A New Normal

1/22/26

It’s interesting how the entire dynamic of the ship has changed practically overnight.  With a large group of Panama Canal cruisers disembarking in LA and Pacific Circle cruisers embarking, it’s like an entirely different cruise.  Of course, the addition of many friends we knew from WC23 make it more personal and fun.

Sherri and I decided to take advantage of one of our perks….unlimited fitness classes.  This morning, I did a Pilates class and then a stretch class, with about 20 min of walking on the treadmill in between.  I thought I’d be more tired and sore after the Pilates class, but it wasn’t too bad.  I really enjoyed it and will make it part of my new normal on sea days.

Did I mention, we have 5 consecutive sea days between LA and our first port in Hawaii.  It’s a fairly long as sea days go.  It’s the same as it will be between Japan and Alaska, and we had a similar period on WC23 when we went transatlantic.  Many cruisers struggle with so many consecutive sea days but for me and Sherri, it’s fine.  We stay incredibly busy on sea days.  Which brings me back to the new normal.  I think I’ll be spending most of my sea day mornings participating in these classes and working out in the fitness center.  It was incredibly engaging and I feel a positive difference.  It’s nice taking such classes with my wife.  And the fact that we’re not paying $30 each per class is a real benefit of our Premier Package.  I can’t remember if it was a perk on 2023, but if it was, we missed an opportunity.

My lunch choice was a new experiment.  As good as the food is, it can be a bit repetitive.  To keep it interesting, I mix and match food pretty often.  And I’ll post a blog about the food later in the trip, but for now, I tried a new combination by starting with various meats and fresh veggies from the buffet, cut in small pieces, and then added a beef broth from the soup bar.  Along with a little bit of pasta, it was like a soup I would fix at home.  It was delicious.  I’m a big fan of soups and chilis.

In no time it was time to resume a tradition of playing cards with S&A from 2-4.  We continued catching up and reminiscing until it was time to get ready for our first real dinner.  We sat at a table of 8 with 2 other couples from WC23, Greg & Ginny (GG) and Pat & Betsy (PB).  Everyone got along great, as I’d expect.  Lots of laughs and just easy, comfortable conversation.

The show was a woman who was on American Idol the year Rubin and Clay battled out for #1.  She was #5.  Can’t say I remember her but she was good.  She sang all Diana Ross and Whitney Houston songs.  They would have been proud.

We then went to the Explorer's Lounge and had more drinks and snacks with a couple who are full time travelers, splitting their time between cruises and an RV. Interesting!! We actually stayed up past 9, which doesn’t sound impressive, but remember, we’ve had 3 time changes and have another one tonight.  So it plays havoc with your circadian rhythm. The only other noteworthy item is our perfect weather is no longer perfect.  No rain, but it was cloudy and COLD in LA.  And it continues to be cold on this first sea day.  By sea day 2, it should be warming up but for now, we’re mostly indoors and the lido deck is a ghost town. Hasta Manana!