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Stumbling upon Diamond Head Inn in 2003 was like unexpectedly finding a precious jewel; a diamond in rough. My husband and I chose this particular hotel for its affordable price and perfect location, accessible to everything that San Diego has to offer, and only a few feet from wide, velvet sands of Ocean Beach.

Like opening a treasure chest and finding gold doubloons, we were awed to find that Diamond Head Inn's hotel room wasn't just a bedroom and a bathroom, but more like an apartment, or a timeshare! Each suite has an eat-in kitchen complete with dishes, utensils, and cookware. In case you don't want to use stove, a microwave is also provided. (And in case you don't want to cook at all, there are many restaurants nearby.) With a very spacious living room and two ample closets, square footage was definitely not lacking.

A diamond in rough, indeed! All it needed was some polishing to make it really shine. But outdated carpet, older furniture, faded paint, and such was worth overlooking when location and roomy space were so perfect. The Diamond Head Inn also provided character and history amidst new tall hotels that lacked individuality. In age of chains and franchises, history and culture is a rare find.

"You're not going to believe what they've done to this hotel! You won't recognize it!", I yelled into my husband's ear over phone on my second trip to Diamond Head. I was so excited that he had to ask me to stop yelling several times.

Manager Jim Silver, an easygoing kind of guy, has same love for San Diego and his life's work as many of locals I've met, and he spoke of hotel with pride. Jim has been managing The Diamond Head Inn for five years and is type of person who keeps on top of things but has a carefree air about him. Business is always taken care of, maintenance is being done (even palm trees got a trimming while I was there), and housekeeping is impeccable — there seemed to be no stress. You could walk into office, plop yourself down in a chair, and Jim would have all time in world for you. I'd visit with him usually during my food stashing raids from complimentary Continental Breakfast that was provided each morning. Jim was used to my stashing muffins and pastries for those "you never know when moments", so he'd often offer extras for us to put in our backpacks.

Jim told me that hotel was originally an apartment building, which explains spaciousness and complete kitchens. Major renovations started exactly about time of my very first visit in September, 2003. The plan was to update hotel but keep quaint feel and not alienate its history. The owners and management, together with an interior decorator, accomplished that goal.

Like discovering that lost jewel in a treasure chest for first time, I went on a hunt for more gems. Opening doors and drawers, scoping out floors and ceilings, everywhere I turned I found more and more refurbishments. Beautiful stone tiled replace linoleum on floor. Shiny, new appliances, granite countertops, and imported furniture adds charm.

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There is something about sea that stands out from all other wonders of nature. The vastness of waters that stretch out without end, sound of swaying waters that softly roars and echoes off into forever; its humbling, its greatness is overwhelming and seductive.

Like all other sea voyages before me, I hear call, and I’m off to give my answer, via Holland America, known for its attention to detail and style; known for its ability to create experience (an art form all its own); known for anticipating passenger desires; and known for making you happy, and on this particular cruise that would be me.

If you don’t care for happiness and pleasure, or having your every whim anticipated, you need to sail with someone else. I have no problem with devotion. It's everything I look for in a relationship, so I made date, and brought my assistant, Nick along for adventure and fun on high seas.

We sail out of Fort Lauderdale on Vista Class Zuiderdam, named for western point of compass. Holland America has been sailing seas for 131 years, so I have high expectations that their history lends them enough experience to meet challenge of even hardest to please, that would be me.

Vista Class ships are known for offering greater space, ambiance, and intimacy. The majority of staterooms have verandahs; rooms are larger, offering not only more space, but some additional features, and 85% of all rooms have ocean views.

Other features of Vista Class include modern spas, new Cabaret-style show lounge, Internet café, coffee corner, exterior glass elevators that transverse 10 decks, and a large Lido pool beneath a retractable megadome. It's simply a more pampered cruise!

Our ship sails us to Half Moon Cay, a small island owned by Holland America, then on to St Thomas, Tortola, and Nassau.

Most people remember their experiences by how they start, and how they end. Upon boarding great Zuiderdam we notice friendly attention of crew, greetings came in accents from all around world.

Our room is generous, lots of space with all comforts. The lighted vanity mirror is over a desk; a stocked fridge adds a special touch for someone like me. I linger over a drink while I do my hair, a necessity, (and after a few drinks all looks better).

A Few Details About The Cruise.

The verandah offers chairs for two. We sit out there often surveying ‘our sea’ from ‘our ship’. We end every day and start every morning getting a blast of fresh air while viewing vista; an artist's brush could not capture changing colors of sea, surging blues and greens . . . and flying fish everywhere.

It is only beginning of our cruise, and we are quick studies in assuming our roles of self importance. Amazing how comfortable we are in our roles.