Have fun! Been on lots of cruises, but none lately :o( I have a mini duffle bag, (best word I can come up with) has many miles on it. Can throw it over my shoulder or just put it around my wrist. For me, it is light weight, and has a zipper at the bottom for small water bottle, and made of nylon with drawstrings.

A visit to Bermuda by air with hotel reservations and restaurant dining can be a budget buster. Great if you know before you get there. Food costs are similar to eatting in a large city. I always say once you have dined in New York city, nothing scares you. A cruise is mostly all inclusive. I can recomend Celebrity highly, for what they offer. Their ship is smaller, 2,100 people vs 4,100 on Norweigen. If you are beach people, be sure to check the air and water temps for the dates you plan to visit. I love flowers and always plan to travel when plantings are at their best.

I am surprised that you were disappointed with the wildlife in the Galapagos, mntnrd. That really is too bad. Were you on a cruise there? When we did our one week cruise several years ago we were amazed at the wide variety of wildlife that we saw, and how it so vastly differed on each island we visited. It was the only place I ever visited that made me look like a "good" photographer, because all of the wildlife was so close and unafraid that the animals didn't move when I came up close for a photo op. I don't know anyone who did an Amazon cruise, but I do know someone who took an Amazon adventure trip (kayaking and the like). She loved it, but I was a little put off by all the pre-trip vaccines she had to get.

Our next port of call is Lahaina on the island of Maui. Arrival was at 8:00 and we were due to sail away at 6:00. Lahaina does not have a pier for cruise ships, the ships tenders are used to shuttle passengers back and forth. There were many people on our ship who used walkers and those folks managed to get ashore without too much of a problem. However, those in battery operated scooters just would not be able to make it. Rather than just turn loose all those who want to go ashore, there are tickets given out shortly after dropping anchor. The numbers on those tickets will determine when you go ashore. They also are working with passengers who have paid the ship for an official excursion (tour) and those get priority. Once again we rented a car. I headed for the small town of Makawao using as many side roads as possible. We went to Maui Hands, where we, once again, spent money. We ventured into a couple of other stores that offered art from local folks. Then, again, using side roads, we headed to the famed Hana Highway. We did not go to Hana, but aimed back toward the small town of Paia, where we went to the Maui Crafts Guild store. More local art. Lunch was at Thai Spice there in town. However, if you ever get to Paia, you must consider the Paia Fish Market restaurant! Communal dining with fresh, fresh fish! We took our time driving back to Lahaina to return the car. Free shuttle back to the ship was convenient. If you are ever on Maui, consider going to their aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center. A great place with two restaurants. Also on Maui is the shield volcano, Haleakala, a long drive away, but wonderful views and some good hiking to the top. That is a US National Park and some folks like to get there for sunrise (reservations recommended for that). There are some great stores in Lahaina, so if shopping is your thing, spend your money there. Back on the ship, Adagio performed in the Explorers Lounge (always called Adagio with different violist/pianist). The Ocean Quarter had the evening off, but Johnny held forth in the piano bar. The Lion King was shown a couple of times in the theater. In the Mainstage, Hyperion Knight (billed as a virtuoso pianist) had shows at 7:30 and 9:30. Since there was no live music in the Ocean Bar, at 8:30 and fun time was with Majority Rules Game, what a blast that one is. There were promotions throughout the ship for Rudi’s Sel de Mer dinner. Very French, with a menu of mostly fresh fish, inspired by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. This is in the Pinnacle Grill and there is a $49 charge for this special event. Reservations required.