Tranquility Base

Yep, Chilly initially, but warmed up a couple of degrees…….no rain. Nice to wander around again….not much has changed since ‘18….except higher prices. The hotel bar was busy with a number of cruisers….Leffe beer was very nice. Hopefully the weather holds for tomorrow as that is our last tender for this segment.

I don’t know about Alaska, but today on Coral we had 5 hours of scenic cruising through Prince Christian Sound in Greenland. I didn’t see anyone at the bow area.

The weather was suitable, so the Captain gave us the scenic cruising route through Prince Christian Sound on the way to Nanortalik. Very interesting, a few nice glaciers and quite narrow in places, surrounded by steep cliffs with waterfalls. A chilly but good day.

Yep, Blue skies this afternoon. Shuttle to town, busy there with tourists & 3 cruise ships. Many heading out on numerous tours, especially Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon. As arrival was noon, MDR lunch was brought forward to 11:00 - 12:30. This was also good for the crew, as many had the time to head ashore. Two sea days before Greenland. We’ll need some “tender luck” for the weather for both our stops there.

Yep, Excellent tour; 2 waterfalls, thermal area, lava field and scenic lake. Warm day as it was very sunny. On our way to Reykjavik.

As hinted at last night by the Captain, the wind & sea swell meant Lerwick was a miss today. I think this is our first weather miss this cruise, so a good run so far. The news was received with good humour by us “seasoned cruisers” ( the Capt’s words ), so I think most will understand they did their best. 2 sea days to Iceland.

Yep, A great tour: Dunrobin Castle including a falconry demonstration, Dornoch and Glenmorangie distillery. Weather was great, and turned into a lovely warm day. Today as we approach Lerwick is a bit murky with some light drizzle, and apparently the wind is near limits for tendering. We’ll see what happens. We have been very lucky with the weather so far. Sea day tomorrow then Akureyri.

Yep, The boss is still out on a tour to Walmar Castle and Sandwich. I spent a very nice 4 hours at Dover Castle & tunnels, then down to the White Horse for a pint. Lovely weather, and I believe about 500 off and on today. Sea day then Invergordon on Friday.

There is live music every night in Wheelhouse, Crooners, and most mights in Universe. Usually also in the Atrium and sometimes in Explorers during the Capt’s Circle lounge hours there is some piano music. Occasionally live music in Explorers at other times. Obviously live music is often part of the performance in the theatre. This is sometimes followed a couple of nights later with second show in the Universe. There is a good range of live music onboard Coral currently, and sometimes, during peak time, there is only 15 minutes between sets. 30 minutes between sets is perhaps more usual however.

Yep, ’er indoors wandered along and bought a ticket for the ferry and tour of Spike Island. Some of the prisoners before deportation used to be held there. A very good tour with free time to wander. I caught the train into Cork then the 226 bus to Kinsale. Walked to Charles Fort via the Scilly walk ( 45 min each way ). Back to Kinsale for a wander around and a pint. Back in Cobh we went into town where the pubs were very busy with music and dancing inside and out. As always, another great day in Ireland.

Yep, A pleasant few hours wandering around Stirling, an interesting town with much history. Then a trip on, and learning about the workings of the Falkirk wheel. Moving canal boats 27 ft between two different canal levels. A unique and interesting experience. There was light rain as we left the ship, but that soon cleared up as we progressed inland. Sea day, then Cobh on Monday.

Correct, they may well have this service on some ships. Coral Princess currently has both EUR and GBP available for purchase on a cash basis.

Yep, A very good diy day. UK immigration inspection was done here. A simple visual check of passport versus person was done in the Universe Lounge. Not too much of a delay. We were docked at D1 cruise terminal opposite the City Airport. A complimentary and frequent shuttle into town (15 mins ) with numerous helpful info people at the drop off at the info centre. In town, Titanic Belfast and the City Hall were 2 popular visits. Titanic would be walkable for some, otherwise it can be reached via the Glider bus service for a couple of pounds. A very interesting and friendly stop, once again with pretty nice weather. Greenock tomorrow.

The info from the front desk. If on a multi segment, IF the segment is 30 days or longer it should be settled at the end of segment. If less than 30 days it should roll over for settlement on the following segment.

Yep, A very good tour today with an excellent guide. Caernarfon and Snowdonia with 3 stops in that area. Very nice scenic drive between stops. A lovely part of Wales. Lucky with the weather as we had sun, whereas apparently the previous ship 2 days ago had rain all day. Belfast tomorrow, a DIY day for us.

I’ll ask at the desk when I get back from tour this afternoon. Just arriving at Holyhead. Nice to be back in jersey / jacket weather again.

Yep, Arrived about an hour early at 11am, which provided a lovely arrival up the river. Always a pleasure that. A DIY wander around today. Up & down, round & round, then some more up & down….just in case. The motto for the day… ….. if you don’t know where you are going, you can’t get lost. The main mission was ensuring you didn’t get run over whilst taking the duty photos of the trams trundling up Alfama. Two sea days before Holyhead on Thursday.

When doing your research don’t forget the Dover - New York segment on the ‘25 World Cruise. 5 ports in Norway, 2 in Iceland, 2 in Greenland, 1 in Canada.

Thanks for all the reports. If possible, it would be great if you could relay any feedback you hear from some of the independent Osaka people as to the effect on their day due to the delays.

Tangier Everyone I have spoken with seemed to have a nice day here. We went on a wonderful tour to Chefchaouen, The Blue City. About 2 hrs each way, but totally worthwhile. Aided by having a great guide today. Shuttles were provided into Tangier which many took advantage of, as well as some private tours. Lisbon tomorrow, but arrival isn’t till noon (as per schedule). It will make for a nice long and picturesque sail in however.

Malaga. Taxi up to the Alcazaba fort for a wander round, then walked down to the Cathedral. Strolled the fancy main shopping street. Tapas & drinks, then walked back to the ship. Tangier tomorrow.

Although not an official Meet & Greet, there is a slot pull organised. You could perhaps put a few faces to some names there. Tues 18th at 3:15, Casino.

I believe there is a current thread where wine fees and such like are already being discussed. PS: Thoroughly looking forward to our next few stops. Malaga, Tangier and Lisbon.

Google………Cerberus heatwave. Place your bets as to weather (sp intended) you think it will be better or worse in two years time.

Would we expect 2026 ATW to be released this year or next ? Personally, hoping it’s time for a westabout.