Just got confirmation I will be back on Holland America next year in July on the beatuiful Volendam for one of their stunning Legendary Voyages.
I will join in Reykjavik again and get off in Halifax.
I love doing these types of cruises. A quick flight from Halifax and just drive home. Also it is a nice getaway of less than two weeks so I am not away from my garden for too long.
So I relied on some friends for help. First our travel agent Neil and Monika Best of Best Dreamy Destinations (and no I get nothing for mentioning them - they are just great!). And also our friend Roy Bennett.
First we had to book our air. We did look at Princess Air, but it was almost $1,000 more per person. So we booked it on our own. We found a great deal with Air Transat, via Toronto to Gatwick. Then for return it was surprisingly a great deal from Orlando. Originally when we were looking the prices were so high as it is the US Thanksgiving that weekend. But they have dropped considerably. So we got a sweet direct flight home.
Now for transfers. We had looked at the train and the bus and would easily and gladly book those - especially because of the price.
However, we are now sailing with some friends Lori and Andy and we decided to spend a bit more and book a car service. Neil and Monika recommended Blackberry Car service to Southampton. So for $400 we booked it.
After flying all night and with a 4 hour time change, not to mention we would be arriving early morning and probably not being able to get early access to a hotel room at Gatwick we agreed it would be better to just push it to Southampton and settle in there.
We looked at a variety of hotel options and settled on a recommendation for the Voco Hotel which is part of the IHG chain.
So all is in place!
We just booked! We had been looking at this trip for awhile but we weren't ready to commit.
This week we booked. It was too good a deal to pass up.
We booked with Neil and Monika Best of Best Dream Destinations - they are the Best to work with. Very quick to respond and so helpful - especially for new cruisers.
This will be our first cruise as actual guests in two years. We have sailed alot (160 days in two years) but it has always been as guest entertainers, and that is a very different cruise.
Now we are back as guests on Princess (with our elite perks). And with the Premier package (which I still believe is the best package of all lines) and is worth it for us.
So 16 days, leaving from Southampton and ending in Port Canaveral.
Now off to book air, hotel, transfers and tours.
As many of you have known I have been working as a Destination Expert with Princess for almost 7 years.
In that time I have done numerous contracts to some amazing places. I have been at sea for up to 9 months in one year! And often the contracts are a minimum of three months lately and often longer.
It has been fun sharing my knowledge of the ports, meeting so many great people and best of all so many great crew that I have gotten very close with over the years.
However the past year has seen a big change at Princess in regards to Entertainment. The Destination Expert role is still there and it has changed into more of a "crew" position. Mind you a great role for a "crew".
Cabin issues (bunkbeds in my last contract which just don't work for seniors like us).
After all these years I have changed too.
I really enjoy being at home and doing my thing here in this amazing community. Bernie has started doing more volunteer work and we have a large group of great friends.
Although I retired in 2018, it never felt like I truly stopped working. It was time to slow down.
I don't want to be away as much as before. And because I was working so much on ships, the luster of cruising has really worn off. I miss that excitement of being on a cruise and enjoying the ports. It sadly had turned into a job where each port was just another port, with no incentive to even get off. Most days and nights I spent by myself (cause Bernie couldn't always sail with me) and the job got lonely and I missed my partner. And this job is really a department of one - and it was lonely.
I no longer was a right fit for Princess as a lecturer.
So I started looking at alternatives. Last year I got to work with Holland America as an Enrichment speaker. Then they had me again on the Volendam last month. Both experiences were phenominal, from the shorter contract, flights/travel arranged efficiently, nice cabin, and amazing staff on board with no issues.
I was offered two more shorter contracts this summer - July and August and my gutt said - this is a better option for you. So I agreed to those jobs. Plus they want me in South America as an Enrichment speaker - I am not sure if I will be ready this year, but maybe next.
I have informed Princess I am working elsewhere and I am very thankful for all they have done. So I will not be on the Majestic this Canada New England season.
Ok so you are all up to date.
Enjoy this beautiful day - off to host a BBQ.
