“B” is for Blimp-Our Los Angeles, California Adventure

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Debbie

Blimps, they are the most fascinating feats of air travel! In its most simplistic explanation, blimps are helium filled balloons, with a basket attached to the bottom. They carry over 100 gallons of water to weigh them down since helium is literally lighter than air! They are navigated by a pilot.

As the Goodyear blimp hovered over our heads while visiting Los Angeles, we were racing against the clock to catch a photo. We had to find a parking place near Redondo beach and hope that the sun wouldn’t cast the last rays of light before I could spring from the car all while while whipping out my camera. No my photo isn’t perfect but that isn’t the entire purpose of playing the alphabet game is it? We were having an adventure!

Knowing there are only about 10 blimps remaining in the world, I knew we were very lucky to be seeing this one so close to us! To put it in perspective, there are more astronauts than blimp pilots! The ones flying this craft tonight seem to be toying with me as they hovered overhead, then looking out to the Pacific ocean, that we would soon be embarking on for our upcoming cruise.

With such a fascination for the blimps, it is a wonder we don’t see more of them but then the most notable blimp in history was the Hindenburg and most of us still remember that tragedy which happened in 1937. After about 60 flights that one eventually caught fire, killing 35 people and dooming the entire industry for future development.

Today the most iconic blimp remains the Goodyear blimps. Originally developed over 100 years ago, the blimps continue to be one of the most interesting branding mediums for the company. Goodyear has cornered the market with their blimps. Mostly they are brought out to hover over major sporting events and offer the spectators a birds eye view as the event is broadcast from overhead.

Seating only 10 people at a time, riding in a Goodyear blimp is by invitation only and is usually reserved for charities. Seats are auctioned off for a cost of $14,000 for 2 people! With a 10 year waiting list, It is the rare person who will ever have an opportunity to ride in one.

The last true blimp to fly was decommissioned in 2017, Goodyear has replaced their fleet with semi-rigid dirigible though they still refer to them as blimps since they are powered in much the same way and the term is much easier to say.

The new blimps are quieter and more easily navigated meaning they can be more readily used at major sporting events such as golf championships ensuring the Goodyear legacy will continue;

On this cool winter evening, I will revel in keeping my feet on the ground while still being close enough to this icon to see the pilots!

“A” is for Averill Park-Our Los Angeles, California Adventure

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Debbie

We would have only 1 1/2 days to explore the Los Angeles area as we waited to embark on the first leg of our World Cruise Adventure, set to depart from San Pedro, California on January 19, 2023. We had arrived two days before we were due to set sail, to ensure there were no last minute challenges.

We chose the Crown Plaza for our accommodations since it would be easy to get to the ship and also offered a nearby drop off for our rental car.

I am not generally a fan of big cities and prefer the quiet of the countryside and nature. It was in this way that I had come to discover a hidden gem known as Averill Park, as I sought some refuge from the concrete jungle and traffic of the city of Los Angeles.

San Pedro is best known as a busy cruise and container port. Located about 30 minutes south of Los Angeles airport, on first appearances, San Pedro doesn’t appear to have much to offer but since we had the rental car, getting around was fairly simple. I was determined to find the beauty.

After arriving by plane, we had spent the first day stopping at the beaches which dot the coast between the airport and San Pedro. Today our adventures would carry us from the hotel, to the Korean Friendship Bell, then to Averill Park and all around the Palo Verde area.

I chose Averill Park as our letter “A” because it had been described as offering spectacular views of the city and harbor. It sounded like a delightful place to practice with my camera.

The neighborhood park was created by Herbert Averill an early developer of the Vista del Oro area of San Pedro, and was deeded to the city of Los Angeles in 1920. It has remained a peaceful oasis for local residents ever since.

Parking for our hike through the park was a little interesting. The 10 acre park is set among steeply rolling hills and the paths challenging. We tried to guess which would offer the least resistance. It was futile. Since this is just a neighborhood green-space, there are no fees to park.

As we set out on our walk, I enjoyed seeing families perching their children in the gnarled wood of the amazing trees. I imagined the memories which have been made in this over 100 year old park.

Holding the hand of my love, Alan and I enter the park along the rose lined path. The roses were not in bloom this time of year but I could visualize the amazing colors which lead to the gazebo at the end. In the summer, this is considered one of the top wedding venues. I can feel the love here.

San Pedro is a neighborhood of Los Angeles, not a separate city. With a population of over twelve and a half million, green space is at a premium. Word has been getting out about this special place. Today is a weekday but the park is still alive with activity as people breath the fresh air and escape the hustle of the nearby city. I can only imagine the droves of people who make their way here during the summer.

As we make our way down the steep hillside we round a bend in the path and I pause to take yet another photo of the amazing trees. Arriving at the babbling brook, I breath in the newly sprouting greens of spring and gaze into the small stream which meanders through the valley. I think of the countless reflections of the people who have been photographed on the little stone bridge which crosses over to the other side. Today a turtle is the only thing I see in the water.

My ears follow the sound of rushing water to the little waterfall cascading down the hillside. This is a reminder that the path back to the car, is all uphill!

It is time for us to move to our next location. As the sun shines bright upon my face and the turtles rest quietly on the rocks of the stream, it is hard to tear myself away from the tranquility but our adventures for the day have only just begun. There is still much to explore, so we begin the trudge upwards.

If you would like to discover this quiet neighborhood park for yourself, it is located at:

1300 Dodson Avenue San Pedro, CA 90732

Los Angeles-An ABC List of Adventures

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Debbie

ABC EXPLORATION OF LOS ANGELES AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Use this list to spark ideas of places to visit, experiences to create and photographs to take. Keep building your own word list. Check back often to see if we complete a whole alphabet!

Missing J, X, Y

Abalone Cove (San Pedro Area)
Abandoned LA Zoo (Griffith Park)
Accomodations
Afternoon Tea ( Millennium Biltmore DTLA)
Amoeba (Large independent record store)
Angels Flight Railway
Annenberg Space For Photography
Animal-Hipster restaurant with an extensive menu and unique dishes.
Aquarium (Manhattan Beach, Aquarium of the Pacific, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium)
Arclight Cinemas
Art Walk
Averill Park

Beach (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach)
Betegga Louie-pizza and macarons are always popular at this busy restaurant.
Bergamot Station
Betty B Dearing Trail Hike
Blimp
Bluff Cove (Palo Verde area)
Boardwalk (Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica Beach)
Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater-oldest children’s theater company in LA.
Book Soup
Brennan’s Pub Turtle Race

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
California Science Center
California sign
Capital Records Building
Cargo containers
Carousel
Castle Peak Hike
Cave of Munits
Chorizo
Chinese Theater
Chateau Marmont Hotel-Popular amongst celebrities. Loosely resembles the Chateau d’Amboise in France’s Loire Valley.
Coast
Cove
Crown Plaza (hotel)

Dodger Stadium/
Disney Hall
Disneyland
Downtown LA
Descanso Gardens
Donut Snob-With flavors like Blueberry Earl Gray Tea and Pistachio Orange, there is something for everyone.
Donut Man

Exposition Park Rose Garden
Exposition Park
El Capitan Theater
Eaton Canyon Waterfall
Echo Park Lake

Father’s Office Burger (at In and Out Burgers)-don’t dare to ask for ketchup!
Ferris Wheel
Fishermen
Food

Getty Villa
Griffith Observatory
Grand Central Market
Gibbon Conservation Center

Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Sign Hike
Hollywood Forever Cemetary
Huntington Library
Hike
Hermosa Beach

Inspiration Point
In and Out Burgers
Ice cream (Manhattan Beach Creamery)

Kites
Kite surfers
Korean Friendship Bell (Abalone Cove-San Pedro Area)

Lakers Game
LA Lakers
LA Waterfront cruise (cargo ships, containers, Vincent Thomas Bridge, USS Iowa and sea lions)
LA Zoo
Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art
Lost Sunken City-aka the “Atlantis of California”
Leo Carrillo State Beach
LA County Fair
Lighthouse (Point Vincent-Palo Verde area)
Lucha Vovoom Burlesque Show-
Lookout Point Park (Palo Verde area)

Muscle Beach (Venice boardwalk)
Magic Castle
Mugu State Park
Melrose Trading Post Flea Market-Sunday open-air market where you’ll find antiques, vintage goods and collectibles.
Museum of Jurassic Technology
Mulholland Drive
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Manhattan Beach
Mahhattan Beach Creamery (Ice cream)-try the signature ice cream sandwich made with artisan cookies
Malaga Cove (Palo Verde area)

Nightlife
Night Gallery

Outdoor Concert

Pacific Ocean
Pier
Pelicans
Pelican Cove
Portuguese Point
Point Vincente Lighthouse-not open to the public but can be seen from the shore. (Palo Verde area)
Palo Verdes

Queen Mary

Rodeo Dr.
Red Car Line (trolly system)
Runyon Canyon Hike
Rodeo Drive
Redondo Beach

Starfish
Sacred Cove
Santa Monica Camera Obscura-self guided walking art tour of galleries and exhibits.
Santa Monica Pier
Sea lions
Ships
Show Taping (Conan, Ellen Show, Jimmy Kimmel)
Shopping (The Grove, Rodeo Drive)
Silver Lake Meadow
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Space Shuttle Endeavor at California Science Center
South Coast Botanical Garden
The Strand (Manhattan Beach)- is a 22-mile paved path extending from Pacific Palisades (close to Santa Monica) to Torrance. Keep in mind some people refer to The Stand as the “Manhattan Beach Boardwalk.”
Staples Center-where the LA Lakers play

Tide pools
Third Street Promenade
Traffic
Trolley cars (red car line)
“The Rainforest”-Betty B Dearing Trail Hike
The Last Bookstore-check out their amazing tunnel of books.
The Grove-Tons of stores, dining and pop-up shops.
The Grammy Museum
Traffic

Under
Union Station
Up
USS Iowa Battleship
Universal Studios Hollywood
Upright Citizens Brigade Theater

Venice Beach Boardwalk-outdoor skate park, BoHo boutiques and trendy restaurants
Venice Canals-Man made canals built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney.
Vincent Thomas Bridge
Vineland Drive-In Theater

White Point Beach
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Waterfront
Wayfarers Chapel
Wacko Soap Plant
Wildlife Learning Center
Watch the Room (Don’t forget your plastic spoons)
Watts Towers Arts-Public art sculpture that is a California Historical Landmark and National Historic Landmark.
Whisky a Go-go
Whale watching

Zuma Beach

“I” is For Island Princess-A Cruise Ship Review

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Debbie

One of the most important things about cruising is choosing the right ship for your personal needs. From amenities to cabins, itineraries and passenger capacity, knowing what your ship offers can have a big impact on how you enjoy your vacation.

Every cruise line has a brand. Some are party boats, others offer upscale luxury. Some ships specialize in their food, others focus on entertainment. Some cruises cater to families, others to retirees. Princess is an American-British company, owned by Carnival Corporation, which is the second largest agency by net revenue. Carnival owns 10 different sub agencies, Princess is one of them. They are an experienced cruise line and cater to a middle to upper income crowd.

Princess is a classic line, offering an Old English/European feel. I have consistently found the brand to be slightly elevated and catering to an older clientele. There is less emphasis on poolside parties and more on educational lectures and cultural experiences. With this cruise line we can expect nice staterooms, decent food, great entertainment and amazing itineraries.

It is important to define what you are seeking before shopping for a cruise. If you are looking for a party boat, Princess is likely not your brand (however Carnival does offer several other companies which would meet your needs). While there are enough poolside activities and bars to keep the ship interesting, the focus tends to be on providing an upscale resort-like experience.

Princess offers 16 ships ranging from 2,000 passengers up to 3660, so there are a nice variety of size options. Island Princess was one of the first. She is a relatively small vessel. In general, smaller ships are able to navigate to more destinations but larger ships may offer additional amenities and activities.

When we chose to embark on the Island Princess, it was the itinerary, size and price which attracted us the most.

Princess ships sail to over 700 ports. The Island Princess is one of the smaller ships in the Princess fleet. With a capacity of 2200 passengers it is a very intimate ship. She has a twin sister called the Coral Princess.

Island Princess is narrower than many other cruise ships and her small size allows her to explore the fjords of Norway and Alaska (which is how we discovered the cruise line). She is also able to dock at smaller ports. Of late Island Princess has been doing mostly world tours. Of interest might be that she is one of the few cruise ships which can sail through the old Panama Canal locks, larger ships must use the new ones.

Perhaps one drawback to the smaller ship would be that passengers should expect to feel more wave action, so if you are prone to seasickness, the Island Princess may be less appealing than one of the newer (larger) ships in the fleet.

Having been built in 2003, Island Princess is one of the oldest ships in the Princess line. She was completely remodeled in 2017 and put back into service with a brand new itinerary. Our Pacific Island Adventure is one leg of a 111 day around the world cruise. This feature in itself is unique, since Princess allows passengers to purchase various segments along the itinerary, if they are unable to commit to the entire trip.

World cruises can mean a lot of days at sea. From bow to stern, Princess put a lot of effort into creating a luxurious environment. The European flare is represented in the Italian styled Piazza located at the center of the ship and the beautiful Sabatinni restaurant. Polished brass and rich wood work brings an Old World style to many of the bars and lounges including the Wheelhouse Bar and a New Orleans styled Bayou Steakhouse.

The entire ship is always a hub of activity, but with a nice variety of spaces, it is able to be as active or as serene as you need. By day there are a variety of shops and plenty of lounges and gathering places for activities such as trivia challenges and guest lecturers. There are numerous options of where to eat including the above mentioned restaurants, two main dining rooms, a grill, a pizzeria and a buffet. We might pass the time with a wine tasting, pub lunches and/or afternoon tea. When we need a quieter pace we could choose to visit the adults only sanctuary at the top of the ship, a well appointed library or indulge in pampering in a small spa. We might lounge by one of several (freshwater) pools situated both indoor and out, or we might decide to walk around the promenade deck or exercise in the fitness center.

By night Princess continues to entertain with a variety of Broadway style shows, magicians, comedians, piano bars, jazz bands, a casino and more. Unique to the Princess brand is the Champagne Waterfall, offered on one of the formal evenings. This is yet another nod to the elevated luxury we find aboard this ship. We also find people dress up more on these evenings than they do on other cruise lines. When we seek quieter activities, we might choose to snuggle under provided blankets, while eating popcorn or cookies and milk and taking in a Movie Under the Stars. This is one of our favorite ways to unwind when we are on the seas.

After all of this activity we are often ready to retreat to our stateroom. The entire Princess line offers some of the most comfortable mattresses and linens of any cruise line.

We always book a balcony cabin. For us, this little piece of heaven offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the ship. Being able to step out into fresh air and watch icebergs, sunrises/sunsets, whales and scenery from the privacy of our balcony offers the unique luxury that we equate with cruising. We often order room service and enjoy a private picnic from this space.

Other people may not be that bothered about their stateroom, especially if they are only using it to sleep. Interior cabins can offer deep discounts and Ocean view cabins may offer a similar views without the fresh air. We have been spoiled by our balconies and this is now one feature our ships must always have.

One of my few complaints about the Island Princess is that she has some of the smallest showers ever, but you will always find good water pressure and hot water on demand, so it is (almost) something which can be overlooked.

This is our fourth cruise with this company (and its former company, P &O). My favorite things about cruising with Princess are the consistency across the ships, the all inclusive options and the amazing itineraries. Being a little older, I also appreciate that the ships cater to (mostly) adults.

The Island Princess may be old, by ship standards, but she is well equipped to navigate the world and provide an outstanding and immersive adventure. In the coming days we will continue to explore in depth, some of what this stately Princess has to offer.

“R” is For Reservation-Cruise Tips and Tricks

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Debbie

There are a few activities around the ship which will fill up quickly, specialty dining, salon and spa services, private areas and on board tours to name a few.

Booking these activities is one of the first things we do after boarding the ship. Sometimes we use the time between embarking and waiting for our room to be ready, to get this done. The faster you make reservations, the more options you will have.

The other great thing about booking on the first day of your cruise, is that there are often coupons and promotions happening that day. Your embarkation newsletter can help you to decide which days to make reservations. Formal nights and at sea days will be some of the busiest in the following venues:

If you have specialty dining options (as we did with Sabatinni’s and the Bayou Steakhouse), you will want to book a table as soon as you are on board. These restaurants often charge a nominal fee above and beyond your usual dining options but if you are looking for a special treat and/or planning a celebration, it can be fun to have dinner in one (or all) of the unique venues. These restaurants are often closed on port days.

Formal nights can be very busy times in the salon as women get their hair styled, nails done and indulge in pampering. Massages and spa services may be hard to come by on any sea day. Some of the best sales and discounts will be offered on port days.

Also, if you desire to spend time in the adults only “Sanctuary” (specific to Princess Cruises), you will want to book this as soon as you arrive for your trip. Again, this can be a busy location on sea days.

Finally, if any galley, backstage or bridge tours are being offered, this is a great time to make reservations for those too as spaces will be very limited.

It is important to note that the above items are generally not included in your standard travel costs, so expect to pay extra.

Because there are limited spaces and time slots available at these specialty locations and thousands of guests wanting the same experiences, these activities are often very busy and sell out quickly. Make your reservations early.

ABC Adventures-At Sea-An Overview of Ways to Spend Your Time During Sea Days

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Debbie

The Island Princess set sail from Los Angeles, California for a 111 day, around the world tour on Thursday January 19, 2023. Alan and I would be completing over 50 days of the journey as we traveled from Los Angeles to Dubai.. More than half of our days days would be at sea so we decided to create an ABC list of ways to spend our time.

There is never a reason to be bored while at sea! Below you can find our list of things to do and places to explore. Some are specific to the Island Princess but many are adaptable to any cruise ship. Highlighted items link to additional stories and further adventures of our time while on board.

A-Art/Art tour/Atrium (see also Centrum)/Auction/Afternoon Tea/A la cart/Around the Ship/Aperitif/al fresco dining/Arts & Crafts/Accupuncture/Amuleto/Alfredo’s Pizzaria

B-Balcony/Bars/Bayou Café and Steakhouse/Buffet/Basketball/Beauty salon/Bordeaux Dining Room (Open for lunch on sea days and has open seating for dinner)/Breakfast in bed or on the balcony/Bridge tour/Backstage tour/Bingo/Board games/Boutiques/Blackjack/Ballroom Dance/Broadway show/Balloon drop/ Burgers/Bible study/Boat building challenge/Bridge Tournament/Basketball/Board Games/Bean Bag Toss

C-Classes/Cocktails/Comedian/Coffee/Cappachino/Crew/CruiseDirector/ Chocolate/Casino/Captain/Chapel/Crooners Lounge/Champagne/Cocktails/Cooking Demonstration/Cards/Celebrate School/choir/Champagne waterfall/Calypso Cove (shop)/Classical music/Churchill Lounge (cigar/smoking lounge)/Card games/Cabin/Cabin Steward/Centrum (see also Atrium)/Can You Survive (see also games)/Cross the Line Celebration/Center Court/Carpet Bowl Challenge/Chinese Herbal Remedies/Card Making Class/Concerts/card games

D-Drink/Dance/Dance classes/Dining/Delight/ Duty Free shopping/Drink of the day/Dance parties/dock/Dress For Dinner/Discovery at Sea/Destination lectures

E-Eat/Entertainment/Espresso/Exercise/Explorers Lounge/Equator/e-course/Essence (shop)/Effy (shop)/Evening parties/Explore/Egg drop challenge/Excursion Desk

F-Food carving/Facts/Fitness Center/Flowers/flash mobs/friends/Formal Night/Facet’s (shop)/Facials

G-Games (Can You Survive/High Seas Heist) /Game Shows/Grill/Golf course/galley tour/Games Under the Stars/Guest Services/Good Spirits at Sea

H-Horizon Court/Hot tub/history/Hypnotist/High Seas Heist (see also games)/Hula lessons & dancing/Hawaiian enrichment classes

I-Ice cream/Ice sculptures/International Dateline/Internet café/Iced coffee/Italian Trattotoria/Island Princess

J-Jazz/Jog/Joy/Jeopardy show/Jewelry/Journal/Jewelry Making Class

K-Kissing/karaoke

L-Lectures/Library/Lifeboats/La Patisserie/Learn something new/Lotus Health and Fitness/Lotus Spa/Lotus Salon/Lido Bar/Lido Pool/Live Music/Latte’/Lounges/Line Dance/Language Class/Lei making class/Live Music/Lotto/Lottery/Laundry

M-Movies under the stars/Music/Magic Show/Magician/Muster/Mini golf/Martini Demonstration/Murder Mystery/Meridian Bay (shop)/Marriage Game/Massage/moon/Musician/Musical Tributes

N-Newsletter/nap/Nautical/Nighttime

O-Open Ocean, On deck

P-Pizzaria or pizza/Pool/Provence Dining Room/Patisserie/Pastries/Pictures/Princess Patter (newsletter)/poker/Photography/Photos/Photo Gallery/pub/promenade/port talks/Princess/Play/poker/Princess Theater/Princess Plaza/Piazza/Princess Casino/Ping Pong

Q-Quiet/Quiz

R-Read/Room Service/relax/rest/roulette/reception/receipt/Room service/Rough seas/rejuvenate

S-Shops/Shopping/Spa/Swim/Sunbathe/Sunsets/Sunrises/Stargaze/Stateroom/ Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria/Ship/Swimming pool/ Shows/ Sundaes/ Stargaze/shuffleboard/staircase/Ship/Ship tour/slot machines/Scavenger Hunt/Sanctuary/Scattergories/Sanctuary Pool/Splash Pool/Salon/Spin class/Smoothies/Steakhouse/Shore Excursion Desk/Swirl’s Ice Cream Bar/Good Spirits/Stateroom

T-The Sanctuary/Tennis court/The Grill/table tennis/towel art/trivia/tea/tour/table tennis/Theater/tapas/Teen Lounge/Tai Chi

U-Ultimate Balcony Dining/Universe Lounge/Ukulele lessons

V-Video Games/Vow renewal/Vocalist

W-Write/Wine/Wine tasting/Wheelhouse Bar/Wake show/Walk a mile/wake/Wine/wine tasting/Wake/Wedding Chapel/Weight Loss Seminar/Watercolor Painting/Watch the world go by

X-Xbox

Y-Yoga/Youth Center

Z-Zzz’s/Zen/Zumba

“S” is For Stateroom-Island Princess Ship Overview

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Debbie

Choosing a cabin can be one of the most important decisions you might make while on a cruise. Some will argue that you only sleep in them, so location and size don’t matter. I disagree.

In our years of cruising we have experienced everything from an interior cabin to a mini suite and we have had an opportunity to tour others.

We tend to favor balcony rooms. There is nothing quite like watching a sunrise or sunset from your own sacred space.

While sailing through very scenic locations such as the fjords of Norway or Alaska we have found our own private haven on our balcony. There are no crowds to fight and no obstructions to our photography.

When we tire of people, we simply pull up a chair on our balcony and retreat for bit of respite from the crowds and activities.

When the Pandemic hit, many passengers were quarantined to their staterooms. Those who had interior rooms went stir crazy. Those with balconies were at least able to get outside for some fresh air.

In 2017, the Island Princess underwent a complete refurbishment. Televisions, carpet, furniture, linens, drapes, beds and all the amenities were upgraded and given a fresh new look.

The soft palette of mushroom, beige and taupe encourages relaxation as do the amazing Sleepeezee beds found in the suites and Matermoll brand mattresses found in all other rooms. (These are made exclusively for Princess) The 100% Egyptian cotton bed linens and European inspired duvet are a divine luxury to slip into at the end of a long day.

While somewhat smaller than other cruise lines, Princess cruises offer beautiful staterooms. All cabins are equipped with satellite tv’s, a hair drier, a desk/vanity area and a refrigerator,

On the Island Princess there were 11 suites, 53 balcony rooms, 43 oceanview rooms and 10 inside cabins added during the renovations. This made the original cabins just slightly smaller, bringing the total to 1,107 cabins. Twenty of these are wheelchair accessible.

Interior rooms are favored by those who spend little time in their room. They are the least expensive on most cruises. Inside rooms on the Island Princess are 156-165 square feet.

Ocean view cabins range in size from 162-200 square feet. These are available on deck 5 through 9. If you are considering an Ocean view room, there is a bank of cabins on the Fiesta Deck that are worth seeking out. Cabins F502 through F526 have the largest windows of any of the ocean view rooms. Equally important, the bathrooms are a newer design that includes a larger shower than the ship’s balcony cabins have. The TV is affixed to the wall in front of the bed, instead of in the corner as in the balcony cabins. And there are newer hair dryers, which is one item that wasn’t upgraded in many of the rooms, during the renovation .

Balcony rooms range from 210 square feet to 235 square feet. They also have 35-72 square feet of additional outdoor space, which is some of the largest in the industry. Each balcony comes equipped with 2 chairs and a table. Balcony cabins are available on decks 7-12 and 14.

In our balcony room, the large tv’s are a nice upgrade from the tiny versions usually offered on many other cruise lines.

There are also mini suites and suites available which range from 280-over 500 square feet respectively. These both come with upgraded amenities and luxuries not found in the other cabins. After getting a great deal on the second leg of our trip, we would upgrade to a mini suite on the second leg of our journey.

One thing that all rooms offer is a massive amount of closet and storage space. The closet in our balcony room was over 5 feet! The walk in area is across from the bathroom and a wall divides it from the bedroom. In this area there is also a closet which holds the life vests and room safe. Additional shelves located below offer ample space for folded clothing. We found these areas ample enough to store all of our items, even on a 55 day cruise.

There are additional storage cubbies and drawers in the nightstands and in the desk area. The beds are slightly elevated which allows empty suitcases to be stored underneath, making the room easy to organize. Passengers are often surprised to learn that the walls and ceilings are magnetic. Strong magnetic hooks and binders can offer extensive options for hanging clothelines, photos and more.

Perhaps one thing which is still lacking is enough outlets, there are still only two and they are inconveniently placed near the desk. The hair drier occupies one of them and plugs often don’t work easily in the second outlet. This inconvenience if easily rectified by bringing along an extension cord or power strip. Just make sure there is no surge protector on them, or they will be confiscated. Fire is a real concern on cruise ships. Depending on the cabin you choose, there may be an additional outlet located behind the t.v. and possibly one used by housekeeping, located near the floor by the door or behind the bed.

The Island Princess has very small bathrooms. I remember a comedian on our very first cruise, he suggested soaping the walls and spinning to use the tiny showers. This is a pretty accurate description. The water pressure and heat just about compensate for the size. Mini suites have a bathtub/shower combo which is a bit more comfortable. There are three shelves located alongside the vanity for storing supplies. The large shelf under the sink provides ample room for toiletry bags and larger items. There is a single shaving outlet in each bathroom.

A few things to consider when choosing your stateroom:

A forward location will feel more wave action, mid is the most stable and aft may experience more engine noise. Study your deck map to see if you are located near elevators, laundry or teen centers. Is the buffet or bar situated overhead? You may hear rolling carts and music respectively. Any of these locations can be noisy and may disrupt your tranquility. In general the higher decks may also feel more swaying. If you are prone to seasickness or motion problems it is best to get an ocean view or balcony room.

If you are choosing a room with a balcony or window consider which side will have the most scenery as you cruise. For some it may be important to see the sun rise or set.

All in all, we really enjoy being in our balcony stateroom B519, starboard side, midship on the Baja Deck.

For the second half of the trip we will move to a mini suite on the port side, aft and one deck lower on the Caribe Deck. I will add photos once we relocate.

“E” is for Embarkation Day-A Guide for Cruisers

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Debbie

Embarkation Day on a cruise is an exciting and busy day. Below are a the steps to help you get the most from the process. If an item is highlighted, look for additional links about the topic.

1) Check in. This process has become simplified over the years. Often many of the steps have already been completed online. The procedures vary between cruise lines, but checking in usually involves re-checking paperwork (passports, tickets etc.) Once you are checked in, you are free to come and go off the ship until the “all aboard time”.

2) Just past the check in you will be greeted by the ships photographers. This is your “Welcome Aboard” photo. Usually there is some prop to commemorate the start of your cruise. If you do not want a photo, feel free to continue past the photographers.

3) The moment the ship leaves port, your phone will begin roaming. Unexpected phone calls, background activity and more can incur unexpected fees. If you have selected a wifi package on the ship, put the phone in airplane mode and then you will be able to connect to the ships wi fi. If you turn on wi fi calling you will still be able to receive calls and texts.

While You Wait For Your Room-It is not uncommon to have to wait an hour or two to get into your room. Here are a few things you can do while you wait:

4) Make reservations for the sanctuary, spa treatments, ship tours and specialty restaurants as soon as you are on board. These things often fill up and sell out fast.

5) Explore the ship (often you won’t be able to enter your room for an hour or two). Use this waiting time to locate the fun stuff. Its a great time to take pictures of the venues before they are teaming with passengers.

6) Get something to eat. There is food almost everywhere on board. Stop by the buffet, the grill or the pizzaria for a quick bite, or enjoy a leisurely sit down meal in the dining room. Food is a large part of your cruise fees, you may as well enjoy your meals.

7) Enjoy a glass of champagne or cocktail. Many times long time cruisers will have a signature drink. Even if you don’t see it on a menu, many bar tenders will be able to make drinks based on your description, they are masters of their craft!

Want something unique to drink? On our ship, the Explorer’s Lounge features themed drinks from exotic destinations, specialty liqueurs and spirits which are offered nowhere else on board.

Once You Can Get in Your Room

8) Make a note of landmarks and orient yourself

Where is the nearest bank of elevators? Which way do you turn as you exit this elevator bank? Is

your room on the right or left, starboard or port? *It helps to remember there are 4 letters in both

the words left and port). Is your room forward (front), midship or aft (back)? Are there photos or statues

which can help you remember the correct deck and side which your cabin is on?

Which way is the front of the ship and which way is the back? Sometimes there are

little clues such as waves curling toward the front, or fish lining the halls which all swim facing

toward the front *Believe me, when you have had a few drinks you will appreciate having the

landmarks. Now orient the other major features of your ship. Are the restaurants forward or aft of your room? Is

the laundry forward or aft of your room? Are the elevators forward or aft? What about the pool?

9) Take a picture of the room (before it gets messed up!)-It will never look like this again!

10) Do a cabin “check”

Make sure beds are set up correctly.
Check pillows (you can request feather pillows or additional pillows if needed).
Check the bed for firmness/softness (mattress toppers or boards can be brought in to adjust)
Examine the outlet locations-do you have correct adapters? Are all the outlets working?
Check the ac-is it noisy? Is it working correctly? *If it is set high and not cool in the room, it may not be working.
Turn the tv on to make sure it is working.
Check the safe. Is it working correctly?
Flush the toilet and run the water in the bathroom-are both flowing correctly?

11) Meet your cabin steward

This is a great time to request any additional items you may need:

Bed arrangements (beds are pushed together to make a queen or separated to make two twin beds).
Extra hangers
Extra towels
Extra blankets
Extra pillows
Do you want your ice bucket filled morning and evening?
If ac/safe/toilet/outlets/tv are not working, this should also be addressed at this time.

12) Check Your Mail

A newsletter is usually provided daily. It will be list all the activities occurring around the ship.

Decide what you will do for lunch/dinner.
Decide which activities you will enjoy today.
Look for special offers.
See when formal nights are, this may help decide when you will make reservations at other restaurants.

Your mail may also include perks your membership is offering (such as an invitation to meet the Captain or free drinks)

Often excursion tickets will be delivered with your mail. Be sure to review them and note the cancellation deadline.

13) Complete any requested paperwork.

14) Clean (optional)

Wipe all “touchable” areas with disinfecting wipe (door handles, phones, light switches, remote control, toilet seat, faucet)

15) Load the Safe

Stash your good jewelry, cash, keys, wallet, passport, sensitive documents etc. in your safe.
Make sure your safe is working properly. If not, report it to the cabin steward.

Once Your Luggage Arrives

15) Unpack completely

The joy of cruising is that you only have to unpack once. Do it now so you can start your vacation.
See our tips for organizing your cabin here.
Store empty luggage under the bed.

When completely unpacked

16) Complete the safety or muster drill.

17) Go PLAY!!!

18) If you haven’t already done so, make reservations for specialty restaurants and spa.

19) Enjoy Your Sail Away Party!

20) Congratulations, you are now “on vacation”!

“L” is For Los Angeles-Day 1 of Our Pacific Island Adventure

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Debbie

Today is day 1 of our Pacific Island Adventure. For our own sanity, we prefer to arrive at the port the day before we set sail on a cruise, which means that we have some time to pass in this location. Normally we would only have 24 hours to fill but a couple of months before we set sail, the airlines changed our flight arrangements which means we would have about 48 hours to occupy ourselves before our cruise set off.

Los Angeles, would not be my first choice of a destination to travel to. As the second most populated location in the USA, it is busy. Personally I prefer the serenity of a forest, to the bustle of large cities, but that is just me.

Normally I would have been content to spend our time in a hotel room or lounging by a pool, because cities just aren’t my thing but this was too much down time, so I needed to find something meaningful to do. I challenged Alan to an ABC adventure which we will be sharing in its entirety during the month of March. For today we offer just a sampling of what we explored.

Los Angeles is the largest city in the state of California. It is rich with ethnic and cultural diversity, giving us plenty of interesting foods to try and fascinating people to observe. Under normal circumstances this might have been enough to occupy our short visit here but our research had revealed a plethora of exciting options and they were just miles from the airport.

Initially we had planned to take a transfer to the hotel in San Pedro but we wondered how we would juggle the extra supplies we wanted to purchase. We will be cruising for a month followed by 2 weeks of land activities. I didn’t want to carry all of our consumables, so a shopping trip was in order. A few minutes of scouting on the internet revealed we could rent a car through Budget Rental Cars. There was an option to pick up at the airport and drop off at the hotel for about the same cost as paying for a transfer but a car would also give us enormous freedom.

This is how our first stop on our Pacific Island Adventure became Target, a large department store/grocery store, located just beyond the airport. It was an added bonus that we would be traveling down Pacific Highway 1, considered one of the most scenic roads in the USA and convenient to get our errands out of the way. Where should we go from here?

Like all big cities, there is plenty to do in the Los Angeles area. There are galleries, museums and performing arts to experience. There are zoos, sports games and educational opportunities. From Disneyland, to the World of Harry Potter and Universal Studios, it seems there is a theme park nearby to fill every interest. While not all are located in Los Angeles, they are all accessible within a reasonable distance from the airport.

The Mediterranean climate attracts millions to discover the city, the waters, the beaches, the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Fernando Valley. The word beach has caught my attention. This was more my idea of a vacation than the towering skyscrapers of the megalopolis of Los Angeles, which sprawls for miles.

After realizing we would be sailing out of San Pedro, just 30 minutes South of the Los Angeles airport, we decided to head that direction. We crave nature and beauty. The entire coastal drive held promise. This area would lead us to beaches and some of the most scenic overlooks along the coast. We set our sights on visiting the Palos Verde area which sits between LA and San Pedro.

This is the area the stars and starlets call home. “Star gazing” is a sport in this city. We are not star struck people. In fact, the only stars I will be looking for today will be starfish! In Los Angeles, Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive are just two of the places you might run into your favorite A-list celebrities. Often they can be seen going about their normal errands, a cell phone in one hand and a triple shot machiatto in the other. On our adventure, we would be keeping an eye open for them along the boardwalks and piers of Manhattan Beach instead.

Manhattan Beach

Just 5 miles from the airport and 19 miles from downtown LA, we quickly discover Manhattan Beach. This short jaunt to the coast has us busy as we explore an amazing pier, built in 1929. Many consider this pier to be among the prettiest in Los Angeles county and I am in my photographic glory trying to capture it.

As we stroll out over the water, we should have been able to see the entire Santa Monica Bay, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island but there is a haze. It feels like a different world from the city which lies directly behind us. At the end of the pier is a beautiful two story octagonal roundhouse which has been converted into an aquarium, offering both fresh and saltwater tanks, a touch pool and many educational exhibits. Best of all, its completely free!

Coming off the pier I realize we are so close to the airport and city that we can still see the planes arriving and skyscrapers which occupy LA! We took a few minutes to explore the underside of the pier. The recent rain in this area has created a high surf which is now fascinating to watch.

Our next decision was whether to play a game of volleyball on the 2 mile long beach, watch the surfers or take a stroll along “The Strand”.

The Strand

The Strand is a 22-mile paved path, extending from Pacific Palisades (close to Santa Monica) to Torrance. Some people refer to The Stand as the “Manhattan Beach Boardwalk.” Some of the countries most expensive real estate is situated in this area. This pathway is so long that it actually connects to our next destination, which is Hermosa Beach. Since it is only two miles, we could walk along the Strand but the day is drawing to a close so we will drive there but many choose to run, bike or skateboard. First we have a little more to discover in the Hermosa area.

Farmers Market

Before heading in that direction we take a little time to explore the downtown area of Manhattan. We have arrived on a Tuesday, which lucky for us is the one day of the week that the Farmers Market is open. From 11am-4pm, 45-50 vendors sell their goods. There is a wide variety of products to choose from including cheese, vegan cheese (made from cashews), dates, honey, berries, orchids, olive oil, ice cream, hummus, fish, and prepared foods. They even have activities for the kids such as a mini-train and face painting! This is one of the best markets I have ever been to.

Shopping

Following our trip to the market we did a bit of shopping in the downtown area then wandered along Manhattan Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue. This is one of the wealthiest areas in the LA area, yet this beautiful beach town offers an inviting welcome to all. There is something humorous about spotting a 20 year old driving a Ferrari. We are all enjoying the same beautiful views, even though our experiences might be slightly different!

Ice Cream

As we finished the day in Manhattan Beach we decided it was time for an ice cream.We never pass an opportunity to sample the local recommendations, so when we heard about Manhattan Creamery, we knew we had to find it. The store has a party-like vibe. They are famous for their signature Cream’wich ice cream sandwich made with artisan cookies. In addition customers may choose macrons, caramel apples, candy, cupcakes and other frozen treats. It is a sweet lover’s paradise. After loading up, it is time to move to our next location.

Hermosa

As we make our way along the coast we quickly come to our second stop. Hermosa lies just a few miles from Manhattan Beach. There is a different vibe in this community, it is more relaxed than Manhattan. This town is filled with art. We set out on a walking tour to locate some of the decorated utility boxes which line the street. Murals cover numerous buildings. The one below was visible for miles and we had to take a close up look to prove to ourselves that it was indeed just a painting!

The Strand continues through this town. Palm trees guide us towards the open space.

The surf was so high today, they have closed off the pier. We watch the sunset as a flock of birds takes flight. We take a final walk along the Strand, a lone volleyball player practices in the blaze of orange. The first of many beautiful sunsets we hope to see.

Redondo Beach

As the sun begins to dip along the horizon we hop to our last beach of the day. This beach is filled with romance. The sea beckons as light scatters diamonds across the surface of the water and waves swell to propel surfers toward the shore. Gondolas line up ready to whisk lovers to embrace a sunset. Tour boats sit ready to embark on dinner cruises and whale watching tours. Overseeing it all are the seals and sea lions barking their orders to embrace the moment. At least this was what we had expected to find from all our research, but none of that was here! We suspect that many boats were moved as a series of strong storms passed through the area for the past couple of weeks.

What we did see was a beautiful pier filled with every variety of eateries ranging from fair foods to fine dining.

We chose to eat at Tony’s where pub food and bar are located upstairs and fine dining is in the lower level, So our evening came to a close over a glass of wine, next to a roaring fire, looking over a beautiful surf.

During our two days in the Los Angeles area, our days have been packed with beaches and beautiful views Some of the most valuable real estate in the USA exists along this California coast. So many of our adventures are completely free and absorbing this stunning beauty leaves me contemplative. Sitting high upon the cliffs, these amazing homes look out over the Pacific Ocean. There is a world of discovery ahead of us.

Visiting the cliffs, beaches and hiking trails, we can almost imagine that we are far from civilization but then we hop on another highway and are quickly reminded that nearly 4 million people call this area home. Like our circulatory system, I can almost feel the coursing of life running through society.

As night approaches, the city takes on a whole new vibe. Searchlights arc through the air, announcing the latest silver screen premier. Like a heartbeat there is a pulsating sound which seems to resonate atop every rooftop bar, as the music, pools and alcohol draw slinky-sexy crowds to come out and play.

The last 48 hours have already been filled with travel and sight seeing. We have even made a final shopping trip to purchase the last of our cruise supplies. Tonight, safely tucked back into our hotel room at the Crowne Plaza in San Pedro, California we are happy enough to begin to wind down. We can’t resist one last adventure as we head to the Rainbow Lagoon, where the illuminated Swan Boats guide gracefully across the surface of the water. As we cuddle together on this January evening we are wrapped in a hug by the warm lights of this shining city. Los Angeles hasn’t turned out to be so bad after all.

How would your ABC Adventure look in the LA area?

This is city life. With so much to offer, there is no excuse for boredom. We are happy enough to have been able to play in this area for 48 hours. As with most of our adventures, we have filled every moment. We are now exhausted and ready to spend the next 5 days at sea before our next stop which will be in Oahu, Hawaii.

The sea is calling, my bags need repacking and we are suffering from the time change. We need an early night before embarking on our cruise tomorrow.

Tomorrow we set sail on our 42 day Pacific Island Adventure! We invite you to continue to follow along.

ABC Explorers

Author: Debbie