Day 26: Crossing the South Pacific … (Official) Day 2 of 4

Tuesday, 31 January 2017
At Sea — Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 8:00p (HAST) … UTC 6:00a (1 February)
Temp: 80.6F (27C)
Position: 7.31.43N / 151.51.37W

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
~ Lao Tzu ~

What can I say about today that I haven’t said about yesterday … or the day before?  Not much really.  We’re still rockin’ and rollin’ and pitchin’ and swayin’ our way to Nuku Hiva.  Winds of 35-40 knots and seas 10-15 feet (3-5m) … that was the order of the day.  The NavChannel described the sea state as “rough mounting seas” … whatever that means.

Day 25: Crossing the South Pacific … Day 1 of 4 (or is it 2 of 5?)

Monday, 30 January 2017
At Sea — Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 9:00p (HAST) … UTC 7:00a (31 January)
Temp: 78.1F (25.6C)
Position: 12.54.93N / 156.07.23W

Always do what you are afraid to do.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

The first European sighting of what is now known as the Pacific Ocean was in the 16th century.  Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa did so in 1513 after crossing the Isthmus of Panama.  He simply called the body of water he saw Mar del Sur [South Sea].  Then came Magellan in 1521.  He was circumnavigating the world at the time.  He named the calm waters he encountered Tepre Pacificum — meaning pacific or peaceful seas in Latin.  HAH!  That’s what I have to say about that!

Day 24: No Nawiliwili for Us

Sunday, 29 January 2017
At Sea — Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 8:45p (HAST) … UTC 6:45a (30 January)
Temp: 73.6F (23.1C)
Position: 18.44.41N / 159.16.91W

Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions.
~ Peter Hoeg ~

We came oh so close.  But as they say, close only counts in horseshoes.  Our third port cancellation of the cruise happened today when we skipped Nawiliwili, Kauai … our third and final call in Hawaii.  I can’t say that it came as a surprise.  Strong winds + a narrow entry channel into a protected harbor is generally not a good equation for a ship.  And that proved true today.  C’est la Vie!

Day 23: Honolulu, Hawai’i … The Gathering Place

Saturday, 28 January 2017
At Sea — Pacific Ocean … En Route to Kauai

Stats @ Ship’s Time 9:00p (HAST) … UTC 7:00a (29 January)
Temp: Not Available
Position: Not Available

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.
~ Danny Kaye ~

Today we completed the first segment of the RTW voyage and began another — this one named “Island Edens.”   It’s an appropriate name since we will be visiting quite a few of the South Pacific islands on our way to New Zealand, where this new segment will end.  All but the 190 RTW passengers disembarked this morning … and quite a few of the crew as well.  When we returned to the ship this afternoon, there were a lot of new faces to greet and welcome aboard.  I later checked with Chantelle, the Loyalty Ambassador, and she said 332 disembarked; 334 embarked … so we have about the same number of people as before.

Day 23: Blast from the Past … Honolulu

Saturday, 28 January 2017 (Part I)
At Sea — Pacific Ocean

We had a great day in Honolulu.  But before I write the story of our day, I want to share some reminiscences I wrote in my journal on a quiet sea day getting to Hawaii.

We’ve been to Honolulu before — twice as a matter of fact.  Both times for a weekend visit.  Just for a weekend?  Yup —  just for a weekend.

Day 22: Hilo, Hawai’i … E Komo Mai (Welcome)

Friday, 27 January 2017
At Sea — Pacific Ocean … En Route to Oahu

Stats @ Ship’s Time 8:15p (HAST) … UTC 6:15a (28 January)
Temp: 73.9F (23.3C)
Position: 20.15.02N / 155.32.73W

I ka nānā no a ‘ike
(By observing, one learns)
~ As seen at the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center ~

Our first time on the Big Island of Hawai’i … and what a great success it turned out to be.  We had wonderful weather — sunshine and mostly blue skies … which the locals said we brought with us as it had apparently been raining quite heavily the past few days.  The day’s high was forecasted to be 78F (26C), and it probably got up there at some point.  But we spent our day at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP), where we were at elevation … and thus it was cooler.  Just a fabulous day all in all.

Day 21: Crossing the Pacific Ocean … Day 5 of 5

Thursday, 26 January
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 8:30p (HAST) … UTC 6:30a (27 January)
Temp: 70.5F (21.4C)
Position: 20.20.06N / 151.57.29W

Not all those who wander are lost.
~ JRR Tolkien ~

What a great day at sea.  Days like this one are why I so enjoy cruising.  And why, despite my best intentions, I never made it off the veranda to catch the few activities I had circled on the Currents.  I did start the day off right with a walk on deck 10 … and my reward was a golden sunrise.

The ocean was far from flat today.  In fact, the sea state was described as very large waves … which the Captain said at noon ranged between 8-15 feet (2-5m).  There were white caps on the surface, but Insignia was giving us a comfortable ride as it was gently pitching and not rolling … the direction of the waves makes all the difference in the world.

Add to that sunshine and blue skies … a comfortable temperature … the white noise of the wake … the dull thrumming of the engines moving Insignia onward towards our first port in Hawaii tomorrow.  Well, couldn’t have asked for a better day.

And it’s apparently going to get better overnight.  Or so Captain B said when he came on the P/A at noon to tell us that we have traveled 2,000 of the 2,300 NM between San Diego and Hilo.  We are expected at the pilot station at 7:00a tomorrow and should be at our berth an hour later as per the schedule.  His use of the word berth prompted us to query Destination Services as we expected to be tendering in Hilo.  But no … looks like a spot has opened up for us to actually dock … always a better option than relying on small boats to get us ashore.

Looking forward to not only our first visit to the Big Island of Hawaii … but also to spending time with a friend who lives there.

© 2015-2017 — All rights reserved by Erin Erkun.

Day 20: Crossing the Pacific Ocean … Day 4 of 5

Wednesday, 25 January 2017
At Sea — Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 9:45p (HAST) … UTC 7:45a (26 January)
Temp: 70F (21.1C)
Position: 21.30.11N / 145.05.84W

You lose sight of things ... and when you travel, everything balances out.
~ Daranna Gidel ~

The deck 10 jogging path was re-opened to walking today … yay!  It felt great to be able to walk without ‘dancing’ my way down passageways, trying to maintain my balance … and even better to be able to get my daily steps in while breathing in fresh sea air.

It was definitely a calmer day at sea — partly cloudy, but with enough sunshine to keep us comfortably warm.  I missed Captain B’s noon announcement, so I have no idea what is forecasted for tomorrow.  Hoping for more of the same as today.

Such a nice day at sea meant spending as much time as possible on the veranda.  Using duct tape to secure the oversized O umbrella to the lounge chair, we rigged up a sunbrella to cut down the glare of the bright light.  A perfect setup for writing and reading without squinting … and even processing photos.  It’s not something I would leave up when I am not on the veranda, so we may have to get a few more rolls of duct tape to see me through to the end of this voyage ;-)

Remember how I mentioned that we tend to take light and healthy meals at the Terrace Café so we don’t feel guilty over splurging on the occasional dinner in the main dining room or in one of the specialty restaurants?  Well, tonight was one of those splurges.  We joined our friends the Zs and the Hoffmans for dinner at the Polo Grill.  Good food, good conversation … a good way to wrap up a lovely day at sea.

© 2015-2017 — All rights reserved by Erin Erkun.

Day 19: Crossing the Pacific Ocean … Day 3 of 5

Tuesday, 24 January 2017
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 8:30p (AST) … UTC 5:30a (25 January)
Temp: 64.9F (18.3C)
Position: 22.56.00N / 136.30.73W

Man cannot discover new oceans unless
he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.
~ André Gide ~

The short story for today: Ditto yesterday … except that we lost the sun to the clouds.  Nonetheless, I was able to sit on the veranda for most of the day.  No wind, and slightly warmer temps.  I can live with that.

Day 18: Crossing the Pacific Ocean … Day 2 of 5 … Entertaining Ourselves

Monday, 23 January 2017
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 11:00A (AST) … UTC 8:00p (same day)
Temp: 68F (20C)
Position: 25.31.32N / 126.30.36W

I am a passionate traveler, and from the time I was a child,
travel formed me as much as my formal education.
~ David Rockefeller ~

One of the readers of this blog commented that she was interested in how we entertain ourselves on sea days.  So, instead of waiting until the end of the day to tell you that we were up at 5:00a, and followed our regular sea day routine as Insignia rocked and rolled across the Pacific for a second day in a row — but with sunshine and blue skies today — I thought I would tackle her comment instead.

Day 17: Crossing the Pacific Ocean … Day 1 of 5

Sunday, 22 January 2017
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 9:00p (PST) … UTC 5:00a (23 January)
Temp: 60F (15.6C)
Position: 28.34.07N / 122.52.91W

The suspension of life that occurs onboard ship is addictive.
At sea you are always in transit, in transition.
Nothing is fixed.
Everything is imminent.
A storm could come.
A whale could break the surface.
The future could hold anything.
~ James Gorman ~

Captain B was right when he said last night that there would be considerable motion overnight.  We rocked and rolled the night away — and the day as well.  No matter — we have been in worse.

Day 16: San Diego, California

Saturday, 21 January 2017
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 9:00p (PST) … UTC 5:00a (22 January)
Temp: 50F (10C)
Position: 32.42.23N / 117.13.76W

If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion
and avoid the people, you might better stay home.
~ James Michener ~

A fantastic day in San Diego.  We snuck in between the rain that washed out the city yesterday and the storms heading to the coast in the days ahead.  We had a tiny bit of drizzle while we were indoors at the USS Midway … now a museum.  Even that rain was accompanied by blue patches in the sky.  Afterwards, the sun came out and we had a beautiful day to enjoy the city.  We appreciated what little warmth the golden orb in the sky gave us — the day’s high was 60F (16C).  Layering our clothes, we were quite comfortable during the day, but once the sun went down, the chill that descended with the darkness was … well, downright cold would be a good way to describe it.

Day 15: At Sea … En Route to San Diego

Friday, 20 January 2017
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 8:30p (PST) … UTC 4:30a (21 January)
Temp: 58F (14.4C)
Position: 31.00.48N / 116.54.01W

Wandering re-establishes the original harmony
which once existed between man and the universe.
~ Anatole France ~

Nothing exciting to write about really.  This was a typical day at sea for us, with the addition of the Oceania Club Party tonight.  So we got gussied up and went to have some bubbly.  The 15 points we are receiving for this voyage have vaulted us into the gold tier, but we opted to have the recognition pins delivered to our cabin instead of receiving them on stage … just not our kind of thing.

The temperature has definitely grown more chilly.  But we have the appropriate layers of clothing for these temps, so no problem continuing with our outdoor activities or even dining al fresco at the Terrace Café for breakfast.  I bundled up with the cashmere blankets provided for our in-cabin use and even managed to do some reading on the veranda.

The seas were fair this morning; the sun in and out, but the skies mostly overcast.  As Captain B predicted, the heavier seas made an appearance shortly after his noon P/A announcement and the ship’s movement changed.  Gale force winds, with the sea state increasing to 15-20 feet (5-6 m) as the afternoon hours wore on.  We are definitely dancing and shimmying on the ocean tonight.

I’m going to take advantage of the motion of the ocean and have it rock me to sleep.  Tomorrow is a port day for us … we’ll see if San Diego welcomes us with rain or sunshine.

© 2015-2017 — All rights reserved by Erin Erkun.

Day 14: No Cabo San Lucas For Us

Thursday, 19 January 2017
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 8:30p (MST) … UTC 3:30a (January 20)
Temp: 60F (15.6C)
Position: 25.53.01N / 113.55.42W

It is good to have an end to journey toward;
but it is the journey that matters in the end.
~ Ernest Hemingway ~

What a gorgeous day we are having!  And it all started with a colorful sunrise.

Blue skies, plenty of sunshine, calm seas.  There is a breeze out on the open decks that adds a chill to the day, but the sun tempers its effects.  Here on the veranda — at a little after 1:00p — it is simply terrific.

In his noon announcement, Captain B said the temperature was about 68F (20C), but back here, where the breeze isn’t affecting us today, the temp has risen from 65F (18C) at 7:00a to a very comfy 75F (24C).  I am stocking up on this cool weather for those days when we will be “cooking” later in the voyage.

Day 13: At Sea … En Route to Cabo … or Not

Wednesday, 18 January 2017
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean

Stats @ Ship’s Time 10:00p (MST) … UTC 5:00a (19 January)
Temp: 70F (21.1C)
Position: 21.10.76N / 108.27.47W

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.
~ Susan Sontag ~

I love days at sea.  I know I’ve said it before, but IMHO one can’t say it often enough ;-)

Day 12: Acapulco, Mexico … Day at the Beach

Tuesday, 17 January 2017
Terminal Cruceros de Acapulco — Mexico
Temps: 81.1F (27.3C) @ UTC 2:30a (ship’s time 8:30p)

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.
~ Hilaire Belloc ~

The veranda is in the shade … perfect for sitting outside and enjoying the not-so-hot afternoon in Acapulco for a few hours as I write about our day.  And what a great day it turned out to be.

A beach day on land is like a sea day on the ship … relaxing.  That means the story should be short … but you know mine never are.

Day 11: At Sea … En Route to Acapulco

Monday, 16 January 2017
At Sea — North Pacific Ocean … En Route to Acapulco
Temps: 81.7F (27.6C) @ UTC 2:45a (ship’s time 8:45p)

Voyage, travel, and change of place impart vigor.
~ Seneca ~

It felt so good to wake up this morning and know that we had nowhere to be.  Ahhh — a day at sea … after several days of being out and about, well deserved I think.

Day 10: Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala … A Country That Speaks to Us

Sunday, 15 January 2017
At Sea … Pacific Ocean
Temps: 82F (27.8C) @ UTC 2:30a (ship’s time 9:00p)

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking
new landscapes, but in having new eyes.
~ Marcel Proust ~

We always enjoy the countries we visit … be it the small taste we get when we stop for a quickie visit on a cruise ship or the more in-depth exploration when we do a land-based trip.  But sometimes a country speaks to our heart and soul … making it all the more special.  That’s what happened with Guatemala today …  our first time here.  Can’t wait to come back and explore all that we missed today.  But that’s for the future, let me focus on the here and now.

Day 9: Corinto, Nicaragua … Exploring Colonial León

Saturday, 14 January 2017
At Sea —Pacific Ocean
Temps: 81.7F (27.6C)  @ UTC 3:00a (ship’s time 9:30p)

To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.
~ Aldous Huxley ~

It’s 6:30p.  I am finally settled on the veranda.

It’s a bit warmer and more humid tonight, but perhaps there will be a breeze when the ship gains some speed after we drop off the pilot.  Considering the day’s high was 95F (35C), I’m not complaining about the 82F (28C) temp at this hour.

Sunrise colors the morning as Insignia makes its way to Nicaragua.

I skipped dinner … even though Chef Farid is grilling “fish al fresco” on the open deck at the Terrace Café.  We were told he went fishing today, which probably means he went to the fish market ;-).  The aroma wafting down from deck 9 aft is tempting my taste buds, but you’ll see why I decided to resist the temptation when you get to the end of this post.

Day 8: 6-in-1 in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Friday, 13 January 2017
At Sea … Pacific Ocean
Temp: 82F (27.8C) @ UTC 2:30a (Ship’s Time 8:30p)

Travel teaches toleration.
~ Benjamin Disraeli ~

I am drained!  It was hot in Costa Rica today — 91F (33C) was forecasted … I would be surprised if we did not reach that at some point in our day.  But the thunderstorms held off, which was a good thing as it kept the humidity down.

I am on the veranda now.  A nice breeze … reasonable temps.  It’s great.  We enjoyed the most amazing moonrise during dinner at the Terrace Café.  Burnt orange at the time, that same moon is now in its more traditional color and keeping me company from its perch in the sky.

Day 7: Golfito, Costa Rica

Thursday, 12 January 2017 (Part II)
At Sea — Pacific Ocean
Temps: 89F (32C) @ UTC 6:00P (ship’s time Noon)

I like animals.  I like natural history.  The travel bit is not the important bit.
The travel bit is what you have to do in order to go and look at animals.
~ David Attenborough ~

After a morning at sea, we docked in Golfito, Costa Rica at 1:00p.  Our plan for the afternoon was to go out to the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary (OWS), which abuts Piedras Blancas National Park.

Day 7: Brunch En Route to Golfito

Thursday, 12 January 2017 (Part I)
At Sea — Pacific Ocean

Quiet morning at sea as Insignia sails to Costa Rica for an afternoon in Golfito.  We spent a portion of our morning at the Brunch hosted by O in the dining room.

I’ll be back to write about our day later …

© 2015-2017 — All rights reserved by Erin Erkun.

Day 6: Panama Canal … Transiting the Big Ditch

Wednesday, 11 January 2017
At Sea … Pacific Ocean
Temps: 90F (32C) @ UTC 6:30P (1:30P Ship’s Time)

A finer body of men has never been gathered by any nation than the men
who have done the work of building the Panama Canal.
~Theodore Roosevelt ~

We sailed under the Bridge of the Americas at 4:00p and left the Panama Canal behind for the Pacific Ocean.  The Panama City skyline, which I’ve been enjoying for the past hour is far in the distance.

Day 5: Cartagena, Colombia

Tuesday, 10 January 2017
At Sea — En route to the Panama Canal
Temps: 88F (31C) @ UTC 5:00P (ship’s time Noon)

Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.
Francis Bacon

Today was our third time visiting Cartagena, Colombia.  Despite the hot, humid day — with more sunshine than clouds — we enjoyed this visit just as much as the first two.

Day 4: Crossing the South Caribbean

Monday, 9 January 2017
At Sea — Caribbean Sea
Temps: 82F (28C) @ UTC 5:00P (ship’s time Noon)

Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry,
and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.
~ Maya Angelou ~

We were up at 6a.  I blinked and it was noon.  I blinked again and it is already 3:00p.  Please tell me where the day has gone!

Day 3: No Grand Cayman For Us

Sunday, 8 January 2017
At Sea — Caribbean Sea
Temps: 79F (26C) @ UTC 5:00P (ship’s time Noon)

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go.
I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.
~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~

We woke up at 6:30a to a bit of motion of the ocean.  It was a dull, gray morning that greeted us.  The NavChannel listed the wind speed as a “fresh breeze” at about 31 knots.  The sea condition was described as large wavelets … a leftover from yesterday, I imagine … the waves definitely looked bigger.

Day 2: At Sea

Saturday, 7 January 2017
At Sea — Caribbean Sea
Temps: 76.5F (24.7C) @ UTC 2:30a (ship’s time 9:30p)

Despite a 45-minute delay getting underway — due to port traffic, the captain said — Insignia sailed from Miami last night.  The skyline was a-twinkle behind us as the ship pointed its bow towards the Atlantic … and we had a perfect view of it from our aft veranda.

Farewell Miami …. until we meet again in July.

We’re Onboard

Friday, 6 January 2017
Aboard Oceania Insignia — Port of Miami, Florida
Temps: 80F (27C) / 73F (23C)

We have embarked Insignia … the home away from home that we will be sharing with some 600+ other passengers for the next 180 days.

I am taking advantage of the time before our bags are delivered to get a quickie post up … might as well use our Verizon data package while I still can ;-)

We wake up to clear skies … and then this!  No matter, it’s clearing already.

Insignia Is Here

Friday, 6 January 2017
Intercontinental Hotel — Miami, Florida
Temps: 81F (27C) / 73F (23C)

No need for many words … Insignia is here.  We’ll be walking over to the waterfront in a few minutes to see the ship for ourselves … just waiting for the fog to lift.

Ready to get the show on the road!

© 2015-2017 — All rights reserved by Erin Erkun.

“E” Minus 1 From Embarkation: We Switch Over to Oceania

Thursday, 5 January 2017
Intercontinental Hotel — Miami, Florida
Temps: 80F (27C) / 63F (17C)

Today, we switched over to Oceania.

What I mean by that is that we did a virtual check out from our room, and checked right back in … to the same room, but this time at Oceania’s expense.  We also checked in with the O rep to get our instructions for tomorrow and our bus assignment for the transfer to the ship … bus #1 at noon … woo hoo.

Peeking up at the Intercontinental through the glass roof of the lobby atrium … our room is on the 33rd floor … way up there somewhere.

The important news is not what we did today, but what Insignia is doing even as I write this.  That said, I’ll give a quick overview of our day before I get to that news.

“E” Minus 2 From Embarkation: We’re In Miami

Wednesday, 4 January 2017
Intercontinental Hotel — Miami, Florida
Temps: 59F (15C) / 46F (8C) … in Houston  //  81F (27C) / 61F (16C) … in Miami

In the span of two short hours, we left wintry temperatures behind for a summer-like day in Miami, Florida.  And what a busy day it turned out to be ... starting shortly after 3:00a when, too excited to sleep, we got up and got going.

Despite a short night of sleep, we are bright eyed and bushy tailed as we
get settled into our seats aboard UA1614.  Let’s get this show on the road.

How do I tell the story of our day as succinctly as possible?  Let’s see if this works …

Phaeton Put to Bed … We’re Ready to Go

Tuesday, 3 January 2017
Hyatt Place — IAH, Houston — Texas
Temps: 78F (23C) / 44F (7C)

Busy day.  We were up early as usual, but instead of lazing around, we had last minute chores to do to prepare our home-on-wheels for its 6-month sleep in storage — primarily winterizing it as a precaution against any freezing temperatures that might hit the area during our absence.  By 11:30a, the RV resort that was our base of operations this past month was behind us.

A farewell to Houston sunset.

Happy 2017

Sunday, 1 January 2017
Advanced RV Resort — Houston, Texas

I’ll let the card do the talking …

© 2015-2017 — All rights reserved by Erin Erkun.