Mother's Day 2020

 Happy Mother's Day

Today in America, we celebrate our mothers, both living and deceased.   This year is a bit different than most - as we shelter in place in the midst of a pandemic.  Through the marvels of the electronic age, that doesn't mean we need to be apart. 

It is fitting that honor be given to mothers, for without them, we wouldn't be here.   Setting aside a day to honor mothers dates back centuries and can be traced to the 1600's in Greece, where there were celebrations of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods.  The history is quite fascinating.  To read more, I'd suggest reading the following article on the web:  The History of Mother's Day

Mother's Day as we know it today was first officially proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on May 9, 1914, when he made an official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. The tradition of giving a Mother's Day Proclamation continues to this day with each President of the United States doing so every year.

Mother's Day isn't only celebrated in the United States, but across the world.  There are several different dates however as can be seen here.

If you are looking for something different to give to mom this year, it's not too late.

Would she like to get away once this crisis is over, with or without the family?    Perhaps she would like a few days of pampering and just relaxing on a cruise vacation.  Talk to the rest of the family and see what they think.  The cruise lines are offering incentives for bookings next year.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms on your special day.   We hope that you enjoy your day with family and friends.

So what do you give a mother who has given you the most precious gift, life?   It is pretty common to give moms flowers, candy, jewelry, greeting cards, and dinner on Mother's Day.   Often young children give something made in school or do little things, like cleaning up their rooms.   To the mom, it typically doesn't matter how big or small the gift is.  In fact, they might be just as happy with just the words "I love you mom".

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Merry Christmas - Cruise Ship Style

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Holiday greetings to all on this Christmas Day. I hope this day finds you surrounded by family and friends.

For the men and women serving our country, a special holiday greeting - may the peace of Christmas stay with you now and until you are safely home again. Thank you for your service. May you be home with family and friends very soon.

If you happen to be reading this while on a cruise ship, wish the crew members you see a happy holiday. You might not even consider this while having a great time, but today might be very difficult for them since they are away from their famiiles and friends. Some of them may have been away from home for months.

The holiday season is one of my favorite times to cruise. I live in the midwest, so getting away from cold and snow is a big benefit, but also, the ships and ports are very festive. The picture above was taken during the Holiday Show earlier this month while onboard Carnival Elation. The children participating in Camp Carnival had a special treat - they were part of the cast for the show. Imagine being on stage in front of hundreds of people at that young age.

Another reason that I like to sail during this time of year is the ability to purchase unique Christmas presents in the various ports of call. I love shopping while on a cruise ... no long lines or angry shoppers to contend with. Plus the joy on the recipient's face when they open the gift and realize that it was purchased while I was on a cruise. Of course, gifts could be purchased for Christmas anytime during the year - just don't forget where you hide them.

Whether you sailed away to a warm destination on a ship or traveled to be with family and friends, I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas Day.

And finally, my gift to you ...

Mention this blog post offer when contacting me for:

$50 onboard ship credit - limit 1 per cabin*

Book any 2010 cruise (7 nights or longer)

New Bookings Only

Book between December 30, 2009 and January 31, 2010

*Restrictions apply - cannot be combined with certain other offers (such as group bookings) - contact me for details.

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah ! The Holiday Season has arrived. The eight-day Festival of Lights begins December 11th this year and continues through December 19th. More info....

While onboard Carnival Elation this past week, holiday decorations were hung from the railings (above) as well as the posts in the public areas. In Ensenada, the shops and street posts were also decorated.

Holiday time is a time for families. Regardless of the holiday that you celebrate, there is one common theme ... spending time together as a family to celebrate the holiday. As I walked along the decks of the ship and saw the decorations, I couldn't help but think about the ship's crew. For the most part, the crew will not be spending time with families this holiday season. They will be onboard providing service to passengers just like they do every day of the year.

We sailed out of San Diego on this cruise. In the airport, around town, and even on the ship, there was a military presence due to the various bases in the area. My thoughts about the holidays drifted to the families and service men and women who, just like the crew, will be separated from their families at this holiday time.

Whether you are together for the holidays or separated by many miles, may this be a season filled with joy and happiness. Thank you to those that serve, both on the ships and in the military - our thoughts are with you and your families during this time. Happy Holidays to All.