Sailing Down Memory Lane 🦈🛳️

This is the story of my epic 70s adventures, moving to new places, making new friends, and exploring awesome destinations on a family cruise living the magic of The Love Boat!

Ahoy there, fellow voyagers, ocean lovers, and vintage TV and movie buffs!

Welcome aboard as we set sail on a journey through time. Let me take you back to the ‘70s, a decade filled with changes—new neighborhoods, schools, and friends—adventures across California, Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, and important family moments and memories.

Picture this: I’m ten years old, moving with my family from the Colorado Rockies to the sunny skies of California. It was then that my travel adventures began. We explored the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods, cruised on a ferry across the San Francisco Bay, and marveled at the magic of Disneyland in Southern California. We even drove across the border to Mexico, my first trip outside the country.

Fast forward to the summer of 1975. I am a confident early teen, transitioning from elementary school to junior high. That summer was filled with excitement—another move with new friends in a different school, visiting family and friends in Colorado, and a two-week Caribbean cruise through the mysterious Bermuda Triangle.

It was an adventure of a lifetime. I loved snorkeling in the warm, 85-degree water, with a clear, turquoise view of colorful fish and the mesmerizing sea. I didn't let it show, but I did worry a bit because it was also the summer of the release of Jaws. But don’t worry—my mom wouldn’t let me see it until after the cruise!

One night I remember walking across the deck as our massive cruise ship rolled with the waves. I leaned over the rail, looking into the black sky and the dark sea, feeling the cool breeze, and wondering what might be out there. My head was filled with stories of lost ships and strange disappearances.

Memories from the Fairwind | © Kacey Carpenter

I basked in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Haiti, rode a lift up into the breathtaking mountains of Venezuela, and snorkeled in the crystal-clear waters of Curaçao. This journey inspired me to write my first book, a journal with the incredible stories of my adventures, new friends, and discoveries.

• Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

• Cap Haitien, Haiti

• San Juan, Puerto Rico

• St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

• Fort-de-France, Martinique

• Caracas, Venezuela

• Willemstad, Curacao

• Oranjestad, Aruba

• Kingston, Jamaica

• Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Caribbean Sea | © Kacey Carpenter Google.com/maps

Celebrating on the Love Boat 📺🌊

Flash forward a few decades as I celebrate with family on another cruise ship—the very one that inspired the popular Love Boat series in 1977.

Ah, The Love Boat—just hearing the theme song takes me back to the days of ‘70s television. Jack Jones’ smooth voice serenaded us with “Love, exciting and new...” Unforgettable characters like Captain Merrill Stubing, Gopher, and Isaac.

When watching TV was a central part of American family life. With no streaming services or DVRs, families would plan their evenings around their favorite shows. Each Saturday night, we’d gather around the TV, eyes glued to the screen, dreaming of glamorous cruises on the Pacific Princess. Watching those guest stars fall in love. And who could forget those picturesque ports of call in Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, and Mazatlán?

Celebrating a Birthday in Mexico 🎂🎉

I am taking my mom on a cruise to celebrate her birthday in Mexico. We’ll be visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

As I begin this journey to Mexico, I am committed to respecting and honoring the people of this beautiful country. In a time of political division, rhetoric, and bias, it’s my responsibility to visit as a guest with a caring heart. I will respect the rich culture, history, and warmth of the Mexican people who deserve our utmost respect and appreciation. I will honor, respect, and embrace their traditions, learn from their stories, and celebrate their contributions, and hope to build bridges of understanding and friendship.