pro·logue
/ˈproʊ.lɑːɡ/ noun an introductory section or speech, especially in a play or novel, that sets the stage for the main narrative
A Perspective on Perspective – Part I
This story starts in November 2021.
That seems like a lifetime ago for so many different reasons. After consulting with my mom and travel agent, we decided on a cruise line and itinerary that would best fit our multigenerational adventure specs.
Our cruise line choice was a bit novel, but it ended up being the perfect fit for us. The fact that Oceania doesn’t prohibit children or cater to families made it a bit of a gamble, but I wasn’t concerned in the slightest. We were going to be one of the first itineraries to experience the still being fabricated at the time of booking Vista. The renderings of the new ship were lovely.
Oceania and its ship Vista are more country club, less amusement park. It’s a midsize vessel with phenomenal cuisine, modest but delightful entertainment, and an attentive staff representing nations near and far.
In July 2023, we embarked on a plane in Chicago en route to Europe. The tornado on the tarmac at O’Hare delayed our departure by a few hours leading to an extended stopover in Frankfurt, but eventually, we made it to Trieste, Italy. Waking up early the next morning for a pre-cruise day trip to Slovenia wasn’t the easiest, but the experience was worth it.
Over the next 10 days, we visited Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy and Vatican City. We were on Mt. Etna weeks before it erupted again, and are grateful we got to see Santorini in a summer that was not impacted by earthquakes. Our journey ended in Rome, where we spent an extra day seeing all the things you are supposed to see. The Colosseum. The Vatican and Sistine Chapel. The Trevi Fountain. Piazza Navona. The Spanish Steps. We walked it all. It was an extraordinary trip inspite of scorching heat and a record number of travelers on holiday.
We loved the experience so much that we booked our next adventure shortly after arriving home. Again on Oceania Vista, but this time for a spring break adventure to the Caribbean.
A lot has changed since the summer of 2023.
March 13, 2025
