Day 140 of 148 - CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

 Date: 5/24/2024   Day 140   Sea Day: CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Description: The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about 85,133,000 km2 (32,870,000 sq mi). It covers approximately 17% of Earth's surface and about 24% of its water surface area. During the Age of Discovery, it was known for separating the Old World of Africa, Europe, and Asia from the New World of the Americas.

Afternoon Update: Today is a sea day on our way to PONTA DELGADA (AZORES), PORTUGAL.  I have made good use of today reviewing, processing and uploading videos I took in FUNCHAL (MADEIRA), PORTUGAL on Day 139.  Check back to that post for links to the new videos.

We have been moving in and out of a few rain showers all day in moderate seas.   After our next stop tomorrow in Azores we will have 4 sea days before our final port-of-call in HAMILTON, BERMUDA.  After that final stop, one more sea day before arriving in New York.  We'll start packing in earnest those 4 sea days to Bermuda.  

Day 139 of 148 - FUNCHAL (MADEIRA), PORTUGAL

 Date: 5/23/2024   Day 139  Port: FUNCHAL (MADEIRA), PORTUGAL

Description: Madeira is described as the “Island of Eternal Spring.” Entirely volcanic in origin, the soil combines with the mild climate to produce an abundance of green as well as multicolored vegetation. The rugged landscape, scenic fishing villages, magnificent vistas and ideal climate bring the island fame as a year-round resort. Before leaving this panoramic Atlantic isle, be sure to sample a glass of the famous Madeira wine.

Planned Excursion: None 

Today's Notes: This is a return visit for us as we were here 5 days ago.  We turned in our excursion tickets and instead took the first shuttle bus into town.  We were the only ones on the bus and arrived early in the central town square.   The only folks out were early morning walker's and joggers.  We really enjoyed just walking along the water front down towards the old Fort of São Tiago (Portuguese: Fortaleza de São Tiago).  Stores and restaurant's were gradually beginning to open.   The couple of street side cafes we tried where only offering coffee or tea and rolls.  Full breakfast's were not available until 10 AM.  We found a McDonalds and had a breakfast sandwich there.  We just enjoyed walking the streets popping into a few shops unhurried not having to keep a time schedule as with excursions.  We found a fabric store and Cathy was able to purchase the facing she needed for her needle point projects.   She was really happy about finding this store as we have been looking for many days and ports. 

Videos

Click Here --> FUNCHAL (MADEIRA) PORTUGAL part 1

Walk along the water front towards the Fort of São Tiago

Click Here --> FUNCHAL (MADEIRA) PORTUGAL part 2

Click Here --> FUNCHAL (MADEIRA) PORTUGAL part 3

Day 138 of 148 - CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

 Date: 5/22/2024   Day 138  Sea Day: CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Description: The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about 85,133,000 km2 (32,870,000 sq mi). It covers approximately 17% of Earth's surface and about 24% of its water surface area. During the Age of Discovery, it was known for separating the Old World of Africa, Europe, and Asia from the New World of the Americas.

Today's Notes:  We are now on our last cruise segment returning us back to the USA.  We are on our way back to where we were before Lisbon, FUNCHAL (MADEIRA), PORTUGAL.   In Lisbon 124 world cruiser's left the ship, many of them live in Europe or needed to get back home.  We took on an additional 124 new cruiser's for this cruise from Lisbon to New York.  We are still only about 50 % capacity.  The seas are very calm with temps in the upper's 60's and mostly sunny skies.  

Today I have caught up processing and uploading the many videos I took at previous ports-of-call.  Links to these freshly uploaded videos can be found on those previous posts.   There are a total of 8 new videos posted to my YouTube channel.  

Here are links back to those previous posts...

Click Here --> Day 133

Click Here --> Day 134

Click Here --> Day 136

Day 137 of 148 - LISBON, PORTUGAL

 Date: 5/21/2024  Day 137  Port: LISBON, PORTUGAL

Description: Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

Planned Excursion: Palaces and Cascais

4.5 Hours   Light Activity   #LIS-001

No online description was available.   

Daily Notes:  I was happy that Cathy could join me on today’s excursion.  We first toured the Palace of Queluz spending about an hour.  We then drove on to the port town of Cascais.  We spent about an hour to walk around this fishing port.  It was a lovely typical tourist area with many restaurant's and souvenir shops.   We learned from our tour guide that most people live in apartment blocks.  The reason is to be near mass transit.  They can purchase unlimited access to all forms of mass transit for forty Euros ($43.95) per month.  This is also limited to all family members at a max amount of eighty Euros.  Those over the age of 65 can purchase monthly unlimited access for 20 Euros ($21.75).  The forms of Mass Transit are trains, buses, ferries and trams.  Private single family homes are far outside the city away from Mass Transit.  Again this is a beautiful walkable city.  Just wish we had more time to explore it further.  

Please check back, I have a lot of pictures and video to review, process and upload in the next upcoming sea days. 

Day 136 of 148 - PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL

 Date: 5/20/2024   Day 136   Port: PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL

Description: Framed by golden sands and impressive cliffs, Portimão offers a relaxing beach getaway for sun-seekers. For lovers of history and architecture, take a stroll through the medieval Castle of Alvor, and for those that enjoy the beauty of nature delight in the cultivated fields and slopes covered with pine trees and wildflowers. Visit the Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição that dates back to the 14th century. After a devastating earthquake it was restored with an altar made from walnut wood and the interior walls that feature religious depictions in azulejos tiles. Bring home traditional lace, ceramics, leather goods and baskets.

Planned Excursion: CAPE ST. VINCENT, SAGRES & LAGOS

7.0 Hours   Strenuous Activity  # PO6-002

Behold beguiling ocean views from Cabo de São Vicente at the southwestern tip of Portugal.  Admire a historic working lighthouse that remains one of the continent’s most powerful beacons.  Marvel at an enormous compass rose at Fortaleza de Sagres, a National Monument of Portugal.  Delight in a delicious lunch in the lively coastal town of Lagos.  Witness breathtaking sights from Ponta da Piedade’s dramatic seaside cliffs.

Today's Notes: Another wonderful stop, it is soo good to be back in a European country again.  I went on the planned excursion and my wife Cathy remained onboard with a stomach bug.  Could have been something she eat.  I hope she is better by the time we get to Lisbon.  The excursion was great and it was everything described above.  This was a tendering port where we anchored out and took the lifeboats ashore.  

Videos

Click Here --> Cabo de São Vicente-Portugal

Click Here --> Ponta da Piedade’s-Portugal

Please check back, I have a lot of pictures and video to review, process and upload in the next upcoming sea days.  

Day 135 of 148 - CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

 Date: 5/19/2024   Day 135  Sea Day: CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Description: The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about 85,133,000 km2 (32,870,000 sq mi). It covers approximately 17% of Earth's surface and about 24% of its water surface area. During the Age of Discovery, it was known for separating the Old World of Africa, Europe, and Asia from the New World of the Americas.

Day 134 of 148 - FUNCHAL (MADEIRA), PORTUGAL

 Date: 5/18/2024   Day 134   Port: FUNCHAL (MADEIRA), PORTUGAL

Description: Madeira is described as the “Island of Eternal Spring.” Entirely volcanic in origin, the soil combines with the mild climate to produce an abundance of green as well as multicolored vegetation. The rugged landscape, scenic fishing villages, magnificent vistas and ideal climate bring the island fame as a year-round resort. Before leaving this panoramic Atlantic Isle, be sure to sample a glass of the famous Madeira wine.

Planned Excursion: Royal Savoy  – Navigate the World Special Event

*** 2024 WORLD CRUISE EVENT ***

Experience a day of cultural immersion at Savoy Palace, Madeira’s premier five-star resort.  Savor traditional delicacies and delight in the aroma of slow cooking Espetada, a traditional beef skewer seasoned with regional flavors.  Portuguese wine tasting, self-service lunch, live music and local folklore dance, flower festival display and live embroidery stand. 

Today's Notes: Another beautiful port-of-call.  The forecasted chance of rain never materialized and the temp's were in the mid 70's, perfect for the outdoor World Cruise Event.  This final world cruise event was wonderful with plenty of good food and dance.  After returning to the ship we decided to walk into town.  It being and Saturday a lot of the local families where out enjoying the day.  The city was very walkable.  We walked around the harbor watching large and small sailboats, standing paddle surfboarding all near and around the ship.  We will be returning to this stop again on our final cruise leg back to the US.  We're excited to be returning to see more of this beautiful city.

Videos

Click Here --> Royal Savoy–Navigate the World Special Event part 1

Click Here --> Royal Savoy–Navigate the World Special Event part 2

Click Here --> Royal Savoy–Navigate the World Special Event part 3

Click Here --> Royal Savoy–Navigate the World Special Event part 4

Please check back to this post as I have many pictures and videos of the World Cruise Event.  The next few days we will be very busy.  On our final cruise back to the US has many more sea days where I hope to have the time to review, process and upload more pictures and video.