Cruise and Casino Adventures

10/15/2026

Thank you Cruise Lovers for such a great infographic.

09/13/2026

Updates from Karie....
Do you ever wonder if there is a purpose behind what you go through?

Are you your authentic self everywhere you go,

I have been in agonizing pain for 51 weeks. I need surgery on my shoulder and treatment for my back and hip (and pt to rebuild my core). Despite that, I was told I was going back to work part time with modifications (I am thankful my employer was willing to do this, but it was way too soon.). I nearly freaked out. So, I ran away to the desert to escape and cry last weekend. I treated myself to pool time and a pedicure. The wonderful lady doing my nails asked what brought me there. I told her honestly. I then told her about the frequent punching by students the year before that literally killed me. As we were about finished, she asked me how I kept going. She asked how I stayed so positive and happy, despite excruciating pain and emotional trauma. I told her the only answer I have is God. It is Him who walks me through the furnace. I told her at my lowest, I have heard His voice, His encouragement, His command for me to stand up and move forward, and I have physically felt Him hold me!

As we got to the elevator after my pedicure, she hugged me, kissed my cheek, and as she cried, she thanked me for surviving and being brave, and for sharing my story. She told me she was ready to give up and this stopped her.

Be strong and brave and as positive as you can be as you walk through trauma because people are watching and need your help (even when you feel you have nothing to give)!

The person who encourages me that way without saying a word is Kristina Loprinzi (I love you, sweet mama... keep fighting cuz I need you).

Who's life, witness, or whatever you call it, has changed you or your outlook?

09/03/2026

When is your next Cruise and Casino Adventures ?

09/03/2026

Getting Closer.

09/03/2026

Thank you Coach Cruise!

CARNIVAL UNVEILS THEIR “UN” Just REWARDS PROGRAM TODAY…and as you can see, it’s all about what you’re NOT GETTING anymore…also if you’re not DIAMOND, you’ve officially been put on the DEMOTION CLOCK…at least until you SPEND ENOUGH MONEY to maintain the very few perks they’re giving now. SMDH you all know I’ve been steadfast in how badly this program SCREWS loyal cruisers of Carnival who haven’t made it to Diamond yet. (Please point out if you noticed an error on my poster, originally the laundry was wrong.. so if a perk is in error, please lmk, Thanks Coach…thanks to those who caught that comp drink and 1.5 water still given…sorry for the error)

07/25/2026

Thank you CruiseChat for the 😁

07/21/2026

It is Karie, just giving you a brief update of this icky journey this year. I feel like a prisoner, regardless of what I do to try to keep my spirits up.

What do you do if you know life will change for you forever without warning? I wish I had laughed more and played more, loved how easily I moved (if you know me, you know I would do more round-offs and back handsprings), and relished the fact my body almost NEVER hurt. I would cherish disappearing on trips all by myself across the country just cuz and do it more often.

My counselor and docs have encouraged me to try to do things I did in the past. This has a few minor high points, but lots of low points also. I love getting away from the things that are really bringing me down. I love going somewhere that isn't a medical type appointment.

The hard part though is the heartache of what I can no longer do (I keep telling myself it is things I can't do YET, but as we come close to a year, I agonize over the possibility that the life I knew might be forever changed). I miss dancing with my husband. I miss hiking. I miss being able to do things without needing to rest or nap. I miss playing without care with my grandchildren. I miss traveling without issues. I miss walking my dog on uphills and downhills or uneven ground. I never realized how much I took for granted.

My positives: I can now walk a mile if I have time to rest or nap afterwards (I know it is not 10,000-15,000 steps, but when you had to fight for 2000 steps, it is huge). I can now read my bible (since I bought one with huge gigantic print). I have given myself permission to get out of the house and try to do things I love (and to come up with new things I can do to make up for those that I have lost). I am now up to 7 minutes a day of Tai Chi for seniors with limited mobility (I know I am not a senior,.... but this is the one that I can do). The new doctor has finally started to assess what damage has been done to my hip, neck, and back, so we can make a plan to heal. My ortho has a plan to fix my shoulder, so I can eventually swim and dive again, rather than standing against the edge of the pool (had to promise not to even try those for at least a year though or he won't fix it). I can let my husband know how much I appreciate how much he does for me (even forcing me to wear shoes that are ugly so it doesn't affect my movement). I can pray more and appreciate the wins like these ^^^.

I promised I would update more, but I'm on the struggle bus......I'll work on it.

07/19/2026

How do you get to Net Zer0 cruising? If you are on a once in a lifetime cruise vacation you should splurge and enjoy the adventure. However, if you are on the Cruise and Casino Adventures pathway to cruise 6 months out of the year, you have to work on getting costs down to Net Zer0.
Action Step: Stop spending money on board the ship.