Courtesy of: GrammarPros

Things I Have Learned on Vacation

Here are some things I have learned on vacation over the years: 1. I am not as young as I used to be. 2. Don't forget your belt. 3. Just because they make it in your size, it doesn't mean you have to buy it. 4. Being drunk and loud is not becoming or attractive. 5. "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" may not be the best creed to go by at 9am. 6. Teaching children how to act BEFORE you take them on a ship could save you embarassment and headaches. 7. It doesn't cost anything to speak when spoken to. 8. Smiling is a universal language. 9. Patience is a virtue. 10. Dirty windows make beautiful places look bad. 11. EVERYONE who sings karoke deserves applause. 12. FYI: Raw sugar is brown until refined into the white stuff you buy to put on your table. 12. Leggings are NOT a substitute for pants!

It's been a while!

It has been a while since I have been on my blog! But I am back and want you to know you are in for a great ride!! I will be bringing information and insight and opinions!! Stay tuned!!

Machine vs Man

Yesterday, I went in a new store and I saw one manned register and three or four self check-out registers. I thought how odd and sad that was. Companies are now trying to eliminate the workforce and force consumers to do the work themselves. It may help their bottom line with saving on salary. But they have forgotten the most important reason they are in business. Humans are created to interact with each other. We crave conversation and touch. (Remember how we would run into each other at Walmart? Many of us would stay way longer than planned because we ran into someone we hadn't seen in a while and needed to chat or hug and catch up!!) Machines cannot do that! They can be programmed to respond in certain ways, but no machine can be a flesh and blood human. So, my thought process is this: If I have to get in my car, drive to a store, collect my items, check myself out and then drive back home, without being able to have a conversation or shake a hand or greet an old friend, what is the point?!? I can save gas, shop online and have a conversation with the mail carrier when they deliver my package!! At least there will be some human interaction. While technology can be a good thing, it can never replace us or be able to give the same personal experiences we all crave.

Last Night on Virgin's Valiant Lady

This is our last night on Virgin's Valiant Lady and I must say, it has been a game changer! Things that you have to pay for on other lines are included in the cost of the cruise here. There are no a la carte restaurants! All dining is included! Even sodas, tea, and coffee is free. (Specialty coffee and red bull type drinks cost). There is no buffet! Big game changer. You go into the Galley, find a seat, use your phone to scan the QR code for the menu. Once you decide what you want, raide the flag on the table and someone will come take your order and deliver the food to you. This whole cruise was a learning experience. Virgin Voyages has disrupted the industry. I believe there are going to be a lot of people who crave an adult-only experience while on a cruise. And while I did not attend some of the shows and entertainment because of my personal preferences, I did enjoy the experience and would sail again with more insight and wisdom on what to do better. This hammock on the balcony of our room has me wanting to get one when I return home. All I will need is a loop of the ocean water splashing so I can close my eyes and revisit this experience. While I would have loved to have a photographer on-board, I brought my own. I would have loved a little bigger bathroom and would have enjoyed being able to book restaurant reservations a little better.  I will know how to improve next time. Maybe a group of couples would like to go with me. I'm taking names. Just let me know.

Sorry, Where are My Manners?

On my NCL cruise last month, I cam across the perfect bear to be the travel bear for BMac Travel! I found her in St Thomas. My beautiful granddaughter, Zahria, cam up with her name: Journey.

After my husband observed me having so much fun with Journey, he decided his bear I got for him a few weeks ago would be the perfect travel companion for Journey. Zahria again came up with the perfect name, Trip. Now Journey and Trip and best friends and on their first cruise together. Friends don't let friends travel alone!

Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady: Day 1

This is my first morning on the ship. We boarded around 2:30pm yesterday. From the beginning I knew it was going to be different. Before we left home, there were no luggage tags to print! That was a first. When we got to the port, there were porters there tagging our luggage. We just showed him our room number on the interactive app, and we left our luggage with him. Then we got in line to go up escalators in order to check in and receive our bracelets. Bracelets? Yes, our bracelets were our key cards! 

We opened our door and charged purchases with it. What a novel idea. If you wear it, you are less likely to forget it or misplace it. Check-in was relatively quick. Then thru scanning and we were ready to board the ship. I glimpsed the beautiful waiting area with the red seating but bypassed it and went directly to the gangway to board the ship. We were greeted at the doorway, told our staterooms were ready and went to find our room. When we opened the doors the curtains opened automatically! Then I videoed the room so you could see what it was like.

 After exploring the room, we went to find some brunch. The first place we saw was the pizza restaurant, so we went and ordered. I was not used to waiting for pizza. Before, you would just gram what was left under the heat lamp. Not on Virgin. Everything is cooked to order. Makes for less waste. So we ordered and received our buzzer (like in the restaurants) to let us know when our food was ready.

 They also had pre-made salads, so I grabbed one of those to eat with my pizza. Everything was very good.

 So we went exploring and found the Social Club Diner. They serve carnival type foods there. I had to get a soft pretzel with green chili cheese dip.

 After more exploring, we found the ice cream shop called Lick me till...ice cream. I am just telling you the name of it, not endorcing any behaviors. Anyways, I got a scoop of key lime pie and a scoop of strawberry sorbet in a chocolate waffle cone. 

You can also get a cup instead if you like. Everything was very good. I look forward to other treat that await us on the cruise.