2023 World Cruise

It is hot and humid today. No sooner have we arrived in port than our "gas station" arrives to fill us up! We use approximately  35 gallons an hour working our way around the world. There is a beautiful  Eco Park  right near the port. This is what we decided to see today. We saw these different animals and birds. The shopping was very nice. We might have seen many more animals but ... suddenly there was an extreme downpour. We did make our way back safely to the ship, thanks to a shuttle bus. After  that an extensive  storm ensued. The thunder even shook our ship! 

I don't know if I mentioned Medivac before. We had our third one at sea today. A sad ending for someone's cruise. Prayers for their rapid recovery! I certainly admire the crew and staff that are first responders that come and rescue those in need. We have had several people leave the ship in ports via ambulances as well.  A lot has to happen to complete a rescue at sea. On the outer decks all lounges and anything else that can move has to be stored. The helicopters do not land on this ship, it is not large enough. They do a basket rescue of the ill person. I would really need to be sedated with that!  I know there are people on this ship without extra travel insurance and personally, I think that is a huge mistake. Of course something is more likely to happen to the aged population, but something tragic can happen at any age. Medivac it really necessary at times.  Anyway, it happened and the person is safely on their way for further medical treatment.   We passe...

We have worked our say across the Atlantic Ocean. Some days were pretty rough seas but the last 2 days have been very nice. Yesterday we had a group photo on the Lido Deck for ALL World Cruisers. I'm not sure when that will be available, surely before tomorrow as a large number of people will be disembarking at Port Everglades. This morning we had a brief rain shower but I think the weather will be pretty warm the rest of our trip. It is supposed to be 77F in Florida tomorrow. Yesterday we also had a "Farewell Shot" will some of the fun friends we made when visiting Good Spirits and beyond. It was called a B52. First it is  Kahlúa,  then Baileys, then Contreras. It was actually pretty tasty. Not too sweet with that Contreras as the last taste you experience, which cuts most of the sweetness. 

There was a port shuttle that took us from the ship to the edge of town. That was nice enough. Checking at the tourist office, they told us there is no Hop-On Hop-Off bus. We did see a little train later in the day, so who can guess? At least this island seems a bit prettier and more populated than the area yesterday.  Princess didn't give us an information sheet for this port. We walked around and I found a postcard and stamp. I never did find the post office so I paid the store owner $2 euros to mail it for me. I hope he does. We found a nice little spot for a simple lunch and wandered around the rest of the time. So, setting sail toward the US! Now we will have 7 days at sea. Following the route of Columbus but assuredly our journey will not take 61 days! It was fun seeing dolphins jumping as we left port, as though they were bidding us farewell!

I was on my own today and took the shuttle  bus into "city center" - which was really the marina. I walked approximately  8K steps  and didn't really find much. There was one beach shop, one man painting little paper boats, and several  restaurants with a couple of them being open. I had read on the internet about a day pass for €4 for a  hop on and off red train  that stops at the city’s main points of interest. However, when I asked about it at the marina, I was told it has not been around since Covid and was moved to Grand Canary. The day was pretty even though overcast it was warm enough. Hoping tomorrow's  Canary Island will be a bit more impressive and that June will feel  better. I guess I should have researched more.  I've heard  the Canary Islands  are treasured vacation destinations!

We booked the Easy Casablanca tour for this port. It was like a poorly done Hop-On Hop-Off bus. It really depends on the guide you get because others took this same tour and actually saw everything promised. Part of the issue is Ramadan and many things are closed but as I said others actually saw what was promised when we did not. We are disappointed and I am writing another letter. That said, we did see parts of the city, a few historic buildings,  Hassan II Mosque,  and the weather was beautiful. 

On my own in Marseille today. I did see several people from the ship and chatted with them. Aperol Spritz and croque madame for lunch on the waterfront. Spent 5K steps to find the post office. That said, it was worth it! I had a lovely conversation with a nice man. When I told him the postcard was for my granddaughter he went and found an interesting stamp for my use! France I always meet nice people here!!! The only gift shop I went in, majored in sardines! Nice gifts for son Jeff ! I might have tried the Brazilian Restaurant but it was closed.

Deep water anchorage brings many cruise ships to this bay. We do have to tender but it is a short ride. We had a lovely day. Not only is this city a panoramic beauty, it abounds with restaurants right along the harbor to enjoy lunch. After finding my postcard (hopefully a stamp tomorrow) we chose this brassiere to have lunch. June had pasta and I had mussels with squash blossoms as our appetizer. Again it was lemon sorbet for dessert for me. 

Most people go to Rome from this port. Since June and I have both been to Rome several times we decided not to go there. She stayed onboard. I explored Civitavecchia a little bit on my own. Since I was too tired to search out Napoli pizza yesterday I found it for lunch today. That with a glass of house red wine was followed by the best lemon sorbeto I've ever had. I t was a nice walk around port, it was a little windy but sunny all day. I managed to find the post office with the directions in Italian given by a shop owner. I felt quite accomplished! Next stop France!  

Our port was supposed to be Sorrento today, but it has been changed to Naples. I am not sure why but instead of being a tendered port, we will now be docked, so it seems better to me. I haven't been to either of the ports. The BIG deal is seeing Pompeii from this stop.  We left right on time and arrived to Pompeii after a brief stop at a Cameo factory. I didn't get off there as they reported it to be a restroom stop. There was some delay with our group dividing into 2 tours but soon we were inside. There is a rule that one guide can only escort 30 people. You are no longer allowed inside without a guide. It was very interesting and our guide was good. I was surprised there were not artifacts among the ruins. Apparently, one must go to the museum section to see that. I recall seeing the limited exhibit at the Ronald Regan Museum and loving it. There were many casts of people, jugs, kitchen utensils, weights, and so much more.