I didn’t write last week because I was on a cruise from California to Mexico. This trip was to celebrate Nathan’s service to the country (one of many celebrations as we approach his retirement date) and Valentine’s Day. I hope you spent the day with people you love. On our way back to Arizona, we stopped at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Here’s a quick look at our trip.

Friday the 6th, we drove to Los Angeles without the usual traffic. We stayed at a hotel three miles from the pier and walked the Cabrillo Marina Walkway, stopping for dinner at 22nd St. Landing Seafood Bar & Grill, founded by a Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran. The memorabilia on the walls added a special touch to the meal.

Saturday morning, we worked out, ate breakfast, and shuttled to the San Pedro pier. We boarded the Royal Princess after about an hour. The new RFID device we wore made access to our room, purchases, and port security easier once we adjusted. We enjoyed lunch at the buffet with its impressive variety of cultural and diet-friendly options. We explored the decks, settled into our room, and watched the ship depart at 3:00 PM. Dinner in the dining room was a three-course success, and we turned in early after a movie.

Sunday was a sea day. We joined activities throughout the day and dressed business casual for formal night. During dinner, we toasted to Nathan’s nearly completed 30-year career and had photos taken afterward.

Monday, we anchored off Cabo San Lucas. We took a water taxi to the pier, walked around, and soaked in the sights before returning for lunch, a nap, and dinner.

Tuesday morning in Mazatlan, we walked a mile on the sun deck, ate breakfast, and followed the “Blue Line” trail. We visited the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, explored the open Pino Suarez Market, strolled the Malecón, found Liverpool Alley, and dipped our feet in the beach. For lunch, we tried the ship’s pizzeria. Though pizza is a splurge for me, the server helped customize it, and it was excellent, created by the 13-time World Pizza Champion. We napped, prepared for dinner, and enjoyed a Bruno Mars tribute show.

On Wednesday in Puerto Vallarta, we walked the sun deck at sunrise, ate breakfast, and explored the local area, shops, Malecón, and beach. We relaxed fully before returning for pizza lunch, a nap, and dinner.

Thursday and Friday were sea days. We had photos taken, worked out, attended line dancing, watched towel folding, listened to 80’s violin music, and enjoyed more pizza lunches and dinners. We packed on Friday evening and watched a movie before going to sleep.

Saturday morning, we finished packing, ate breakfast, and walked off the ship with our luggage. Facial recognition made customs quick and easy. We shuttled back to our hotel, retrieved the car, and drove six hours to Arizona, stopping at the Palm Springs Air Museum. With five hangars, over 60 aircraft, exhibits on Women in Aviation, Tuskegee Airmen, and more, it was outstanding. We arrived home at sunset.

Now it’s back to reality. We purchased internet on the cruise in case clients needed me, but I never opened my laptop. Intentional disconnection proved invaluable. It allowed me to recharge, gain mental clarity, restore work-life balance, and return with renewed focus and sustainable productivity. As an entrepreneur, taking time off is essential for long-term balance and creativity. Most importantly, with Nathan’s schedule now more flexible than ever in 23 years, we made the most of quality time together. I am grateful for the week and the reminder that stepping away does not cause the world to crash. It makes room for what matters.

Originally published on LinkedIn on February 16, 2026. [Read it here]