Tag: travel (Page 1 of 5)

Alaskan Inner Passage Cruise

November 19, 2025 / lnorwood10

We recently completed a 7‑night Alaska Inside Passage cruise aboard Coral Princess, which departed Vancouver on May 14, 2025 and arrived in Whittier/Anchorage on May 21, 2025, sailing northbound through Glacier Bay and College Fjord. It was a beautiful trip with amazing scenery, activities, and staff.

🚢 Itinerary & Route

This classic entry‑level Alaska cruise departed Vancouver on May 14, 2025. Over the next seven nights, the ship called on Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, interspersed with scenic glacier passages such as Glacier Bay and College Fjord, disembarking in Whittier (Anchorage) on May 21, 2025 (Cruisewatch).

🛳 Ship & Atmosphere

At around 2,000 passengers, Coral Princess is one of Princess’s smaller Alaska ships—intimate and relaxed, with ample public space and deck views that never feel crowded (cruisegalore.com, Cruise Critic).
Reddit users called it “a fine wee vessel… compact, easy to get around… great crew” and appreciated the wide wraparound promenade and Wheelhouse Bar (Reddit).

🛏 Cabin & Facilities

Inside cabins are quiet and restful—highly rated by solo travelers for their cozy feel, though the showers are notably small and may be a tight squeeze for tall guests (Reddit).
Balcony and mini‑suite cabins add space and value—especially Club Class upgrades with priority boarding and personalized service—but showers remain cramped and occasionally suffer from water‑temperature fluctuations (Cruise Critic).

🍽 Dining & Beverage Plans

Dining quality was a standout of mixed opinions: main dining rooms often earned praise, while the buffet (Horizon Court) drew complaints about inconsistency, saltiness, and crowding (cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, Tripadvisor).
Casual venues are limited—no permanent pizzeria or pub; instead, Sabatini’s and Crown Grill host rotating lunches on sea days, but normal onboard options are narrower than on larger ships (Reddit).
The Plus package (Wi‑Fi + non‑alcoholic drinks + basic alcohol) is generally considered good value; Premier pays off only if you maximize specialty dining benefits (Reddit).

🎭 Activities & Entertainment

Onboard programming included live music, trivia, stage shows, and guest speakers—particularly naturalists or park rangers during glacier days. One reviewer rated entertainment and activities a full 5/5 (cruiseline.com).
Crowd generally skews older and more sedate—perfect for travelers seeking calm and culture over youth‑focused attractions (Reddit).

🏔 Scenic Sights & Excursions

Glacier Bay and College Fjord were standout moments with expert narration and extended leisurely sails—often described as “life‑changing” by passengers (alaskacruises.com).
Shore excursions are best booked independently—whale watching, glacier hikes, private van tours to Mendenhall Glacier offer better value than ship‑booked tours (Reddit).
Favorite chilled ports of call included heritage rail in Skagway, glacier viewpoints and hiking in Juneau, and independent tours of Ketchikan (The Sun).

👥 Crew & Service

Service was widely praised—friendly, attentive and genuinely warm. Crew earned high marks even in reviews critical of ship age or food quality (cruisegalore.com, Cruise Critic, Reddit).
Passenger feedback praised maintenance efforts (daily repainting and carpet upkeep), though recurring cabin issues—like plumbing odors or sagging beds in isolated staterooms—occasionally occurred (Reddit).

⚠️ Ship Age & Limitations

Launched in 2003, Coral Princess is older than most modern fleetmates. Some reviews cited visible rust, dated décor, and maintenance quirks—though planned dry‑dock refurbishments help keep her serviceable (cruisegalore.com).
Common complaints: inconsistent buffet food, occasional elevator/outlet issues, interior wear and tear (e.g., carpet stains, oversized doors, minor plumbing problems) (Cruise Critic, Reddit).

🧳 Practical Tips & Logistics

Seasickness is rare but possible—ginger capsules or motion medication recommended if you’re sensitive. Most found Pacific waters relatively calm by mid‑May (boards.cruisecritic.com).
Bring magnetic wall hooks—inside cabins lack hanging space. Leave some extra room in your suitcase for purchases—you’ll likely pick up crafts, jewelry or local souvenirs along the way (Reddit).

✅ Summary Table

Category	Highlights & Caveats
Ship & Atmosphere	Intimate size with spacious decks; older décor and occasional wear
Cabin Experience	Quiet inside or balcony; showers tiny; occasional plumbing hiccups
Dining	Main dining solid; buffet inconsistent; few casual dining spots
Entertainment	Good shows and port talks; mellow, mature atmosphere
Scenery & Ports	Glacier Bay & College Fjord are awe-inspiring; independent tours save $
Service	Crew consistently friendly and helpful
Value Packages	Plus delivers good value; Premier only if you’re heavy on specialty meals
Weather	Mid‑May: generally calm seas, cool and crisp climate; pack layers

🌟 Overall Rating: 4.0 out of 5

This May 14–21, 2025 Coral Princess Inside Passage cruise is ideal for travelers seeking stunning Alaska scenery, personalized service, and a smaller-ship pace. Expect a traditional cruise ambiance with strong crew support and great port access—but be prepared for food inconsistencies, dated interiors, and compact showers.

Bottom line: A reliable and scenic choice for mid‑level cruising—perfect if you value nature, quiet luxury, and friendly service over upscale bells and whistles. Interested in helping pick cabin categories, excursions, or upgrade tips? Just let me know!

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

March 16, 2025 / lnorwood10

Visiting the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier in San Diego is like stepping back in time to experience life on one of the most legendary ships in U.S. naval history. Docked in the heart of San Diego Bay, this retired aircraft carrier has been transformed into a museum that’s both educational and awe-inspiring. Whether you’re a history buff, a military enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a unique and memorable experience, the USS Midway has something for everyone.

Location and Accessibility:

The USS Midway is conveniently located along the waterfront, near other major San Diego attractions like the Seaport Village and USS San Diego Memorial. The ship is easily accessible by car, public transit, or even by foot from downtown. Parking can be a bit tricky during peak times, but there are several parking lots nearby, and the area is well-served by public transportation.

The Ship and Its History:

The USS Midway (CV-41) was commissioned in 1945 and served as the flagship of the U.S. Navy for nearly 50 years, making it one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in U.S. history. The ship saw action in multiple conflicts, including the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, and was decommissioned in 1992.

The sheer size of the ship is jaw-dropping when you first approach it. The Midway is massive, stretching over 1,000 feet long, and the experience of exploring its decks gives you a real sense of what life was like for sailors aboard a ship of that scale.

Exhibits and Experiences:

The USS Midway is an absolute treasure trove of exhibits, offering a deep dive into naval history, the life of a sailor, and the evolution of aircraft. Some highlights include:

Flight Deck: The crown jewel of the Midway is its expansive flight deck, which showcases a stunning collection of aircraft from different eras, including jet fighters, helicopters, and vintage planes. Walking among these iconic machines, you can get up close to marvel at their size, engineering, and design.
Below Decks and The Hangar: The lower levels of the ship contain fascinating exhibits that take you through the Midway’s history, from its launch to its decommissioning. The flight control rooms, engine rooms, and mess halls are all open for exploration. You can step inside the areas where sailors lived and worked, giving you a glimpse into life aboard the carrier.
Interactive Exhibits: There are plenty of interactive features, such as flight simulators where you can experience the thrill of piloting a jet. There are also audio guides and touch-screen displays that offer in-depth explanations of the history of the ship, the aircraft, and the sailors who served aboard her.
Veterans and Personal Stories: One of the most touching aspects of the USS Midway Museum is the number of veterans who served aboard the ship and are available for questions. These firsthand accounts bring the ship’s history to life and provide a human connection to the ship’s legacy.

Guided Tours and Accessibility:

The museum offers self-guided audio tours, which are available in several languages. These tours walk you through the various sections of the ship and provide valuable context, giving you a rich understanding of the Midway’s role in history. For those who prefer more hands-on learning, there are docents and volunteers scattered throughout the ship who can answer questions and provide additional insights.

The ship itself is very accessible, with ramps and elevators that make most areas easy to navigate. However, because it’s a working vessel, some areas can be narrow or require climbing up and down stairs, so be prepared for that.

Family-Friendly:

The USS Midway is extremely family-friendly, making it a fantastic stop for visitors of all ages. Kids can enjoy the flight simulators, interactive exhibits, and the chance to explore the different levels of the ship. There are also several educational programs and exhibits geared toward younger visitors, teaching them about the Navy, aviation, and military history in a fun and engaging way.

Gift Shop and Dining:

After your tour, be sure to check out the Midway Museum Gift Shop, where you can purchase military-themed souvenirs, books, clothing, and other items. The ship also has a small café, perfect for grabbing a quick snack or beverage while you take in the views of the bay.

Overall Experience:

The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier is an incredibly well-curated museum that offers a unique and immersive experience into the history of the U.S. Navy. From the aircraft on the flight deck to the crew quarters below, the ship tells a compelling story of American military history and the lives of the sailors who served aboard it. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a history lover, or just someone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the USS Midway will not disappoint.

Rating: 9.0/10

This museum is a standout in San Diego, offering a compelling experience for tourists and locals alike. The only downside is that the ship is so vast that it can take several hours to explore fully, so plan accordingly if you want to experience everything.

Final Thoughts: The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier is a must-see for anyone visiting San Diego. It’s not just an amazing glimpse into naval history; it’s a place where you can experience history hands-on and learn about the sacrifices made by sailors. If you’re in the area, this is an attraction that is well worth your time.

San Diego Zoo

March 16, 2025 / lnorwood10

If you visit San Diego what one thing must you do? Visit the world famous San Diego Zoo. Which is what we did.

Review of the San Diego Zoo

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing a world-class wildlife sanctuary, the San Diego Zoo is a must-visit. Located in the heart of Balboa Park, this iconic zoo stands as one of the premier zoological parks in the world. From its stunning design to its vast array of animals and conservation efforts, it’s an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Location and Accessibility:

Nestled in beautiful Balboa Park, the zoo is not only surrounded by lush landscapes but is also conveniently located in San Diego, making it easy to visit. Parking is ample, though it can get crowded during peak times, so arriving early or using public transport might be a good option. Once you’re inside, the zoo is accessible, with plenty of signage to guide you to various animal exhibits and attractions.

Animal Exhibits:

The San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species, many of which are rare or endangered. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to replicate natural habitats as closely as possible, offering visitors an immersive experience. Some of the standout exhibits include:

Giant Panda Research Station: While it’s no longer home to pandas, the experience was iconic, and it still holds a lot of sentimental value for those who had the chance to see the famous panda bears. The area now serves as an educational hub, still showcasing the zoo’s commitment to conservation.
Elephant Odyssey: A massive, expansive exhibit where you can get up close to the majestic elephants. The habitat is incredible, and it’s one of the more interactive exhibits with various educational opportunities about elephant conservation.

Polar Bear Plunge: A fun and fascinating display where you can see polar bears swim and frolic in a well-designed water area that’s perfect for both the animals and visitors.
Safari Park and African Rocks: The African-inspired exhibits bring you closer to lions, baboons, cheetahs, and other African wildlife. The spacious design allows animals to roam freely, providing a more natural and dynamic viewing experience.

Conservation Efforts:

One of the most admirable aspects of the San Diego Zoo is its commitment to conservation. The zoo is a leader in wildlife preservation, and you can see this reflected in their breeding programs for endangered species and their work with global wildlife conservation initiatives. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which operates the zoo, is actively involved in research and animal conservation around the world.

Visitors can learn about these efforts through interactive displays, animal talks, and behind-the-scenes tours. It’s clear that the zoo is not just a place for entertainment, but a critical player in global conservation efforts.

Experience and Activities:

The zoo offers a wide variety of experiences that go beyond just looking at animals. You can take a double-decker bus tour that gives you an overview of the park, or for something more adventurous, there’s the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which offers stunning views of the zoo and Balboa Park.

There are also multiple daily animal shows where zookeepers provide fascinating insights into the lives of the animals. The educational presentations are informative and enjoyable, and there’s a real sense of connection with the animals.

Food and Amenities:

The zoo has a number of dining options ranging from casual snack stands to full-service restaurants. While prices can be a bit steep, the quality of food is decent, with a variety of options for all dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan choices. The zoo also has plenty of shaded areas, picnic spots, and restrooms to ensure comfort during your visit.

Family-Friendly:

The San Diego Zoo is incredibly family-friendly and offers numerous activities for kids, including the Children’s Zoo area, where younger visitors can have up-close experiences with smaller animals and enjoy hands-on exhibits. There are also plenty of interactive stations to keep children engaged while learning about wildlife.

Overall Experience:

From the expansive, well-maintained exhibits to the dedication to wildlife conservation, the San Diego Zoo provides a fulfilling, enriching experience that goes beyond just viewing animals. Whether you’re an animal lover, a family with kids, or a conservation enthusiast, the zoo has something to offer. It’s an educational experience wrapped in a fun, engaging environment that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the animal kingdom and the efforts to protect it.

Rating: 9/10

While the San Diego Zoo is a top-tier attraction, the only downside might be the sheer size of the place. It can take a full day to explore, and with so much to see, it’s easy to feel like you missed something. However, this is a minor issue given the quality of the experience.

Final Thoughts: A visit to the San Diego Zoo is not just an opportunity to see exotic animals; it’s a chance to learn, appreciate, and engage with the natural world in a way that few other places can offer. If you’re in San Diego, don’t miss out on this iconic experience!

Day of Recovery

October 26, 2024 / lnorwood10

After the horrible travel experience we had to take it easy. We took it slow and ended up exploring the area around the hotel.

As we walked around we found a great little brewery, Mission Brewery. This place had reasonable priced beer that was excellent. We found many beers that were great. If this brewery was back home it would have been added to our rotation of places to visit.

Lunch was a little let down. We walked around the Gas Light district to find something reasonable. From our research we found that San Diego is known for it’s clam chowder. So we were walked around to find someplace that sold local chowder. Based on Google reviews we went to Baja Rick’s Cantina. Unfortunately they had taken chowder off the menu. To make matters worse we ordered a chicken and shrimp dish that came without the shrimp. They took care of the issue by just adding shrimp so the dish ended up coming back with cold chicken and fries with hot shrimp. Not to mention the other dish that was ordered was cold.

I would not recommend going to Baja Rick’s Cantina unless you just want to drink with friends. We did not have any drinks but it was evident that that was what they were setup to handle.

San Diego Here We Come

October 26, 2024 / lnorwood10

The trip started with us heading to the airport early Saturday morning to catch our Frontier flight to Denver. All was going well till we got to the gate and we were informed that the plan needed to have it’s tire changed. This resulted in a 4 hour delay which made us miss our connecting flight in Denver. So we talked to the gate agent who helped us change our flight.

Unfortunately, they cheated us out of the money we paid for upgraded seating, but at least we ended up with a flight to San Diego. It was not until we got on the plan did we find out that their were seats in the level we purchased that were available.

Due to Frontier our half exploring San Diego ended up us arriving to the City after a whole day of travel. We were exhausted so we just went to the hotel bar and grabbed a drink and some food.

This ended up being a wakeup call as the prices were way overpriced even for a hotel.

Alabama Day End of the Adventure

October 26, 2024 / lnorwood10

The last post for this trip. Day four of the trip was about driving back home by way of Ashville, NC. We planned our rout to avoid the interstates to experience the community and natural beauty.

As such the ride was the adventure for the day. So we did not really plan on any interesting place for lunch so we just stopped at a Chick-fil-A for lunch.

The ride was not only interesting for of the communities but also the constant threat of rain. We were very lucky. We only got drizzled on a few time but the threating heavy rain never came.

At the end of the day we ended up staying a Four Points by Sheraton. The hotel was clean and the staff were exceptionally nice, but the rooms are starting to show their age.

For dinner that night we went to Sovereign Remedies. Which turned out to be one of the best meals we had on the entire trip. The cocktails were awesome and the burger with truffle fries were out of this world.

This ended the fourth day of the trip.

The final day started off with having breakfast at the hotel which was really good and worth the extra charge.

The rest of the day consisted of riding the interstates back home. Not exciting but necessary to make it back in a day.

So that brings a close to this adventure. We had a really great time and saw some wonderful motorcycles. The whole thing just proved that if you plan well and have the correct gear the weather is not an issue.

Till next time be safe out there and Don’t forget Your Towel.

Alabama Day 3

October 26, 2024 / lnorwood10

On Day 3 we went to the prime reason for the trip. We went to Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

Yes those are our bikes right up front. Driving into a hurricane that was down graded to a tropical storm on a weekday, does have an effect on the number of visitors.

I guess the first question I should ask is why did we make this trip. Well Barber has over a 1,000 motorcycles on display at any one time that cover the history of motorcycles. They have on display examples, read as reproductions, of some of the first examples of motorcycles.

The inside of the museum is massive and expansive taking up 5 visitable floors.

Now to say there are a lot of unique and interesting motorcycles would be an understatement. They had motorcycles from the 20’s through modern day. Here are a few of the many motorcycles that I thought were interesting , but it would be impossible to show everything.

What surprised me was that the museum had other exabits besides motorcycles. I did not know until we were walking around that they have one of the largest private Lotus Racing collection on display.

They also have motor boat engines on display as well as ship models.

We ended up spending the entire day at the museum. Their was just so much to see. Unfortunately, they did not have anywhere to get something to eat. This was a big oversight in my opinion. They do have snack area but most of the vending machines were not working.

But overall this was well worth the trip and a must visit for anyone who is interested in the history of motorcycles.

Alabama Day 2

October 1, 2024 / lnorwood10

Today was a rain day, The radar showed rain clouds all the way in to our destination. All ready for rain we headed out.

Our first stop was the Currahee Military Museum. This place was awesome. They tell the history of the area and that of the paratroopers that jumped on D-Day. They even have a barn that some of the actual troops sleep in when in England.

After the museum we headed out. Rain set in shortly after our ride, but it stayed light. This continued on for most of the day. We stopped for a short lunch at Chick-Fil-A. Had the usual and headed back out.

As we were getting close to our next stop we turned in for gas. That was when the motorcycle signaled a warning. An issue had arisen with the adaptive ride height. Luckily it was safe to continue but from that point on till it went to the shop after the trip I would get 3 warning messages. I am going to skip to the fix. Apparently there was a software update that the dealer should have done before the bike was sold. The update fixed the problem and no further issues have been had. But again that was not know at the time.

So in the rain we take the bike to this evening’s hotel, Hampton Inn Birmingham/ Leads. Unfortunately, there are not restaurants or places to eat near the hotel so we drive off to find a place to eat and end up in a nice Irish Pub, Oh Sherri Pub,

I had the fish and chips and some good beer that was poured correctly. This place was great. The staff were nice and friendly.

Just a quick post

August 30, 2024 / lnorwood10

There are some exciting developments developments behind the scenes. We have a backlog of reviews to post as well as a new review topic. We have replaced an old friend that has been providing us transportation for some of our content with a new ride. We will be talking about it and accessories for it in future post.

So stay tuned more to come.

Voodoo Doughnut

September 2, 2022 / lnorwood10

My first thought about Voodoo Doughnut is oh my Lord that’s a big doughnut. These thing are huge and they are awesome

These were so good with so much filling. I really wish there was one near home.