John Wayne Statues

Photos by Armand Vaquer

At present, I can't think of any celebrity with multiple statues as do John Wayne and Elvis Presley.

So far, I have visited three statues of The Duke over the years. As far as I know, these are the only ones of Wayne. 

Here's a rundown of the John Wayne statues I have visited:

The Horseman - John Wayne

This statue depicts John Wayne on horseback at the former Home Savings & Loan building on Wilshire Blvd. near La Cienega Blvd. Its address is 8484 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA.

John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset, Iowa. It is located in front of the museum.

John Wayne Airport

The most recent one I visited (two days ago) is located at John Wayne Airport. It is located on the Arrival (lower) Level between Riley Terminals A and B baggage claim areas.

Why Japan’s Bullet Train Is Simply the Best On the Planet

Above, a Tokaido Shinkansen train arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Anyone visiting Japan has to put one item on their "bucket list" of things to do.

That is taking a ride on Japan's Shinkansen, or Bullet Train.

I have ridden aboard several bullet trains over the years and found them to be comfortable and relaxing. If one is lucky, views of Mount Fuji can be seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Above, Mount Fuji from the Tokaido Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Los Angeles Times has posted a guide to riding the speedy Shinkansen.

They begin it with:

It begins as a gentle rumble as you see motion out of the window: that slight lurching forward. With a steady gait, the train leaves the station, passing a crisscross melange of different city and regional rail lines also staking out on their journeys. Through the maze of tunnels, trestles, flyovers and what feels like one million buildings, the sleek N700 hums evermore to life, as speed limits start to ease and the endlessness of Tokyo … well, ends.

And then, without exactly knowing how it happened or even feeling it, you realize you are traveling at around 175 miles per hour and the world is flying by.

To read more, go here. 

Top 10 Most Reliable Lever-Action Rifles

Top 10 Most Reliable Lever-Action Rifles video by Gun Addict.

Summary:

Looking for lever action rifles you can truly rely on?

In this video, we rank the Top 10 lever action rifles that never let you down, proven through decades of hunting, defense, and real-world use.

From classic icons like the Winchester Model 1894 and Marlin 336, to modern powerhouses like the Henry Big Boy X and Marlin 1895 Trapper, these rifles are known for reliability, durability, and performance when it matters most.

Top Trends For Silver In 2026

Above, an uncirculated 1890 Morgan silver dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver's spot price is now around $62 per troy ounce.

This is great news for those of us who bought silver coins and bullion when it was much lower. I am one of those.

What is silver going to trade in 2026? Investing News Network posted their forecast for the metal for the coming year.

It begins with:

The silver price reached heights not seen in more than 40 years in 2025, posting new all-time highs in the fourth quarter amid a supply deficit, expanding industrial use and rising safe-haven demand.

The white metal reached its highest point for the year in mid-December, breaking through US$64 per ounce following an interest rate cut from the US Federal Reserve. With investors looking for non-interest bearing assets in which to store and grow their wealth, the world’s metals exchanges are having a hard time keeping their silver inventories stocked.

What will 2026 hold for silver? As the new year approaches, investors are closely watching how changes in monetary policy and global uncertainty could impact the precious metal, along with supply and demand trends in the space.

To read more, go here. 

Quick Visit To Meteor City Trading Post

Above, Meteor City Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While driving across Arizona last week while heading to Orange County, California, I made a stop at the newly opened Meteor City Trading Post that sits on old Route 66. It is located not far from the Meteor Crater turn-off.

Above, the grounds of the Meteor City Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we got there, it was around 9:15 in the morning. The store doesn't open until 10:00 o'clock. I didn't want to wait that long.

Before leaving, I did take a few pictures of the trading post. I donated to the previous owner who, unfortunately, died of cancer. He was planning to restore and reopen the trading post. To help fund the project, he sold t-shirts. So I bought one.

Above, there's something for dinosaur fanatics to see. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fortunately, his estate sold the property and the new owner proceeded to restore and reopen the trading post. Its grand opening took place on Memorial Day.

Since I will be spending Christmas in Lake Havasu, I'll try to stop in either heading to or returning from Lake Havasu. 

Russell's Car Museum

After entering New Mexico from Texas on Interstate 40, there is a TA Truckstop in Logan, New Mexico.

It has to be once of the nicest truck stops I've ever seen.

Inside, there is a car museum, Russell's Car Museum. It is a free museum loaded with cars of various vintages (mainly 1950s) long with memorabilia (toys, etc.). 

I took a couple of snapshots inside:

Above, some 1950s-era automobiles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, this looks like a brother Clamper I know. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more on the museum, go here.

Rob Reiner

While I was no fan of Rob Reiner, his and his wife's deaths is a terrible way to go.

Some news sources say that his son may have committed the killings. Apparently, he had substance abuse problems.

It will be interesting to see what the investigation turns up.

Texas Stops

We made a couple of stops in Texas while on the road. 

The first was at a rest area and the second was at the Big Texan in Amarillo. The Big Texan is famous for their 72 ounce steaks that challenge people to consume to get it for free. We browsed around a bit.

Photos below:
 

Snow In Iowa and First Day On The Road

Des Moines, Iowa started snowing while some movers were loading up Jessica's U-Haul truck for a move to California.

It ended up snowing overnight and left about 3-4 inches of snow on the ground. We had to wait a day before departing after hooking up a car carrier trailer to the truck on Sunday. Once it was loaded, we departed Iowa.

We ended up at a Motel 6 in Overland Park, Kansas the first night. It had to have been the worst Motel 6 I've ever been in. But I was too tired to try looking for another place to stay. 

Some photos of the snow in Des Moines/Ankeny, Iowa:

Back Home From A Long Trip

Above, yours truly at the airport in Houston, Texas during a layover on the way to Des Moines..

Several people wondered why there has been no blog posts over the past 10 days. The reason is simple: I was away from home and didn't bring a computer with me.

I went to Des Moines, Iowa back on December 5 to drive my ex-roommate Jessica's U-Haul Truck with a car carrier from there to Orange County, California. She decided to move from Iowa and will be residing with her mom. 

I got home last night after flying from John Wayne Airport to Albuquerque and then driving the RV from Albuquerque to Jamestown. To say that I am exhausted from the trip would be an understatement.

Above, the statue of the Duke at John Wayne Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Still, the drive wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We had to delay our departure from Des Moines due to a snowstorm. 

I decided to drive straight south to Oklahoma City on Interstate 35 to get on Interstate 40 going west. This was to avoid any more snowstorms. 

We stayed in several places along the way: Overland Park, Kansas; El Reno, Oklahoma; Santa Rosa, New Mexico; home for one night in Jamestown; and Needles, California. We reached our destination on Friday. We made a few stops at some attractions along the way. Those will be covered in other blog posts.

Saturday morning was spent transferring Jessica's belongings to a storage unit in Orange County. The movers were quite good. Two men took only three hours to complete the job. 

Saturday night, Jessica, her mom and I went out for sushi dinner in Costa Mesa. I then flew home yesterday from John Wayne Airport. This was the first time I have ever flown from John Wayne or even been there. I did stop to take some phots of the John Wayne statue there. 

Now I am home and relaxing.  

Hawaii Has Become Too Expensive for Middle-Class Travelers

Above, Diamond Head from Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing that I went to Hawaii back in 2016 before the pandemic and Hawaii vacations skyrocketed in cost.

Hotels and resorts have hiked prices as has the state government with various taxes. We know which political party has total control of the state's government (the same one that messed up California). 

It now appears that Hawaii has become too expensive for middle-class travelers. 

Fodors posted an article on this and it begins with:

There’s no denying it: it’s gotten more expensive to visit Hawai‘i since the pandemic. 

In an op-ed for SFGate, contributing editor Christine Hitt poses that very question, noting that average daily hotel rates statewide have risen 25% since 2019, and on some islands, including Hawai‘i Island (the Big Island) and Kaua‘i, the increases are in excess of 50%. 

The state’s tourism promoters have said this is by design, as the state looks for ways to maintain the economic contribution of visitors to the state’s economy without growing their overall numbers. In 2025, they’ve largely succeeded, with total year-to-date visitor spend showing a healthy increase over 2024, with the total number of visitors remaining relatively flat.

But as Hitt points out, that also leaves travelers fewer options if their budgets are more modest—particularly Hawai‘i residents seeking to vacation on other islands, and native Hawaiians wishing to visit friends and family in Hawai‘i after being driven to the continental U.S. by the islands’ high cost of living. 

 To read more, go here.

The Most Expensive Lever-Action Rifle Costs a Whopping $850

Above, Winchester lever-actions at the Winchester Arms Collectors
 Show in Cody, Wyoming in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is interesting that interest in lever-action rifles has been surging during these past few years.

Much of it may be the nostalgic factors, but people are finding these rifles fun to shoot. I enjoy shooting my Winchester 94 in .30-30 cal. made in 1962. I was lucky to get it six years ago before prices started to skyrocket.

MSN has posted a slideshow of the most expensive lever-actions.

They begin it with:

When you think about some of the most important rifles, the lever-action rifle is an American staple. A uniquely American rifle, the lever action has become familiar to any Western movie fan. However, before Hollywood, the US military incorporated the lever-action rifle into the Civil War, and American law enforcement also widely used it during the first half of the 20th century. 

Today, you’re more likely to find lever-action rifles in a gun cabinet displayed by collectors than in practical use. The lone exception is at a gun show, where you might have exhibitors and stunt rifle people showing off rifles from back in the day. Data from Gun Genius was used to analyze recent sales and create a list in descending order to look at the most famous lever-action rifles.

To see what they are, go here. 

Cody's Irma Hotel

Above, a gunfight show taking place outside of the Irma Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, friend Mitch Geriminsky and I visited Cody, Wyoming to attend the Winchester Arms Collectors Gun Show and visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

While roaming around Cody, we went to the Irma Hotel for dinner and browsing around. The food was good, by the way!

The hotel was built by Buffalo Bill in 1902.

Above, trophies on walls near the restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the hotel's website:

Built by Buffalo Bill in 1902, this historic hotel in central Cody is an 8-minute walk from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and 9.8 miles from Buffalo Bill State Park.

Spartan rooms have TVs and coffeemakers; some offer Western-style furnishings and elevated ceilings. Buffalo Bill's private suites is also available.

Free parking is provided. Additional amenities include a restaurant, an Old West-style saloon, a gift shop and a porch.

Above, Mitch and I about to have dinner at the Irma Hotel's restaurant.

From Wikipedia:

The Irma Hotel is a landmark in Cody, Wyoming. It was built by William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the city's co-founder and namesake who named it after his daughter Irma Cody. A focal point is a famous back bar made of cherry that was a gift given by Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill.

The Irma opened with a party on November 18, 1902, to which Cody invited the press and dignitaries from as far away as Boston. The hotel quickly became the social center of Cody. In the meantime, Buffalo Bill was under pressure from creditors and was forced to sign over the hotel to his wife Louisa in 1913, who was at that time on bad terms with him. After Cody's death in 1917 the hotel was foreclosed upon and sold to Barney Link. Before the end of the year Link's estate sold the property back to Louisa, who kept it until she died in 1925. The new owners, Henry and Pearl Newell, gradually expanded the hotel, building an annex around 1930 on the west side to accommodate automobile-borne visitors. After her husband's death in 1940, Pearl Newell operated the hotel until her own death in 1965. She left the hotel's extensive collection of Buffalo Bill memorabilia to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, and stipulated that proceeds from the estate be used as an endowment for the museum.

A visit to the Irma Hotel is well worth it. During the summer, gunfight shows take place outside of the hotel.

To access the hotel's website, go here. 

Elvis Presley and Willys Jeep M38A1

 Here's a clip of Elvis Presley and a Willys Jeep M38A1:

30% Chance of Snow Showers

Above, following a December 2018 snow storm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the National Weather Service, our next chance (30%) for snow is this afternoon and tonight.

There is still some snow on the ground from the storm that came a few days ago. 

The forecast for today and tonight:

Today

Scattered snow showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

Scattered snow showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. West wind around 5 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Why Silver Has Been Surging More Than Gold

Above, a 1923 Peace silver dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With silver surging on the spot market, I am glad that I bought a lot of it while the spot price was in the 20s. Right now, it is around $59/toz.

If one is wondering why silver has hit record highs lately, an article in Bloomberg can provide some insight.

They begin with:

Gold has staged a dramatic rally this year as the US Trump administration’s unorthodox economic policies sent investors and central banks reaching for safe-haven assets. Right now, however, it’s silver that’s stealing the spotlight.

A squeeze in supply of the precious metal had catapulted it to a 100% gain as of early December, while gold was up 60%. Both have been experiencing a surge in demand from investors seeking to hedge against political turbulence, inflation and currency weakness.

Unlike gold, silver isn’t just scarce and beautiful: It also has many useful real-world properties that make it a valuable component in a range of products. With inventories near their lowest on record and investors still scrambling for more, there’s a risk of supply shortages that could impact multiple industries.

 To read more, go here.

What Not To Do In Yellowstone

Over the years, I have been to Yellowstone National Park several times. The first being in 1990 and the last being in 2019.

Above, Yellowstone bison grazing in a meadow next to a river. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While Yellowstone is a national park that should be put on everyone's "bucket list" of things to do, there are a few things there that visitors should avoid doing.

Travel + Leisure has posted an article on six mistakes to avoid in Yellowstone.

They begin it with:

My California cousins may have taken their first steps at Disneyland, but growing up in Montana, my family’s go-to “theme park” was Yellowstone National Park—where the theme wasn’t Mickey Mouse but rather Mother Nature.

More than 30 years later, my home base is still just an hour from the Beartooth Pass, which leads to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. As both a local and regular parkgoer, a part of me dies inside every time I read about a Yellowstone “touron”—a term now in our vernacular thanks to the popular Instagram account—doing something dumb. Touron offenses run the gamut from getting too close to wildlife to damaging fragile geological sites, and these incidents often put visitors in danger. People have been gored, stranded in their vehicles during winter, and even "dissolved" in hot springs.

Don’t get me wrong: I don’t want people to stop visiting Yellowstone, and I certainly don’t want to be giving hall monitor energy. I just want us to respect the environment and ourselves while enjoying the world’s first national park. For that reason, here are a few common mistakes to avoid during your visit, whether it’s your first or 15th time driving through the Roosevelt Arch. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start. And remember, in the wise words of Jellystone’s lovable Yogi, be “smarter than the average bear.”

 To read more, go here.

Ammo Buying Time

Now that we're close to the Winter Solstice, our plinking is done for the year (unless we get a unseasonable heat wave).

This is the season for restocking my ammo box. I have plenty of pistol ammo (.38 Special, .357 Magnum and 9 MM). But I do need to replenish my .30-30 Winchester rifle ammo. I also have plenty .22 Caliber and 12 gauge and 410 shot gauge ammo.

On .30-30 Winchester ammunition, I try to find deals where the price per round is under $1.00. I found some at Outdoor Limited going for 95 cents per round. My only quibble with them is their high shipping cost ($20.00).

Like other things these days, ammunition is not immune to inflationary pressures. So taking time to search for ammunition deals pays off in the end. 

The Top 8 Best Affordable Lever Action Rifles!

 The Top 8 Best Affordable Lever Action Rifles! video by Gun Junkies.

Summary: 

When it comes to rifles, there is something special about lever action rifles. But with increasing prices every year, many shooters are left behind, simply not buying it. Wondering if there are still great lever-action rifles that won’t empty your wallet? Which models give you solid performance without the hefty price tag? Stay with us until the end of this video as we explore the top 8 best affordable lever action rifles you can own without spending big.

Last Night's Snow

Now that the sun is (somewhat) up, I took a look outside at last night's snowfall.

Supposedly, we're to get more from this storm today. There is also another storm coming in around Wednesday/Thursday.

I took a couple of pictures of the front yard a few minutes ago:

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Is Skyrocketing In Value Again

Above, 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some specimens of Kennedy half dollars are skyrocketing in value.

This is especially true with the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar which was minted in 90% silver. Later coins had the silver content lowered to 40% silver. 

In 1971, the mint removed silver from minting which continues to this day, making the coins in clad copper-nickel composition. 

According to La Gradia:

In the world of collecting, numismatics often carries an extra level of excitement, especially when it comes to coins. This is evident in the interest shown in each and every unique coin that has ever been in circulation in the United States. Such is the case with the Kennedy half dollar, which commemorates his assassination in 1963. A year after his death, it was put into circulation, and those coins minted between 1964 and 1970 have become collectible items with a value of $15,000. It is still in circulation today, but between 1975 and 1976 there was a design variation celebrating the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.

No, not all examples of this coin have the same value, as the earlier ones have a composition of 90% silver, which was later reduced to 40%. In 1971, the Mint removed the silver and replaced it with clad copper-nickel, reason why the first ones can cost up to $15,000 and the ones produced after may only cost around $5.

To read more, go here. 

USD/JPY Extends Toward ¥157

Now that we're in a new month, it is time to take a little peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen. This should be of particular interest to those planning on taking a vacation trip to Japan this month.

According to Trading News:

USD/JPY Extends Toward ¥157 as Japan’s Finance Minister Warns of “Non-Fundamental” FX Swings and Markets Eye Intervention

The USD/JPY pair traded close to ¥156.70 after Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that recent yen volatility “is not moving based on fundamentals.” Speaking on Fuji TV, Katayama emphasized that stability reflecting economic reality is essential, signaling Tokyo’s rising discomfort with the yen’s slide. The remark followed a sharp monthly depreciation that erased earlier gains and positioned the yen near its weakest level since the summer, as traders priced in persistent policy divergence between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan (BoJ).

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist. 

To kick off the month of December, we have two music videos from Michelle Branch, "Everywhere" and "Game of Love" (with Carlos Santana). 

From Wikipedia:

Michelle Jacquet Branch (born July 2, 1983) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. She won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals with Santana for their 2002 single, "The Game of Love".

As a solo recording artist, Branch's first album Broken Bracelet came out in 2000. After signing to Madonna's Maverick record label the next year, her second album The Spirit Room followed and contained the singles "Everywhere" and "All You Wanted". Her third album Hotel Paper was released in 2003. Two years later, she formed the country music duo the Wreckers with Jessica Harp, and produced the Grammy-nominated single "Leave the Pieces". The Wreckers disbanded in 2007 to pursue their respective solo careers. Since then, she has released extended plays in 2010 and 2011, and a fourth solo album, Hopeless Romantic in 2017. Her fifth studio album, The Trouble with Fever, was released in 2022.

 

Snow!

Finally, we have some actual measurable snow.

I took a look (and a couple of pictures) outside and it appears we've received about an inch to an inch and a half of the white stuff.

This will make the drive eight miles today to the post office in Continental Divide to mail my bills and pick up my mail. 

Looks like I'll have to get my snow shovel out of the garage.

Here's today's snow (so far):

 

Background Checks for Online Gun Purchases Explained

Above, picking up my Winchester Model 12 shotgun at Loeffler's Guns Etc. 

Thinking about buying a gun online but never done so before?

Well, you're in luck! Guns.com can sell you a gun online, but there are still procedures to endure (they vary by state, by the way).

I bought my Winchester Model 12 shotgun through Guns.com last year. I had them send it to my favored FFL dealer in Grants, New Mexico, Loeffler's Guns Etc. After it arrived, I went there, went through the background check and walked out with my shotgun.

Guns.com has a page explaining the process.

They begin it with:

Buying a gun online is not only easy and convenient, but it's also safe and legal in all 50 states. While the process is a little different than walking into your local gun store, you’ll still have to pass a background check for your new purchase. If it’s your first time buying a gun online, you may be wondering what to expect and how mandatory gun background checks work when you buy online. 

Buying a firearm from Guns.com is actually better than walking into your local gun store and browsing the current stock. We’re not limited by storefront size, so it’s more efficient to browse our virtually unlimited inventory from the comfort of your own home (or office – don’t worry, we won’t tell the boss). The background check process is the same once you purchase a firearm or win one in an auction. Here’s how to complete it, step by step. 

To read more, go here. 

Is A Mobile RV Repair Service Right For You?

Above, the door lock assembly that needed replacement last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've only had to use a mobile RV repair service twice. Both times it was necessary was while I was in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

The first time was in July 2019 (the trip that I had my heart attack in Wells, Nevada). One of the roof vent covers broke apart from weathering. I called a local mobile RV repairer and he came and fixed it in a jiffy as a rain storm was about to hit in a few hours.

The second time was last year, also in Lake Havasu, when the house door lock assembly broke due to the door being slammed by high winds. The same mobile repairer came and fixed that, but I had to stay a couple of extra days as the part had to be ordered. 

RV Travel posted an article on whether a mobile RV repair service is right for you.

It begins with:

Imagine you’re enjoying an RV getaway. You’ve parked your rig in a quiet campground and enjoyed several days of relaxation. Alas! Like “all good things,” the time has rolled around for you to roll out. You push the button to bring in your slide-out, and instead of the reassuring rumble of the slide coming in, you get a “crunch!” and the slide won’t budge. Your relaxation has ended—there’s no way you can head out with an extended slide-out. Is a mobile RV repair service right for you?

In this case, a mobile RV repair service may be the ONLY solution to your problem. But there are other times when having the repair tech come to you will beat having to take your rig to the shop. For full-time RVers, who don’t have any other “home,” being able to stay settled in the comfort of your rig is a blessing.

But there are some things a mobile tech may be great for, and others not. What are those? And how do you find a mobile RV repair service tech? How much will they charge? Let’s tackle those questions.

To read more, go here.

Are RVers Responsible For Poor Quality RVs?

Above, my 2015 Minnie Winnie at the Moab (Utah) KOA in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have stated on this blog that my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I bought it new in 2015 and only had minor issues on rare occasions.

Today, people have been noticing the lack of quality control of new recreational vehicles. It was made even more evident since the pandemic of 2020. 

RV Travel has posted an article asking if RVers are responsible for poor quality RVs. 

They begin it with:

Over the years, we’ve heard from countless frustrated RVers. The story goes something like, “I bought a brand-new RV and hardly got to use it the first year. It spent most of the time getting repairs made, right from the start!”

The rants about nearly every RV manufacturer are myriad. Yes, even RV dealers admit the quality of RVs they’re selling is often lousy, and they point the finger back at the manufacturers.

But hang on, are RVers responsible, in part, for the junk being dumped on the market today?

To read more, go here. 

What Happens To Retired Cruise Ships?

Above, Majesty of the Seas at Havana Port in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2019, a friend and I took a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas.

The following year, Majesty of the Seas was sold to Seajet in Greece. This took place when the worldwide pandemic hit. Majesty has been sitting and deteriorating ever since.

Some may ask, What happens to cruise ships after they're retired?

To answer that question Yahoo! Life posted an article.

It begins with:

Cruise ships are so massive that some of them are actually bigger than aircraft carriers. But like any other vessel on the ocean, they don't last forever. When their eventual end comes, cruise lines sometimes sell retiring ships to other companies, who repurpose them in various ways. This was the case with the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 2, which are now floating hotels in California and Dubai, respectively.

Sometimes, cruise ships are rebranded and continue sailing the world after they're sold. For example, Margaritaville at Sea's newest addition, the Beachcomber, was actually purchased from Costa Cruises. In fact, this is the third ship the Jimmy Buffet-inspired cruise line has bought from Costa. However, the Majesty of the Seas, once one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, didn't get a new lease on life. It was sold to Greek ferry company Seajets in 2020. For years, the deteriorating ship has been docked, with no signs of sailing again.

If there is no demand for a ship to be repurposed, it may be scrapped. This was the fate for several Carnival cruise ships over the years, including the Ecstasy, the Fantasy, and the Sensation, among others. The decision to scrap a cruise ship is typically made for a variety of reasons, which can include renovation costs. Essentially, any money spent to modernize an older, outdated ship could ultimately result in a net loss. Some of these ships eventually end up in the largest cruise ship graveyard in the world.

To read more, go here.