March 18, 2026 – Tampa, FL – Mostly Cloudy – Chilly – 60F

Oceania Insignia arrived in Tampa ahead of schedule (in the dark around 5 AM).  That's when the bow thrusters came on.

They come on with a distinctive spooling and then a very obvious shuddering as they maneuver the ship.  I got a few pictures outside our window as we made our way through the channel on our way to Terminal 2, Oceania’s home in Tampa.  It's not a very scenic sail in so arriving in the dark is actually OK.

Now that we have returned to Tampa, here is the completed itinerary indicating how far we have sailed (3,267 nautical miles - most of it getting from Tampa to our first port and then back to Tampa - six sea days in total).

NOTE:  For some reason, I have taken a shower on this cruise 15 out of the 16 days (including today) – just helps me wake up and get ready for the day. This was also made possible by the gap between getting up and the opening of the Terrace Café.  Besides, the showers, while compact, have good water pressure and the water is hot.  Showers on board Insignia are like showers in a spa.

Today is a first in our travels – Room Service on Disembarkation Day.  We’ve been on Oceania before and that wasn’t offered (not on Regent either).  The food came pretty much on time at 7:00 AM – Frosted mini-wheats (not available in the Café I don't believe), two pancakes and two OM eggs for me – French Toast and two OM eggs for Ellen.  Lots of coffee and hot water for tea.  A low stress way to have breakfast on departure.  A nice customer friendly perk from Insignia.

I woke up this morning with a very painful left leg – I never know why this happens but it is going to slow me down a bit today.  I will soldier my way through with the help of anti-inflammatory meds.

We are Departure Group Blue 1 – a preflight tour of Tampa and then a drop off at TPA around 1 PM. Our groups was called right after we left our room and we proceeded off the ship, through the quickest immigration check I can remember (maybe 30 seconds) and then to the baggage claim area. We found our bags right away and were directed to the right of the building where our yellow bus was waiting.  Our bags were stowed and we took our backpacks on board with us.  I think our guide was Priscilla and our driver was definitely JJ (ex Secret Service and constant story teller).  Priscilla came over from Germany a while ago and is a pretty good guide.  JJ likes to tell stories. 

The tour left pretty much on time – after a ride through the city of Tampa, our first stop was the Henry B. Plant Museum, 

housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel (a posh resort back in the day) and now part of the University of Tampa.  The hotel was built in the Moorish Revival Style with minarets with crescent moons on top.  

It’s a magnificent building – we had 45 minutes here. Before we went inside, I took a picture of the Henry Bradley Plant Memorial Fountain which sits in the cobblestone street in front of the Hotel.     

It was chilly so we went inside (they also had facilities in the lower level). The Lobby is very ornate and looks as fancy as you might expect from a fancy hotel  Lots of dark wood and columns and statues.

 

I took pictures of the statues in the lobby before finding seats.  Ellen spoke to someone who worked there and she told her they were having a book sale - a lot of boxes were delivered to a table in the lobby - all full of books.

There were a lot of students, or potential students, touring today.  I stayed mostly in the lobby in those comfortable chairs while Ellen walked around.  There are two notable statues in the lobby, “Esmeralda” 

from the Hunchback of Notre Dame novel and “King Henry IV as a Child”.

There is a back porch to the Hotel Lobby and we checked out the stuff out there.  Some of the furniture was in good shape and priced very reasonably (too big to put in the overhead bins).

Then it was back to the bus – it’s an old bus with dated upholstery and interior walls; the seats are really sunken (difficult to get in and out of, at least for me and especially today on a bum leg). 

Our drive took us next to the posh Bayshore Neighborhood, along Bayshore Blvd and Hillsborough Bay.  Very fancy condo units fronted the bay.

Our tour continued along the Hillsborough River and alongside the Convention Center.

After passing through downtown Tampa, we arrived at our second stop, Ybor City.  

Ybor City in a historic neighborhood and has a New Orleans vibe (wrought iron balconies) and two story buildings. The city was established by Vicente Martinez-Ybor 

and became the “Cigar Capital of the World” in the 19^th Century.  The cigar industry turned Ybor City into a city of immigrants – Cubans, Italians, and Spaniards.  It has been designation a National Historic Landmark District. There are still some people rolling cigars but that is mostly for show.  The main drag is 7^th Avenue (Centro Ybor). 

The bus parked at a parking lot not far from the entrance to 7^th Avenue.  We were here some years ago and it actually looks like some new stores might have sprung up.  It is about 11 AM and restaurants and shops are about to open.  There are more people on the streets than our last time here – it was hot that afternoon, keeping the foot traffic low. 

The iconic Ritz Ybor sits at the entrace of 7th Avenue - it is now an events venue.

Our guide had mentioned that she was going to walk to the “Pizza Pizza New York Pizza” place for lunch.  We thought that would be a good ideas as well since we ate about four hours ago.  The advertised special was two slices of New York Pizza plus a drink for $8 – sounded good to me especially when the slices were large and the pizza was good.  We hadn’t had good pizza since we arrived in Tampa prior to this cruise (“Street Crust Pizza”) – finding good pizza has been a real struggle while we were home.  We ate outside – very rustic. 

We continued our walk for another four or five blocks down 7th Avenue 

until my aching leg could take no more so in order to be able to get back, we turned around and headed for the bus.  On the way back, we got some additional pictures along the main drag including one of us and a big bug and me and Roland M.Manteiga, a newspaper publisher.

When we got to the parking lot, Ellen walked a bit further to check out the shops and I went to the bus.  She arrived shortly after.

Our next stop would be TPA, voted, according to our Tampa-positive guide one of the top customer friendly airports in the country.  The bus dropped us off at the baggage claim level – from there, we took an escalator one floor up to the ticketing counters.  After some wrong turns, we found United Airlines.  Not crowded at all.  I used the kiosks to print bag tags and boarding passes.  We dropped our bags, found the A entrance (we are at Gate A10), and headed to TSA Precheck for what might be a long wait. 

When we arrived at TSA Precheck, there was no one in line. We scanned our passports had our picture taken and sent our stuff through the scanners.  The entire process took less than five minutes – in fact, there was an electronic sign leading to the TSA line that indicated that it took only three minutes to get through. 

Gate A10 was only halfway down the concourse and we found semi-comfortable seats with working chargers (after finding dud after dud).  UA329 was scheduled to depart TPA at 4:47 PM – It was about 1:30 PM so we had a good wait until boarding at around 3:40 PM or so.  I spent most of the time filling in the gaps in my cruise log and Ellen was reading.

As the boarding time grew closer, a check of the App indicated that our inbound flight from Denver was delayed by, we found out later, a brief power outage at Stapleton Airport.  It was going to be about 30 minutes late.  The flight arrived and it took about 15 minutes for people to get off and another 15 minutes to clean the aircraft. 

We boarded our A321neo with Group 2 at around 4:30 PM – we are in 9A/9B – super pricey Mileage Extra Seat – somewhat more legroom.  We pushed on time (slats and flaps in takeoff configuration).

We took off at 5:09 PM (pretty good considering we were supposed to leave at 4:47 PM).  

The plane flew over Tampa Bay before heading to Chicago.

We were dismayed to find out that just two rows in front of us and on the other side, there was a screaming baby (not just any screaming baby but Olympic class).  Screamed the entire flight – Ellen resorted to ear plus and I tried to tune it out.

The flight was uneventful – mild chop for five minutes – but it did provide some nice views as we crossed over Lake Michigan (cloud covered)

then over Evanston (the Chicago Skyline was amazing), and final approach into ORD.

We arrived at 7:10 PM just 15 minutes late.  Our gate, B9, was not far from the baggage claim and one bag came out right away with the other one some minutes later.  I had pre-reserved a cab and because, they were following the flight, the cab company sent me a text asking if I had my bags.  I replied and got the cab number.  It was cold outside (in the low 40s) so I waited for the cab and signaled Ellen to come out.  Our driver didn’t say a word on the way home, which was good, because we were both tired.

He found our condo – we got help from the doorman getting our bags down the lobby stairs.  Home after 16 days in the Caribbean.  A good cruise even though excursions were not really part of the experience.  No matter, the weather was perfect, our special meals were delicious, and my lecture gig was successful. 

March 17, 2026 – At Sea – Gulf of Mexico – Cloudy – Rain Showers – Cold – 60s

“Erin go braugh” – Happy St Patrick’s Day

There are some green balloons around and a green cake in the buffet.  I was hoping for complementary beer. 

Despite high hopes, the ride continues to be bumpy.  Sleep was on and off.

In spite of the scary skies, 

and rough seas, 

I went up to the Terrace Café for breakfast.  Because we are traveling West, the sunrise is later and later each day.  It was dark when I got out there but still warm.  The sunrise was dramatic.

It was 7:00 AM so I started off with some Corn Flakes from Waves and some Café Americano from the machine.

Looking for a different breakfast this morning once the Café opened, I got into the omelet line.  The person in front of me asked for mushrooms and peppers (and I thought I had a meat free omelet pan waiting for me) but then she added the whammy ingredient, shrimp to her omelet (I didn’t even know shrimp was a popular omelet item).  Seeing that, I reverted to the breakfast I have had every day this cruise, save one, that being two pancakes (the pancake lady knows me by sight) with cottage cheese, two different preserves (in those cute bottles) and a scoop of scrambled eggs with some cheddar cheese melted in (that I get from the omelet guy and add myself). For 15 mornings, that has been a winner made even more so by the coffee server who always keeps my cup filled. It rained while I was having breakfast but I did not get wet.

Ellen ordered Room Service – her go to dish has been French Toast with two fried eggs and some fruit.

At 9:30 AM, I went down to Martinis to meet with the guests who had requested the Q&A.  While the group numbered 30 about eight showed up.  Jamie got me a mic and we held the session in a circle.  I expected more questions about the lecture topics but instead wound up on several tangents.  No matter, the session was fun and the feedback to Peter confirmed that. 

The weather outside is deteriorating and the ship is starting to rock and roll again.

When we went up for lunch, we found the Veranda closed. We both ventured out in the light rain to Waves and I ordered a fish sandwich for myself and only fish for Ellen. The fish is always good – too much actually. The ship got into the St Patty's Day mood by offering the greenest cake I've ever seen.  Didn't try it, though.

My final talk, at 2 PM today, was “Forensic Detectives: Identifying America’s Fallen Heroes”. The ship was really rocking and rolling and experiencing the occasional boom slap.  We have a lot of vets on board so I thought the turnout would be solid. The crowd was, however, smaller than yesterday’s – I think people hesitated braving the journey to the theater – I know I did. I don’t think it was the topic since this talk is usually well attended. I hung on to the podium the entire time and that made it difficult for me to see the screen.  I don’t think this talk had the energy it had in the past.  I could just feel it.  I did get some nice positive feedback on this talk later in the evening – so who knows.

The outside decks were closed – we stayed in the room – did some packing – and had dinner in the Terrace Café – we ate inside because the veranda was still closed due to winds and rain.  I had hot dogs and Ellen had ribeye steak – for the first time this cruise the hot dogs were not a winner – they had a different taste, were a bit under (maybe boiled) and the buns were too large and they had been put on the grill.  The kosher meals were excellent throughout the entire cruise until tonight – an outlier I’m sure.

We spent a little time in Horizons and were treated to a rehearsal by Faye and Lilly.

We passed on Nina Skyy and went to the room and finished packing.

I had never been able to find the lectures on the smart TV.  I looked a bit harder and found my lectures including a really nice bio and picture. Their graphics were better than mine.

We were surprised to find a “Disembarkation Room Service Card” in our room. We have never been able to order room service on Disembarkation Day.  That was a positive. We put the breakfast cards out and the suitcases were outside our room long before the 10 PM deadline.

The ship is moving and lights went out at 10:15 PM.

March 16, 2026 – At Sea – Caribbean Sea – Partly Cloudy – Warm – 79F

Up early again and another beautiful day at sea.

My third sunrise in a row 

and another wonderful, routine (yet not boring) by now, breakfast.  I always go through the line looking for something different (I was hoping for biscuits) but the items are pretty much the same every day. There is a "Special of the Day" but I haven't found one that is better than my standard breakfast.

Ellen had room service again.

At around 10 AM, I went to Baristas to get my IMC (regular not decaf) and go over today’s talk). 

At yesterday’s talk, a guest recalled that I was a regular at the Coffee place and today, he found me there.  We talked for a few minutes – he had some questions related to the lecture and then we got into evolution a bit.  He was interested in how huge changes in an organism occur in a relatively short time and I told him I didn’t know but it was a common thing.  I think he was looking for some kind of alien intervention in the genetics of humans.  Ellen showed up and he took off – the chat was interesting.

Since the cruise began, I had always wondered why only five of the six lectures I submitted were scheduled.  There is a final sea day and that’s a standard lecture opportunity.  I emailed Peter and it turned out that the lecture had fallen through the cracks and he wanted to know it I would still want to do it.  He also said that a Travel Group wanted to schedule a Q&A with me tomorrow morning.  I wrote back and said I would be glad to do both. He was thrilled.

Lunch was in the Terrace Café – a simple salad and two slices of freshly made pizza did the trick.  Ellen tried some of the sushi - the one with cooked salmon in the center - 

and said it was good.  The sushi bar is enormous.

“Forensic Detectives: The Search for Jack the Ripper” was scheduled for 2 PM.  That is turning out to be a good time for me – no morning rush.  Another good turnout and an enthusiastic crowd – I shortened the talk a bit and it ran just over 40 minutes. I chatted with a few guests afterwards out in the theater tunnel.  I don’t know why but more people abstained than voted for who Jack might be.  Not convinced by any of the evidence, I guess.

We spent most of the afternoon out on Deck 5 – not too hot – not windy – just perfect. 

Showtime tonight was at 5:30 PM – “Hello, Again” – a tribute to Neil Diamond.  We did not have good seats and didn’t stay for the whole thing.

We ate dinner on the Terrace Café Veranda – Ellen had Lamb chops and she said it was good but not much meat. Maria made a nice pasta for me – better this time out because it had more sauce.  The yummy focaccia was a nice accompaniment to the pasta – I like my bread dipped in balsamic vinegar (“Food of the gods”). The dinner was good and we did get to eat Al Fresco.

We played Name that Tune in Martinis and the couple we were helping actually won. 

The Odessa Strings were the late show and we passed and went to the room.  Still bumpy with loud wave slaps. 

Lights out at 10:30 PM.