There are trips that you take to see new places, and then there are trips you take to make memories that will last a lifetime. This Mom & Son adventure was definitely the latter.

Our journey began in the historic city of Boston, where we spent time exploring before boarding the beautiful Holland America Line Zuiderdam. From the moment we stepped onboard, we knew we were in for an incredible adventure as we sailed through New England and Eastern Canada, ending in the charming city of Quebec City.

Exploring New England & Canada

Each port offered something unique and gave us the opportunity to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region.

In Boston, we enjoyed a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour, visited the famous Cheers neighborhood, walked through beautiful Beacon Hill, toured the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, and watched the city from the harbor before beginning our cruise.



Our first port was Portland, Maine, where we visited the iconic Portland Head Light. Seeing one of the most photographed lighthouses in America overlooking the rocky coastline was the perfect introduction to New England.





As we continued north, we were fortunate enough to spot whales and even dolphins from the ship—a reminder that sometimes the best moments happen when you least expect them.

Halifax, Nova Scotia welcomed us with its waterfront charm, historic sites, and local shops, while Sydney, Nova Scotia introduced us to Cape Breton’s rich history and the famous World’s Largest Fiddle.



One of my favorite stops was Prince Edward Island. Even though the weather included a little “liquid sunshine,” it didn’t dampen our spirits. We explored the island’s breathtaking coastline, visited Green Gables Heritage Place, learned about Acadian history, admired the island’s famous red cliffs, and of course enjoyed some delicious COWS Ice Cream.



Relaxing at Sea

Sea days quickly became some of our favorites. They gave us the chance to slow down and simply enjoy being together.

We spent time swimming, relaxing on the Lido Deck, enjoying afternoon tea, reading in the Crow’s Nest, participating in onboard activities, watching for whales, and even treating ourselves to a massage. One of the most unforgettable moments came during our final sea day as we sailed up the beautiful St. Lawrence River. We were lucky enough to spot a beluga whale—a memory we’ll both cherish for years to come.



Our Final Stop: Quebec City

Our cruise concluded in one of North America’s most beautiful cities—Quebec City.

Before flying home, we took a tour through the historic streets of Old Quebec, admired centuries-old architecture, and visited the breathtaking Montmorency Falls. Of course, every great adventure seems to need one unexpected story. Our tour bus blew a tire before reaching the iconic Fairmont Château Frontenac! Determined not to miss our chance for one last photo, we quickly grabbed an Uber, made it to the hotel, snapped our pictures, and then headed to the airport.



Looking back now, that little detour just became another fun memory to add to the trip.

More Than Just a Vacation

As a travel advisor, I’m fortunate to visit incredible destinations around the world. But this trip reminded me that travel isn’t just about checking places off a bucket list. It’s about slowing down, spending quality time with the people you love, sharing new experiences, and creating memories that will last forever.

Watching whales together, exploring historic cities, laughing through unexpected travel hiccups, and simply enjoying uninterrupted time together made this trip incredibly special.

These are the moments that matter.

Thank you to everyone who followed along on our journey. I hope our adventure inspires you to create meaningful travel memories with the people you love.

Until the next adventure…

Have Passport, Let’s Travel!

— Johnnie Herring
Travel Advisor, Vincent Vacations

Some journeys live quietly on your calendar.

Others change you forever.

This one began long before I ever saw ice

Before the Ice: Anticipation in the South

The adventure started in rainy, charming Buenos Aires, where I allowed myself to slow down—good food, quiet moments, and the kind of anticipation that hums beneath the surface when something extraordinary is just ahead. From there, I traveled to Ushuaia, the end of the world, where excitement and gratitude met as I stepped aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen.

My seventh continent was no longer a dream. It was becoming real.





Crossing the Drake: A Passage Into Another World

The Drake Passage, legendary for its unpredictability, greeted us gently. Albatross glided beside the ship with wings stretched wide, petrels danced across the waves, and whales surfaced in the distance, their breaths rising like punctuation marks on the sea.

Even the fog and shifting forecasts felt meaningful—like a rite of passage, signaling that we were leaving the familiar behind and entering a different realm altogether.





First Sight of Antarctica: A Sacred Arrival

Then came the moment I will carry with me forever.

I opened my balcony curtains at dawn and there it was—Antarctica.

Snow-draped mountains rose from the sea. Icebergs drifted silently past the ship. A soft sunrise cast golden light across a frozen world that felt untouched and ancient. It didn’t feel like arriving somewhere new; it felt like being invited into something sacred.

I stood there quietly, knowing this was a moment that would never fully fit into words.





Days of Wonder: Ice, Wildlife, and Stillness

Each day unfolded with a sense of quiet awe.

Zodiac cruises carried us through glassy bays where the ice shimmered in shades of blue that barely seemed real. At Charlotte Bay, snow fell gently, turning the landscape into a living watercolor. Whales surfaced nearby—powerful yet calm—moving through the water as if time itself slowed in their presence.

And then there were the penguins.

Gentoo, adelie, and chinstrap—awkward and comical on land, astonishingly graceful in the water. Watching them waddle across snowy paths, tend their nests, and launch themselves into the sea felt like witnessing joy in its purest form.







When Nature Leads the Way

Antarctica has its own rhythm—and its own rules.

Sailing through the narrow Lemaire Channel, known affectionately as Kodak Crack, felt like threading a needle between towering walls of ice and rock. When an iceberg drifted into our path, our plans changed without hesitation. Down here, nature always leads. We simply follow, humbled and grateful for the experience.





A Final Farewell: Port Lockroy & Damoy Point

Our final day was a gift.

Sunshine warmed the frozen landscape. The air was still. Time felt suspended.

At Port Lockroy, the world’s southernmost operational post office, human history felt small yet meaningful in a place shaped mostly by wind, wildlife, and ice. Later, at Damoy Point, the world grew quiet in the most profound way—the distant crack of shifting ice, the soft calls of nesting gentoo penguins, and long stretches of perfect silence.

I watched male gentoos gather pebbles and carefully deliver them to their partners—tiny gestures of devotion in a vast white world. In that moment, something inside me shifted. Sometimes it’s the smallest scenes that leave the deepest imprint.





Leaving Changed

Now, as we begin the journey back across the Drake Passage, I feel full—grateful, humbled, and changed.

Antarctica wasn’t just my seventh continent.

It was a reminder of how breathtakingly beautiful and fragile our planet is.

A place where silence speaks, where nature reigns, and where wonder comes easily.

This wasn’t just a trip.

It was a gift—

one of stillness, awe, perspective, and deep appreciation.

A chapter etched permanently on my heart, long after the ice fades into the horizon.

Italy had been high on my travel bucket list for years, and when the day finally arrived, it was everything I had imagined—and so much more. From standing inside the Colosseum to wandering the canals of Venice, every stop along the way had its own personality and story to tell.

After flying from Tulsa through Atlanta, we landed in Rome, excited to begin an unforgettable adventure through one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.

Rome – Walking Through Thousands of Years of History

There’s something almost surreal about Rome. Everywhere you turn, you’re surrounded by history. One minute you’re walking down a busy street, and the next you’re standing in front of ruins that are nearly 2,000 years old.

One of the highlights of our time in Rome was visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. No picture can truly prepare you for seeing Michelangelo’s ceiling in person. The amount of detail and artistry is simply incredible, and it’s one of those moments where you just stop, look up, and take it all in.

Of course, seeing the Colosseum was another unforgettable experience. Standing where gladiators once fought and imagining the thousands of spectators who once filled the arena really brings history to life. It’s amazing to think about everything this structure has witnessed over the centuries.

We also explored the Roman Baths and climbed the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), adding even more depth to our understanding of Rome’s fascinating history.

Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast & Positano – A Day I’ll Never Forget

One of my favorite days of the trip was leaving Rome behind and heading south.

Our first stop was Pompeii, a place that truly makes history come alive. Walking through the ancient streets, seeing homes, shops, and even roads preserved after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It honestly felt like stepping back in time.

From there, we traveled along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

Pictures don’t do this drive justice.

The winding roads, dramatic cliffs, sparkling blue water, and colorful villages perched on the hillsides create one of the most beautiful coastlines I’ve ever seen.

We spent time exploring Positano, wandering through its charming streets, browsing local shops, and simply taking in the incredible views. It’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this part of Italy.



Florence – Where Art Comes to Life

Next, we boarded one of Italy’s high-speed trains and made our way to Florence.

I have to say, traveling by train in Italy is such an easy and relaxing way to get around. Watching the countryside roll by was an experience all by itself.

Florence is absolutely beautiful. Everywhere you look, there’s incredible architecture, beautiful piazzas, and reminders that this city helped shape the Renaissance.

One of the biggest highlights was finally seeing Michelangelo’s David.

I’d seen pictures countless times, but standing in front of the actual sculpture was something completely different. The size, detail, and craftsmanship are truly amazing.

While we were in Florence, we also took a trip to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. Yes…we took the classic “holding up the tower” picture! Sometimes you just have to embrace being a tourist.

To finish out our stay, we were able to attend an evening 'Pizza and Gelato Making' Class.  We had a fantastic time and I highly recommend a cooking class of some kind when you visit Italy!



Venice – A City Unlike Anywhere Else

Our next stop was Venice, and honestly, it felt like walking into a storybook.

There are no cars, no buses—just canals, bridges, boats, and beautiful architecture around every corner.

One of my favorite parts wasn’t any specific attraction. It was simply wandering.

Every narrow street seemed to lead to another beautiful canal, hidden square, or charming café. Venice is one of those places where getting a little lost is part of the experience.

Watching gondolas glide through the canals while locals and visitors shared the waterways made me appreciate just how unique this city really is.

It’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever been.



Bologna – Italy’s Hidden Gem

Our final stop was Bologna, and I’ll admit—it ended up being one of my favorite surprises of the trip.

While many travelers head straight for Rome, Florence, or Venice, Bologna has a charm all its own.

The beautiful covered walkways, historic streets, and incredible food made it the perfect place to slow down before heading home.

It felt less crowded than some of Italy’s more famous cities, giving us time to simply enjoy walking, people-watching, and soaking in the local atmosphere.

And yes…the food absolutely lived up to its reputation!

Why Italy Captured My Heart

Looking back, every city gave us something completely different.

Rome amazed us with its history.

Pompeii reminded us just how powerful nature can be.

The Amalfi Coast took our breath away.

Florence inspired us with its art.

Venice felt magical.

And Bologna gave us a chance to slow down and simply enjoy Italy.

That’s what I love most about traveling. Every destination tells a different story, and Italy has countless stories waiting to be discovered.

As a travel advisor, I love helping my clients experience places like this in a way that fits their travel style. Whether you’re dreaming of history, food, art, scenic train rides, or simply wandering through charming streets with a gelato in hand, Italy truly has something for everyone.

This may have been my first visit to Italy…

But I know it definitely won’t be my last.

Until next time…

Have Passport, Let’s Travel! ✈️

— Johnnie with Vincent Vacations