{"id":7385,"date":"2024-08-20T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azadkinsiii.com\/blog\/?p=7385"},"modified":"2024-08-24T17:49:52","modified_gmt":"2024-08-24T21:49:52","slug":"173-cruisin-its-not-the-same","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/azadkinsiii.com\/blog\/173-cruisin-its-not-the-same\/","title":{"rendered":"#173\u2014Cruisin\u2019 \u2026 It\u2019s Not the Same"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Blog #173 (audio)<\/div><\/div>
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Published: <\/span>August 24, 2024<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>Audio by Andy Adkins<\/a><\/div><\/form><\/span>0<\/span> Downloads<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
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Becky & I recently returned from a vacation in Alaska, part of which included a 7-day cruise from Seward (Anchorage) down the inside passage to Vancouver. While we\u2019d taken several cruises before (including one from Vancouver north to Seward), they\u2019d all been on Holland America. That<\/em> Alaska cruise was 15 years ago. This one, we chose Norwegian Cruise Line. We traveled with our son and two grandsons (ages 12 & 10). Great ages to travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norwegian treated us well and, since I\u2019m a veteran, we got a nice discount on the cruise, along with a few more formalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the first day at sea, all veterans were invited to a reception. It included free \u201chorse douvers\u201d as well as drinks. I didn\u2019t partake in either (it was only noon; too early for me<\/em> to start drinking).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the initial \u201cwelcome aboard and thank you for your service,\u201d the cruise director passed the microphone. There were more than 50 of us veterans in attendance. As the mic went from veteran to veteran, I was moved by all<\/em> the military vets from all<\/em> branches\u2014both men and <\/em>women\u2014and their service. No WWII vets, but a couple of Korean War vets, a plethora of Vietnam and Vietnam-era vets, and a handful of GWOT vets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The guy sitting next to me was with his wife (my wife, Becky, was with the grandkids). After he told the group he was active Navy (tin can), I looked over and whispered, \u201cActive Navy, really? And you chose a cruise for your vacation?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without skipping a beat, he turned slightly toward his wife, tilting his head, his eyes darting to make sure she was looking the other way, and grinned. \u201cFor my wife.\u201d We both smiled, knowing that was the right decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From experience, I know how difficult it is trying to explain to someone a sailor\u2019s love of the ocean. But when you can experience it alongside your loved one \u2026 they \u201cget it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, this blog post is not<\/em> about Norwegian, though I will tell you how impressed with how they treated us (both us veterans and us as a family).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, this blog post is about memories, reminiscing, and sharing my<\/em> Navy stories with my wife, my son, and my two grandsons \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile\u2026 Back Home in Florida<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You probably heard about the global technical issues caused by the software \u201cbug\u201d in the CrowdStrike software system (anyone ever heard of this company before<\/em> the problem?) which melted down the airline industry. Our flight to Alaska (through Atlanta) was during this latter part of the problem. So, besides the normal \u201cnight before travel anxieties,\u201d we were worried about getting stuck in Atlanta because of the continued fallout with Delta. The fact that the prior two days of flights from Atlanta to Anchorage had been canceled didn\u2019t help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But long story short, our first leg from Gainesville to Atlanta was on time. Our flight from Atlanta to Anchorage was only 30 minutes delayed. Hallelujah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weather in Alaska was much<\/em> different than back in Florida. Temps were in the 60s & 70s, while Gainesville, Florida experienced mid-90s with high humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh yeah. There was a hurricane making its way through the Gulf and into north Florida at the time. Fortunately, it skirted north of our house\u2014we had a tree down in our backyard, but no damage to the house. Just something I\u2019d take care of when we get back<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean, Clear Air; Whales, Seals, Eagles<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

During the cruise, I spent as much time as I could outside on multiple decks. Unlike Kitty Hawk<\/em><\/strong> (I worked on the flight deck in V-1 Division<\/strong> \/ Crash<\/strong> <\/a>from \u201975-77) which had big yellow compartment signs everywhere, it took me a couple of days to figure out how to find my way around the ship and what was located on which deck.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"USS
USS Ronald Reagan “Deck Plan” for 03 Level. 2009<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I\u2019ve said it before, and I\u2019ll say it again. There\u2019s no comparison when it comes to the clear, clean air while at sea. The constant, gentle breeze and the sunsets \u2026 did I mention those before<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alaska
Alaska Cruise – Sunset. 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the other Navy veterans on the cruise mentioned he was going to stay up and head to the stern to watch the phosphorescence churned up by the props at night. I thought about it, but being in Alaska \u2026 in the middle of summer \u2026 it doesn\u2019t get dark until o dark thirty<\/em>, way past my<\/em> bedtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We took a \u201cWhale watching\u201d excursion and saw a few whales\u2014it was okay. But the real excitement was while aboard the cruise ship and spotting whales (Humpbacks) off the port side. They didn\u2019t breach, but we spotted them diving (the tail \u201cfluke\u201d). I had my Canon camera with a long lens, so I was in hog heaven. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alaska
Humpback Whale “Fluke.” Alaska Inner Passage cruise. 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It took me back to my time aboard the Hawk<\/em>, in between flight ops, when we\u2019d spot whales off the side of the ship. Of course, back then, we didn\u2019t have cell phones or cameras with long lenses. Still, it was a sight to behold, watching these gracious creatures cruise alongside us in the crystal-clear blue ocean water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Berthing Compartment<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We chose an inside stateroom; we knew we\u2019d only sleep there and not spend much time in the room itself, so why pay extra for a view we\u2019d probably never use. And I can tell you without a doubt, the stateroom was much larger than my middle rack in my Navy berthing compartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"
USS Ronald Reagan (CV-76). 2009<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Alaska
Norwegian Jewell. 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The weather gods were with us on this trip (no complaints). The seas were calm. Though at night, there was a gentle roll back and forth that I remember from my days aboard the Hawk<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One big difference \u2026 there were no flight operations on this<\/em> cruise. While I missed the excitement of the flight deck, I didn\u2019t miss the loudness of launches and recoveries while trying to sleep\u2014back in the 70s, the V-1 Division berthing compartment was on the forward 03 level, directly below the flight deck and Cats #1 & #2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was much quieter on this cruise and at an age approaching 70, sleep is a little more important these days than it was back in my 20s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlimited Chow<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Kitty Hawk<\/em> had, I believe, five galleys<\/a>, including the CPO mess & the Officers Wardroom. No bars, though. In comparison, the Norwegian Jewel<\/em> had 16 dining \u201coptions,\u201d and at least 15 bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bars \u2026 to be honest, I believe all non-US Navy cruise ships typically try to \u201centice\u201d you to upgrade with what they call a \u201cDrink package.\u201d The temptation was there, but since we were with the grandkids, we decided against spending the extra fortune. Instead, we\u2019d order a beer or a glass of wine during dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will tell you the food was good\u2014not exceptional, but good enough. But for the most part, I always remembered the chow aboard Kitty Hawk<\/em> was also good, and plenty of it. I never went hungry during the Navy, which I\u2019m thankful for. My dad talked about \u201cC-rations\u201d during WWII. I\u2019ve got a lot of Vietnam veteran friends who also stated that while on patrol, food was not always available, especially for extended patrols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMREs?\u201d I don\u2019t think I need to mention those \u2026 Just sayin\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will tell you I took advantage of the unlimited buffet selections, usually during breakfast and lunch. But when I returned home, I pleasantly discovered I’d only gained a pound. I guess a lot of hiking in Alaska before<\/em> the cruise and a lot of walking in Vancouver after<\/em> the cruise burned those few extra calories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cruise Booze<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

During Westpac \u201975<\/strong> (correct me if I\u2019m wrong), I think we had one \u201csteel beach\u201d picnic on the flight deck. But, of course, no booze. I do remember when we were heading home in December 1975<\/a>, we could order up to a gallon of tax-free liquor prior to docking. I also remember an announcement early in the morning the day we returned to San Diego that anyone that ordered a \u201cdrink package\u201d could pick it up, but not <\/em>to consume any while aboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yeah, no drinking \u2026 right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me pause here for a short tangent and share one of my favorite stories about my good friend, \u201cJ.J.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One reason I am no longer in the Navy is because as a petty officer, one of my less than glorious duties was to stand watch at the Afterbrow when the ship was docked at port.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make a long story longer, one night I had the dog watch: 0000 to 0400 (12:00 a.m. \u2018til 4:00 a.m.). As you might guess, sailors have a reputation for drinking and most bars around the port closed at 0200.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About three o\u2019clock one morning while on watch, I spotted an obviously inebriated sailor walking up the Afterbrow. He was swaying to and fro and as he got closer, I recognized him as a friend of mine.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had nicknamed him J.J. because when in port, he always seemed to have a bottle of Jack Daniels in one pocket and a bottle of Jim Beam in the other.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is against Navy regulations to bring liquor on board and is punishable by up to thirty days in the brig with nothing but bread and water.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

J.J. was staggering up the Afterbrow, grinning from ear to ear with a bottle in each pocket. When he got to the ship, I stopped him and started my Navy lifer lecture.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow J.J., you know bringing liquor on board is against regulations. I\u2019m supposed to report you and have you thrown into the brig. But you and I have been through a lot together on the flight deck. So this is what I\u2019m going to do: I\u2019m going to turn around and I want to hear two splashes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was going to give J.J. a break. After all, he was my buddy and a fellow flight deck director.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I turned my back and after waiting a few seconds, I heard a gentle \u201ckerploosh, kerploosh.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I turned around, planning to give J.J. another lecture about bringing liquor on board. He was still there, swaying side to side, grinning ear to ear, and \u2026 completely barefoot.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

J.J. had tossed his shoes overboard.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He did what I asked, so I decided that since no one else was around, I had to let him pass. I have to admit that was really funny.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From that episode, I\u2019ve since learned: what you want to hear, what you think you hear, and what you actually hear are not necessarily the same.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liberty Calls<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When on an Alaska \u201cinside passage\u201d cruise, there are several port calls. We took advantage of those, but to tell you the truth, the cost was more than a month of nights out in PI<\/a>. But you know what \u2026 we were with grandkids and at this point in my life, those special memories are worth the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing I enjoyed the most at these ports\u2014aside from the time with our son & grands\u2014was watching the dock workers (\u201cCivilian Boatswain\u2019s Mates\u201d) work their magic mooring the ship. When we were preparing to get underway in Ketchikan, there was one dock worker in particular; he was stocky and looked like an Alaskan native. He lifted the 2\u201d mooring line over the post, over his head, yelling to the ship\u2019s onlookers, \u201cLook at me! I am strong!\u201d He then tossed the line into the water, finishing with, \u201cAre you not entertained?\u201d, a line from the movie Gladiator<\/em>. All those watching this show from the stern were hooting & hollering. It was quite funny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I always enjoy it when the ship pulls out of port, heading out to sea again\u2014Haze Gray & Underway<\/a><\/em>. The fresh air, the calm seas, and the sunsets are nothing less than magnificent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As someone once mentioned, \u201cI\u2019m just one small being on one ship in one ocean on one planet in one galaxy in one universe; yet surrounded by all this awesome<\/em> beauty, I feel I\u2019m on top of the world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why a Cruise?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I’ve only been on three different cruise lines: Holland America, Norwegian, and the US Navy. I\u2019ll be the first to tell you that after the Navy, I didn\u2019t take a cruise until 2008\u201431 years after my discharge. Even though my wife & kids mentioned it a couple of times, my response was, \u201cbeen there, done that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My wife and I are in our \u201cgo-go<\/a>\u201d years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a saying that after you retire, your first 10 years are \u201cgo-go\u201d years; your next 10 years are \u201cslow-go\u201d years; and your next 10 years are \u201cno-go\u201d years. There\u2019s a bit of truth to that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as we get older (I call it \u201cseasoned\u201d), we know we\u2019re losing some friends and some family to various illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My good friend, Ernie, a former Marine, always says, \u201cI\u2019m in a foot race with the Lord.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I certainly understand. So, we\u2019ve decided to take advantage of travel to see family, friends, and a little more of this world before we can\u2019t travel anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making the most of what we can while we can. Solid advice from my dad, who died at age 68, way too young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until we meet again,
Andy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andy Adkins<\/strong> is a US Navy veteran (\u201973-77) and the author of several books, including his Navy memoir, Three Years, Eleven Months, and 29 Days\u2026 But Who\u2019s Counting?<\/em><\/strong> His first novel, NEVER FORGET<\/a><\/strong>, is available free for download (PDF, eBook format). Adkins also writes a weekly blog, \u201cA Veteran\u2019s Journey.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previous Blogs mentioned in the Post:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n