Planning With multiple people starting in multiple states, going in multiple directions before the cruise, and then meeting in Southampton added a whole lot of moving parts for each of us. Noreen and Bob hosted a couple of video calls that allowed all of us to touch base about our plans and share each other’s concerns, lessons learned, and answer outstanding questions. Tom put together a travel book which tried to capture all the moving parts of our cruise and the ship. The Prima, being the lead ship in a new class for Norwegian (NCL), appears to very different than any other cruise ships afloat. Layout, dining options, and entertainment choices all vary from what we know as the norm. It even looks different!
However, before we board the Prima there are some exciting adventures planned by different group members. Everyone did their own pre-trip planning and lo and behold some of us will cross each other’s path before we get underway. The gang will hit destinations that are wide and varied. The group will arrive in Southampton after attending a wedding in Ireland, enjoying a cruise in Croatia, exploring Portugal, and crisscrossing the United Kingdom visiting England, Wales, and Scotland. After these adventures we all rendezvous in Southampton and board NCL Prima. Any way you look at it, we will all have a lot to chat about at our sail away get together.
Our pre-trip adventure will take us to London. Janet has never visited this historic world capital and we have lots of sightseeing planned. The Changing of the Guard, Palaces, Cathedrals, Museums, and a Musical are all on the agenda. Of course, there will be lots of wandering the streets with a few stops in wine stores and pubs.
From London we will jump on a train and cross England to the famous city on the Mersey. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah… you got it – Liverpool. Neither of us have been to Liverpool and Tom is truly pumped to experience a full Beatle immersion. We are booked at the Hard Days Night Hotel, which is only blocks away from “The Cavern”. Ok, we know it sounds touristy, but you know the old sane, “When in Salzburg… do the Sound of Music”. (or something like that). If all the stars align, we will get a George Harrison room – wouldn’t that be Something. 😀
After doing our homework, we are excited about all the city of Liverpool has to offer. Not only is there Beatle Mania available, but it is also the city where J Bruce Ismay, the chairman of White Star Lines, had his headquarters. If you know Tom, you know if it has anything to do with the Titanic, a visit to White Star facility will be on our plan-of-the-day. It is here where we will cross paths with some of our fellow travelers on their adventures.
We will only be in Liverpool for three days and then it will be a quick trip back to London by train. Our return to London will only be for a night, and then off to Southampton for a couple days before we board the NCL Prima. Oh yeah, one more little factoid… The RMS Titanic departed Southampton on Wednesday 10th April 1912. Glad we are departing on a Sunday!
Once we begin our voyage, NCL will take over the planning. We have chosen an excursion at each of our ports of call except for Amsterdam. Tom’s work took him to Amsterdam frequently, so he has visited often, and the two of us even got stuck there for a week when the Icelandic volcano blew in 2010. The excursions we did book were through NCL. However, we did use a second party vendor in Reykjavik for a couple outings. There is no doubt with only two days at sea and eight different ports to explore we will be rolling on this cruise!
Packing What to bring may be our most challenging trip task. Our journey will last almost a month, and we will experience temperatures from the upper 70s to the mid-30s. Rain? Why of course we will be in England! Then there is the terrain of cobblestone city streets to the slippery volcanic rocks of Iceland ahead us. And what pair of shoes do we have that matches everything in the suitcase and is comfortable for the ship? Shoe choice is paramount – but how many can we carry without overloading the suitcase? These decisions are all bound by the airline baggage guidelines. One checked bag that must meet specific size restrictions and cannot exceed 50 lbs. Short sleeves, sweaters, a little black dress, collared shirts, and how many pairs of socks and underwear are all adding to the packing equation. Vacations are supposed to be stress free, but packing for this trip has added a little anxiety for both of us. With confidence we can report Tom will not be bringing a coat or a tie!
Due to the length of this trip and the expected wide variation temperatures Rule #1 of our household has been suspended for this trip. (Rule #1 – You must physically be able to pick up your suitcase and hold it over your head.) There is nothing worse than dragging an oversized suitcase on off transportation when traveling. We are going to be able to avoid that situation for most of the trip. We have transportation arranged from the airport (Heathrow) to the hotel. When we go to Liverpool, we will check our bags at a luggage storage facility called “bounce” near the train station. For five dollars a day we will be able to get on the train to Liverpool with an overnight bag. The only time the monster bags will have to be manhandled is when we catch the train to Southampton to board the ship.
We are looking forward to our journey with New Friends and Old Friends and the sights we will see. It is our hope to share them with you in the blog… connectivity permitting. Let the adventure begin!
“Life is about the adventures you take and the memories you make.
So travel often and live life with open eyes and an open heart.” Katie Grissom
No comments:
Post a Comment