Last Minute Frenzy
As I stand on the precipice of departure day, the culmination of six months of planning intensifies, with only three days remaining. The frenzy of activities has reached its crescendo, and my exhaustive lists are gradually dwindling. Surprisingly, this stage proves to be quite enjoyable, as the light at the end of the tunnel becomes increasingly visible. Reflecting on the journey leading up to this point, I acknowledge that it has been an emotional roller coaster, challenging both my emotional resilience and organizational prowess.
Rather than delving into the intricacies of my extensive to-do list, common for anyone relocating to a new community, I’ll share insights into how I tackled the formidable logistics involved. The seemingly straightforward decision to book multiple cruises with established cruise lines turned out to be a daunting task. With a staggering 51 different cruise lines, hundreds of destinations, and ships accommodating up to 6000 passengers sailing on 365 different days, the possibilities were overwhelming.
My primary consideration was cruise length, aiming for longer journeys to minimize passenger turnover, providing ample time to build connections with fellow travelers and reducing the need for frequent trip bookings with associated transfers. Ship size and rating also played a crucial role, as limiting the number of passengers fosters deeper relationships, especially in pleasant atmospheres. Additionally, consecutive cruises were preferred, connecting with minimal downtime and distance to reduce flight and hotel expenses—all within the constraints of a specified budget. Contrary to popular belief, living on a cruise ship is not cheaper than a nursing home; it’s a myth.
Once I defined my criteria, the search for the perfect cruise proved to be a challenge. Most cabins are booked one to two years in advance. Fortunately, I secured reservations on seven cruises through 2025, although this involved nine long-haul flights. The catch—I’m not as spry as I used to be, and these flights would be a challenge unless in business class. The snag: business class tickets cost a minimum of $4000 each.
Enter “Travel Hacking,” my saving grace. I managed to book several business class flights on reputable airlines like Air France, Qantas, and Singapore Air for under $200 each, complete with all the amenities. This knowledge is accessible to anyone willing to take advantage of it. Here’s how: start by signing up for a travel credit card, such as Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X, to earn sign-up points. Then, join points.me, input your desired flight details, and transfer your points to the specified airline for booking. For an additional fee, points.me offers a concierge service to guide you through the process.
As the clock ticks down to departure, there’s much more on my plate in the coming days. Stay tuned for further updates as new and interesting events unfold.
