‘Twas 23 nights before Christmas and we were freezing as usual when the thought dawned: “Let’s go to the South Seas and get warm like we planned two years ago!” “Brrrrright idea!” responded Mary Lou, shiveringly.

So the trip was booked with Princess Cruises that very day (including airfare) to sail April 13th from Sydney, preceded by Air New Zealand flights from SFO via Auckland.

How simple it all seemed, especially since the Sea Princess itinerary ended in San Francisco. All we needed to do was pick up some larger luggage to accommodate the 29 night cruise (including five formal evenings) and meet the airline requirements as well.

Shortly thereafter, we began to pack…

…and repack for the next three months!

The trip went like clockwork from home to airportto check-in to boarding. Air New Zealand is the best.No prison warden attendants, just totally courteousservice, edible and sometimes tasty food, and anexcellent grigio pinot to help wash it down. We satin opposing aisle seats; adjacent ones were emptyand thus began the best overseas flight in our recentExperience.

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE

The following 231 pages of text have been totally expurgated to honor requests by the following:

World Health OrganizationAir Conditioning Protection AgencyPrincess Cruise LinesAustralian & New Zealand Travel PromotersBuffet Grazers of the Seven SeasLitterbugs AnonymousAmericans for Cleaner EnglishEnemies of Cruise Traditionsetc.etc.etc.

Excellent tablemates!Joe and I celebrated our birthdays together in Sterling Steakhouse on the 8th.

Elgardo assisted by Warren under headwaiter Feliciano made our meals both very tasty and much fun.

Traditional last night parade