Well, it's been far too long since I wrote in this blog. It makes me sad to know how many lives were lost due to this virus and its spread. I do feel like we are making a lot of progress, as a nation, this year with vaccinations. Having said that, I decided to go ahead and book a trip. It's been over 3 years since I left the US.
At first, I was all in to go to Morocco for 23 days. It's a place I've wanted to visit for years and years. I was looking forward to visiting the souks and glamping in the desert for a few days and just experiencing the country and its people..............but then I started having second thoughts. Just because the world is not the same place it was just 2 years ago. I'm going to wait and I will go on this trip--probably next year.
Instead, I realized how much I miss the ocean and I started to look at cruises. I then realized I am still mourning the loss of my 28 days in Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea---along with a lovely ten night cruise to go with it. The ship I would have sailed on has been sold--and I am sad about that as well. Sigh
I kept coming back to this one cruise again and again and decided to book it. It is a 13 night trip out of Sydney, AU traveling to 5 or 6 ports in Fiji. I will be away over Christmas this year if all goes well. I plan on arriving in Sydney on a Saturday and the cruise sails the following Wednesday. That will give me time to do some exploration of that beautiful city.
Fiji looks every bit as beautiful as Tahiti!
I also splurged on Premium Economy seating for the trip. I've been looking at various airlines where I can use points and I was unable to find any availability. I am hopeful that seats will open up at some point this year, but if they don't, I'm okay purchasing the ticket. (Gasp--I know) I guess that proves how badly I want to get away.
The really great part about purchasing the tickets via Princess' EZ air is that I have a reservation and I don't have to pay for it yet---meaning I can use the time to see if I can find award seats! And if the price goes up, I'm protected. If the price goes down, I'll simply cancel and rebook. Win, win in my book.
I also sprung for an ocean view cabin. Uh huh. Well actually, it's supposed to be an obstructed view but when I researched, there is no obstruction--it is in between the life boats. I've chosen this type of cabin before and I enjoyed the natural light.
I did use points to book my hotel for 4 nights. I was disappointed the hotel and location I wanted is no longer an IHG property. I booked the IHG in Sydney. It's located on the Circular Quay and it looks very luxurious and the rooms looks comfortable. So, zero dollars for that! Over the next few months, I'm going to take a crash course in public transportation in Sydney--and that will involve rereading my friend's blog. (Yellow Fish cruises). She and her husband have been to Sydney multiple times.
IHG Sydney Room
In addition, because of the cancelled cruise last year, I let the deposit I paid ride. In doing that, I doubled the amount of credit on my account! And I've been hoarding points from two credit cards that will allow me to offset travel charges with my points---and I have a lot! So, this trip will not be nearly as expensive as it could be. And I chose the complete cruise package with drinks, tips, etc all included!
My next step will be reading the CC boards to see the best things to do in each port. I'm also hopeful there may be others that read CC on this same trip. That seems to be the best way to do independent tours. And traveling solo, it's nice to be with a small group on excursions. If not, they do have some great excursions through the ship, but they are expensive.
So, that's the plan for now.
It's good to be back and be able to write something travel related!
And remember, I work for the Cruise Brothers and can help you with your next cruise or all-inclusive vacation!
jilly
