Still Have Data Access - Day 1

Posting some more pics before we go into our data blackout. Merry Christmas and happy Chanukka from the Eurodam. By the way, we are enjoying our first bottle of rose champagne, while relaxing on our verandah.

Boarding

Here we are, see you in 8 days

Embarkation Day

It has finally arrived, Embarkation Day for our holiday cruise on the MS Eurodam. I'm so excited that I woke up early at 6:15 (alarm is set for 6:55). We packed the car last night, so all that is left is to shower, get dressed, fill up on gas, and hit the road for our 3.5 hour drive to Port Everglades. We've put Kibbuk in charge of the house, activated the security system, and made sure our friend JT has everything he'll need to keep an eye on the house. So everything should be in place for our New Year's Eve return.

I'll try to post some pictures from the port once we arrive. From then on we will be going into communications blackout until 27 Dec, our arrival in San Juan, PR. Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukka!

All Packed Up and Ready to Go

For this trip we are ditching our traditional pack light philosophy. Because we are driving to the port and will not be subject to packing limitations, we've decided to dig the giant roller bag out of storage. This thing is seriously humungous. It's a massive bag. I actually think Mary can fit inside. We spent Sunday night packing everything we will need for seven nights at sea into this blue behemoth. Suits, check. Snorkel and masks, check. Swimsuits, check. Cash, check (this is a necessity above all else for unforeseen situations).

Holland America has a great wine carryon policy, there is no limit and you pay $18 per bottle corkage fee to drink your own in the dining rooms or bars. Wine/champagne can be consumed in your stateroom for no charge. Taking full advantage of this policy, Mary and I paid a visit to Total Wine and bought 12 bottles and a wine bottle carrier. Additionally, you are also free to bring as much water or soda as you want.

After a grueling week of work (last of 2011), finishing my data collection for my PhD, and completing my draft Dissertation Manuscript, I'm ready for this vacation. Check back from time to time, I will be posting updates when we stop in two US ports, San Juan and St Thomas. As Jimmy Buffet sings, "It's Christmas in the Caribbean."

Planning, it is an obsession

This weekend I will be heading up to the big apple for a wedding and it got me thinking. I've had to do very little in preparation for this trip thanks to the due dilligence of the groom (Mar 12 correction, just found out it was the bride!). The best transportation options were identified or prearranged (car service), the hotel was reserved (with a good discount), and a exciting luncheon has been planned. This is one of my few trips where I have had to do very little leg work, which I am appreciative of.
In turn, I have been able to focus on planning my subsequent next big trip (not including the holiday cruise). For now, the plan calls for a return to the countryside of merry old England, urban London, and the enchanting city of light (enlightenment), Paris. The major decision will be whether to go at Christmas or slightly earlier in November 2012.
The impedus for this trip is the fulfillment of a promise to our twelve-year old daughter of a post-bat mitvah trip to a city of her choice, Paris. However, I'm not one to leave well enough alone, so I've tacked on a side trip to the Cotswolds (Bath) and London in pursuit of things Harry Potter (her favorite subject). With the opening of the new London WB Studios Harry Potter tour on the horizon, this trip is shaping up to be unforgettable. Now to get started on the details.
PS - I wonder if a flying charm can be applied to Virgin Atlantic airfare?

10,000 Free Airline Tickets to Japan for Travel Bloggers

My wife just found an interesting story regarding free airline tickets to Japan for those willing to blog about their trip. Considering I have always been fascinated by Japanese society/history and my travel blogging experience, this would opportunity would be great. If your interested read the article here:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/10-000-free-round-trip-tickets-japan-134142507.html

Weekend of Escapism at Disney

In one week my wife, daughter, and I will be heading over to WDW for our annual birth-a-versary celebration (wedding anniversary and daughter's birthday is Oct 13th). Every year, for the past four, we have spent this event on Disney property. This time we will be returning to the Caribbean Beach resort (this was our first Disney resort together back in 2006).

On the docket will be walk around dinner at the EPCOT food and wine festival, a day at the resort pools, dinner at one of our favorite restaurants (the Liberty Tree), and a special halloween themed haunted horsecarriage ride at the Fort Wilderness (featuring the headless horseman). This is always my favorite time to visit WDW, as the temperature finally starts to drop and the parks are decorated for fall/halloween. It probably doesn't hurt my birthday is right around the corner too.