Day 1 - Sunday January 14, 2024 Los Angeles, California

Arrival 06:00 All Aboard 18:30 Departure 19:00

I was unable to sleep and keep ckecking to see where we were. Had we made it to Los Angeles yet. Insignia sailed into the harbour at 05:00.

It is an arduous task where all luggage from the previous cruise plus the passengers leaving must disembark before passengers for the next cruise can board. As well the ship is re-stocked with all its supplies. Because we are returning to the United States but continuing, we must still clear US customs. Janice and I along with other passengers meet in the Insignia Lounge and waited until all passengers leaving in Los Angeles had cleared the ship. It was only then we were taken to customs. After clearing customs everyone was required to wait until all was accounted for before re-boarding the ship.

Of course a Target run was necessary to restock the supplies for our cabin.We just did not have enough. LOL I forgot to pack my dress shoes and my luck I found a pair in Target. The price could not be beat.

A big thanks to Tom and Karen who bought additional wine and goods at Costco for us. They picked up Glenn and Bev at the cruise terminal and we all meet up for lunch in San Pedro. After lunch we returned to the cruise terminal where we said goodbye to Tom and Karen then carried the wine and shopping back on board and safely pack all away in our cabin. To our surprise we still had some room left in our cabin.

As we bid goodbye to the Panama Canal Adventure so begins the Polynesian Panorama segment and the official beginning of the Around the World (ATW) cruise.

We start with five sea days after leaving Los Angeles then four days in Hawaii. Another five sea days before reaching French Polynesia followed by two sea days then a stop in American Samoa. We always look forward to Tahiti which her beautiful water, beaches and culture.

Sail away was 19:00 hours and it is 2,264 nautical miles to the port of Kailua - Kona in Hawaii.

A detailed itineary for the entire 180 ATW cruise is included in the pictures which I hope you will be able to read it.

After a stop in Pago Pago February 4 we cross the International Date Line where the date changes to February 6 and a visit to Apia, Samoa.

We will lose February 5 so should we try to contact family or friends back in North America we will be calling them a day later. Hi friends, this is Janice. Just for the record Martin is driving Glenn, Bev and I crazy about losing a day that we will never get back!! I told him to stay up for 2 days straight and he will make up the lost time lol.

We have crossed the Equator before but not the International Date Line. I am not sure how the ship recognizes this.

We understand that the complement of ATW passengers will be in the neighbourhood of 375, easily the largest amount of passengers that Oceania has had for a world cruise.

Can't wait for the adventure to begin!!