It’s November 21, and our itinerary says we should be in Trinidad & Tobago by morning. Instead, we are in a hotel in Istanbul, and I am watching our dreams dying.
Our grand 3-year adventure has ended before it began. Or postponed, depending on whom you believe. There is a possibility of it being resurrected, with a different company, in the spring. But most people are working on their Plan B (and C and D…) and scattering back to their separate worlds.
There are likely multiple reasons why the project was aborted, but we’ve been told one is that the Middle East conflict spooked investors. We spent the day working out refund logistics with the cruise company and drowning our sorrows at a pub. I’ll be staying in Turkey until the end of the month, while I figure out how to get my life back on course. At the moment, I feel paralyzed with indecision. I was hoping the only decision I would have to make for the next 3 years, would be what to eat for breakfast. Instead, life-altering decisions are demanding to be made. Shall I return stateside, re-start the search for that oceanview cottage? Should I find a bed & breakfast in Portugal to park myself in, and wait to see what happens in the spring? Should I hop on another cruise, like many people are doing? Should I embark on a do-it-yourself world tour?
No doubt, there will be more grand adventures for all of us. But tonight, each in our own way, we are grieving the loss of a dream.
46 responses to “Dream Deferred”
i just jumped on.. I did not realize I had not signed up for your BLOG.. one of your best readers and I missed signing up. So I got on today after Jane Anne told me your trip was cancelled … and I am so disappointed for you all. I look forward to seeing what Plan B brings you.
Oh no… I am so sorry Basia. I hope your Plan B turns into an even greater adventure.
Oh so sorry Basia! Wow! What a let down!
Wow Basia, I’m blown away at the timing of this decision. What were they thinking? There must be many furious people!?#! Then there’s you, on the other hand, handling life’s disruption with such equanimity! I’m sure you still want to be out there in the bigger world, but if you end up back in Rochester you’re welcome to park in one of our spare rooms!
I am feeling sad everytime I think about that beautiful Lara painting you created for this occasion. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Oh Wow Basia! Wow! That is a disappointment! You are right there is always a plan B and C.
Oh my gosh Basia, I just saw this news on the cover of cnn.com an was praying it was about a different 3 year cruise! I’m very sorry they cancelled it and will be watching your blog more closely, if there is anything we can do from Rochester to help just let us know!
Thanks Jim. Do you think you can convince your new neighbors, to sell my house back to me… 🙁
Dang it. My instincts were dead wrong on this one. I really thought this was going to happen for you, my adventure-filled friend. I’m so so sorry. I imagine all these decisions are crippling. One at a time. You know you can bunk at my house too while you get it figured out. We have a connection in Portugal if you need one. I’m sending you hugs and calming influences – as well as cheerleading to let this act of fate lead you to your most exciting days ahead.
Thank you my dear friend. I may end up in that OBX beach cottage sooner than I thought!
On Thanksgiving Day, am so grateful for you, uniquely qualified to begin again. Prayers for a quick recovery!
Hi Basia thinking about you so sorry to hear about your cruise. Hope you get things figure out soon. I don’t think you seen many birds were all the cats were. Hang in there.
“I don’t think you see many birds were all the cats were” – Bob, that is the funniest comment I’ve heard all day! Thanks for the chuckle.
So sorry and disappointed hearing this and I’m just an onlooker. Can’t image what you must be feeling. Joining the chorus offering you a place to land til you figure it out.
Thanks. Still trying to figure out what to do next. I am especially disappointed that I won’t get to do Antarctica with Chrissy. 🙁
I am so sorry for all of you. This is a terrible situation, although I feel that LaS tried to get this cruise off the ground, but there where just so many insurmountable obstacles. One of their biggest faults IMO was their lack of communication!
Now you all have to decide what to do and where to go, especially those that sold or rented out their homes!
What would I do in your case if I had some $ and time and still wanted an adventure, but needed to be a bit frugal? Costa Rica comes to mind. Been there twice for several months and loved it. Not terribly expensive, with lots of variable Eco systems contained in a small country. Warm year round! The biggest variety of birds I’ve ever seen, including some rare ones like The Quetzal. Great beaches and amazing wildlife! Lots of volunteer opportunities working with wildlife rehabilitation or organic farms. Lots of opportunities for adventure!
Just a suggestion, in case you haven’t been there or thought of it!
Wishing you good luck in your next endeavor! 😘
Oh, how disappointing to lose the adventure you had painstakingly planned to have.
Now you are embarking on another kind of adventure. And because you have the courageous spirit and curious nature about living that I admire so much, I am certain this unexpected journey will bring you undreamed of riches. I join the chorus of admirers tagging along, cheering you onto the next pleasures of living your wonderfully wild life, awaiting stories of your next chapter!
Appreciate the cheering!
So sorry to hear this, Basia! I know you will come up with a fabulous Plan B but this so disappointing. Please keep us posted on what’s next. Sending love!
Thanks Alison. Still working on finding that fabulous Plan B.
Oh no! That’s a major let down. I am sorry to hear that. I think since you already have “the papers to reside in TX,” come back here for 6 months while you make other plans. You don’t have to even live in Fort Bend County if you don’t want although you are most welcome to . You can rent a one -bedroom condo. in Galveston starting at 1500/month and see the Gulf every morning.
Thanks. All options are being considered.
Oh no! How disappointing! Wishing you all the best for whatever path you choose to follow.
Thanks Nicolette. I was looking forward to looking you up in NZ!
❤
Basia, So sorry! You have had quite an adventure already. Wish you the best. Keep us posted on your plans
Thanks Luanne. I am major bummed about all the birds I was hoping to add to my life list!
Kochana Basia- you come from very strong stock. You will figure it out. You of course have a roof and bed in Vermont for however long you need, if you need.
Dziekuje! Still trying to figure out my next steps.
Oh my Basia! So sorry to hear this news. You have so many options. I am curious to hear what you decide.
I’m curious also! 🙂
Oh Basia, that is terribly sad and disappointing. It’s a gray and cold November day here, so I hope you decide to spend the winter in a warmer part of the world. I hope you will keep posting. Sending hugs!
Thanks Margret. Is it too late to un-sell that house….? 🙂
I hope that you can fulfill a revised (Plan B) ocean traveling/living option amidst this uncertainty (I read some articles that indicated that some of the other cruise LAS-type-companies have been experiencing problems and delays.).
Yeah, I just saw that article also. It’s comforting to know we are not the only one, but sure wish it could have happened somehow…
I’ve been following you from long before you began your blog, as I was also initially in the circle group of Life at Sea. I’ve admired your energy, organization, and willingness to summarize multiple webinars, as well as making lists of the things to be grateful for in the midst of all the changes, ups, and downs. For a number of reasons, I made the decision to switch to VCL, and we have had our own deferments as well. However, if management can be believed, our trip has only been postponed pending the booking of 80% of our cabins. We are currently scheduled to depart on July 26, 2024, still a long ways off for someone who is homeless, such as yourself. However, should you choose to join us, I believe it would be our gain. Feel free to delete this if you feel it is inappropriate, but I think you would like us! And I’m not the only initial Miray cruiser who is now hoping to sail on the VCL ship.
Thanks for the kind words, Larry. I did look into VCL at one point, way at the beginning, and decided it wasn’t for me, for several reasons. Not the least of which was that it doesn’t have a stop in Antarctica, like LASC did. The was the destination I most had my heart set on. But I hope it goes according to plan for you.
Agree about Antarctica! My hope is that, the 2nd time around, the residents will vote on where to go, and not only will Antarctica be added to the list, but also the cities up the Amazon. We go to Dubai the first time around, which is one thing that LASC didn’t plan to do.
My heart goes out to you, Basia!
As you contemplate your future plans, examine WHAT WOULD BRING YOU THE GREATEST HAPPINESS, because you so deserve it! May the best come your way!
Thanks Elaine. I keep thinking of all those birds I will never see!
Wow, it was such a surprise and letdown to read this. I’m so sorry! You made some pretty big decisions, like selling your house, and it’s so unfair that the trip is falling apart. However, knowing you, it’s just setting the stage for an alternative amazing experience. Good luck thinking through your future. I know it will involve something wonderful for you and your loyal friends and readers.
Thanks for the confidence in me. I sure hope that will be the case.
Same as Jessica above – I am so sorry! But please don’t stop writing/posting. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has really enjoyed your blog with all the fun AND trying experiences. I’ll keep looking for you in the my inbox. I wish you all the best travel experiences with your adventurous spirit. Please let us know what you decide to do.
Thanks Judy. I’m hoping I can come up with another experience that will be worthy of blogging.
I’m so sorry!
Thanks Jessica.