Our bags are packed and we leave this evening for FL.

There are 5 large bags, 4 carry-ons, 2 shoulder bags and 2 backpacks.

Departure day is in sight now

We got our cruise documents and luggage tags this week. I took that as a sign and gave up on my house cleaning and started hauling suitcases downstairs. Clay had already co-opted the dining room and begun his camera and electronics staging there, so it is now packing central. I got 2 suitcases packed. Sounds like all systems are go, right? Not so fast.

Tragedy strikes. Make no mistake, this isn't just about us, but a true tragedy. Our ship around the world for 180 days, Insignia, suffered a fatal engine room fire in St. Lucia yesterday. Today the ship has been sealed for death investigations and the next cruise has been canceled. That next canceled cruise would have run from December 17 to January 10. That is our sailing date. That gives Oceania about 25 days to get Insignia ready to run the 3 back to back 180-day cruises they have on the schedule.

I know this is unhappy news. We feel terrible.