Perfect timing for a cruise brochure to attract our interest: end of the pandemic, itching to travel, no desire for an airplane trip, not sure of our abilities to handle lots of walking or physical exertion. Reasons enough to sign on for this trip, departing and returning to New York City, a short train ride from our home.
Our marriage has always been strongest when we are making plans together. After three years of little to plan for, we are loving watching videos of the ports, the ship (Insignia on Oceania) and selecting excursions. My husband is a photographer whose friends have visited and photographed many of these locations; he has long been envious. I will be ending a very long two years of serving as president (first year as president-elect) at our senior community and need to get away. How perfect: planning together, activity to keep my husband very happy, and time enough to distance myself from community
Uncharted Waters 
I did like the day we spent going through the Kiel Canal and I had fun waving to the people on land. You know you don’t have to do the tours unless you want to or have the rules changed. We had wonderful times doing our own exploring, even close to the port or in the ports.
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We did wave at a few folk…there were very few. Most ships in the canal were smaller cargo ships, and the hour of our transit was early. For the most part, we enjoy the ship tours. Our adventuresome spirit is diminished significantly by age.
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