Reflections on the Cruise

Promenade Deck
Utopia of the Seas
January 8, 2026

 The cruise was great, short, but great. We always seemed to be busy doing something. I took a book to read and never opened the cover. 

Beck in the Baby Pool
Utopia of the Seas
January 8, 2026

Chris and I had plans to spend time in a hot tub in the Solarium, the adult pools--never happened. We were too busy enjoying the precious time we were able to spend with Patrick, Jen, and Beck. And we departed yesterday at the cruise port wanting more time with them. We didn't wear it out. Yes, there were good-bye tears amidst the hustle, bustle, and crushing traffic.

Utopia of the Seas is a great ship! The only negative I have is that it is too bad it is sailing the twice weekly "weekend" cruises. I would love to enjoy an 8-night or longer cruise on the ship. We only just began to find our favorite spaces and the cruise was over. There is so much to do, and yes, there are quiet places even with about 8,000 passengers and crew all together.

Together on Shore
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

The specialty restaurants have become a bit expensive, perhaps that is why they were mostly empty the two times we enjoyed their service. But, the service and the food was fantastic! The crew was, likewise, fantastic. They seemed happy and were dedicated to providing the best experience possible. 

Finn after the Welcome Dance
Tequesta, FL
January 9, 2026

I highly recommend sailing on Utopia of the Seas.

We had a great time; too bad that it is over. 

BTW, Finn was VERY happy to see us. So happy that he went to sleep in a chair shortly after we arrived and he had danced at our return for about 10 minutes!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back into Reality

 The cruise is over, but the memories remain. 

Patrick and Beck at the Baby Pool
Utopia of the Seas
January 8, 2026

We were off the ship by 7:15 AM this morning and ready to head south to home. After dropping off the carseat and cover to Patrick and Jen, who had separate transportation to the Orlando airport, we headed south on I-95 for about two hours. 

Peek-a-boo at Dinner with Beck
Utopia of the Seas
January 8, 2026

We drove the Mustang Mach-e and charged it at the hotel--for free! Yes, I was excited. And it worked. It was very nice to get into the car this morning and know that we had enough charge to get home. We charged it overnight the night we stayed at the hotel. 

It is always sad when a cruise comes to an end. And that was the same this morning. 

But, it was fun. Last evening we enjoyed a rousing game of peek-a-boo in the main dining room during dinner. Beck was in great form and makes the game very enjoyable. He loves food. All kinds of food, but once he is full, well he needs something to do while the adults complete their meals. Peek-a-boo was a diversion. 

We spent time in the baby pool yesterday as well. As it was a sea day, the pools were all very full. Beck loves the water and was all over the pool. 

Last evening, I was sitting on the veranda after dark and notices a large vessel traveling north as we were. I checked my maritime app and determined it was another cruise chip headed to Port Canaveral, as we were. Looking further at the app, I was stunned by the number of cruise ships on the screen. I checked each one, and except for one duplicate, all of the blue triangles are cruise ships! We were effectively in a group of five cruise ships headed to Port Canaveral. I guess, given that there are three major cruise ports on the Florida east coast, it is to be expected that there are so many cruise ships plying the waters of the Western North Atlantic.  

Port Canaveral, FL
January 9, 2026

We made port this morning just before 6 AM. It was dark. I enjoy taking pictures at night when the water reflects the lights.

We made it home safely and now are thinking about planning our next adventure. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Return to CocoCay

Chris and Beck
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

 Chris and I enjoyed a great gift last evening. Patrick and Jen allowed us to spend an evening alone with our youngest grandson, Beck. Yes, we spent the evening in a stateroom babysitting whilst they celebrated their anniversary with an "alone" dinner. Those of us who have been blessed to have children understand how precious "alone" time can be. Babies are demanding. Chris and I both had fun playing with Beck, he enjoyed it a bit too much and didn't want to go to. bed, but that also is how it is sometimes. 

Beck in the Sand
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

Earlier we had fun at Perfect Day at CocoCay. We all enjoyed returning to the scene of the wedding, three years later almost to the day. And then it was off to the beach to introduce Beck to the wide open ocean. OK, it a was smallish lagoon. The waves were very tame. He loved the water, but was not too amused by the soft sand.

I guess, in retrospect, it was Beck day at CocoCay! We had a lot of fun interacting with him, and his parents, from morning until bedtime. 

Chris reminded me that during our evening time with Beck we reconnected with The Wiggles! It has been about 15 years since we viewed an episode of The Wiggles!. If you have been around babies and small children, you probably have been exposed to The Wiggles, and I don't just mean the worm-like body movements they do when protesting getting into clothes or diapers. 

Utopia and Liberty of the Seas
CocoCay, Bahamas
January 7, 2026

CocoCay was busy! Two big ships were there, not three as I thought yesterday. I should have known better as the quay will only support two ships. But that still meant a lot of people on the island. Even so, we found beach chairs available at both of the places we settled. I am still not all that impressed with CocoCay, this being my third visit there, but it is a lot better than Labadee, Haiti, that is for sure.

Today is a sea day as we begin to return to Port Canaveral, although at this moment we are heading south just churning circles in the water. Tomorrow we return to life and will miss the fun of a cruise. 

I have been keeping tabs on the news and decided not to ruin my cruise by dwelling on the first six days of 2026 and the events which have so far transpired. 

Both Chris and I are thankful for the images we have been receiving from our friends caring for Finn! 

-- Bob Doan, North Atlantic near 2559N 07936W

Off to Nassau

Lighthouse and the Entrance to the Channel
Nassau, Bahamas
January 6, 2026

 The first port of call for our cruise was Nassau in the Bahamas. I have read that this port is in the bottom ten of cruising destinations by those of us who cruise. And it is rightfully there. 

Royal Caribbean is trying to upgrade that position with their new island experience, but it is so expensive that Chris and I took a pass. We did, however, wander around the recently upgraded Nassau port facility. It is a huge upgrade from the previous port area and was fun to wander around. There is almost no reason to leave the port complex anymore. But, we did. 

The Pirate Bar Banner
Nassau, Bahamas
January 6, 2026

We walked down to the Margaritaville Resort where Patrick found some space to fly his drone, Popcorn III. He got some great video of the new Royal Caribbean Island and of the six, yes, six ships in port. There were three Royal Caribbean, one Celebrity, one Carnival, and a Celebrity ship. The sheer numbers of cruise ships in port is another reason to avoid Nassau town and stay on the ship. After flying Popcorn III, we walked to our favorite in town hangout, The Pirate Bar, for some overpriced adult beverages.

Beck in the Baby Pool
Utopia of the Seas
January 6, 2026

Once back on the ship, we rested for a while and then exposed Beck to his first water experience. He has been in swim classes and is not afraid of the water, but he had a new experience on the ship. Under the watchful of his parents and the two grandparents present, he explored the water area and made a new friend. Even though he was very tired, he was a lot of fin to watch. When we first arrived at the pool, Beck was the only occupant, but as more people decided that the day was perfect, the baby area filled up. The life guards were very good at keeping the older kids out of the baby pool.

Aqua Show
Utopia of the Seas
January 6, 2026

For our evening we enjoyed dinner at Chops Steakhouse and then took in the Aqua Show. The 80's-themed show was fabulous with lots of water and music activity. I got some video of the action and will publish a short video later. I have seen Aqua Shows on four other Oasis-class ships and I believe this was the best. We were lucky to get reservations when we first boarded. That is one downside to Oasis-class ships--the shows require reservations, unlike smaller ships. 

Beck was beyond tired as the show ended, but still in a great mood. While he and his parents headed off to bed, Chris and I spent another hour at the Schooner's Bar singing songs with a pianist. It was a lot of fun and provided a great way to end the day. 

Today we are at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Been here, done that. There is one other large ship here with us. Ugh! But it will be nice beach time off the ship with the added advantage of the drink package!

-- Bob Doan, CocoCay, Bahamas

Boarding the Big Ship

 

Utopia of the Seas
Port Canaveral, FL
January 5, 2026

We completed our first night aboard Utopia of the Seas. Boarding yesterday was smooth, a bit long because they were boarding about 7,000 of my new best friends, but Chris and I sailed through. A funny thing happened with Beck's boarding credentials, however. Somehow his age got changed from 1 to 100--which caused a bit of a delay. Fortunately it was a Royal Caribbean fat-finger mistake which was rapidly connected.

Birthday Celebration for Beck
Utopia of the Seas
January 5, 2026

The ship is big. It is the third largest cruise ship in the world.

We spent the day exploring the ship and it was relaxing. There was a problem with the reservation system for the speciality restaurants and they offered us a 40 percent discount for Hooked, the seafood restaurant, and we all decided to do it. The restaurant had only a few patrons as we dined and after dinner they threw a small birthday celebration for Beck. He turns one the day after the cruise, we told them that, but they were looking for things to do and partied him anyway. 

Stunning Sunset
Utopia of the Seas in the North Atlantic
December 5, 2025

After the busy day, we were very tired and turned in a bit early. 

Today is a busy day and evening. We will dine at Chops and enjoy the Aqua Show after dinner. It is hard to enjoy everything done on a short cruise. But we will do our best. 

We have received some great images of Finn, who was left behind in Tequesta with friends. He seems to be enjoying his vacay away from us. 

-- Bob Doan, Bahamas near Nassau 

Monday Musings - January 5, 2026

 

1. Happy New Year again. Welcome to the first Monday of 2026. We have a whole year ahead of us along with 51 more Mondays.

Out the Hotel Window
Port Canaveral, FL
January 5, 2025

2. Today we board Utopia of the Seas for a week of fun and a visit to the Bahamas! I am awake this morning looking out on a foggy Florida morning. I was happy to be able to charge the car for free at the hotel!

3. NFL Family Football Report. The regular season is over and only one family team made the post season. Congratulations to the Steelers and the game ending missed Ravens field goal. Collectively, the teams finished a dismal 43-58-1, .426, for the season. 

Ravens (8-9) lost to Steelers (10-7), 24-26 

Dolphins (7-10) lost to Patriots (14-3), 10-38

Commanders (5-12) defeated Eagles (11-6), 24-17

Cowboys (7-9-1), lost to Giants (4-13), 17-34

Chiefs (6-11) lost to Raiders (3-14), 12-14

4. I am very conflicted this morning. I am appalled that international law and the Constitution were so blatantly ignored with the "arrest" of Maduro and his wife. I was further shocked that the Attorney General talked of the full "wrath" of American justice. I thought justice was blind and fair in a country governed by the rule of law. And I am further distressed by the Republicans talking on FoxNews (yes I watched) and not addressing the legality of the actions, but rather condemning Democrats who are concerned about the law, the state of our country, and are concerned that the veiled arrest is really a land and resource grab form a sovereign country. How is this different from what Putin did to Ukraine? And now Trump is talking about Cuba and Colombia next!

5. Today in History. On January 5, 1933, construction begins on the Golden Gate Bridge, as workers began excavating 3.25 million cubic feet of dirt for the structure’s huge anchorages.

Following the Gold Rush boom that began in 1849, speculators realized the land north of San Francisco Bay would increase in value in direct proportion to its accessibility to the city. Soon, a plan was hatched to build a bridge that would span the Golden Gate, a narrow, 400-foot deep strait that serves as the mouth of the San Francisco Bay, connecting the San Francisco Peninsula with the southern end of Marin County.

Although the idea went back as far as 1869, the proposal took root in 1916. A former engineering student, James Wilkins, working as a journalist with the San Francisco Bulletin, called for a suspension bridge with a center span of 3,000 feet, nearly twice the length of any in existence. Wilkins’ idea was estimated to cost an astounding $100 million. So, San Francisco’s city engineer, Michael M. O’Shaughnessy (he’s also credited with coming up with the name Golden Gate Bridge), began asking bridge engineers whether they could do it for less.

Venezuela's Maduro due in US court, substitute leader softens stance - Reuters

Cuba says 32 of its citizens killed in Maduro extraction - Reuters

Ukraine says Russian strike on Kyiv leaves first civilians dead this year - Reuters

Popular Japanese sushi chain pays record $3.2 million for tuna in New Year auction - Reuters

Mike Johnson brags about ‘a great year.’ House Republicans are discussing his replacement - MSNow

Trump predicts Cuba is 'ready to fall' after US captures Venezuela's Maduro - FOXNews

Ravens' season ends in heartbreak as missed field goal sends Steelers to playoffs - FoxNews

U.S. plan to ‘run’ Venezuela clouded in confusion - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Port Canaveral, FL

First Ride of the Year

 

First Ride of 2026
Tequesta/Jupiter, FL
January 3, 2026

I did it!

I got out on the road for my first bike ride of the year! Although about 3 mile shorter than my usual ride, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and was able to checkout and use my new safety equipment. 

It was cold!

It took me nearly 5 miles to warm up and feel comfortable, even though I wore long pants and two shirts. Riding in the 55-degree temperature with the wind chill factored in made it feel colder, reducing the “feels like” temperature to around 50 degrees! Ugh. Despite the discomfort, I managed to ride 14.58 miles.

I absolutely adored the newly installed rearward-facing radar. It alerted me to vehicles even before I could see them in my rearview mirror, allowing me to concentrate on the road ahead and fully enjoy the ride. I also appreciated my new bright orange helmet! While I didn’t utilize all the features, I believe the helmet's lights enhance the safety of my rides. I firmly believe that if they can see me, they’ll be less inclined to collide with me or veer off the road. 

I likely won't be riding again until next Saturday as Chris and I depart today for Port Canaveral. We board Utopia of the Seas tomorrow for a four-night Bahamas cruise with family!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

This is the Golden Age?

 The news this morning is, well, distressing. 

The U.S. has become a rogue country under the thuggish leadership of Trump. 

Three Palms at Sunset 
Tequesta, FL
January 2, 2025

When the sun was setting last evening, on Day 2 of 2026, I had no idea that the year would go off the rails so quickly. 2025 was bad enough and 2026 is not off to such a great start. 

Continuing a pattern of lawlessness and ill-advised decisions that began when he negotiated a terrible deal with the Taliban during his first administration, and subsequently blamed it all on President Biden, his second crack at president is marked by worldwide combat operations and lawlessness. Here is a quick recap:

1. Large-scale strike and capture of Venezuela’s president

• On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces launched airstrikes on Caracas and other Venezuelan locations and reportedly captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife as part of a broader operation. Maduro’s government declared a state of emergency. The Guardian+2The Washington Post+2

This action is associated with an ongoing U.S. campaign designated Operation Southern Spear, involving a military buildup in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific targeting drug trafficking and regime leadership. Wikipedia

---

2. Expanded airstrike campaigns abroad (2025)

Throughout 2025, the Trump administration authorized a broad and sustained set of military strikes overseas, including:

• Somalia: U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State affiliates started early in the term and continued as part of counterterrorism campaigns. Defense News

• Iraq: U.S. and coalition forces targeted ISIS leadership in Anbar Province. Defense News

• Yemen: A U.S. air campaign against Iran-aligned Houthi rebels took place in early 2025 and concluded with a ceasefire in May. Defense News+1

• Syria: In December 2025, Operation Hawkeye Strike hit more than 70 suspected ISIS targets in central Syria after U.S. personnel were killed there. Defense News

• Nigeria: U.S. forces carried out airstrikes against ISIS-linked militants on December 25, 2025 as part of anti-extremist operations. Defense News

• Iran (Operation Midnight Hammer): A June 2025 strike used B-2 bombers against Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Defense News

• Caribbean & Eastern Pacific: Beginning September 2025, U.S. forces conducted a sustained maritime counternarcotics campaign, including strikes on vessels suspected of smuggling drugs toward the U.S. Defense News

These combined operations represent hundreds of air strikes in multiple regions and signal a significant escalation in U.S. military activity compared with recent administrations.  (Chat GPT)

At his second presidential inauguration, Trump explicitly called his hoped-for legacy a “peacemaker and unifier.” In that speech he said he would measure success not only by the wars the U.S. wins but by those it ends or avoids, casting his role as one aimed at peace. CNBC+1

And here at home, millions of Americans are struggling to make ends meet due to rising prices and continued inflation, they are paying significantly more for health care, and are feeling abandoned by the administration while ICE runs rampant across the country carrying out its immigration activities.

Hey Congress! What does it take for you to answer the wake-up call? I'm not sure the administration's actions during 2025 and now 2026 meets the expectation I had when Trump promised:

“The golden age of America begins right now. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer.” mint

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Day 2, and it begins

 I realized this morning that having Christmas and New Year's fall on a Thursday really helps people focus on the holidays and take maybe 5 holiday days off, two weeks in a row!

How cool is that?

Chris and I just hung out yesterday and enjoyed the first day of the new year. 

The temperatures are warming and South Florida will see 70s again today. That means that I should be able to get out on the streets with my new biking gear. I was gifted a new bright orange biking helmet and a radar-camera for tracking vehicles as they approach me from the rear. 

I am excited to try them both out. 

I ride a lot on the streets and while I have a rearview mirror, sometimes I get surprised--I hate surprises. 

My new helmet has lights, turn signals, and is wired for bluetooth connection to my phone. My only concern is about how many bluetooth connections my phone can support at one time. I need to try all of the gear out to see. 

I have to admit that I was very disappointed by the outcome of the Sugar Bowl game last evening. It got a bit sloppy at the end and Georgia blew a 4th quarter lead and ultimately lost. I guess there is next year. 

It is time to get 2026 started.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

New Year's Day 2026

 Happy New Year 2026

Palm Tree Across the Street
Tequesta, FL
December 31, 2025

The old year has passed and the new arrived. 

We will have to see where the new year takes us. 

It was a long day. We arrived home early yesterday morning from Baltimore and we were also able to say good-bye to the day and celebrate the new year's arrival at midnight. 

I was excited to see the palm tree outside of the front door against a blue clear sky. It reminded me that I was again in South Florida, even though the morning temperatures were in the 40s. I know it will warm up and that, unlike places further north, we will not be dealing with any snow or ice to start the new year. 

We enjoyed a New Year's Eve dinner with friends and then it was back to the house for some after dinner adult beverages. After they departed, Chris and I watched the final installment of Stranger Things Season 5. It had a bit of a tear jerker ending, officially I guess they call it an emotional. The series has been being produced since 2016, so it had been around awhile. It is hard to believe that it is over, but it needed to be complete. 

Tonight, we will be watching College Football Playoffs. 

Well, Happy New Year. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL