R. Doug Wicker's Blog, page 129

54 Days at Sea — Fort Lauderdale and MS Prinsendam

MS Prinsendam — Photo from Wikipedia article on MS Prinsendam

A few years ago Ursula and I had the distinct pleasure of cruising aboard Holland America’s smallest ship, the MS Prinsendam. And this voyage was for 54 days, involved two transatlantic crossings, and excursions into both the Mediterranean and Black Seas. MS Prinsendam also goes by the nickname Elegant Explorer, as she is often utilized on extended voyages to exotic destinations. MS Prinsendam has room for only about 830 passengers...

First look at the SIG P226 Legion

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SIG P226 Legion in original factory hard-shell plastic case

In my view, the SIG P22(x) series of pistols are about the best built handguns currently on the market at their price point. You’ve seen me review some of these pistols before (see: SIG P220 Equinox — Beauty is More than Skin Deep and SIG P229 Enhanced Elite — An Exercise in Indulgence). Sure, I’ve heard the griping about a supposed reduction in quality control since most production was moved from Germany to the U.S., but I’ve yet to...

First look at a Rock Island Armory Ultra FS in 10mm

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Rock Island Armory Ultra FS 10mm

People tell me that 10mm is a fun cartridge to shoot, especially out of a 1911-style pistol. I’ll let you know when I get around to trying it, but for now I’m just going to give my first impressions an a used 10mm 1911 from Rock Island Armory. Rock Island Armory have no connection with the famed U.S. Army Rock Island Arsenal. This Rock Island Armory is a subsidiary of Armscor, and is located in Marikina, Philippines.

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Rock Island Armory Ultra FS 10mm

Rock Islan...

An original Colt MK IV Series 70

Next week I begin another travel series — 54 days at sea on a trip that took us on two transatlantic crossings and a tour of both the Mediterranean and Black Seas. But for this week I’m returning to the subject that garners my highest audience, firearms.

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An original Colt MK IV Series 70

It’s not often you come across a 36-year-old firearm in this condition. And according to the previous owner, the original Colt MK IV Series 70 has less than 100 rounds through it.

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Colt MK IV Series 70 circa 19...

Fun Photo Friday — Key West and Cozumel Favorites

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Cozumel

Below are today’s Fun Photo Friday photo gallery favorites of Key West and Cozumel. Click on any image to enlarge and bring up the slide show:

Carnival Victory — More Key West and Cozumel

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End of the Rainbow — The final stop on U.S. Route 1

On Front Street you’ll find Harry S Truman’s Little White House, which is always good for a little plaque photography:

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Harry S Truman Little White House

Here are some other images of Key West:

Leaving Key West behind our next destination was Cozumel where, once again, our shipmates brought aboard purchased liquor hassle-free for confiscation and return at voyage end (see: Touring the Carnival Victory — And Why Carnival can suck it on a...

Carnival Victory — Key West

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Hard Rock Café, Key West

Ursula and I love Key West. It’s just a naturally charming and photographically fun place to visit. This was the first of our two stops aboard the Carnival Victory. And, yes, people did in fact bring aboard the ship liquor purchased in Key West for confiscation and return at the end of the voyage. To understand that reference you can read the whole sordid tale at Touring the Carnival Victory — And Why Carnival can suck it on any future cruises.

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St. Paul’s Episcopal Ch...

Fun Photo Friday — Carnival Victory Favorites

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Carnival Victory

Below are some of my favorite shots from that day’s tour of the Carnival Victory Next week we reach our ports of call — Key West and Cozumel.

Touring the Carnival Victory — And Why Carnival can suck it on any future cruises

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Hitching a ride leaving Port Miami

As you can see from Monday’s photos, and those presented today, the Carnival Victory is a very attractive ship with much going for it. Just a shame that’s all wasted on Carnival Cruise Line. But more on that in a moment.

Many of today’s cruise ships no longer have much of a library. The exception is Holland America Line. I’ve yet to find a Holland America ship that didn’t have an extensive, well maintained and current library, even on the smallest ship in th...

Carnival Victory for the next cruise

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Atrium

Ursula and I have done a lot of cruising on many different cruise lines. Indeed, we’re at or near top tier on Princess (Elite), Norwegian (Platinum), and Holland America (4-Star), and we’re slowly working towards that goal on Royal Caribbean. As for Carnival, this was our first experience with this particular line, and I definitely won’t be wasting either the time of money to obtain status with them. They finally got their one chance to impress us, and they blew it before we even stepp...