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5 Things to Take With You on Your Next Cruise

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Keith and I like cruising. One of the reasons we enjoy cruising is the ability to disconnect. While cruise ships do offer WiFi, it’s not the same and cruising gives us the opportunity to really put technology away.

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I ran across this post titled “9 Cruise Packing List Omissions that Can Completely Ruin Your Trip”. It’s a good read and offers some items you definitely want to pack – like medication, sunscreen, and your passport. But I wanted to add a few things to the list because packing for a cruise can be a little different.

A couple of months before your cruise, check out the cruise line’s website and see if there are activities and amenities you can book in advance. Cruise lines have become very sophisticated and you can make spa and dinner reservations, book shore excursions, and even buy internet minutes. Years ago, Keith and I would get on the ship and have to run around to make all these arrangements. Now, we can embark and just focus on relaxing. Also, see if your cruise line has an app. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line offers passengers an app, which has restaurant menus and account review.

Also, check the loyalty programs for your cruise line. There are many little perks to being a frequent cruise traveler – like internet minutes, special cocktail receptions, and laundry services. Know what your loyalty program level gets you. Don’t pay for something you can get for free.

Here are five things to take with you on your next cruise:

  1. Something to carry your keycard. Remember cruising is a cashless environment. Your keycard gets you on/off the ship and it’s your method of payment. So guys might want something to keep their keycard in. I always bring a wristlet or crossbody bag with me. It’s small and I can carry a few items, including my keycard.
  1. A small carryon bag. As much as the cruise line wants to get everyone their luggage on embarkation day before dinner, that doesn’t always happen. So we try to cut the cruise line some slack and walk onboard with enough to get us through dinner. By then, our luggage has arrived. It also works for disembarkation.
  1. A good book. Waiting for trivia or bingo to start? Read a good book. Sitting on deck early in the morning as the ship is going into port? Read a good book. Of course, you’ll want something to read as you’re soaking up the rays. (If you’re into that sort of thing.)
  1. An insulated travel mug. I carry a Yeti with me everywhere I go. I love a nice big cuppa tea in the morning. And I want it to stay hot. Instead of complaining about coffee cups on the ship, I bring my own. Then in the afternoon, I can fill it with cold water and it says cold. Best thing ever.
  1. The Mobile Passport app. If you cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, the Mobile Passport app (FREE on iTunes and Android) will speed your trip through U.S. Customs dramatically. Set the app up with your passport info before you leave and, when you’re ready to disembark, just fill out your declaration in the app.

Cruising is a very relaxing way to travel. But it does take a little preparation. So, we don’t have to make any big decisions during our vacation. Well, except whether to have red or white wine with dinner…

Image captured by Keith Lauby somewhere off the coast of St. Thomas, USVI

The Disney Highway in the Sky Dine Around Is a Must Try

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My love for Disney spans decades. As a child, I sat mesmerized in front of our console television set, watching Walt Disney explain the development of Walt Disney World. Later, as an adult, I revel in Disney events like the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

That’s why I was more than intrigued when Sharlyn told me about the Disney Highway in the Sky Dine Around. What’s that, I asked. Think progressive dinner hopping from resort to resort along the world-famous Walt Disney World monorail. They call it a “dinner unlike any other” and it more than lives up to that!

Disney, Walt Disney World, Highway in the Sky Dine Around, Dine Around, Contemporary Resort

Check-in took place at The Wave. . . of American Flavors restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. They had a small reception area where we received our dine around passes and enjoyed some informal networking time with our intimate group of approximately 30 fellow diners. That was aided by an adult beverage (less than adult is also available) and a delightful amuse bouche of smoked pea and bacon soup. Yum! While we noshed, we were introduced to our hosts who would patiently guide us along our evening’s dining adventure.

After just the right amount of time to get things started, our hosts escorted us to the monorail landing where we were whisked off to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The Poly (as those in-the-know call it) had a decorated area where we enjoyed our appetizer course. Reminiscent of a Hawaiian luau, servers presented three small plates of island inspired fare accompanied by ukulele music. My favorite was the sushi, though I’m not much of a seafood fan. It was just that good!

Disney, Disney Highway in the Sky, Dine Around, Polynesian Village Resort, tiki

Back onboard the monorail, we passed through the Disney World Transportation and Ticket Center on our way to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The first stop was the Garden View Tea Room where afternoon tea is typically served. For our group, however, they delighted us with champagne and charcuterie before escorting everyone up to their Mediterranean styled restaurant Cítricos.

Disney, Disney Highway in the Sky Dine Around, Dine Around, Grand Floridian Resort, champagne

For our main course, we were treated to surf and turf with fall-off-the-bone tender short ribs paired with halibut. Not a fish eater like me? No problem, we’re happy to give you extra short ribs!  The entrée is served with your choice of red or white wine. Our final trip on the monorail brought us back to Disney’s Contemporary Resort for dessert and an exclusive view of the Happily Ever After fireworks show. And, when I say exclusive view, you could almost reach up and touch the monorail whenever it passed directly overhead.

Disney, Disney Highway in the Sky Dine Around, Dine Around, Citricos

Part of the enjoyment was the many informal conversations with the other guests. We had the pleasure of meeting several people who shared our admiration for all things Disney. We even learned about other events to check out in the months ahead.

Our dining adventure was complete and there was never a disappointment. My love for Disney continues, though it costs a little more. Okay, a lot more at $150 per person plus tax and gratuity. Make no mistake, this specialty dining experience is limited in size and availability. Even if you plan ahead, you may have to be flexible with your dates to get a reservation. But, as chef Alton Brown likes to say, your patience will be rewarded.

What We’re UP To: June 2017

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Watching | Twin Peaks

> It’s been 25 years, but the Twin Peaks revival has started. Before we start watching the new episodes, we decided to watch the original. I must say, the show has held up well over the years. You know, there are some shows that are 10, 20 years old and they look 10, 20 years old. Not the case with Twin Peaks.

Twin Peaks, Agent Cooper, bobblehead, unretirement, unretirement project, retirement

Reading | Toxic Octopus

> I’m a big fan of comedy mystery books. Love Carl Hiaasen and Jana DeLeon. Now I can add Lisa Haneberg to my must-read list. Lisa and I worked on a management development book years ago and she’s branched out to fiction. “Toxic Octopus” is the second book in the series. You can download the first book, “Ghost Rat” for free.

Working On | BlogHer17

> We envision this blog to be different from HR Bartender. While we’ll talk a bit about careers and consulting, we want to also talk about travel, food, and life. Since this year’s BlogHer conference is in Orlando, we decided to go get some ideas and inspiration.

Feeling | Frustrated

> …with my computer equipment. It always seems like whenever I have a bunch of deadlines, my computer decides that the blue screen of death (BSOD) needs to show up. We’re wondering if it’s time to make the transition from PCs to Macs. If you have an opinion, please drop us your thoughts in the comments!

Planning | Menus!

> You guys know that I’m a planner. Spring human resources conference season is ending soon and I’m looking forward to some home cooking over the summer. One of our favorite things to make is pizza on the grill. We’ve been perfecting homemade pizza dough and fresh sauce. Delish!

Loving | Yeti

> I always carry a Yeti in my suitcase. It was wonderful to have it during our cruise to Cuba. When you’re used to having a nice big mug of tea in the morning, the small cups on the ship just won’t do. And we weren’t the only people walking around the ship with Yeti travel mugs.

Geeking | Apple Pay

> I know, I know…Apple Pay has been around for years. I’ve been reluctant to give it a try. But I recently set it up and it is so convenient! Especially at Starbucks. I initially purchased my Apple Watch for the health and exercise features, and I really like that the watch is more than that.

What’s UP with you? Leave us a note in the comments about how you’re spending the summer.

Image of Agent Cooper captured by Keith Lauby

Cruise to Another World: Havana Cuba

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Havana is a city in renaissance. It’s a city that clings to its past, parading their classic 1950’s era cars up and down historic cobblestone streets. At the same time, renovation and remodeling construction is everywhere, preserving history and ever so slowly bringing Havana into more modern times. And surrounding it all is the city’s stunning Baroque, art nouveau, and art deco architecture.

Havana, Havana Cuba, Cuba, Norwegian Cruise, NCL

Sharlyn and I had the distinct pleasure of cruising the Norwegian Sky to Havana – their third such cruise since travel restrictions were relaxed in 2016. At the time of this writing, however, U.S. travelers must meet one of 12 cultural exchange conditions. Norwegian was very careful to make sure all of their Cuba excursions complied with this legal requirement.

There were two big highpoints for us over the two days in port – a walking tour with a focus on Old Colonial Havana and a visit to Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the National Museum of Fine Arts. Cuba was “discovered” by Christopher Columbus during his 1492 voyage to the Americas and then became a Spanish colony. Fortunately, the Cuban government mandated the preservation of their colonial heritage for the benefit of their citizens and travelers alike.

This was also evident in the National Museum, which showcased Cuban artists from colonial through modern times. The museum’s carefully curated works proudly displayed each artist, showing how their artistic vision evolved over their lifetime. Our guide was diligent in tying each visual portrayal to Cuba’s historic events at the time. This trip also took us to Muraleando, an amazing “community project” in which volunteers help develop local artists.

6 Things You Need to Know 

Since traveling to Cuba is still new, it’s constantly changing. But here are some details that we found helpful during our trip.

  1. Customs – Cuba requires U.S. travelers to get a special visa and Norwegian helped us get it for a fee. Over the two days in port, we had to go through Cuban customs six times. Don’t worry, they are very efficient.
  1. Excursions – We were told that the Cuban government runs the tours and we were encouraged to “act like travelers, not tourists”. This is a nice way of saying things may change without notice. They can and do, so expect it.
  1. Weather – Think hot and humid whether you are wandering the streets of Old Havana or inside most of their buildings. Air conditioning is very limited except on the tour busses, which are modern and very comfortable.
  1. Shopping – Some of the excursions include shopping. One of our tour guides took us to a government store where we could purchase coffee, rum, and cigars. There’s also an open market near the port. A little bit of shopping is available at the port terminal.
  1. Money – Speaking of shopping, no credit or debit cards are accepted. While everything Sharlyn and I read said you should exchange U.S. currency at the cruise terminal, we found that everyone took U.S. dollars (though maybe a couple more of them).
  1. Jaw Dropping Moment – rounding a corner on a narrow cobblestone street and walking past an open doorway that led to a small courtyard where a very talented opera singer was performing for a well-dressed crowd at 10:30 AM.

Havana Cuba, Havana, Cuba, Old Car, Norwegian, NCL Cruise

As a couple of travelers who mostly thought of Cuba just in terms of 1959 to today, this Norwegian cruise to Havana was an amazing and humbling adventure. It’s the people! The visual splendor of old cars and incredible architecture pales behind the warmth, knowledge and friendliness of Havana’s proud people. That’s evident in their love of music, dance and community and the inspiring expressions of their storied cultural heritage.

UPDATE (July 2018) – we just returned from a second trip to Havana and loved it just as much as the first! But, as can happen with American travel overseas, the rules and restrictions appear to have changed. As of this date, travel is still legal, but there are updated regulations. So do your research before you book your travel! Ask your tour operator, cruise line or the State Department to know all legal restrictions. For us, it was still another amazing adventure! I’m sure yours will be too.

Norwegian Sky Cuba Cruise Review

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Living in South Florida, one of the things that Keith and I have always wanted to do was visit Cuba. So, when Norwegian Cruise Line announced cruises to Cuba, it was the perfect opportunity. We didn’t have to worry about finding a hotel, restaurants, etc. We quickly discovered that it’s hard to find Cuba travel information.

Cuba, Cuba cruise, Norwegian Sky Cuba Cruise, NCL Sky, NCL Cuba, Norwegian Cuba, Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Cruise Line started sailing to Cuba in the beginning of May. We were on their third sailing to Havana. In case you’re thinking about visiting Cuba, I wanted to share with you some information about the Norwegian Sky Cuba Cruise, specifically the ship. (FYI – Keith is going to write about Havana next.)

The Ship: There’s no sugar-coating it – the Norwegian Sky is old. I remember the ship when it was the Pride of Aloha (close to a decade ago). In fact, it still has Hawaii posters, meeting rooms, etc. The half-Hawaii/half-Caribbean décor is a little funky. That being said, I believe there’s a difference between old and dirty. Yes, the ship is old. But it was clean.

Cabins: Because the ship is older, it doesn’t have a lot of balcony cabins. We chose a cabin with a large window. The window brought in a lot of light. The cabins also remind me of older hotels in Las Vegas, the rooms are a little bigger than you typically find today.

The Crew: We found the crew to be very friendly – servers, bartenders, cabin stewards, etc. Whenever a crew member walked by, they said hello. I will say that because the Cuba cruises are new, there’s still a learning curve for the crew. For example, we received conflicting information about how many bottles of Cuban rum we could bring back to the U.S. (Side note: Look up Customs information before you leave.) I’m sure the crew will get better with time when it comes to information about Cuba.

Unlimited Drinks: The Norwegian Sky Cuba Cruise is an unlimited drinks cruise. On one hand, it’s really nice not to have to sign a bunch of receipts during your vacation. But I don’t have to tell anyone that “open bar” can also be a negative (envision “booze cruise”). Bottled water is excluded but you can purchase a water package before embarkation. We did – it was in our cabin when we arrived. And we kept it in the refrigerator to stay cold.

Food Service: We took advantage of the buffet for breakfast and lunch. The breakfast buffet included an omelet station, which was nice. It would have been nice to see Cuban food on the lunch buffet. If you’re a coffee/tea drinker, bring a travel mug with you. I loved having a nice cuppa tea in my Yeti each morning. One of the specialty restaurants, Il Adagio, offers pizza and pasta for lunch (no surcharge). You might want to check them out early before everyone discovers it.

Specialty Dining: Speaking of specialty dining, the Norwegian Sky has three restaurants – Cagney’s Steakhouse, Il Adagio (Italian), and Le Bistro (French) – where you can dine a la carte or purchase a dining plan. I would suggest comparing the cost of the dining package to a la carte because the package could be cheaper, depending on your dinner plans. While we had terrific meals in all of the outlets, we loved Le Bistro and thought it was a highlight of our Norwegian Sky Cuba Cruise. It was quiet, great views of the ocean, terrific service, and good food.

Ship Activities: For us, Havana *was* the cruise, so the fact that there was little else in terms of activities that we were interested in wasn’t too big of a deal. That being said, we would have loved to see more Cuban culture in the activities. Because of weather, the Captain did end up canceling the final port stop (Grand Stirrup Cay). This caused quite a commotion on the pool deck. Passengers jockeying for pool chaises. I could only compare it to after-Christmas sales at Filene’s Basement. You can’t blame NCL for the weather. But it is something to keep in mind, especially if you choose to cruise during Hurricane Season.

As we all learn more about traveling to Cuba, I would expect the cruise to change. For right now, the Norwegian Sky Cuba Cruise offers a nice introduction to Havana. In our next post, Keith is going to share his impressions about the city of Havana. Stay tuned…

Image of Havana, Cuba captured aboard the Norwegian Sky

Bookmark This! Art and Culture Edition

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unretirement, retirement, art, culture, apps, coloring, Starry Night

There are lots of old sayings about not being able to make a living as an artist. While I didn’t do it for a long time, I feel proud that one of my first jobs out of college was self-employed artist. Yes, I actually made a living producing limited edition serigraphs and etchings. It’s not the most glamorous job – I always smelled like paint thinner – but I did enjoy the creativity and being a part of the art community.

Now, I support the art community by trying to sneak off to museums when I travel. And I get creative fulfillment by writing and my hobbies (beading and counted cross stitch). But I’m finding it very cool that technology allows me to be a part of the art community in a new way. I have access to thousands of works of art via the internet and my mobile devices.

ICYMI – The Metropolitan Museum of Art released more than 375,000 public domain artworks online.

If you prefer more of a live experience, check out Google Field Trip. It’s available on iTunes and Android. Next time you’re out and about, open up the app and see the culture of wherever you are. A reminder that we live culture. It’s not just in museums on display.

Google has an arts and culture site that allows you to tour the Sydney Opera House and Taj Mahal. It also talks about art movements like street art and surrealism. You can view the site via your browser or their app (FREE on Android and iTunes).

Speaking of art, I like an app called DailyArt, available on iTunes and Android. Its premise is very simple. One art masterpiece a day, with a little bit of background about it. It takes less than a minute and you learn so much.

Another fave app of mine is called Today in History. If you’re into daily trivia, this is a site that tells you what happened on this day in history including battles, documents, and deaths. I also just noticed that it interfaces with the Apple Watch. I might have to check that out. It’s available on Android and iTunes for free. There’s a small purchase to eliminate ads.

This list doesn’t even include the art you can create on your own with adult coloring books. I so enjoy coloring apps like Recolor and Colorfy. In fact, I colored my favorite work of art for this post, Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

So, even if you don’t live near a museum, you can still be surrounded by art and culture.