IST/Bond Collectors Weekends “OOSailin Cruise” has returned in triumph from:

*Jamaica, and VILLA GOLDENEYE to sit at Mr. Fleming’s writing desk and to sip rum our concierge offered, as we celebrated Bond’s 60th Anniversary in print

*Miami, to explore 60 Bond vehicles from all 23 films with the DEZER BOND MUSEUM’s curator, and to visit the Doug Redenius OO7 Memorabilia Collection in person

*The Bahamas, to nurse Vespers at CASINO ROYALE’s One & Only Ocean Club and dip our toes in Emilio Largo’s Shark Pool from THUNDERBALL

*The Turks and Caicos to beachcomb and unwind from visiting 35 more Bond film and book locations (including touring the GOLDFINGER Car Crush Plant with its owner, spearing Vargas at THUNDERBALL’s Love Beach, visiting Jill Masterson’s and Bond’s rooms at THE FONTAINEBLEAU and dozens of other film and book locations)

One kind fan wrote, “Matt, thanks again from the bottom of my heart for a great, fantastic trip. You delivered far more than promised.”

**

Yes, the OOSailin fans adored our four locations tours and our bonus visit to climb Dunn’s River Falls from DR. NO. And aboard the new Carnival Breeze, they loved to shop and to attend dance, music and comedy shows, watch Bond movies and trade props and collectibles, play casino games and chat until the wee hours over smokes and drinks on the top deck.

Hours of Bond trivia challenges were also provided at sea and we watched 4D action movies, climbed a ropes course and enjoyed the Breeze’s saunas and hot tubs, swimming pools, jogging track and two billiards tables.

To be honest, despite the fact that all the BONDLIST cruisers, even first timers, said they’d sail again with me, by the last evening I’d lost my appetite. So for dinner with the group I settled reluctantly on Maryland Crab Cake, Frog Legs in Butter and the Chilled Mango Ginger Soup. Oh, and also Mac & Cheese with Bacon followed by a thick wedge of Cappuccino Pie. As one fan said, “Don’t everyone fill up on prime rib before our (second) lobster tail!”

It’s true, OO7, dining on the ship wearied us all. At one luncheon, I wondered whether The Breeze wanted “a clean kill or to send a message” as I counted 14 lunch locations aboard including Mexican, Italian and a Mongolian Grill all made to order, and Indian, BBQ, a deli, a pizzeria, and a Chocolate Decadence Buffet, each of the 14 offering different menus and unlimited dining free of cost.

Discipline, OO7, discipline! We paced ourselves all week. After all, breakfast and lunch were often followed by Afternoon Tea then The Appetizer Taste Bar and of course, five-course dinners, sitting as a group together and unwinding or tackling trivia challenges. Somehow we managed to roll away from dinner when Moneypenny invited us for late night snacks and a nightcap to watch movies under the stars, seen from the comfort of our loungers or even the swimming pool.

One friend said it best. “The Breeze cruise and the BONDLIST group were amazing. I visited three foreign countries and Goldeneye, Largo’s House and the One & Only Club in the same week! Now we can all die happy at sea, our method of execution being fine dining!”

**

On returning again to Miami, I sadly missed our overseas adventures. My heart was at home but my behind was seated at Mr. Fleming’s desk in his $7,500 a night villa. Eggs Benedict and a Belgian Waffle topped with Strawberry Relish, Nutella and Pine Nuts, however, eaten 100 feet above South Beach on the Breeze’s Lido Deck eased my grieving process.

Overindulgence and the soft life. Now it’s Shrublands, I’m afraid, for daily herbal enemas and nightly rubdowns with Patricia. The things I do for England!

Want to see Bond’s world in person next time? Another Bond fan wrote yesterday, “Another successful mission, Matt, you made us all happy. Bucket Lists for all, a big thanks for all your effort and work, dreams do come through thanks to you.”

Rumor has it from Washington, DC that the next BONDLIST event will be held there, centered on CIA and The International Spy Museum. I’m also ready (after exercise and a crash diet) for another Caribbean cruise to see locations and Ian Fleming’s villa. How about you?