Disney, here we come!

We're headed to England, Scotland and Ireland on the Disney Dream. With us are my nephew Steve, his wife Gina and their 29 year old daughter Asha who is a HUGE Disney fan of the 1st order. I don't just mean that she knows Mickey, Minnie and the gang, she knows every Disney character from current day all the way back to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit who strangely favors Mickey without the long ears, IMHO. I mean it, Asha is a walking Disney trivia encyclopedia! So it is fun to travel with such a Disney enthusiast!

Her mom Gina has long had the desire to visit Scotland and Ireland, so a Disney cruise to these destinations is the perfect ticket! 

Our trip started by meeting at IAH Airport in Houston and boarding a flight to Southampton, England where we spent the night before boarding the Dream the next day around noon.

 

All aboard!

Still in good shape after 9 hours of travel!

killing time in Southampton until we can check into our VRBO

Asha and mom Gina

September 6, 2026 

Ready to roll - September 7 - Asha, Gina, Steve

Finally on board! Welcome to Disney Dream 

Sail Away deck party

Liverpool - home of the Beatles

fish 'n chips & mushy peas??

Liverpool, England

Liverpool gives the Dream a patriotic fireworks farewell

 

rainy day at the castle, Greenock (Glasgow) Scotland 

view of countryside from Stirling Castle

touring the castle

Pirates Night - aye, aye, matey!

 

drive to Cohb, Ireland

scones, tea and rain in this colorful little town

Cobh ("Cork") Ireland from the deck

sheep dot the countryside on way to Mapperton House & Gardens

a visit to Mappertown House & Gardens 

Mapperton Gardens - West Dorset, England

one of our evening servers

 

happy camper :)

 

sightseeing in London

sunny skies as we returned to Houston's IAH

These are a sampling of the many photos I took during our 7 night cruise out of Southampton, England. I made a book for Asha that contained many more to help her remember this what we hope she will remember as a "trip of a lifetime". She enjoyed origami and drawing Disney figures on the ship along with the live shows in the evening. It was short, but we couldn't have asked for it to go better. Well, actually it would have been nice if we hadn't had to contend with rain, but we didn't let that stop us from having a good time. It was her first cruise, her first time out of the country and what we hope will remain a happy and memorable experience for all.

After we disembarked back in Southampton and Ronnie and I flew home, Steve, Gina and Asha spent 2 more days sightseeing in London before returning to Houston. They arrived jet lagged after a long day of travel and spent the night with us before heading back to their home in Midlothian, Texas. 

Below was our itinerary. 

Day 1 (Mon, Sep 7): Southampton, England — Departs at 4:45 PM
Day 2 (Tue, Sep 8): At sea
Day 3 (Wed, Sep 9): Liverpool, England — 6:45 AM to 6:45 PM
Day 4 (Thu, Sep 10): Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland — 6:30 AM to 8:15 PM
Day 5 (Fri, Sep 11): At sea
Day 6 (Sat, Sep 12): Cobh (Cork), Ireland — 4:45 AM to 3:15 PM
Day 7 (Sun, Sep 13): At sea
Day 8 (Mon, Sep 14 / Return): Southampton, England (arrival/disembarkation)

 

The things I miss...

Back to reality, and I'm certainly not implying that it's a bad thing! But I will say there are a few things you miss after being pampered for 6 months straight. Here are some that come to mind.

Friends we've made on the ship

Being rocked to sleep on a wonderful mattress with luxury bedding

Room service!

Not having to shop for groceries, plan or cook a single meal

Friendly, smiling faces that are always eager to please

Baristas iced mochas

Bible study and “church” with new friends

Cleaned and pressed laundry - done by someone else!

Waking up in a new city or country - several times a week

Humphrey Slocombe flavor of the day

Seeing and learning about people and places around the world

Thank you, Lord, for the incredible and amazing time spent traveling the world with Ronnie! 

At the end of a trip around the world...

It's early August and things are finally beginning to settle down after being back home for a few weeks. We're still trying to take care of some medical stuff and a few issues with the house while we settle back into some kind of routine. 

As a post script to our 2nd trip Around the World, I'm adding a few last comments regarding our trip from Miami, Florida to Miami, Florida from January 6 to July 6, 2026. We celebrated our birthdays while aboard the ship - ages 77 and 78!

We traveled a total distance of 49, 081 nautical miles. We visited most of the 88 countries on our itinerary (a few we were unable to stop due to weather related issues). Below are some interesting stats from our final Around the World fact sheet.

Weekly Food Consumption:

520 lbs of lobster

2,420 lbs of beef

1,470 eggs

1,860 lbs of butter

2,450 lbs of flour

620 liters of milk

6500 lbs of veggies

7,200 lbs of chocolate (left on pillows every week)

Weekly Beverage Consumption:

3,660 bottles of wine

521 bottles of champagne

392 bottles of spirits

5,081 bottles of beer

460 cases of soda

Galley Information:

The 139 members of the Galley team work in 9 galleys with 38 ovens and 24 stoves.

Eight bakers work around the clock to produce a variety of fresh bread, Danish pastries, croissants and muffins. Three begin at midnight and 2at 1 am to bake fresh for the morning. The shifts are then "split" between 3 bakers working a day shift to ensure fresh baked products throughout the day. 

Fresh Water Produced Daily:

600,000 liters/day

Culinary Variety:

36 different ways to prepare shrimp

6 methods of cooking potatoes

87 recipes for chicken

5 ways to serve escargot

78 recipes for pasta

6 types of foie gras

12 types of vinegar

11 types of olive oil

7 types of specialty oil (walnut, hazelnut, etc)

45 types of cheese

14 types of chocolate

17 types of flour

65 different spices

7 different yogurts

9 types of milk

14 different cereals

8 types of rice

Monthly China Breakage:

460 plates

115 coffee cups

240 buffet china

35 egg cups

Monthly Discarded Grand Dining Room Linens:

550 napkins

65 tablecloths

Daily Laundry:

Towels - 3,200 lbs

Linen 2,000 lbs

Guest & Crew clothing 3,200 lbs

Total - 26.7 tons every week

Average Fuel Consumption/Mile:

Fuel tanks hold 2,400 metric ton; at 18 knots with 4 engines running, burning 5 metric ton/hour per engine

Average Speed When at Sea:

16 knots per hour

Top Speed:

With 4 diesel engines running at 85%, we can do 20 knots per hour.

Light Fixtures/Light Bulbs in Public Spaces:

More than 7,900

How Many Miles of Cables on the Ship?

More than 350 miles

How Much Does the Anchor Weigh?

10,125 kg (22,321 lbs)

How Long Does it Take to Empty the Pool and Refill it?

In an emergency we can empty it in a matter of minutes. In regular operations it will take approximately 20 minutes for draining, and between 45 minutes - 1 hour to refill it.

Total Nautical Miles Traveled:

Around the World: 49,081

Variety of Entertainment:

Different Guest Entertainers - 72

Martinis Piano Players

Played 680 sets with 8,160 songs

String Quartets & Trios

Played 540 sets with 6,480 different songs

Contemporary Party Band

Played 540 sets with 6,480 songs

Vista Show Band:

Played 30 sets with 300 songs

94 shows played with 94 rehearsals

Demographics: Most Popular Names

Female - Barbara

Male - Robert

Average Age - 72

Age Range - 19-93 years old

Most popular day to be born - 23

Most popular birthday month - April 

 

 

 

Happy 250th Birthday, America!!

Here we are - Day 179 of a 180 day Around the World cruise! In spite a very disappointing itinerary change, it's still been a great experience. We've visited places we've never been before, seen things we've never seen before and made friends with people we didn't know before.

It's such a special holiday for our country, and Vista is doing all they can to honor it. I'm unsure of the current stats but when this voyage began there were approximately 100 Canadians, 100 British and 700 Americans. While we celebrated with Canada a couple of days ago, there is a whole other spirit onboard the ship today! Add to that the full coverage of the celebration in Washington, DC and NY, people wearing their most patriotic clothing, pool and deck parties with an emphasis on American food (and more FOOD) - that's the way July 4th is celebrated onboard!

patriotism + chocolate = yummy!

 

I enjoyed watching the coverage of the celebration of America's 250th birthday, including the sailing tall ships, military flyovers and fireworks. We have lots to celebrate every single day. Yes, America has its problems but we are still blessed to live in the greatest nation in the entire world!

There's been a festive spirit onboard all day with people dressed in whatever red, white or blue attire they could put together. Some even wore celebratory headgear. I wonder, did someone really think that far ahead when they were packing?

The food is always good on the ship, but kudos to the culinary team for outdoing themselves yesterday! All kinds of food was being served in 3 different areas of the ship. Our plan was to cruise through all 3 and then decide what we wanted. However, we never made it past the Terrace Cafe to find out what the other offerings were. The brisket was the absolute best I've ever eaten - anywhere. I won't mention what else I had but there definitely was no calorie counting going on. I seriously have to settle down when we return home! 

After dinner there was singing and dancing on the deck until well past our bedtime. 

2 different bands played

Below is our cruise director, Peter (Pee-tah) from the UK. It's safe to say that shoes are his thing. We actually saw a video of him modeling his shoes today. He has probably 50 pairs of dress shoes on the ship and they are all over-the-top ridiculous. The shirts he wears are quite memorable as well.

 

Peter, our cruise director

 

one last sunset over the Atlantic

a nice way to end our cruise - July 4th Deck Party

 

Our last church service was this morning and we've been saying goodbye to friends we've made. We've been packing all day, trying to figure out what goes in checked bags and what goes into our Luggage Forward bags. It takes some figuring out because the latter doesn't allow any edibles, liquids, medications (even OTC ones), electronics or anything with batteries. This rules out a lot. There are also weight limitations on all bags - checked and Luggage Forward. So packing is trickier when following all of these restrictions.

Add to that, ALL bags (except carry-ons) have to be placed in the hallway by 9 pm tonight. Of course we still need to reserve toiletries and clothes for tomorrow morning. And we must be out of our room by 8 am for a long day of travel tomorrow.

We're thankful that we've been able to complete this trip Around the World. Of course we've missed home, family, friends, Chick Fila and Tex Mex. We have lots of "make up" stuff to take care of in the coming weeks, not the least of which is a trip to the hairdresser for me! Thank you for following along and keeping in touch over these last months. You've encouraged me to keep on!

Vista on Port Days

On days when Vista is in port and many people are away from the ship, you might assume that activities onboard the ship slow down or perhaps the workers might get a little break. But in reality, that’s when other types of activities rev up!  

 

exterior painting and maintenance

While ship employees work hard at all times, the ship itself is an even bigger beehive of activity doing things that can’t necessarily be done while at sea. Obviously, port days are when the ship must be refueled and supplies get loaded and stored on board. Both of these involve many people and more than a few hours of work to accomplish.

 

it takes many hours to re-load supplies

  

 

While that is going on, the crew is busy carrying out their maritime safety and fire drills. The Cruise Director’s voice comes into every area of the ship (including guest cabins) as emergency drills are carried out. The emergency signal sounds very loud, almost ear piercing. It’s hard to imagine that even the most hearing disabled could not hear it. Blinking blue lights run up and down every hallway while all shipboard employees, dressed in required safety vests are stationed at key points waiting on the Cruise Director’s next instruction. Every employee knows exactly where they are to go and what they are to do and they practice these drills faithfully. It’s reassuring to know that if there ever was a real emergency, ship personnel is well trained.

 

exterior cleaning - a constant job

Also while in port, outside maintenance crew is busy washing decks and balconies, cleaning and painting the ship’s exterior and checking and maintaining every mechanical part of the ship. Of course the culinary staff never gets a break and the laundry service is busy 24/7 washing and pressing bedding for every bed on the ship, laundering towels, tablecloths, napkins, etc. They also keep all staff and crew uniforms clean and neatly pressed, in addition to hundreds of guests personal laundry. Add dry cleaning and shoe shines to that as well.

 

     

 

So the ship’s crew is always hard at work. Many employees are visible as they serve the passengers but many others are hard at work behind the scenes. They are all impressively well trained. They are always courteous, calling us and other guests by name (Mr. & Mrs. Ward) and ALWAYS greet and speak to us, whether they know us or not. 

 

The ship employees workers from many different nationalities and it is a true blessing when they are able to get a job like this and send money back to their families at home. Without question, it is hard work but it is a job, which many of them might not have otherwise. We see a large number of workers from India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. –  800 crew members from 47 different nationalities! That’s a ratio of 1 staff member to 1.5 guests. No wonder we are spoiled!

 

       

 

Winding it down...

With only a few days left on our trip around the world, passengers are beginning to prepare for Miami, the same port where this journey began last January 6. Yesterday about 20 persons disembarked in Boston, it being closer to their home than Miami. Others are starting to pack their bags, deciding what will fit and what they will leave behind.

Yesterday we were able to go through immigration on board the ship where we took possession of our passports again. This will make it easier for us when we reach Miami. Our ship didn't arrive in Boston until 4 p.m. Having hit the "high spots" there some years back, we didn't have anything special planned. So we hopped on Oceania's complimentary shuttle to go to Quincy Market downtown. We walked around the market area for a bit but it was really hot. It’s definitely summer time in the good ole USA!! Even so, it feels good to be back on home soil and particularly so as we see and feel the excitement of America’s preparation to celebrate its 250th birthday tomorrow! 💖💙💖

 

Quincy Market Hall

 

Located right outside the market is a life-sized sculpture of Red Auerbach, the legendary Boston Celtics coach relaxing on a park bench with his signature cigar (below, right). Other bronze sculptures nearby celebrate Boston's sports and political history.  

 

  

Wild Benches of Hope

  

We enjoyed some yummy fruit drinks while walking through the giant food hall but caught the shuttle back to the ship in time to have pizza for dinner. 

Just before dark, we climbed to the very top of the ship in hopes of seeing fireworks from there. They were going off on both sides of the ship, but at a distance so unfortunately I wasn’t able to get any really good shots. 

 

 

For us, the winding down of our time onboard means sharing meals with special friends we’ve made on this voyage, likely for the last time. Today we completed our study of Colossians with the friends we’ve made in our Bible study. Afterwards all the ATW passengers gathered on the deck for a group photo.

 

gathering for ATW group photo

Ronnie with friend Tom Hanley

 

Tom is from Ft. Worth and a very nice guy. We met him and his wife Diane on the 2023 ATW cruise on Oceania's Insignia. Sadly, she passed away while snorkeling in the Polynesian Islands only weeks after joining us.

After the photo gathering, we met our Bible study leaders in the Dining Room for lunch. I had the "Impossible" Burger (alternative to meat) with all the fixins. However, this bun was a first. Apparently this is the way they make them in Aquamar Restaurant (the 'healthy" restaurant on board). It was delicious, in spite of the color of the bun. I jokingly said it was probably colored with squid ink. I later googled and think I may have been right - yikes! It didn't taste weird; in fact it was delicious! And their sweet potato fries are soo good - crispy on outside, soft on inside. I will miss these, and that's probably a good thing!

 

Below is a photo I took of Ronnie's ukulele group after practice yesterday. They sounded pretty good! (some are not present in photo) I recorded a few of their songs but unfortunately I can't post videos here.