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Oceans and Seas » Atlantic » North Atlantic April 11th 2023

World Cruise 10 Due in Muscat, Oman on 25th March We had a speaker on before we got to the Gulf who was really interesting, talking in general about Oman, that I knew nothing about. I hope you find it as fascinating as I did. Frankincense and myrrh. A heady Arabian mix that is Oman Typical thoughts about the Arabian Peninsula…. For the first half of the 20th century was closed. Muscat was a fishing port. It is a land of minarets, mosques and mountains. Donkeys and mules were still important in the villages. Because it developed late it was able to learn from the UAE states and has an old blend with the new. It has the faraj irrigation system from 1000BC and the interior fortress are impressive. It is one of the most mountainous ... read more

Oceans and Seas » Atlantic » Atlantis March 22nd 2023

March 19 – 25 The First Week It’s Sunday morning or is it Wednesday morning? It doesn’t matter, we lost track of what day it is.... days ago. Our room is comfortable, roomy and we have a balcony. Plenty of room to run around without stepping on each other. Our cabin steward is Edwin. Whenever we open the door, he’s standing right there. I believe we’re his only cabin. We have breakfast on the Lido deck. We stroll around till we find an isolated spot and hide there until other guests start gathering around us and then we move on to our next retreat. They think something is going to happen, so they gather around us. Me... I think Kirsten has such a magnetic personality that they are just drawn to her. Everywhere we turn, we ... read more
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Oceans and Seas » Caribbean » Gulf of Mexico March 15th 2023

Our port of call on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 was San Juan, Puerto Rico, our fourth port in four days. As of midway through the cruise, I had subscribed to only two (both culturally oriented) shore excursions in these final four ports, and “Puerto Rico Folklore: A Latin Traditions Show” was one of them. In all of my travels, when I find folkxxxx in the title of an event, I’m usually all in. From the Holland America web site: “Puerto Rico's folklore heritage has been shaped by many vibrant rhythms from across the globe. Today's dazzling show is a virtual journey through the world of music and dance, with steps and sounds originating from Cuba, Brazil and Dominican Republic. You'll also notice the beat of Africa and a fiery expression of Flamenco from Spain. Enjoy popular ... read more
“Puerto Rico's Favorites” Shore Excursion – Puerto Rico – El Yunque National Forest
“Puerto Rico's Favorites” Shore Excursion – Puerto Rico – El Yunque National Forest
“Puerto Rico's Favorites” Shore Excursion – Puerto Rico – El Yunque National Forest

Oceans and Seas » Caribbean » Gulf of Mexico March 14th 2023

Our port of call on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 was a popular winter get-away for mainland Americans -- Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands, officially the Virgin Islands of the United States, are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles to the east of Puerto Rico and to the west of the British Virgin Islands. When most people refer to the U.S. Virgin Islands, they are referring to the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas; however, the U.S. Virgin Islands also includes 50 other surrounding minor islands and cays with a total land area of 133.73 square miles. The territory's capital is Charlotte Amalie, and the residents are referred to American Virgin Islanders. The islands were ... read more
“Scenic Saint Thomas” Shore Excursion at Mountain Top -- Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
“Scenic Saint Thomas” Shore Excursion at Mountain Top -- Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
“Scenic Saint Thomas” Shore Excursion at Mountain Top -- Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Oceans and Seas » Caribbean » Gulf of Mexico March 13th 2023

Our port of call on Monday, March 13, 2023 was Roseau, Dominica, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica. Dominica is a 290-square-mile volcanic island country in the Caribbean Sea with the highest point being 4,747-foot Morne Diablotins. Geographically, it is part of the Windward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. Her two closest neighbors both are overseas departments of France – Guadeloupe to the northwest and Martinique to the south-southeast. There was a population of 71,293 in the 2011 census. The capital, Roseau, (population of 14,725 also in 2011) is located on the western side of the island. The island was settled by the Arawak arriving from South America in the fifth century. The Kalinago had displaced the Arawak by the 15th Century. Columbus is said to have passed the island on Sunday, November 3, 1493. ... read more
“Touna Aute Carib Native Village” Shore Excursion
“Touna Aute Carib Native Village” Shore Excursion
“Touna Aute Carib Native Village” Shore Excursion

Oceans and Seas » Caribbean » Gulf of Mexico March 12th 2023

Barbados, a volcanic island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, was our port of call on Sunday, March 12, 2023. It is the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands and occupies an area of 167 square miles with a population of about 287,000. Technically, Barbados is an Atlantic Island but is closely associated with the Caribbean and is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Caribbean region. Spanish navigators took possession of Barbados in the late 15thCentury, and it first appeared on a Spanish map in 1511. The Portuguese Empire claimed the island somewhere between 1532 and 1536 but abandoned it in 1620 with their only remnants being the introduction of wild boars for a good supply of meat whenever the island was visited. An English ship arrived in Barbados in 1625, ... read more
“Barbados Coast to Coast” Shore Excursion
“Barbados Coast to Coast” Shore Excursion
“Barbados Coast to Coast” Shore Excursion

Oceans and Seas » Pacific » Auckland Islands February 17th 2023

World Cruise Part 5 6th February continued Live entertainment was Sam Moore and his Flamenco Around the World concert. Who knew flamenco is not just Spanish? Today’s film was Joyride. I didn’t go to sleep! Recommended should you come across it, set in Ireland with Olivia Coleman. Tuesday 7th February 9.30 am. 8S. Bearing 211 degrees. Winds NEF5 169W. Speed 16.3 knots. 28degrees C Destination Talk. Bay of Islands There are 144 islands making up the Bay Of Islands. There are undeveloped beaches and private farms. The climate is mild winters and hot summers, and it is the cradle of European settlements. Russell is the largest town in the area in a 16 km wide inlet on the NE coast and is a well known fishing capital. Game fishing from here finds snapper, marlin, tuna and ... read more

Oceans and Seas » Atlantic » North Atlantic January 12th 2023

Wednesday 11th January 2023 I have just spent the day writing up our first week and a bit away only to have lost it all! So this is likely to be an abbreviated version. Tuesday 3rd January Thanks to Christopher for coming down with us on Monday to stay overnight in Winchester, so we only had a half hour journey on Tuesday morning. We were at the checkin at the appointed time with what I thought was all the relevant paperwork. Well, most of it was ok, just a small matter of my passport number not having registered for the American ESTA visa. Rogers had been accepted but mine hadn’t. No idea why not. We ended up in a Q with quite a number of other passengers who were also having problems with visa paperwork. Some ... read more

Oceans and Seas » Caribbean January 1st 2023

Some highlights from our Christmas sailing adventure with our family of 10 aboard an amazing 47’ catamaran. A big issue in the planning was to get the timing right. We ranged in age from 6 to 75. Didn’t want to go too soon or too late. Another wrench appeared when Peel failed to follow Ministry holiday guidelines which I had used to book the charter. In the end it all came together. Tap on each photo to get a better look.... read more
Arrival
Long Story
The Massive galley

Oceans and Seas December 18th 2022

So……. you’re seriously considering taking a cruise, but have gotten conflicting opinions from just about everyone you consulted, right? It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. There are boatloads (pun intended) of people who have tried it once or twice and just aren’t fans. And there’s the group of “Never Cruisers” who, for various reasons, would slit their wrists before getting on a ship. Personally, I’ve pretty much enjoyed most cruises I’ve been on - finding great value and ease in this mode of transportation. If you’re still debating whether a cruise is right for you, here are some handy ideas to assist you plan a trip that, fingers crossed, you’ll end up loving. First things first: before you can get to the point where you’re raving about your life exploring the globe by sea, you ... read more




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