18 Months to World Cruise 2012

Reality is just beginning to set in... In approximately 18 months time I will begin the journey of a lifetime, a world cruise. I've received a variety of reactions from friends, family and people I meet about this trip, but, I think my own reaction has been the biggest surprise. I haven't allowed myself to really enjoy the anticipation - I've been so busy dealing with other things - from finally eliminating a truly odd duck from my life to trying to figure out my adventures in real estate... I haven't allowed myself to enjoy what lies ahead of me.

I'm actually going to get to see a good chunk of the world, and, visit places I could only hope to visit without the aid of this world cruise. Oh sure, I still don't have a clue about the itinerary (other than QM2 is confirmed for 28 days in Australia in 2012) and I'm sure there will be a few ports here and there I wouldn't care to see in the first place, but, really - this is something most people only dream about experiencing and here I am getting to go and I'm still in my 40s.

I realized my good fortune this morning when I was awaken by my best friend that the clock is ticking and that we should use the time to go shopping. Ok, so, it's an excuse to go shopping, but, the reality of it is that I have to have clothing for a variety of climates and everything from ballgowns and accessories to go with it to jeans and shorts... 3 months worth!

Why do I have a feeling I'm about to get on a first name basis with the entire staff of both Saks and Bergdorf's?? Damn the tourists, it's off to Fifth Avenue and a serious shop-a-thon today!

Meet me on Meetup

Welcome! Luxury and Upscale Cruises Group for Singles NYC

I was approached about joining this Meetup club and what the heck? I'm single and I love luxury and upscale cruises. Sounds like a perfect match! Why not join the group with me? Here's the link: http://www.meetup.com/Luxury-and-Upscale-Cruises-Group/

Fashion's Night Out is September 10 2010

Ok girls (and the occasional guy) circle your calendars for the evening of Friday, September 10, 2010 from 6pm to 11pm. It's Fashion's Night Out.

What is it?
Fashion's Night Out is the kick-off event for New York Fashion Week which is co-produced by Vogue and SPEC Entertainment. According to Vogue this year will boast 200 top models showing trends for Fall 2010.

The 2009 FNO (Fashion's Night Out) had more than 800 participating stores across the five boroughs of New York and brought out thousands of shoppers who supported the fashion and retail industries.

The 2010 event is expected to be bigger and better than 2009, and, you should register now to receive information first. If you are a retailer who wants to participate click the following link: http://www.fashionsnightout.com/register/ and if you are a consumer/fan/shopper then please click this link: http://www.fashionsnightout.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page and click where is it says "Attention Shoppers". A pop-up box will allow you to register.

A percentage of the sales from the Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt will be donated to the NYC AIDS Fund. Be sure to check back in August for retailer information and locations.

I'll be there and I hope you'll join me.

Photo provided by nitrolicious.com

Positano anyone?

Funny, I was just discussing the Amalfi coast with a friend yesterday, and, today I find out that I am heading to Positano sometime next year. And, while it's a tough, I'll be staying at Le Sirenuse.

I just have to figure out how to extend the stay! Who wants to go with me? (As if I already don't know)

Now, as I was just discussing with a friend, if you want to see a fun movie that has a lot of great Italian scenery, do yourself a favor and rent "Only You" with Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. This movie didn't win any awards and most critics tore it to shreds, but, it's a nice movie - a fun movie on many levels. Not a lot of laughs but a light hearted film. Here's a trailer if you're at all interested: http://www.videodetective.com/titledetails.aspx?PublishedID=5346

Now that you've seen the trailer, who wants to go to Italy with me in 2011?

Speculation: Cunard Royal Rendezvous 2012

I could be wrong, but, I'm beginning to wonder if Cunard is planning a Royal Rendezvous in Fort Lauderdale on January 19, 2012. Here is how I am jumping to this thought:

1. QM2 is making an Eastbound Transatlantic crossing on January 3, 2012. If they schedule her for a turnaround for a Westbound Transatlantic and the start of World Cruise 2012 on January 10, 2012, she would be back in New York on January 17, 2012. Add on two days to get to Fort Lauderdale to bring the date up to January 19, 2012.

2. QV is going to be in Fort Lauderdale on January 19, 2012 for an 11 night Caribbean sailing. This is fact, not speculation.

3. QE's early January sailing in 2012 for 5 nights has now been removed from the reservations system. One can assume (and assume big) that it is because Cunard will use QE for a World Cruise in 2012 since nothing is in the reservation system beyond QE's holiday sailing which returns to Southampton on January 5, 2010 giving ample time to get to Fort Lauderdale on January 19, 2012.

Of course this is my own personal speculation based upon facts I have researched the past few hours. Personally, I am hoping for a Royal Rendezvous in Fort Lauderdale and I do believe it would be extremely festive and fun. However, with a 2011 Royal Rendezvous in place for January 13, 2011 my 2012 theory seems less likely, but, all we can do is wait and see...

Bermuda on my mind

I know I've been bad about posting in here and I'm trying to do my best to keep up, and, so today I'll simply state that I have Bermuda on my mind. I don't know what it is about Bermuda, but, I happen to love it. I've checked and double checked the strict rules for foreigners buying property in Bermuda, and, unfortunately, I don't think I will able to afford to buy there - ever. It won't keep me from visiting - I do love it so.

I see Elbow Beach just got a major face lift - it's such a nice resort! Of course, if you're a golfer, Southampton Princess is good too.

Yes... I foresee a trip to Bermuda for me in the not so distant future...

World Cruise 2012 Cunard QM2 - Who's with me?

I know I haven't really written in this blog in a while - sure I've cut and pasted information, but, as far as an actual entry, it's been a while.

I have started a journal on TravelPod for World Cruise 2012 in case anyone is interested. And, I hope I find a few people truly interested in joining me on this journey. I have one faithful friend who is going to attempt to travel with me but given his line of work, it might be tough for him to take off 3 months - hopefully he can join me for part of the voyage if not the full voyage.

I'm waiting for another friend to respond to me, he kind of drifts in and out of my life. I've have traveled with him before and he does make an excellent travel companion. However, I have not received any commitment at this point, but, it's still early in the game.

As I wrote in my Travelpod entry for today, I'm currently trying to second guess Cunard. I do know and have had it confirmed that QM2's last voyage currently in the reservations system is for a Transatlantic crossing on January 3, 2012. Now given other information such as the Royal Circumnavigation of Australia which begin February 8, 2012, logic dictates that the itinerary will be similar to that of the QM2 2011 World Cruise.

Now I just have to wait and see if I'm right!

Those interested in joining me on World Cruise 2012 should visit the following websites:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108081605886749

Opt-in Email List: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001pj6W7ke0zfty3BLwOyFm-Q%3D%3D