were able to revisit some of the sights we saw on our previous travels.

Aloha -- Cathi