Charting New Horizons: From Seafarer’s Academy to Pacific Dreams
Life At Sea
Sarah & Ed
Charting Love Across the Seven Seas
We Haven’t Been Everywhere But It Is On Our List
“Charting Love: Sarah & Ed’s Nautical Journey” — Available as an audiobook on Amazon.
South Pacific Adventures
Hawaii is a tropical paradise with volcanic islands, surfing beaches, and lush rainforests. Vanuatu, made up of over 80 islands, offers tribal culture, active volcanoes, and pristine waters.
Fiji welcomes visitors with friendly locals and turquoise lagoons across 300+ islands. Rarotonga, the heart of the Cook Islands, features volcanic peaks, tropical forests, and coral reefs.
Tahiti is French Polynesia’s cultural hub, known for waterfalls and black-sand beaches. New Caledonia mixes Melanesian tradition with French charm and offers the world’s largest lagoon.
Fiji has over 300 islands — I’ve seen about 25 so far this trip. Yet if I take an imaginary ride down Southern California’s Interstate 405 and breathe in some smog while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I still want to escape to MY reality: being in the South Pacific!
The Time Millionaire in Bora Bora
In Bora Bora, I wasn’t just taking in the view — I was cashing in on something far more valuable than money: my time. While most people spend their lives working to eventually live, I chose to reverse-engineer the formula. That’s what it means to be a time millionaire — not waiting for someday, but living fully, now.
Maritime Adventures
Before crossing the Pacific, we made a vibrant stop in Mexico — soaking in the culture, coastlines, and sunshine.
Life onboard the Disney Magic: a floating wonderland of adventure, entertainment, and unforgettable ocean views.
Our Global Journey
From Alaska’s Inside Passage to the far reaches of the world — explore our nautical adventures.
I worked aboard the Pride of America, the only U.S.-flagged cruise ship, which meant I had to earn a Merchant Mariner Z Card and STCW certification. That took me to the Seafarers Academy in Piney Point, Maryland, where I trained like I was joining the Navy — not fluffing pillows.
One of the biggest lessons at sea wasn’t from a safety drill — it was the Jones Act. Miss your ship in Ensenada? Sorry, you can’t rejoin it in Cabo. Why? Because your cruise ship is likely foreign-flagged, and U.S. law says it can’t transport you between U.S. ports without a foreign stop. So, it’s a bus through Tijuana back to San Diego instead.
Later, while sailing Alaska on a Bermuda-flagged Princess ship, we had to stop in Victoria before Seattle just to stay compliant. Some of my crew friends couldn’t even get off the ship. Passengers? They miss a flight and think they can catch up in Key West — nope. The law’s from 1920 and was meant for cargo, but here we are.
Cruise lines benefit from foreign flags — lower taxes, fewer regulations. But for crew and passengers? Not so much. We’re just along for the ride — unless we miss it.
Getting Ready for Hawaii
SCTW-95 Standard of Training Certification and Watchkeeping
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION, HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL OF SEAMANSHIP, Piney Point, MD leading to US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Z Card.
The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. After completing the 16-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and being presented with the Certificate of Training, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Extinguishing different types of fire using nozzles and fire engine hose equipment was a thrill.
