CRUISE 4

 

CRUISE NUMBER 4

                                   19 DAY CRUISE FROM LISBON TO MIAMI

 

02 April 2023--- LISBON PORTUGAL

 

Had a great night’s sleep and must admit the rocking and rolling did help. Arrived in Lisbon early this morning was still dark outside and left the ship after breakfast. Had to say goodbye to our one nurse she is from South Africa and on her way home after her contract. One bonus is when people go home, they leave all the stuff they can’t get into their suitcases and the ones left behind are the lucky ones to get this stash/stuff. Our present included coffee, noodles, dried mangoes, and rooibos tea. Amazing how many people you meet as the years go by would be great to have some of them come to visit you when they decide to come to our country one day.

I was not really in the mood to go walking around, think I did all the walking on our last visit. So did a casual walk into the city and took a few nice photos on my way.

Last week I heard about 2 women killed at some other place in Lisbon so that was not good to hear this morning they said that there were protests in the city due to the housing shortage, so that seems to be all over the world was not going to go anywhere near anything like that.

Some shops were closed because it is Sunday and did not see any preparation going on for Easter weekend here.

On my way back I stopped at a market and tried out some Sangria a local drink with fruit and port, I tried the dry one and must say was very refreshing and got to taste some local cheese and bread that was delicious. Stopped near the ship to catch my breath and enjoy an espresso and some wine, enjoyed that and then it was time to join the ship again before we leave on our last cruise from Lisbon.

We are more than 1700 people who are going to be crossing to the States, never thought of it but those that don’t like flying have this choice to go over by ship, and a lot nicer. Got a ticket to visit the hot springs and botanical gardens in Ponta Delgada in Portugal but my name is on the waiting list for Bandama Crater and botanical gardens in Las Palmas Spain, this tour is sold out even before the cruise starts so will be holding thumbs am first on the waiting list, so maybe I will be lucky only time will tell.

 

3 APRIL 2023--- CADIZ SPAIN

In this city for the last time so did a quick walk to the beach which I have not done before. The water looked very inviting and had this beautiful turquoise color but did not have my costume or towel with me.

Busy with lots of tourists and getting ready for easter Friday celebrations. I popped in for another coffee and cake before I returned to the ship. In this port, you have free WIFI access so that kept me busy for a while and I could also download some magazines and newspapers to read.

Next trip I hope to have my Kindle so very excited about that, then I can download all the books at home and read without WIFI.

Only leaving at 20h00 tonight and then we have a steady ahead of us so hopefully we have a good night’s sleep and can get to the gym early tomorrow before the day starts.

Our itinerary for the next few days is as follows:

. @SEA

. Arrecife Lanzarote

. Las Palmas

. Santa Cruz

. Funchal Madeira .

. @SEA

. Ponta Delgada Portugal

. Horta Azores

. 3 SEA DAYS DOING THE Atlantic Crossing to America

. Bermuda for 2 days

. @ SEA

. New York

. 2 Sea days

. Miami

 

4 APRIL 2023---@SEA

 

We got going early and made it to the gym but neither of us was really feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, so the gym session was a slow and lazy business. I decided to get back into bed and slept again until late morning was worried the room steward was going to catch me in bed!!

Today has been one of those lazy sea days doing nothing but the late afternoon I got going when they announced a code Alpha over the PA system so that had me wide awake. Thank goodness was nothing serious because we are halfway to our next port so only the sea around us, no land in sight. Watched a very interesting story or documentary on TV about climate change by Leonardo de Capri that famous actor and has him interviewing a lot of people all over the world would love to watch it again and said that Sweden was the only country in the world that was using only wind and solar energy for power a real eye opener and scary info.

 So, we need to play our part, that is for sure.

Went on the excursion to see what they have to say about the new ports that we are visiting.

In Ponta Delgada they have pineapple greenhouses where the world’s most famous pineapple is produced in a unique and traditional method. So sorry can’t go to all the different things they have to offer like visiting Vista do Rei viewpoint and the crater of the extinct volcano Sete Cidades.

Hubby is off tomorrow so we can go exploring together or he wants to take me to the downtown area because he has been there before hoping to take some nice pics of the local fishing boats.

 

5 APRIL 2023--- ARRICIFE LANZAROTE SPAIN

 

We have been so lucky with the weather but today is a windy miserable day and looked like it was raining in some parts of this island. Will not complain if they did have rain for, they do not get much at the best of times. After the weekly drill, we got off and walked to the downtown area, it took us about 25 min to get there.

Must say not a place I would come back to, looks a bit run down. Took a few photos but nothing spectacular so said to hubby if you come to these places you need to take an excursion to get to the places the island is famous for, otherwise you are wasting your time, there were a lot of people that took the walk into downtown.

 My 2 visits to the camels, wine farm, fire mountains, and volcanic tubes and bubbles were awesome, and I was very glad I got to see them. So far, no luck with tomorrow’s excursion ticket and no cancellations so will have to walk around on my own.

 

 

 

6 APRIL 2023--- LAS PALMA SPAIN

This morning we got up and made it to the gym and our reward on deck 11 with our coffee was stunning, a full moon peeping out between clouds just above the city of Las Palmas in Spain. Had my cell with me so could capture it.

It is our last visit to this port so decided to go in another direction and see as much as I could so was ready for a lot of walking. Was in for a nice surprise when I got to the end of the beach area and discovered a quiet area with mostly locals going on their daily walks or just sitting along the beach and enjoying the beautiful views over the sea.

Lots of volcanic rock tumbles into the ocean, and you can see the boulders and lava layers as it set. I find this fascinating. Came across a restaurant right on the rocks with the ocean beneath it and a place that looked like a private home, but I am glad I don’t live there because the sea is rough and too close for comfort.

Even a tiny boat dangling from the cliff above the ocean can’t even think that they could put that tiny little boat in the ocean. Also discovered a door right at the bottom of a cliff with the high-water mark that comes right to the door, would love to know what that is and what it is used for or what it was used for.

Then the next interesting site was a monument in memory of the 154 victims and 19 survivors of flight JK5022 Madrid-Barajas Airport on 20 August 2008.

This sculpture stands on the seafront of Las Canteras looking out towards the sea, the sky, and the universe.

It represents the emptiness left by the loss and absence of the 154 victims and the hope of the 18 survivors of Flight JK 5022.

It is dedicated to their memory so that each day, as the sun traces its path across the sky, it fills the dark spaces inside the sculpture with rays of light and transmits this energy to those who witnessed this tragedy. I thought this was an amazing tribute and so special.

My next stop on my way back was at a local restaurant to have a cold beer and just enjoy the locals with a view over the beach and little fishing boats.

There was a guy playing the guitar and an old man that was sitting in an electric chair and the next moment he was up and out of his chair with a cane and started dancing to the music, that was so special to see and you could see that he must have had a stroke before and even with that he was dancing actually brings a tear to your eye,  must be in his 80,s would love to know what his story is. I took a video to share this special moment.

Bought myself some beautiful big bulky Majorca pearls so very excited about them for they will always remind me of our time here in Europe and this trip to Spain. So, my day here was worth it in the end even after the disappointment of not being able to go on the tour.

 Sitting here back on the ship, what I would give for a glass of wine to end the day off!!!

We only leaving tonight just before midnight so will be another late night for Hubby needs to let the captain know just before they leave if all is good in the medical department and is not something that can be done ahead of time, unfortunately! He is off tomorrow, and we are going to try some local Paella in Santa Cruz, looking forward to that.

 

7 APRIL 2023--- SANTA CRUZ SPAIN

 

Today we were in Santa Cruz Tenerife Spain on another beautiful day, we have really been very lucky with the weather. Our plan was to go out for paella but when we got to most of the restaurants in town only opened after 13h00 so we ended up popping for another takeaway and sat down in the park under huge old trees on a bench enjoying our food and coffee.

Hubby enjoyed sleeping on my lap, and I just watched the tourists walk by. It is Easter Friday so most of the shops were closed and not much is happening in town. I was disappointed that we could not find a church to go to.

 Tomorrow we are in Funchal Madeira and on Easter Sunday we are at sea. I was asked to hand in my passport again and was nervous just in case some or other thing was not right again like my drama in Gibraltar where I got a huge fright. Like I said no crossing borders for me again, not unless I am pretty sure about my visa.

We are docking in two new ports that are part of Portugal on our way to Bermuda Bermuda is a UK port but have never needed a UK visa to go ashore only a USA visa.

Yesterday there was a passenger complaining about everything, the engine noise, the waves against the ship, the workers in the port die vader weet wat nog alles, so het toe n ander cabin gesoek!!! Wonder why on earth come on a cruise then. So, tomorrow is my last day in Funchal Madeira one of my favorite places we went to on this trip, just loved it.

 

9 APRIL 2023 ---- FUNCHAL MADEIRA PORTUGAL

Another perfect day in Portugal so today I decided to go in the opposite direction as all the visits before and what a nice surprise was waiting for me. Walked past the most stunning hotels with spectacular views over the ocean. The first one was the Royal Savoy a 5-star hotel with an amazing easter display in its foyer a huge easter egg about 3 to 4 meters high with real chicks under a light inside it. The view over the ocean is amazing. My plan was to have a glass of wine on the veranda on my way back the next place was Pestana Calton Madeira another 5-star.

I am getting very casual when it comes to these beautiful places just walk in and ask can I please take a photo this time it was at another hotel that has the William Restaurant in it a Michelin Star one, just a pity it was closed when I was there only opens at 19h00, never put my foot in one of these very smart restaurants. Can just try and imagine what it must be like when the sun is setting with these beautiful views over lush gardens and the ocean must be breathtaking. My next stop was the Avista Restaurant plan is to google these places as soon as I get the opportunity on free WIFI.

Then I got to a public pool, but you need to pay to get access to the beach and sea, here people were lying in the sun and to me, the best part was being able to go down with steps straight into the sea for a swim. Would have loved to go for a swim and hubby could have gone for a nice long ocean swim. On my way back I tried to get into a garden that looked stunning only to discover it was private with no public access. By this time, I had been walking for at least 3 hours so stopped in the Santa Catarina Park went down on my hunches to take a photo, and battled to get up so just went down on my bottom and lay down on the grass under the trees and chilled for a while must say that really felt good.

Just as well I did not lie down for too long, I could feel had been walking for a long time and felt stiff.

I was looking for an open church but had my days mixed up and it was Saturday afternoon and not Sunday so no luck. Then I ended up going to the local market and to the old town area where there are lots of restaurants in narrow streets with Muriel’s against the walls and doors. It was busy, and I got to smell all the delicious flavors. Was keen to try some paella but at all the places it was only available for 2 people no single portions so that was the end of my paella. I then decided it was time to walk back to the port area and maybe have something to eat and drink right there with a view of the ship and was feeling tired after having been walking for hours.

In the end, I sat down at a place called Perola dos Vinhos and ordered Brushetta 6 little pieces of bread with goat cheese, caramelized onion, and nuts it was out of this world, and a glass of white wine. This was something I have never tried before, and it was delicious would have loved to let hubby also try some.

Ended it with an Americano and then took the long walk back to the ship. Had a fantastic day in this special place and my favorite place on this trip.

 

11 April 2023--- PONTA DELGADA PORTUGAL

Yesterday was a sea day and we just chilled. Hubby was off for the day, so he had a rest day. I left on my excursion at 9 and the bus took us to our first stop which was the tea factory, this was something I have never seen before, what tea leaves look like and how they are processed. We got to taste some of the local tea, but I prefer my tea with milk. The views from the farm were also stunning with the green hills and valleys and the sea in the distance.

Then our next stop was at the lookout point of Pico do Ferro from this viewpoint we could see the oldest and biggest volcanic crater with Furnas Lake and where the spar of Furnas is located. We then went down towards the hot springs. This is an area with diverse forms of volcanic activity with fumaroles spouting boiling water and medicinal mud, one of the most spectacular being Caldeira Pero Botelho. This took my breath away and I was dumbstruck to see this. Boiling mud and water coming out of the earth.

 Coming down the mountain the guide did say that the scientists keep an eye on and monitor the volcano activity but just the thought of an eruption, I just had to put it out of my mind.

After this visit, we were off to the botanical garden with its Geothermal pool. The water was brown due to the iron in the water that gets exposed to the sun and makes it turn brown and rusty. Was so peaceful to just stroll around in this beautiful park which had 30 full-time gardeners working in it every day. How amazing.

The park also has a hotel on the premises. See the head gardener had a house on the premises how cool is that? Not sure what the hotel is called so will have to google that and hopefully get a name when I type in Terra Nostra Garden Furnas our guide said that people have told him that the detail in the rooms and hotel is amazing and that is what makes it a cut above the rest.

The ride back on the bus made me sleepy but decided to try out the local food and had some wine and local cheese in a restaurant in the port area. Was lucky to have good WIFI so could post all my photos and videos of the day. Tomorrow we are going to be tendering to shore so that will take time and the crew is only get off after most of the passengers have left the ship. This is our last port of call before starting our 3-day sea journey to Bermuda, the Atlantic crossing. We arrive in Bermuda on the 4 days at 16h00 pm and overnight.

We are planning to go out for supper so am excited about that. Tomorrow will be my last day of sharing until we get to Bermuda and New York.

 

12 April 2023--- HORTA FAIAL Portuguese Island (between Europe and USA) in the Atlantic Ocean

 

We arrived early this morning and those that wanted to get off at dawn could catch the early bird tender boats but don’t think there were lots of people that did that. I had my breakfast with a view over the island and at about 11 o clock they let us know that the tender boats were open, and no more tickets were necessary to go ashore.

We walked into the downtown area and must say not much to see, so stopped at a local café for some coffee and hubby wanted a hamburger. I also ordered a local cookie but when we wanted to pay with our card, we were told no cards, so got a fright because he had already started making the burger and the coffee was in the cup. Thank goodness said he does take dollars and I had some in my purse, so was very relieved I had kept the dollars in my purse.

Went for a walk downtown and took some photos.

There is a lot of work and buildings going on in this area, so think will be very nice once it is done.

Saw a dentist’s surgery with a chair in front of this huge window overlooking the sea and thought to myself well this I call a surgery with a view, made me think of hubbies grandmother and her story about the optometrist in East London, when she sat down in the chair he asked her if she saw the C meaning the letter C but her reply was yes I saw the sea when I walked in, haaa haaa still have a giggle about her story.

One of the excursions in this port of call was a 2-hour walk all along the coast and think I would have chosen that one if I did not go out yesterday. They did tell the passengers that they had to be walking fit because they were going to be dropped off in a place and then would have to walk to the endpoint so no turning back like walking from one town to the next.

Was so nice to have some good WIFI in the port area so posted all my videos and pics before it was time to catch the tender boat back to the ship.

I waited too long and before I knew it 3 buses had just returned from their day out so just had to wait in very long rows to get back to the ship. The wind had picked up and the sea was choppy, but we got back safely. This morning one of the crew landed in the sea while working on the tender platform so after that all the guys were connected to a safety harness.

The first thing they wanted to do was a breathalyzer test to check if the poor man had not been drinking but he was innocent it was just an accident, and he lost his footing while working thank goodness it was not a passenger imagine what they would have done, would not have left it there that is for sure here they want to sue for everything.

We left just after 16h00 and now we are on our way to Bermuda, we arrive there in 4 days’ time, 3 full sea days are lying ahead and only arrive in the late afternoon on the 4 days. I am really hoping that we have calm seas. Have just left and we are rocking and rolling already so only time will tell. So, this is the end until we get to Bermuda for now, must say have had an amazing time, and if I had to choose some highlights the visit to the volcanic place in Lanzarote was amazing, and loved my Toboggan ride in Funchal Madeira. Have leaned so many new things and seen things I have never seen before, what a blessing.

 

13 APRIL 2023---@SEA

 

We got up early this morning and even got to the gym earlier than expected so was a good session our coffee on deck 11 was amazing with the sun just coming up in the east at the back side of the ship and seeing the different stages and how it kept on changing. Looking at the photographs afterward my first photo looks like a cross on the horizon just before the sun appeared, how amazing is that?

Just what we needed on this long Trans Atlantic Cruise, I spent most of the morning up on deck 11 and when I got back to our cabin hubby informed me that they have been warned of an approaching storm that we are not going to be able to outrun. Tomorrow morning at about 6 am we should hit it, not a very pleasant idea but what can we do just pray for the best and that it might have moved direction, talking about 4/5 m high waves. Was rough last night but got better during the night and today has been pleasant. So, running on the treadmill might be a hazard so we’re thinking of using the weights and doing some floor exercises and doing some stretching, be both as stiff as can be, but only time will tell.

 

14 April 2023---@SEA

Well sure enough at about 6 o clock last night there was a knock at our cabin door and 2 security officers, and a bridge officer are here to come and close our port holes due to the approaching storm. Then I knew ok we are in for a rough ride, must say don’t like it when these portholes are closed but what can you do?

We slept late this morning and the storm only hit at about 7 and must say I expected worse, but all the chairs were packed away on the open deck at the back of the ship and tied up with ropes.

We were not able to walk on deck 7 due to the strong winds so it was bunker down until the storm had passed. At one stage the rain did come down in buckets and the wind was crazy it felt like I was going to be blown over while I was on my way to the dining hall on the open deck where the pools are. At least I got in a good gym session, and it was packed this morning, think everyone was there to try and work off all the too much eating.

With breakfast, we were all doing the vastrap or duckwalk like one lady called it and the ship bounced around on this angry upside-down ocean, felt like it was listing over to the one side.

The WIFI is down so that is a bummer and big frustration, but we will just have to wait until we can go online again, have no idea what the problem is. Hubby got his flight details so that is an exciting moment on each contract, home time, he will be flying from Seattle to Doha and then Johannesburg. Get so excited when we start discussing what we want to do when we are home. Looks like he will be home in December so also started looking at places to rent for the holidays. Not so easy to find a place in Kenton on Sea seems to be fully booked but found one place that we stayed in when my mom turned 80 so hoping it is still available, a nice big house then we can all be together,4 dogs included, big happy family special times, building memories.

 

 

 

15 & 16 APRIL 2023--- SEADAY AND BERMUDA

We survived the 4 days at sea and must say were glad to get to Bermuda eventually, the sunrise on our morning before arriving in Bermuda was spectacular. We were lucky with the sun coming up in the East and that is where we had our coffee on the back of the ship. The early mornings are the best time of the day.

We picked up the pilot at 14h00 and then made our way to Bermuda arriving there at 16h00 on time, I never knew that we had to make it to Bermuda on time for they don’t have pilots at night due to the danger all around the island with the reefs.

I got off and made my way to the local pharmacy and it was full of passengers trying to buy medicine think the treatment on the ship is very expensive and unaffordable. There are a lot of passengers that are coughing and seem to have flu, hope I skip that one for nearly time to fly home. We went out after work and was nice to have an evening on land, spoilt ourselves with some pizza, wine, a beer, and a beautiful sunset. Bermuda never disappoints when it comes to spectacular sunsets.

Started watching a movie this morning called Bridge of Spies with Tom Hanks and was so caught up in it could not get away and had to watch it to the end, really enjoyed it.

Then made a stop for lunch before I got off to do my last walk. On my way back to our ship one of our sister ships arrived in port. Amazing to watch all these passengers stream into a port, passengers wherever you look. Tomorrow is a sea day then we sail into New York early on Tuesday morning I want to get up to watch the sail in for it is always special.

 

17 APRIL 2023 ---@SEA

We had to turn our watches back another hour last night, so we seem to be going backward. Got up late this morning and then got to the gym before breakfast. On my way back to the cabin I walked into the officer’s presentation where the passengers can ask the 3 main officers that run the ship questions so that was very interesting to listen to.

Had to have a little giggle when a guy told them that the WIFI sucks, and they needed to do something about it, and thank goodness he could tell them that they are busy looking into that and new options.

Also told us that we would be passing the Statue of Liberty at 4.30 tomorrow morning so don’t think I will be watching that with our sail in, will leave that to our sail away tomorrow afternoon at 16h00. The plan is to walk to my favorite place in New York, Central Park and just spend some time there to get coffee and something to eat. Said it was going to be 14 degrees so that is chilly and don’t think I will be seeing any spring blossoms.

 Then it is time to drag the suitcases out from under the bed and start packing, hope I am going to get everything in but thank goodness hubby came with another suitcase that did not have much in it.

The wait at the airport is going to be a long day but have been on the day excursions that they have to offer so decided against that and did not feel like walking around in a mall then my 14-hour flight to Dubai will begin, think I have a layover of 4 hours then the next 8-hour flight to Johannesburg will start. Maybe I will be lucky with an open seat next to me so that I can lie down, that makes a huge difference.

 

18 APRIL2023---NEW YORK

We were in bed fast asleep when we sailed into New York at 4.30 this morning and when we did get up, we were docked in downtown Manhattan got up for a walk with views over the Hudson River, and left hubby fast asleep in bed, just as well I did not wake him for, they had closed deck 12 so I could not walk there. At least I got a pic of the skyline with the Manhattan buildings on the horizon.

Then it was time for a quick breakfast before I had to go through immigration and then hit the streets. Got off the ship at 9 and had to be back by 14h00 so I first went to my favorite place Central Park was so glad to see some flowers bulbs and trees that were still in bloom.

This place has some magic and don’t think I will ever get tired of coming to see it, just love it.

After a nice walk just taking in the views and some photos, I decided to walk to Levain Bakery for our cookies and an Americano Coffee, but I forgot to get the address so did a bit of rondloping trying to get to it.

Was very glad to find it at last and then I sat outside having my vrek lekker cookie and coffee, today was 14 degrees with a very cold wind blowing so the coffee was just what I needed to warm me. I popped in at a shop in Central Park to get some postcards of the park but was disappointed did not really have lots to choose from and the coffee table books I liked were too heavy to take back home. After that I took another route back to the ship and stopped at a few places, the shoe shop called La Duca Shoes had a notice on the door saying STOP you must check in with a sales associate before entering the shop, and I thought to myself well that can only mean one thing that these shoes must be very expensive and only for the rich and famous!

Another stop was a shop that had a fire truck with all its gadgets and all sorts of fire stuff on display and up against the walls the kids just loved it for they could get into the truck and press all the different knobs and whistles, must say I thought it was a cool idea to have a close look at all these things they use in their work.

The wind had come up and then I decided it was time to head back. On my way passed the maritime and flight museum, would have popped in to get into the submarine but decided against it for not cheap$36 maybe next time. The WIFI was good so could post all the pics that I had taken during my walk in New York.

Think this is the end of my blog on this trip, so until next time God Bless and goodbye was an amazing trip, and really had a good time visiting all these new places what a blessing.