May 20, 2024
My To Do List! Time is ticking!
I am slightly prepared, due to all I already did in anticipation of sailing with Life at Sea, last November. I repacked & shipped 3 small bags via UPS filled with my dry goods, creature comforts, sports equipment, games, some shoes and weather gear to a shipping container, in Florida, that VVR is provided and is transporting to Belfast for us, back in March. I bought my airline ticket to London Heathrow and have since rebooked to Dublin, Ireland, where I will first spend time visiting family in County Mayo and Cork, before heading up to Belfast to meet the rest of the passengers.
I sold my car, closed my ez-pass account and parking, and cancel my auto insurance. I've been to the dentist and eye doctors, had my yearly mammogram and colon test, seen both my primary and endocrinologist doctors, got my latest Covid booster, vaccines and immunizations for yellow fever, typhoid, Hep A & B, influenza, pneumonia, Tdap, RSV, Shingrix and an update tetanus. I also got several prescriptions filled for sea sickness, anti malaria pills and other remedies for common ailments that may come up during 3 plus years of travel.
I have also reviewed my Will and POA and made sure my financial assets are all accessible to my family, with all the necessary paperwork in place and automatic payments that I have set up. My Employer is in the loop, as are my Clients and Vendors, who are allowing me to continue to serve them and take their business on the trip with me. I will see if I can truly continue to make things work, whatever time zone I’m in.
One of the most time-consuming tasks has been getting my healthcare (primary and secondary levels) in place. I’m currently on COBRA and then may go to marketplace for primary and I’ve secured a secondary policy for out of country. Biggest question is how will I get my prescription drugs (I’m a type 2 diabetic). I'm planning on taking a large supply with me and trying for mail service for balance, or friends couriering when they visit! The tricky part is the medication needs to be refrigerated, typically done with ice packs for 1 to 2 day post. The ships’ medical team Vikand is also stocking and helping to get certain medications and testing we have all requested. My doctors have been supportive and confident we can work out the details. Fingers crossed! I am also buying a travel emergency and interruption insurance policy.
Speaking of visitors, one of my favorite elements of this adventure is the VVR friends and family (F&F) policy. They don’t want us to get homesick so there are 35 FREE cabins for F&F to use on a first ask basis. F&F can visit for up to 2 weeks and only pay $33/day/person for their meals, alcohol and port fees. It’s a true bargain! And I am hoping many of my F&F take advantage of signing up. So far I have 3 approved and 3 more pending!
I have set my phone to the military time option and am trying to train myself to know the pm hours by heart, before boarding, as all communication is done in 24-hour time. I am still trying to squeeze in lots of time with friends and family, especially the young ones, who grow and change so quickly! All the while clearing out my refrigerator, freezer and pantry and packing my 3 checked bags and one carry on bag. Right now, my to do list is down to roughly 4 items, and everything seems to be falling into place.
Bosco and I went back to the Marina Bay Sands, Marquee Night Club for Dancing on Friday night. We got to the club around 11pm and they stayed open till 5 a.m! There was a little bit of a cue to get into the club, but I had bought our entry tickets online prior, so we went through quickly.
What a gorgeous night this turned out to be. Great company and amazing views with yummy food. Life is Good!
After walking through the Luxury Mall of MBS we went through the tunnel, under the street to the Hotel Towers . The lobby is very much like a Vegas Casino. Tower 1 is where the observation deck & Le Noir Cocktail Bar is at the front of the Ship and the french restaurant Ce La Vi is located behind these closer to Tower 2. Then comes the infinite edged swimming pool and end the aft section of the Ship is the italian restaurant & bar Lavo . We went up to the 57th floor and requested a walk in reservation at Lavo around 6 pm and we got lucky and were seated out on the terrace by 6:30 pm. We were there for sunset and both light shows, with prime viewing spots. They didn't rush us out at all and we enjoyed a yummy meal! When we left around 8:30 there was a crazy long cue waiting for tables, we got so lucky!