Moving on....

This blog has just gotten way too big....  It is time to move to a new location.  This is not a new blog just a continuation of this one at a new location.  The new address is http://amazingvoyages2.blogspot.com  Just click on the hotlink and it will take you there....  Enjoy!

Decisions, decisions......

I finally made a decision regarding my future voyages.... at least the first step.  I just cancelled my 3 weeks in Alaska, a 3 day coastal cruise and the 70 day Grand Asia.  Why?  The value just wasn't there for me.  Unless the price is a real bargain the itinerary has to sell me and this one didn't.  The first step?  I am still booked for 144 days starting December 5th...  Once the dust settles and I see what is on the table for price and amenities I may make further changes, I hope not....  This was a very, very difficult decision.  As everyone knows I love sailing with Holland America for very long voyages.  This just wasn't in the cards for me at this time.  Maybe I'll take a whole new direction and spend my time on land versus sailing all the time.  We'll see.....

Where does the time go?

A week ago I was just getting ready to leave the Amsterdam after completing the World Voyage.... Hard to believe a week has gone by. It has been a very busy week indeed... taxes, unpacking 10 bags, fixing my water heater, storing a gazillion photos,creating a book, playing with my new iPad, going to the dentist, sitting in the sun. Oh well, let's just say the time has flown. It has been wonderful talking with friends and family and generally catching up. What I really don't like is having to be responsible for getting things done around here. It is so much better aboard ship where every day you just do whatever you want without any chores to do. Oh yes, I have become very spoiled with my life at sea. I have spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out what my next set of travels will be and I really have struggled. First of all I really do love shipboard life but... as long as it has value for me. Two things determine that, price and itinerary. I plan on doing the World Voyage period but the part from September 2nd until the start of the World Voyage is what I struggle with. The itinerary does not close the deal for me. That is especially the case for the Grand Asia Voyage which, I believe does not have the best of itineraries, especially without Japan. So if the itinerary doesn't excite me the price has to be great and it is not. So what I'm left with is a value proposition that just doesn't light my fire. The only reason that I struggle with this decision is that I love being on the Amsterdam and would love to be there but again, at what price? I will decide soon as to my future plans but fear not, if I cancel these voyages I will not stay home... there is a big world out there with lots of photos to be had....