An-tic-i-pa-tion

 

anticipation - noun - expectation or prediction; action of anticipating (Oxford Languages)

I can't remember just how many years ago I set out to dream, plan, execute the number one item on my bucket list. Neither can I recall how many years ago that I first conceived of the idea. What bucket list? What idea? What does she mean? Have I managed to hold you in a state of an-tic-i-pa-tion yet? I hope so. 

Hold on because here it comes: Tomorrow I'll be channeling James Cook who explored the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, charting islands in 1768 and for about ten years thereafter. Interestingly enough, his initial itinerary was very similar to ours as we contemporary cruisers on the Coral Princess will be starting the grand tour of the Pacific in Hawaii and ending in New Zealand and Australia before heading up to explore most of Asia, Alaska, and the coast line of the United States. The ship of 2,000 will be floating at a speed of about 25 mph to 28 countries and fifty ports of call. It will take 115 days or just about four months. I have never been away from home for any longer than a month, which is conceptually daunting, but I will be taking it in stride. What other way is there? Gotta stay in the moment and make it worthwhile.

In 2023 (the year I should have gone but couldn't as I was contemplating a major move across the country), the itinerary for this same cruise looked very different. Originally, it was supposed to be more of a world cruise including nearly all of the continents. However, as the war broke out in Gaza, the ship was forbidden to go through the Suez Canal, a complete and utter game changer. Naturally, I was disappointed as I had wanted more of a complete experience. I had wanted to feel the mileage, the size of the earth before I grew too old to venture out there solo. I put away dollars for a long time, creating a version of a Christmas Club just for the trip, something that you are welcome to do as well. Since I was determined to set out on this particular ship, a round trip departing in Los Angeles and returning to Los Angeles, my current hometown, I settled for what became the third itinerary. As I am going as a single person, the cost was double, about 50K, but still pretty reasonable considering the trip is all inclusive. Everything you can think of is included. If I don't buy any souvenirs, I won't have to spend a dime. I will tip the tour guides, though. 

On 1/21 at 12:30 p.m., I will be joining a culture of cruisers, mainly retired couples who spend much time vacationing on ships. Some even live on them full time, something that I don't see myself doing as an individual who doesn't drink alcoholic beverages (up to fifteen are included daily–yikes), play cards (or board games), consume specialty desserts twice a day (as advertised), or much in the way of gourmet food. I probably don't have much in common with my fellow passengers other than wanting to change the scenery. Escapism is big these days. I don't have to tell you why. However, we'll be in safe waters (I hope). And I hope the natives will be friendly. After all, money is a universal language. To earn enough to pay the bills, one has at least to fake congeniality. 

Heads-up: my blog posts from today until May 16th will be reflective of my adventures. I hope you will decide to join me on this once-in-a-lifetime escapade by way of "Word to Words." Between destinations, I'll be working on writing a romance novel set on and off of the ship. Stay tuned. 

#PacificCruise, #CoralPrincess, #travel, #blog, #personal essay, #blogger