Sea Day - 19 Oct 2026 Aboard Explorer of the Seas, a day between ports brought old friends, seven wines, a lovely dinner with Patty, and a very well-prepared face for tomorrow’s adventures. You would think a day at sea would be an opportunity to sleep late and take things slowly. Well, I was up at 6:00 a.m. There were people to see, appointments to keep, and pancakes to catch before breakfast closed. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I intended to fit in a nap. Even a rela

A little morning pampering, a taste of the Croatian countryside, a well-earned nap, and an evening with friends who are always ready for another adventure.

A luxurious Venetian breakfast, private Murano glassmaking tour, a glass cat for Roseann, dinner at Antico Martini, and an unforgettable musical evening.

An exceptionally smooth departure from Venice, a reunion with old friends, a little pampering, and one suitcase that apparently had travel plans of its own.

An exceptionally smooth arrival, a little Italian style, and a day spent finding my feet in Venice.

Continue the Journey Back to the Explorer of the Seas 2026 Journey Hub — follow the complete voyage and all daily stories.

Months before I step aboard Explorer of the Seas, the journey is already underway—through flights, hotels, transfers, cruise logistics, photography preparation, documents, equipment, and the many small details that make a month-long adventure possible.

A ten-day Michigan road trip filled with lifelong friendship, Detroit memories, summer boat events, classic food, Mackinac Island, the Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks, Lake Superior and my 71st birthday.

A four-day return to my hometown filled with friendship, RUSH, Ed Sheeran, Eastern Market, Detroit art, Greektown, great food, and the wonderful feeling of being young again.

A personal milestone essay on life after 70, wellness, travel, family legacy, and the continuing journey of service, creativity, and discovery.

May 3–10, 2026: a travel and photography reflection on sailing the Greek Isles aboard Odyssey of the Seas, where ancient ports, blue water, personal memory, and renewal came together.

In April 2026, I boarded Celebrity Constellation in Tampa for a 15-night transatlantic cruise to Italy. The journey brought sea days, Bermuda and Spain, memorable food and wine, and the excitement of arriving in Europe.

Day 2 – 13 April 2026 - Settling Into the Rhythm of the Atlantic Transatlantic Voyage: Tampa to Rome Good morning from somewhere just off the Florida coast. Nice day at Sea I woke up today feeling truly refreshed—something I don’t take for granted. I turned in around 11:00 last night and didn’t open my eyes until about 7:00 this morning. That kind of deep, uninterrupted sleep has been rare for me lately, and I have to say—it felt fantastic. There’s something about being at se

Day 3 - 14 April 26 at Sea – Heading Toward Bermuda Transatlantic Voyage: Tampa to Rome Hello from the open sea, as we sail toward Bermuda! I’m really finding my groove on this journey, and today was one of those perfect cruise days where everything just clicks. A Relaxed and Elegant Start to the Day I kicked off the morning with a special continental breakfast—simple, elegant, and just what I needed. Fresh pastries, fruit, and a great cup of coffee while watching the endless

Day 2 – 13 April 2026 - Settling Into the Rhythm of the Atlantic Transatlantic Voyage: Tampa to Rome Good morning from somewhere just off the Florida coast. I woke up today feeling truly refreshed—something I don’t take for granted. I turned in around 11:00 last night and didn’t open my eyes until about 7:00 this morning. That kind of deep, uninterrupted sleep has been rare for me lately, and I have to say—it felt fantastic. There’s something about being at sea, gently rocked