In the past, I was always the type of person who really enjoyed going on vacation, but then enjoyed coming home even more.
I always viewed the idea of going away for months on end to be a bit of a non-starter for me. A week or two is one thing, but several months? I never thought that was my thing.
A few years ago, that changed.
Circumstances beyond our control meant that we (my husband and I plus our two-year-old son) had to move out of our house, where we were firmly settled in a peaceful, almost idyllic day-to-day life.
That is, as peaceful as co-existing with a two-year old can possibly be!
After an initial panicky period where we desperately starting searching for another suitable house, we decided to instead put all our stuff in storage, and be “homeless” for a few months.
We decided to look at this unexpected (and unwelcome) turn of events in a different way, and consider it to be an opportunity instead. We would make use of this ‘found time’ without the large monthly expense of rent or a mortgage payment to do some travelling.
At the time, we didn’t have school age kids, and were able to work remotely. The only thing stopping us was our own fear – which was considerable, I may add.
To make a long story short, we ended up spending several months in Mexico, and what I quickly learned is that being away for months at a time is NOT anything like being on vacation.
Gone was the pressure to soak up the sun, and drink as many margaritas as possible before returning to reality a few days later!
Instead, we developed new routines, and in hindsight, it was a period of tremendous growth. We eventually did return to “reality”, but those months away from our home and regular routine changed my outlook, and provided memories to last a lifetime.
Now, I’m contemplating another long trip – this time on a cruise ship.
At first, I was thinking of maybe 3 or 4 weeks, but then a specific cruise caught my eye.
It is six-month itinerary!
As much as I love cruising, a part of me thinks that this might be too long on a ship.
I wondered why I was feeling this way.
I don’t have professional excuses; one of the great things about my job as a travel advisor is that I can work from anywhere.
After a bit of self-examination, I realized that this might simply be another version of the same fear that almost kept me home from Mexico all those years ago… the fear that could have cost me a life-changing experience.
The cruise I’m looking at leaves in early 2019 from New York City on the Oceania Insignia. Before finishing in Florida 180 days later, I can visit the Panama Canal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, Thailand, India, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, the UK, Ireland, and Canada. And those are just the bigger stops.
That’s a lot of items on my bucket list I could tick off, all on a single trip!
Here’s the cruise I’m looking at: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/180-day-world-cruises/new-york-to-miami-INS190111H
This is just one of FIVE Round-the World cruises offered by Oceania in 2019: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/world-cruises/
One of the things I learned last time I was away for months rather than days is that there are a number large costs that temporarily disappear – such as those required to operate a car.
The price for this cruise starts at around $43,000 per person (double occupancy), which works out to about $250 per day. Admittedly, this is a hefty chunk of change. But when I stop and seriously look at how much I spend at home in 6 months, this looks like pretty good value to me – especially on a line like Oceania where I’ll be subject to great food, entertainment, and service in a casual atmosphere. And yay, cocktails are included too (if I want – which I do)!
All guests on any Oceania Around the World Voyage also get the Exclusive Prestige Package, which includes ALL of the following:
- Free Pre-Paid Gratuities – a value up to $8,200
- Free Onboard Medical Care
- Free Unlimited Internet
- Free Laundry Services
- Free Exclusive Shoreside Events
- Free Visa Package
- Free Luggage Delivery
- Free 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Stay
- Free Roundtrip Transfers
NOTE: This promotion is subject to change on July 1st, 2017.
It may not be for everyone, but if you’ve ever toyed with the idea of a longer stay on board a ship, then this Oceania promotion is worth considering. Maybe the only thing stopping you is the same fear I experienced (and overcame) a few years ago.
Planning a Cruise? I’d love to help! Click here to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
