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World Cruise 2020
  • Carolyn Koontz
  • Carolyn Koontz

World Cruise 2020

Regent Seven Seas World Cruise 2020 sailing from Miami to Miami aboard The Mariner.
This amazing journey was scheduled as an 131-day cruise from January 5 - May 17, 2020. Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 5, 2020
    Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler

    Wow

    December 1, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 39 °F

    I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to join two dear friends on an epic, once in a lifetime cruise around the world. We will to fly to Miami on January 5, 2020 and then board Regent Seven Seas luxury ship, The Mariner, for a 131 day trip. We will arrive back in Miami on May 17, 2020.

    I regret there is not enough room for each of you to join me, but please allow me to share our adventure with you this way!    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Packing, Round 1. Our luggage was picked up 12/19. Spoiled already.1Ready! Set! GO!!!The sun is slowly setting on our day.Nice walk around Brickell KeyWe're not in Missouri anymore 😉1Walking towards their next adventure hand in hand.

    Day 1 - 1,090 Miles

    December 15, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 28 °F

    Day 1 - 1,090 Miles

    525 days! It was actually 525 days ago, on July 29, 2018 when I answered a call from Katie asking me to consider going on an around the world cruise. My memory is a bit fuzzy due to the shock value of the question, but I believe I “considered” her question for between 10 and 15 seconds before replying with a resounding YES. 525 days of dreaming, planning, anticipating, and preparing have brought us to the beginning of our adventure.

    The tally now resets to Day 1.

    After arriving in Miami and successfully navigating the massive airport, we were chauffeured to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. We took a nice walk around Brickell Key and then had dinner at a Peruvian restaurant where we didn’t understand the menu yet were pleasantly surprised with a fantastic meal. Exhausted. I can’t wait for Day 2.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Stateroom 887. Home for the next 131 days
    Still waiting to departFinally underway!

    Day 2 - 1,100 Miles, Port of Miami

    January 6, 2020, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌙 70 °F

    Day 2 - 1,100 Miles

    A bit of finagling allowed us to bypass a 100+ deep line of anxious slowly moving travelers traversing the labyrinth of velvet ropes to the check-in desk. 252 sf of luxury awaited me as I inserted my key card into the door lock. Iced champagne, fresh fruit, crisp linens, fully stock refrigerator, L’Occitane toiletries, and even a gorgeous orchid were waiting for me behind the door.

    We met up later in the evening to toast our departure from port. We were scheduled to leave port at 6PM but finally set sail at 7:15

    My traveling companions enjoyed dinner in their room and I joined up with a solo traveler group for meet and greet cocktails and dinner. Dinner in the Compass Rose restaurant was delicious, limiting my indulgence to veal and Brussels sprouts. It’s a long cruise and I don’t want to be rolled off the ship due to bread, appetizers, starches, and desserts. I packed a scale!

    Unpacking can wait until tomorrow.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Sunset along Cuban coast until the storm came in
    1

    Day 4 - 1,873 Miles, The North Atlantic

    January 7, 2020, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Day 4 - 1,873 Miles

    Southwhere in the Caribbean Sea of The North Atlantic south of Jamaica.

    The ship’s internet service was a bit spotty yesterday, so if you’re following along it may have looked like we had dropped anchor off the coast of Cuba. We’ve been cruising along at an average speed of 18.5 knots.

    Last evening we attended the ship’s production of “Tuxedo” in the Constellation Theater and it was was wonderful. It was an hour of nonstop singing and dancing, countless costume changes, and the cast was accompanied by the Regent Signature Orchestra performing a modern take on some classic music. Tonight’s show is an ABBA tribute!

    Jay and I attempted to do some track walking at the top of the ship this morning. I finally surrendered to the wind speed of ”Moderate Gale” 35 knots (42 miles per hour) and “Moderate” seas of 8 - 10 feet. Not certain how yesterday’s calm and today’s moderate can have the same wave height but for me it was like walking on a moving rope bridge with winds similar to sticking my head out of a moving car.

    Time for a Caribbean grilled lunch on the pool deck.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    St. Peter Claver ChurchLa Gorda Gertrudis1Old CartragenaCartagena Cathedral1Aviary

    Day 5 - 2,390 Miles, Cartagena, Colombia

    January 9, 2020 in Colombia ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Day 5 - 2,390 Miles

    We had a lovely day in Cartagena. Our tour guide for our walking tour of old Cartagena was disappointing, but seeing the old city behind the 12km long wall was not. We did a quick stop at San Felipe Fortress and then on to the old town. I was smitten by the narrow Colonial streets adorned with brightly colored buildings with balconies overflowing with flowers. We walked past St. Peter Claver church, Cartagena Cathedral, and finally to my favorite site, La Gorda Gertrudis.
    If you rub her, you will have good luck. Not sure about good luck because the souvenir hawkers were relentless but I did get a good picture.

    Our final stop before reembarking was at a small but packed aviary with species native to the region. Back on the ship for cocktails with Friends of Dorothy, then dinner followed by a comedy show featuring Jeff Nease at 9:30, if we can stay awake. We depart port at 7PM and arrive in Panama tomorrow at noon for our next stop!    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    The Mariner's officers
    1ABBA FAB

    Day 5 - 2,369 Miles, the Caribbean Sea

    January 9, 2020, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Day 5 - 2,369 Miles

    The Captain's reception was this evening followed by with a special dinner menu and then a concert by an ABBA tribute band.

    The beautiful moon was the perfect nightcap and it lit the ocean’s surface turned white by waves of 12.5 to 15 feet. The wind howled through a tiny opening in the seal of my door constantly reminding me of Captain von Trapp’s sea whistle.

    The ships speed has now slowed as we approach the Colombian coast at Cartagena. I’ve got to go find the perfect spot to watch our arrival. More later.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Panama Canal, Gatun Locks

    Day 7 - 2,809 Miles, Panama Canal

    January 11, 2020 in Panama ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Day 7 - 2,809 Miles

    Today is our daylight transit of the Panama Canal. There are numerous fascinating details but I’ll just share a few highlights via pictures of our passage through the first set of locks, the Gutan Locks. We will spend the next few hours zig zagging across Lake Gatun along the Chagres riverbed and should arrive in the Pacific Ocean late this afternoon after going through 2 additional sets of locks.Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler

    Day 8 - 3,100 Miles, North Pacific

    January 12, 2020, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌙 82 °F

    Day 8 - 3,100 Miles

    I don’t normally post meal pictures but the appetizers at tonight’s dinner at Chartreuse restaurant are picture worthy. The serving plate in mother of pearl with champagne like bubbles embossed on the rim of fine French china highlighted the escargot perfectly. The dish was a bite of perfection.Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    1River Crossing on Wagon TourRobbie and ShirleySome Local Favorite Snacks

    Day 9 - 3,454 Miles, Costa Rica

    January 13, 2020 in Costa Rica ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    Day 9 - 3,454 Miles

    What a great day in Costa Rica! We were among the first passengers off of the ship this morning in Puntarenas and definitely the first ones to the end of the pier. Why? Because I promised Katie’s sister Sheila we would be! Sheila and her son Robbie were waiting for us, but I could see Sheila waving and dancing from the halfway point on our long walk down the pier.

    Sheila arranged a beautiful day for us in Costa Rica. We went to a lovely family owned resort in Garabito and then did a hour long wagon trip in the Carara National Park. Note to self: next mention of tractor, wagon, river crossings in rain forest equals pack sports bra.

    Sheila went all out for us with some local favorite snacks including Cocadas, plantain chips, and Granadillas and Robbie opened each of us a fresh coconut so we could enjoy some coconut water.

    We took a lovely walk around the resort grounds and ended with a beautiful lunch before being chauffeured back to The Mariner This is one port where we had to leave much to quickly. Thank you Sheila, Roberto, Robbie, and Shirley for the planning, preparation, love, friendship, and gifts. A special thanks to Sheila for the hairspray!    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    1

    Day 10 - 3,638 Miles, Nicaragua

    January 14, 2020, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 81 °F

    Day 10 - 3,638 Miles

    The Gulf of Papagyo provided little protection from the wind this morning at our intended port of San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. Sustained gale winds of 40 knots with gusts to 70 knots made it unsafe to tender ashore (I’m learning ship speak), her anchors would not hold at those wind speeds combined with seas of 3 meters.Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler

    Day 10 - 3,892 Miles, North Pacific

    January 14, 2020, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Day 10 - 3,892 Miles

    Everyone has a story to tell if you give them the opportunity to tell it.

    At only 10 days into our 132 day adventure I have heard some wonderful stories from some amazing people. I’ve heard a tale of a purse stealing, biting monkey and a remarkable biography detailing the strength of a woman who survived personal tragedies both emotional and life threatening and chose to “write” her story in an inspiring and positive way!

    But the one story that will always make me laugh on the inside is from dinner this evening. Dining with fellow passengers and crew members from the U.S., Italy, Scotland, and England somehow the term “Monkey Nuts” was used by a lovely young English crew member. Who knew that ‘monkey nuts’ is a British term for ‘peanuts’, not me. But trust me, I’ll never look at a peanut the same again. Monkey Nuts, gotta love ‘em.

    I love the differences that make us each unique and the laughter we share that makes those differences fade away. I am blessed.

    “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” - Maya Angelou    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    One of many eruptions of Pacaya!
    Naturally occurring profile still in use for Mayan ceremoniesFormer small village destroyed by earthquakeSan Francisco Church and RuinsGot too much to carry?Ending the evening with a dance

    Day 11 - 4,143 Miles, Guatemala

    January 15, 2020 in Guatemala ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Day 11 - 4,143 Miles

    I could see the Guatemalan coast at 6 AM not really understanding that what I was seeing were volcanos, one of which is active daily.

    Jay and I shopped the port side market after winning the morning dart competition. Then the three of us went to Antigua for the day. Antigua is a charming town, about 4,500 feet above sea level nestled in the valley of three volcanos. On our drive to Antigua the air often smelled like smoke from the farmers burning the sugar cane fields. We saw coffee and banana plantations also. Wednesday was The Celebration of The Black Christ so there was a festival atmosphere and the square was packed with families celebrating the occasion. The highlight of our time in Antigua was touring the Ruins of San Francisco Church.Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Freshly made candied ginger. No, you don't eat all of it

    Day 12 - 4,442 Miles, North Pacific

    January 16, 2020, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Day 12 - 4,442 Miles

    Gale force winds across the ship along with high seas got the best of me today. I now know what sea sickness feels like. In my defense, the captain did change course slightly and slow the ship to try to help.

    Candied Ginger ordered by my steward, Sea Bands, and a Zofran got me through it.

    Katie and Jay, no problem!    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Zihautanejo / Ixtapa
    11View from Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo

    Day 13 - 4,970 Miles, Zihuatanejo

    January 17, 2020 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 90 °F

    Day 13 - 4,970 Miles

    I looked around Zihuatanejo for Andy and Red’s boat shop. I didn’t find their shop but I did find a two small tourist towns and the elevated views offered us a picturesque view of the ship anchored in the bay. Beyond that, I think my friend Andy Dufresne could have picked a better landing place.

    PS Our life boats honestly do hold 150 people each, which I thought was a total exaggeration at our drill and was certain they’d be leaving a few folks behind.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    3San Jose del Cabo Centre
    121No Script Necessary.2

    Day 15 - 5,613, Cabo San Lucas

    January 19, 2020, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Day 15 - 5,613 Miles

    With our anchor in the pocket we are ending our day in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. I was so excited to see the “puff” of water, breach, and whale tail from my balcony on the starboard side of the ship as we rounded the tip of the Baja Peninsula.

    We toured the Art District in San José del Cabo and enjoyed a snack along the town plaza.

    Sorry Dennis, I didn’t make it to Sammy’s place.

    Our tender pilot had to keep his head on a swivel today. The port was overwhelmed with traffic. There were 3 cruise ships in addition to us, all of which were tendering their passengers too. There were whale watching boats, jet skis, fishing boats, sail boats, glass bottom boats, cruisers, catamarans, coast guard boats, supply tenders, seals fishing, and pelicans floating oblivious to the commotion.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler

    Day 17 - 6,584 Miles, San Diego

    January 21, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F

    Day 17 - 6,584 Miles

    It’s a chilly and overcast morning as we slowly make our way into port in San Diego. Several naval vessels are in port and we passed the Naval Air Station with 70+ choppers at the ready.

    Sleep tight tonight, the Navy is wide awake.    Read more

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