Sick on my transatlantic sailing

I haven’t been feeling well for the past two days. Yesterday, I mostly stayed in bed. The day before, I canceled my tour in Vigo but still managed to walk around the city for about an hour and a half.

Throughout the day, today, I noticed people returning from their time in Le Havre, all shivering from the cold.  I considered skipping my shore excursion but realized I would need to turn in the ticket to avoid being charged the $50 I had saved on it. While on the elevator, I met two gentlemen—one was going on my walking tour, and the other was hoping to buy a ticket. I told him, “Maybe I was meant to meet you because I’m thinking about not going on my tour. I could give you my ticket.

 I don’t believe in coincidences.

About 30 minutes later, I gave him my excursion ticket.

What are the odds of wanting to give away your ticket and finding out that someone on your elevator wants it???!!!

There are 3300 people on the ship and most were already off the ship visiting nearby cities or even Paris which is quite a distance away.

I’m so happy that someone else was able to enjoy that walking tour.

Here is a description of the walking tour

Explore Le Havre on Foot

Visit the magnificent first 20th-Century urban center in Europe to be added to the UNESCO world Heritage list, downtown Le Havre. The genius behind the design was architect Auguste Perret, a

"poet in concrete" who was both traditional and innovative in his approach. A short drive takes you to the city center, where your walking tour begins.

Along the way, you'll discover countless architectural gems such as the Town Hall, Saint Roch gardens, Avenue Foch, and Saint Joseph church,. At the end of your tour, you can stay in the city center to shop or explore further, and later return to the ship on your own.

Transatlantic cruises

 A World of Activities: Exploring Transatlantic Cruise Entertainment

A transatlantic cruise offers more than just a journey across the ocean—it’s an immersive experience filled with an incredible variety of activities designed to entertain, engage, and enrich every passenger’s voyage. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a group, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a detailed look at the activities you can expect on a transatlantic cruise:

Interactive Games and Challenges

• Interactive Shows: “Last One Standing,” “Yes/No Game,” “Newlywed Game,” “Majority Rules,” “The Illuminator Challenge,” “Finish the Lyrics,” and “Hit It, DJ.”

• Murder Mystery Game: Solve the crime in a thrilling, interactive experience.

• Progressive Trivia: A favorite for longer cruises—my team, Solo Minds, has proudly won first place twice!

Enrichment Activities

• Workshops and Lectures: Topics ranging from history and culture to personal development.

• Language Classes: Learn Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Tagalog, or French.

• Cooking Demonstrations: Watch chefs create culinary masterpieces.

• Art-Focused Activities: Art shows, trivia, auctions, history lectures, and scavenger hunts.

• Port-of-Call Lectures: Gain insights into the destinations on your itinerary.

Fitness, Dance, and Poolside Fun

• Dance Classes: Salsa, merengue, cha-cha, hip-hop, country and western, and popular line dances.

• Zumba and Fitness Classes: Keep active while having fun.

• Poolside Games and Contests: Friendly competitions with fellow passengers.

• Sunrise & Sunset Viewing: Perfect for relaxation and photo opportunities.

Entertainment and Nightlife *

• Live Musical Performances: Including Broadway shows like Jersey Boys; Las Vegas style performances, magicians, mentalists, jugglers, instrumentalists, local traditional folk artists and more.

• Silent Disco: Dance to your own beat with wireless headphones.

• Themed Dance Parties: 70s, 80s, Latin Night, Motown, Glow Party, and more.

• Comedy Shows: Laugh out loud with talented comedians.

• Karaoke and Talent Nights: Unleash your inner performer.

Games, Sports, and Recreation

• Scavenger Hunts: Explore the ship while solving clues.

• Golf Cart Racing and Mini Golf: Fun for all ages.

• Laser Tag & Escape Room: Perfect for adventure-seekers.

• Table Tennis, Pinball, and Shuffleboard: Classic games for a relaxing day.

Spa and Wellness

• Spa Treatments: Massages, facials, and more.

• Salon Services: Hair styling, manicures, and pedicures.

• Dermatology Services: Onboard skincare consultations and fillers.

Food and Drink Tastings

• Tastings: Wine, martini, beer, and margarita tastings with expert guides.

• Coffee Shops and Ice Cream Parlors: Treat yourself to delicious snacks and drinks. More and more ships are adding a Starbucks.

Family, Youth, and Solo Activities

• Youth and Teen Centers: Activities tailored for younger cruisers.

• Solo Traveler Events: Daily gatherings hosted by a Solo Host, where solo passengers meet, dine, and form friendships.

• Group Meetings: Knitters, veterans, business owners, LGBTQ, and more.

Other Highlights

• Casino Events: Try your luck at the slots or table games. There are also classes to teach players new tips and strategies.

• Future Cruise Presentations: Plan your next adventure.

• Medical Center: Onboard facilities for peace of mind.

• Even a Morgue and Jail: Yes, these are part of cruise ships for emergencies!

Time Zone Changes

Crossing the Atlantic often involves adjusting your clocks—usually by an hour over several nights. Be sure to follow reminders to stay on schedule!

From high-energy activities to relaxing moments, a transatlantic cruise offers countless ways to make every day unforgettable. With such a wide variety of options, boredom is never an issue—you might even wish for more sea days!

*  Night of Legends: The ICONS Show (January and NCL Bliss transatlantic sailing)

The ICONS show was an unforgettable celebration of musical greatness, featuring a gifted cast of singers and dancers bringing to life the timeless hits of Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Ricky Martin, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, and Billy Joel. While I’m usually hesitant about vocalists performing covers of iconic songs, this cast completely exceeded my expectations. Their talent, energy, and passion made each performance feel like a heartfelt tribute rather than an imitation. It was a spectacular night of music and memories!

Starbucks is my favorite people watching spot

 Confession Time: Chasing Starbucks Around the Globe

I have a little travel ritual, and it might surprise you: I love seeking out a Starbucks in whatever corner of the world I’m exploring. There’s something comforting about finding that familiar green siren logo in the midst of an unfamiliar city, but it’s not just about the coffee—it’s the vibe.

Once I’ve claimed the perfect window seat (the kind where the light streams in and the view is buzzing with life), I settle in, coffee in hand, and watch the world unfold. It’s like a front-row seat to a live show starring locals, tourists, and everyone in between. Starbucks always seems to attract the cool crowd—the trendsetters, the chatterers, and the quiet thinkers. The atmosphere feels just right, a mix of lively and laid-back that makes it the perfect pit stop.

And then there’s the coffee itself: hot, aromatic, and sealed with a lid to keep it that way as long as possible. Oh, and let’s not forget about the napkins. I can’t resist picking up a few extras to stash in my bag. They’re my ultimate travel hack—ready for spills, snacks, or whatever the day throws my way.

At Starbucks, I love soaking up the vibe, sipping my coffee, and letting the city swirl around me. It’s not just a coffee stop—it’s a little piece of my travel story.

PS. I just took a three hour walking tour in Lisbon where I visited the  Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado!🇵🇹

Transatlantic Cruise Activities

A World of Activities: Exploring Transatlantic Cruises

A transatlantic cruise offers more than just a journey across the ocean—it’s an immersive experience filled with an incredible variety of activities designed to entertain, engage, and enrich every passenger’s voyage. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a group, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a detailed look at the activities you can expect on a transatlantic cruise:

Interactive Games and Challenges

• Interactive Shows: “Last One Standing,” “Yes/No Game,” “Newlywed Game,” “Majority Rules,” “The Illuminator Challenge,” “Finish the Lyrics,” and “Hit It, DJ.”

• Murder Mystery Game: Solve the crime in a thrilling, interactive experience.

• Progressive Trivia: A favorite for longer cruises—my team, Solo Minds Unite, has proudly won first place three times and we are in first place on the second to last day of play. (Day number eight.)

Enrichment Activities

• Workshops and Lectures: Topics ranging from history and culture to personal development.

• Language Classes: Learn Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Tagalog, or French.

• Cooking Demonstrations: Watch chefs create culinary masterpieces.

• Art-Focused Activities: Art shows, trivia, auctions, history lectures, and scavenger hunts.

• Port-of-Call Lectures: Gain insights into the destinations on your itinerary.

Fitness, Dance, and Poolside Fun

• Dance Classes: Salsa, merengue, cha-cha, hip-hop, country and western, and popular line dances.

• Zumba and Fitness Classes: Keep active while having fun.

• Poolside Games and Contests: Friendly competitions with fellow passengers.

• Sunrise & Sunset Viewing: Perfect for relaxation and photo opportunities.

Entertainment and Nightlife

• Live Musical Performances: Including Broadway shows like Jersey Boys.

• Silent Disco: Dance to your own beat with wireless headphones.

• Themed Dance Parties: 70s, 80s, Latin Night, Motown, Glow Party, and more.

• Comedy Shows: Laugh out loud with talented comedians.

• Karaoke and Talent Nights: Unleash your inner performer.

Games, Sports, and Recreation

• Scavenger Hunts: Explore the ship while solving clues.

• Golf Cart Racing and Mini Golf: Fun for all ages.

• Laser Tag & Escape Room: Perfect for adventure-seekers.

• Table Tennis, Pinball, and Shuffleboard: Classic games for a relaxing day.

Spa and Wellness

• Spa Treatments: Massages, facials, and more.

• Salon Services: Hair styling, manicures, and pedicures.

• Dermatology Services: Onboard skincare consultations and fillers.

Food and Drink Tastings

• Tastings: Wine, martini, beer, and margarita tastings with expert guides.

• Coffee Shops and Ice Cream Parlors: Treat yourself to delicious snacks and drinks.

Family, Youth, and Solo Activities

• Youth and Teen Centers: Activities tailored for younger cruisers.

• Solo Traveler Events: Daily gatherings hosted by a Solo Host, where solo passengers meet, dine, and form friendships.

• Group Meetings: Knitters, veterans, business owners, LGBTQ, and more.

Other Highlights

• Casino Events: Try your luck at the slots or table games. There are even classes to provide Casino players with helpful tips.

• Future Cruise Presentations: Plan your next adventure.

• Medical Center: Onboard facilities for peace of mind.

• Even a Morgue and Jail: Yes, these are part of cruise ships for emergencies!

Time Zone Changes

Crossing the Atlantic often involves adjusting your clocks—usually by an hour over several nights. Be sure to follow reminders to stay on schedule!

From high-energy activities to relaxing moments, a transatlantic cruise offers countless ways to make every day unforgettable. With such a wide variety of options, boredom is never an issue—you might even wish for more sea days!