Come sail with me on a virtual cruise to Hawaii on Ruby Princess

[Reader0108598]

57 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

After a few minutes a lovely American nurse appears beside me and asks me a few questions, and checks my pulse etc. Then a retired German doctor arrives and does an assessment. He is very kind and speaks perfect English. I have to say that I was pretty much out of it at this stage and the whole time passes in a blur. I know they are checking me regularly, and continue to keep me on oxygen.

 

The doctor kindly stays with me for nearly two hours, by which time I am so exhausted that I ask to go back to my seat, where I curl up as best I can and fall into a deep sleep.

 

I don’t wake until we are approaching Munich.

 

Oh Ellie hope u are ok! My last stint in the Hospital was 10 days this year and on oxygen! Had to call EMS to get me and my tank in the house! One of the guys lifted me into my livingroom! Nice young men !

 

 

Edited September 23, 2021 by Reader0108598

[cr8tiv1]

I loved your description of take off.  So sorry to hear you needed "a doctor onboard".  Lucky for you that you had assistance from all.

 

[ellie1145]

Home again! 

 

DH eventually manages to wake me, to tell me that they have organised a wheelchair to take me to our connecting flight. We have a very short time, a little over an hour, and we must make our way to another terminal and I know we won’t make it if I have to walk.

 

The captain announces that we are on final approach, and the airport appears below.

 

Everyone on the huge plane leaves and then we disembark and find a rather stern looking German gentleman with a wheelchair waiting. Another lady is also being transported by wheelchair, so we follow them. Our escort seems rather disgruntled and unfriendly and we are both pushed through a door and into a private area of the terminal, where we are put in an elevator and taken outside where a special bus is waiting for us.

 

Once loaded, the bus heads off through the airport to the next terminal and we arrive just in time for boarding. I don’t know how we would have managed without assistance. I’m sure we would have missed our flight. As it is we’ve only just made it.

 

We make our way onto our flight, bidding our rather unfriendly escort goodbye at the door. Once again, I sink exhaustedly into my seat. It’s been a long flight and I can’t wait to get to London.

 

The flight back to Heathrow passes uneventfully, with me dozing frequently, but from time to time I manage to take a few photos out of the plane window, as I begin to feel a little better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 24, 2021 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

For the first time ever coming home from a vacation, I am glad to see LHR below.

 

 

 

 

Our plane lands and taxis to the gate.

 

 

Once again they escort me off the ‘plane and a wheelchair is waiting. Immigration is pretty quick and we collect our luggage and then make our way through Arrivals. We call for a taxi to take us back to the hotel to collect our car and then DH drives us to our last minute overnight hotel. 

 

What an odd way to end this amazing vacation. I have no idea what was wrong with me but I sure am glad to be home, and most grateful to the kind passengers who responded to the call for assistance, and who looked after me so well during the flight. I never did get the chance to thank that doctor who went above and beyond to make sure I was safe.

 

[ellie1145]

‘Time to say goodbye…..’

 

And so our journey is ended - I’m sure there are sighs of relief all round. What a marathon it has been! When I started this I never thought it would take me so long, but such a lot has happened in the past year which has prolonged the agony for you all, including the birth of our wonderful little grandson, who has filled our life with love and cuddles, and made these gloomy pandemic days all the brighter.

 

However, I hope you wonderful Cruising Adventurers have enjoyed travelling along with me. Thank you for your company, and your kind comments, and most of all, your endless patience when I have gone AWOL. It has been such a wonderful friendly blog, so thank you all for your kindness and support.

 

I am pleased to say that we have restarted cruising - so far just Seacations around the UK, on Regal Princess, Anthem of the Seas, and Sky Princess. It is truly wonderful to be cruising again, and despite the British weather we have really enjoyed being back on a cruise ship. All that is missing is the sunshine, but we hope to cruise round the Greek islands very soon - watch this space!

 

Just to let you know, our son has made a good recovery from Covid, although he is very fatigued, and has lost his sense of taste and smell. The only thing he can taste at the moment is salt, which makes eating rather bizarre and not a pleasant experience. But it should come back eventually.

 

I will miss you all and hope to see you one day when this pandemic finally ends. I have enjoyed your company and am thrilled to have been ‘talking’ to you across the globe, in Australia, Canada, the USA and many other places. Often as I type I see someone popping up from the other side of the world. Thanks must also go to the 27 who have ‘followed’ along, and also to those who have been there quietly in the background. 

 

The world is certainly a small place thanks to the internet. 

 

A final thanks, must also go to Cruise Critic, who have worked endlessly to make it easier and easier to post photos etc. 

 

So until we meet again, keep safe, keep cruising and who knows, maybe you will travel along with me again, even if it’s only virtually!

Edited September 24, 2021 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

Just to let you know that I have been posting from Sky Princess for the past couple of days, with varied success. Sometimes it would download photos, sometimes they would disappear into the ether. I’ve had to download the last couple of posts several times as they appeared to be working but at the last minute they would disappear. To be honest I am amazed that the photos got posted at all, and it just shows how the internet on ships continues to improve. 

 

[ellie1145]

23 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I loved your description of take off.  So sorry to hear you needed "a doctor onboard".  Lucky for you that you had assistance from all.

 

 

Thank you cr8tiv1   I don’t think we will ever know what was wrong with me, but all’s well that ends well.

 

I have really enjoyed your company and your input. Many thanks for sailing along so faithfully. 

 

Perhaps one day we will meet in person! 

 

Take care and keep safe.

Edited September 24, 2021 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

On 9/23/2021 at 10:51 PM, Reader0108598 said:

Oh Ellie hope u are ok! My last stint in the Hospital was 10 days this year and on oxygen! Had to call EMS to get me and my tank in the house! One of the guys lifted me into my livingroom! Nice young men !

 

 

 

Thank you Reader0108598. All’s well that ends well. 

 

So sorry to hear about your experience. Hope you are fully recovered now. Take care and keep safe! 

[ellie1145]

On 9/11/2021 at 3:24 PM, DUCHESSRN said:

.

I will think of you at Scone O Clock.

 Hope you had a wonderful cruise, and that Scone O’clock was enjoyable. 

 

This was our tea on Sky which we had delivered to our cabin. Very decadent!

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

On 9/16/2021 at 5:14 PM, ROWSE said:

Thank you @ellie1145for all the wonderful diversions you give us from present times!

I hope that your son has a speedy recovery and hope his vaccine protects him from the worst!

 

We have had a land trip to Big Island, Hawaii, for this October in the works since the pandemic seemed to be waning, but it is always full of surprises.  We are in a wait and see mode but hope to go!  We had our vaccination and will take every precaution, and at present, it is the best any of us can do.  Thank you @cr8tiv1for help with my planning!

 

I am excited to read more reviews from you after this one!  Enjoyed it immensely! 

 

Thank you so much. It’s been a joy to have you along on this adventure. 

 

Thank goodness our son was fully vaccinated as goodness knows what would have happened if he hadn’t been. The frightening thing is that nobody could have helped him, not DH and I, nor my daughter with the new baby. That terrified me, the thought of him being seriously ill on his own. But he is much recovered thank goodness. 

 

Hope your October Hawaii trip goes as planned. Fingers crossed! 🤞

 

(could you seriously cope with another review??😉)

[cr8tiv1]

7 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

 

Thank you cr8tiv1   I don’t think we will ever know what as wrong with me, but all’s well that ends well.

 

I have really enjoyed your company and your input. Many thanks for sailing along so faithfully. 

 

Perhaps one day we will meet in person! 

 

Take care and keep safe.

 

With Princess cancelling cruises left and right, I'm not sure that my next Hawaii cruise is a go.  Would love to have you onboard.  But then again, you just got off the Ruby.  Thank you so much for the time you have invested in our voyage.  You are a wonderful writer.  I will be missing you dearly.

 

Malama Pono (take care),

A hui hou

https://blogs.ksbe.edu/kscc/a-hui-hou/

 

[ellie1145]

On 9/16/2021 at 10:06 PM, azbirdmom said:

 

We just made arrangements to go to Maui in late October.  We used to go at least twice a year prior to our cruising days and I sure miss it!  I've already filled out the information on the Hawaii Safe Travels site and we have no problem with any of the precautions.  Our just booked flight looks empty which actually makes us feel better as that is the only part where we will be in close contact with other humans.  The fact that Hawaii is only letting in vaccinated or recently tested folks certainly helps.  If you go, hope you enjoy the Big Island!

 

Hi azbirdmom, hope you and DH and little bird are keeping well and that your proposed Hawaii trip goes to plan. 

 

I must thank you for taking part in the Astra Zeneca trial as without courageous people like you, we would not be benefitting from this amazing vaccine.

 

I am looking forward to having the time to read your trip report.

 

Stay safe and I hope that one day we will sail on the same ship again. 

 

Take care.

[PurpleTraveller]

Thank you so much for this and your previous review. They have been a blessing to follow and enjoy during these "intetesting" times. It has been an absolute pleasure to follow your adventures. 

 

I'm not sure if you have been keeping up to date with what has been happening in Australia but we are well on the way to opening up to the rest of the world - hopefully at the start of 2022. In NSW we are currently at 85% first dose and 58% second dose and plan to start opening up at 70% double dose. We expect to get to that in mid October and 80% a week later. Hopefully we get to 90% fully vaccinated in November. I am sure you and many others will be able to visit us in the not too distant future, when we will welcome you with open arms. 

 

I am pleased to read that your son is recovering and that you are okay after your flight home, though your illness must have been very frightening for you and your husband. Once again Thank you and I hope that one day we may end up cruising together. In the meantime happy cruising! 🚢

[dickinson]

I'm going to miss reading updates 😞  Thank you for allowing us to cruise virtually with you.

[DUCHESSRN]

3 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

 Hope you had a wonderful cruise, and that Scone O’clock was enjoyable. 

 

This was our tea on Sky which we had delivered to our cabin. Very decadent!

 

 

 

 

Oh the scones were wonderful on the Majestic ...I have so enjoyed your Blog and feel as if I know you .

Alaska was much colder than we anticipated and just beautiful ....sadly our Hawaii on Ruby at Christmas has been cancelled .

Several changes on Board but all in all the ship was spotless and crew so appreciative and happy.

[Westaussie]

Thank you Ellie for another great review.  So glad you made it home ok and also that your son is doing well.

 

Look forward to your next reviews! 

 

Take care

Vera

[barbpretz]

I'm a quiet but avid follower of every word you have written.  Thank you so much for keeping me happily entertained all through this pandemic.

 

Please say that you will be posting about each of your subsequent cruises!  And please post the links here so we don't miss them.  As long as you are cruising, I'm sure that we will want to keep coming along with you!

 

 

[RLK33853]

Same here Ellie - thanks for taking us along on an adventure when we couldn't travel.  You are an excellent storyteller!

 

Ray

[gubby]

I am so pleased that I happened on to this review, Ellie. Not only did it bring back great memories of our Hawaii cruise in 2010, and our cruise to Tahiti in 2018, but your writing style and beautiful photos helped to alleviate the stress caused by this horrible pandemic. I am happy to hear about the recoveries made by you, your spouse and your son. Continue to snuggle that beautiful and precious grandson. I look forward to reading more from you.

 

 

[margord]

On 9/20/2021 at 9:39 AM, 1965 said:

On 9/24/2021 at 6:39 PM, ellie1145 said:

Just to let you know that I have been posting from Sky Princess for the past couple of days, with varied success. Sometimes it would download photos, sometimes they would disappear into the ether. I’ve had to download the last couple of posts several times as they appeared to be working but at the last minute they would disappear. To be honest I am amazed that the photos got posted at all, and it just shows how the internet on ships continues to improve. 

 

 

So gad you made it home safe and sound.  So sorry about you feeling so bad on the plane.  I would love to read more of your reviews.  I thoroughly enjoyed each one I have read.

[chipz]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your review.  You have a wonderful writing style, keeps me waiting for the next entry, and I loved the photos.  I also love taking photos of my travels.  I consider them my souvenirs, and enjoy revisiting my travels when I see them.

Sending the best of wishes to you and your family.

I will look forward to joining you on your next virtual cruise. 🚢

[ellie1145]

On 9/24/2021 at 11:59 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

 

With Princess cancelling cruises left and right, I'm not sure that my next Hawaii cruise is a go.  Would love to have you onboard.  But then again, you just got off the Ruby.  Thank you so much for the time you have invested in our voyage.  You are a wonderful writer.  I will be missing you dearly.

 

Malama Pono (take care),

A hui hou

https://blogs.ksbe.edu/kscc/a-hui-hou/

 

 

Thank you so much cr98tiv1. It has been a joy to have you sailing along, and I have valued your input on the islands. I have loved finding out what the Hawaiian words mean and it has enriched my experience. 

 

What a beautiful song you have put a link to. The words are so lovely. Thank you very much.

 

I hope you, too will take care, until we meet again, a hui hou!

 

 The tide has changed for you
A different trade wind is blowing
It will carry you to mountains
On other islands, which are waiting

This is not our last goodbye
Though a new path you will go
This just means ‘til we meet again
Me ke aloha, a hui hou.

Mahalo for all your wisdom
Which you imparted unto us
On this endeavor you will start
With God’s blessings, in whom we trust

This is not our last goodbye
Though a new path you will go
This just means ‘til we meet again
Me ke aloha,
This is not our last goodbye
Though a new path you will go
This just means ‘til we meet again
Me ke aloha, a hui hou.

 

 

[ellie1145]

On 9/25/2021 at 12:29 AM, PurpleTraveller said:

Thank you so much for this and your previous review. They have been a blessing to follow and enjoy during these "intetesting" times. It has been an absolute pleasure to follow your adventures. 

 

I'm not sure if you have been keeping up to date with what has been happening in Australia but we are well on the way to opening up to the rest of the world - hopefully at the start of 2022. In NSW we are currently at 85% first dose and 58% second dose and plan to start opening up at 70% double dose. We expect to get to that in mid October and 80% a week later. Hopefully we get to 90% fully vaccinated in November. I am sure you and many others will be able to visit us in the not too distant future, when we will welcome you with open arms. 

 

I am pleased to read that your son is recovering and that you are okay after your flight home, though your illness must have been very frightening for you and your husband. Once again Thank you and I hope that one day we may end up cruising together. In the meantime happy cruising! 🚢

 

 

Thank yo so much, Purple Traveller. It has been a pleasure to have you cruising along with me. These are certainly ‘interesting’ times, and getting more interesting by the minute, sadly.

 

We were getting really hopeful about Australia opening up again, but that dream has been shattered by the arrival of Omicron. Australia, as well as 16 other countries, has again closed its borders to us Brits. So we must wait and hope that this new variant will be less virulent, but only time will tell. 

 

Our son has recovered well, thanks to his two vaccinations. I dread to think what would have happened had he not been vaccinated. He was very fatigued, and his sense of taste and smell has still not yet returned to normal, but we are very thankful. We now face a major battle to get people vaccinated with the booster shot, but I am sure the government and the NHS will pull out all the stops. 

 

Who would ever have believed that this dire situation would still be with us nearly 2 years later?

 

But we will hold onto our dream, of being able return to Australia before we are too decrepit to do the long journey, and we will be thrilled to step onto Australian soil once more. 

 

Keep safe and hopefully you will be able to return to cruising one day, and who knows, perhaps we will have the pleasure of meeting you at last, on a cruise ship!  

[ellie1145]

On 9/25/2021 at 2:39 AM, dickinson said:

I'm going to miss reading updates 😞  Thank you for allowing us to cruise virtually with you.

 

It has been a great pleasure, and I have enjoyed ‘meeting; so many wonderful people along the way.

[ellie1145]

On 9/25/2021 at 3:40 AM, DUCHESSRN said:

Oh the scones were wonderful on the Majestic ...I have so enjoyed your Blog and feel as if I know you .

Alaska was much colder than we anticipated and just beautiful ....sadly our Hawaii on Ruby at Christmas has been cancelled .

Several changes on Board but all in all the ship was spotless and crew so appreciative and happy.

 

So glad to hear that you enjoyed ‘scones o’clock.’ Majestic is a beautiful ship and probably our favourite Princess ship. 

 

I would love to visit Alaska one day, and are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your cruise. I would sail on her again in a heartbeat. 

 

I wish you happy sailing, and a safe 2022.