WatchHill

During our 3 days pre cruise in Lisbon, we made extensive use of the Tuk-Tuks which are readily available and far more fun than taxi. Although we initially took a cab from our Hotel, the Corinthia, to the Monastery for an pleasant tour, it was a very easy walk across the street [undergournd to avoid the trams], to see the Discovery Monument and later walk along the waterfront to the Tower of Belem. From there, we got on one of the Tuk-Tuks that were lined up along the curb, and followed the waterfront toward the Alfama where we continued to explore the old city - and it was quite an uphill hike, but worth it. Out Tuck-Tuk driver too pictures of us [group of 4] and narrated sites along the route. Darcy

We love the Elite breakfast option. So much nicer to have a light breakfast, served to us in a quiet area. We try to avoid the buffet breakfast and crowds, searching for a table and avoiding overloading ourselves to the point of needing multiple laps around the ship to work off the empty calories. The "healthy" spa option foods in the solarium are another consideration. Yes, love the mini bagels and a side of fresh fruit. Darcy

Walk off the ship with your luggage,quick walk-by for passport control [facial recognition with your pp], Ahead of you will be lots of taxis and vans, thus allowing you to leave on your schedule and not wait for other passengers, plus this transfer won't cost as much as the cruise line transfer. Darcy

We are on the same TA, booked without all the add ons, and quite comfortable with our decision. On deck 6, mid ship, and have $475 OBC. We are Elite, so we'll utilize that evening drink benefit in the Sky Lounge and respective bars. We'll pick up a few bottles of wine on our way to Southampton which we'll have in our room.to enjoy on the verandah. Neither of us drink to the level of needing a package, in fact the two drinks I may order in the Sky Lounge are far more than I drink normally. Age, wisdom and medication control the alcohol intake. We each get a free bag of laundry, though I plan to rinse/wash small items in the cabin sink. Wish Celebrity were like Princess or Azamara with passenger laundry/ironing rooms. Based on past experience, we only need one wifi connection, which can be pre-ordered at reduced rates. Gratuities can be charged against the OBC and if we exceed the OBC, so be it - the 11-night cruise is far less costly than the air BOS to LHR. We are flying Virgin on the 18th, car service to hotel not far from Waterloo Rail. DH wants to do London Eye, I prefer the Aquarium. On the 20th, we'll head to Waterloo for 9:am train to Hampton Court. There, our niece will be meeting us and store luggage in her car. After the Palace tour, we'll head to Southbourne for two nights. On Sunday morning, we'll go to Southampton via the Forest, stopping for cream tea. Crossing via the Azores is interesting because most fall storms originate off the coast of Africa. Upon arrival in FL, we'll head to the Hyatt for one night, thus avoiding the need for a connecting flight home late in the day. On the 3rd, we can catch the early non-stop flight to BOS. Darcy

We are doing a transatlantic in the fall, and the last port is Nassau which holds no interest for us. Been there many times; we plan to head to the Solarium to enjoy a bit of solitude, chat with crew and not spend time sesarching for unused lounge chairs. The best island is often the one you are floating on in the harbor! Darcy

Thank you for the recommendation. This will be the only service we'll need as friends [more like family] are driving from Southbourne to collect us at the hotel and then we do Hampton Court before we return with them to their home for a few days. They will drive us, via Lyndhurst for cream tea, to Southampton to meet the ship. Darcy

We are arriving at LHR T-3, mid morning in October and have reservations at a hotel near Waterloo Rail. Having done the LHR Express/rail/coach/tube many times, we decided with age comes a bit more wisdom. We could manage luggage with a bit of grumbling, but plan to reserve a car service meeting us at the airport for a trip to the hotel. We'll no doubt be tired from the overnight flight and are getting to the age where convenience prevails. On prior trips to London, we stay near Paddington, thus it's a easy two block walk, with luggage, to the hotel. Our quotes are between 92-100 GBP. Darcy

Rules of the road outside of your home state or country present a challenge. Roads in European cities grew from narrow cart paths hundreds of years ago. I've driven "left" in the UK, needing to adjust my brain a bit and pay attention to other vehicles passing me on the motorways. Narrow roads in Wales are another story. We were in Portugal this past spring, including a day in Sintra, without incident. Roundabouts are commonplace in some parts of the USA, thus giving you experience and confidence in navigating the loop. Now you can really experience PTSD if you've ever navigated the Magic Roundabout in Swidon. Darcy

There's only one terminal in Lisbon. Seems there are more planes than open gates. When we took TAP from BOS to LIS, we landed somewhere way out on the tarmac and had to bus to the terminal. Then on our return via Rome, we did get a gate in Lisbon. But our return to BOS required another very long bus ride to meet our plane. Due to heavy flight traffic, we had a 1.5 hour delay before taking off. Even though we flew Execuitive class, not impressed with TAP. Darcy

Having access to a passenger laundry room is a great convenience. At least with Princess, I can do items with the appropriate water temp and use an iron to touch up the wrinkles. Recently, we were on Azamara, and their ships offer FREE laundry including detergent pods! How I wish Celebrity would offer something similar. Those prices are absurd! When my "send out laundry" cost exceeds the bar bill, something is wrong! Darcy

Earlier this year we spent a few days pre-cruise in Lisbon and wished we had a few more time to explore the area. We arrived in Lisbon from BOS, at about 4:30 am, a bit punchy, and got a cab to our hotel, the Corinthia. Thankfully, we were able to check into our rooms that early, had breakfast then decided to take on the city. We got a taxi to the Jeronimos Monastery - nice self directed tour, about 20 minute wait to enter. Vasco De Gama is buried there. From there we walked by the huge water fountain for a few pictures and crossed the undergorund walk way to the Discovery Monument. We considered walking to the tower of Belem, but decided to hail a tuk-tuk to the historic district instead. Walking the hills, pace yourself. Another tuk-tuk to a large plaza where we wandered through a few shops [finding public rest rooms are always a challenge in parts of Europe] and returned to our hotel which was near the national zoo and a museum and close to many restaurants. That evening we had dinner nearby and early sleep. The following day we [4 mature adults, and another couple] were picked up by our private guide at 7:45 for a day trip to Sintra. We were one of the first to enter Pena Palace and glad we were as a labor action was initiated shortly after we did our tour. Two members of our small group went with our driver/guide for another side tour while we explored the quaint village below the Palace. Interesting shops, DH loved the sardine store. We had a nice light lunch and met up with our driver guide for a trip to the western most point in continental Europe, Calores, and later a stop in Cascals where we got a gelato and walked to the seaside. Finally returned to the hotel about 5:30, and hit the hotel lounge and relaxed before we went for dinner. Most restaurants do not open until 6: or 7: pm, so plan accordingly. We found a Brazilian steak house nearby, fun experience. The followiing day we transferred to our ship, but wished we had another day to explore more sites. We've been to Barcelona a few times. On this trip we walked Las Ramblas to the plaza d Gaudi, being mindful of our belongings. That evening we headed to Saint Sadurni d'Anoia, an historic winery/vineyard and saw a flamenco show. The following morning, we walked the port area and thoroughly enjoyed the Museu Mariim d Barcelona. So much to see and never enough time to fit it all in, but each travel experience adds to our memories. Darcy

In March, for the Pursuit, we dropped luggage about 1: PM and were directed to security and check in on the second level. We were given our cabin cards, ID's checked, security photos done, etc. Then assigned to about 2: to go onto the ship. We checked out the duty free shops, and enjoyed snacks/coffee/tea/water while we waited. Really not much time to explore Lisbon as we sailed at 5: and used the time to make a la carte dinner reservations and unpack luggage, also toss in a load of laundry because we arrived 3 days pre-cruise. Darcy

Pre-cruise, we spend a few days in Ft Lauderdale area and DH insists we go to Sawgrass so he can buy warm weather clothes to fill his near-empty cruise attire suit case. Of course, I can find a few items, too. On our last trip, my sister came with us and was amazed by the shops and size of Sawgrass. It was pre-Christmas, and nicely decorated. Oh, we do rent a car for the convenience. Darcy

The resort did not take reservations. Maybe check their web site or email in case policy has changed. At the port we walked to the street edge where many taxis were lined up. For our return, the resort called a taxi. It took about 20 minutes to arrive Darcy

We were on the Pursuit in March of this year. Hair dryer was OK, not as powerful/hot as I use at home, but tolerable. I have very fine hair, but lots of it. Darcy

Bonaire isn't known for its sandy beaches, [quite rocky in places] rather the beautiful reef fish, swimming in the clear, clean waters. We primarily used the pool and lazy river, though DH did take to the shore and saw quite a few fish and he free floated along with the current. The resort's beach-side sandy areas are very clean, with ample lounges, shaded huts, and easy access to rest rooms and food/beverages.

Pre check is for the USA, expedited lane through security. We also have Global Entry which is a BIG plus upon return to the USA. Walking off the plane to the digital entry kiosks, facial recognition and scan passport, print an awful picture of each of us and then hand the pix to an immigrtion officer and onto baggage claim. I turned around and looked at the long, long lines of passerngers waiting to enter and recall being in a similar line years ago. Based on prior flights outisde of the USA, any expedited security seems to be associated with flying premium - that's what we got when going through secondary screening in Lisbon, though I could see that all the security lanes were well organized and there was a digital sign indication the wait time - all of 2 minutes! Putting redress or Global numbers into TAP was a challenge. Our TA said when she tried to put in her husband's the "save" kept spinning. Somehow on our return flight confirmation, I was able to enter DH's Global number, but it refused to take mine - and in the end, it didn't matter. One fun thing at LIS airport is the Sardine Store! Seriously, DH was drawn into the shop and HAD to purchase an assortment of canned sardines. Darcy

The 321 LR have first row 2x2 seating, second row has a single seat on each side, then next row is 2x2 and row 4 is another "thrown" - great for those who fly without a partner, but that was the closest we could get to each other when doing seat selection. We have friends who fly TAP and had positive experiences even in basic economy. Our entire group and our TA who was with us, flying BOS to LIS, all had similar negative experiences. I wonder if the "work stoppage" of ITA and a few other labor issues all contributed to the problems. When we were waiting to board our Rome to Lisbon flight, we found ourselves standing in the jet way for about 15 minutes - seems they were still cleaning the plane. Some in our group remained in Rome for 3 extra days, and are heading back today.

We recently flew TAP, Boston to Lisbon [321 LR Neo] and Rome to Lisbon [320 Neo] and returning Lisbon to Boston on 321 LR Neo. The web site never indicated LR, though using TAP's web site, which I do not like, I could see the seat selection was LR for the trans Atlantic portion. Now for my less than happy comments about TAP......and overall not all TAP issues. Nobody at the TAP check in window when we arrived at Logan, standing in line for 40 minutes. There were older folks here who needed wheel chair assist. Quite a few of us kept asking for this to help them. Finally two TAP check in people show up two hours pre flight. Cold greeting, took our luggage and handed us the boarding passes. Terminal C at Logan is also Jet Blue and security with pre-check is fast. Stopped at the small Lounge, limited seating, so I grabbed a few cookies and left. Very disorganized boarding the plane, an hour into the flight and we were served a meal that resembled ravioli glued together with school paste [and I'm not food fussy]. One glass of wine and I went to sleep. My sister said in economy plus she rang for a flight attendant to request water - and was given one of those bathroom plastic cups with water in it. Before landing in the wee hours, nobody got any coffee or light breakfast! Off the plane, down a flight of metal steps and onto a bus to take us to the terminal to go through immigration and collect our luggage. From there on, nothng but positive things as we were in Lisbon, got to check into the hotel at 5:30 AM and sleep. Beautiful hotel for 2 nights, private tours, great food, etc., all part of our Azamara adventure. At breakfast in the hotel, the only comments from our group of 16, was "never again with TAP." 24 hours before our return flight, I checked in using the TAP app. It worked. We got to Rome, driver let us off at T3, even though we should be at T1, he told us to walk! Azamara will hear about that... Walked and walked, pushed luggage carts and got to our check in window which was empty. Nobody was there, no signs indicating when personnel would arrive, so we stood in line for close to an hour. similar, cold reception, "passport and here's your boarding pass" so much for friendly customer relations! We followed the signs to security, we has "priority" which took longer than regular security. Found our gate area, and a candy shop that looked promising. DH went in search of coffee only to be told he had to preorder using the QR codes on the tables.....so he walked away as the pick up line was some 20 people deep. We all bought water at one of the shops as we anticipated the need for hydration on our flight. Time to get into another line, 2 elderly pasengers were left seated, inspite of written wheel chair requests. Only 1 wheel chair, so the couple had to wait longer. Got onto that flight, DH and I were in row 2, and rolling our eyes at the "exec" ambiance. No TV's....haven't flown in a plane like that in some 30 years! Once we leveled off, leaving some 40 minutes late, we were served the pre-odered meal - I think it was the left over pasta from our earlier flight, now tainted with green food coloring. At least the warm bread was nice. A glass of wine and I nodded off. Stadium benches are more comfortable....really. Once back in Lisbon, we had to do passport control [nobody said the TAP lounge was before passport control and our connecting gate was a long walk form there]. We found a place to grab a bit of local food near gate 44A, buy more water and have a stiff drink. Now to head to the gate where we were again checked by an agent who put another sticker on the outside of our passport. Hand luggage was being put on a scale - TAP's weight and size rules apply to some, not all - we got into the priority line, and my siter and her friend into the economy line. Her friend's hand luggage was taken as "gate check" because it was a full flight, not due to weight. Yet others were able to take on two rather large size pieces.... Down a ramp, stairs and out a door to a bus where we waited about 15 minutes and then for a 10-15 minute ride across the tramac, along a roadway to our plane. The truck with the hand luggage was ahead of the bus, weaving around with baggage flying off it. The bus driver kept honking his horn as if that would help. We had to climb the metal stairs to get onto the plane, no jet way this far from the airport. DH and I each had row 2 thrown seats, hey, a water bottle! And so we sat and sat, no explanation until the pilot came on some half hour after our anticipated take off time saying "logistics and air traffic" and we wait another 35 minutes. Really could have use a glass of wine [oh, I miss BA and Virgin even premium economy plus gets beverage before take off]. Finally take off, got a bag of mixed nuts and two glasses of wine. I ordered lamb chops, fair for airline food. DH was happy to try the octopus salad appetizer, not me. More wine and the warm bread was good. 7.5 hour flight, watched a movie, tried to sleep 'flat" with seatbelt and harness was bit of a challenge, shorlty before landing some 2 hours late, we did get a light snack [not sure what it was so I only ate the fresh fruit slices] and coffee. Our limo driver was waiting for us by the Welcome to Boston sign. If we return to Lisbon area, we will sriously consider flying to DUB or LHR non-stop or other country and then connect onto Lisbon, not the best option as it adds travel time, but it won't be with TAP. In the end, we all agreed the best memories are those we shared on our cruise. Hoping you have a better experience than we did with TAP. Sorry this is so long. Darcy

The day pass includes full access to the pools, beach and lazy river, with use of the tube floats. Plus the food credit helps off set the very reasonable & yummy pina coladas. Love the resort because it offers so many shaded areas in which to lounge. Best kept secret on Bonaire! Darcy

The first boarding option listed for our cruise is 14.00 to 14.30, which we reserved. We've cruise through LIsbon in previous years, and notice there are multiple piers - our tickets have directions to the "new" pier. I have my EU's and now it's time to pack a few things. Darcy

We'll be boarding the Pursuit in Lisbon on the 23rd. Seems we need to be at the Terminal not only at the confirmed time slot, [2:-2:30], but early enough to get ahead of the crowd. Hoping to get a few reservations at the a la carte restaurants ASAP - our TA gifted us this perk. Mackdogmolly - Of course, escaping Logan is be our primary goal on the 20th. This week, two Untied planes "kissed" on the tarmac and another had to make an emergency/priority landing when a passenger disarmed the plane door and attempted to open it in flight. Passengers and flight crew had to hold the guy down until the plane landed - the zip tie cuffs didn't hold. The video has been uploaded to WCVB. Take good care of the ship for us. Darcy

The problem with flights out of Logan often begins with getting the plane INTO Logan. We love Jet Blue, in spite of making it from Tahiti to JFK, on Ait Tahiti Nui, without incident, only to spend two days at JFK trying to get back to BOS due to an ice storm. The high winds we had yesterday no doubt prevented many flights from leaving. We got a light dusting SW of Boston, while other areas were covered with the damn white stuff. We are flying TAP on the 20th BOS to Lisbon, spending a few days exploring the area and then onto the Pursuit on the 23rd. Safe travels Darcy

https://www.tomsportguides.com/ These are fantastic port guides, providing detailed information. Search the web site and its links and you'll find Malaga with maps, information about historic sites, etc. We'll be in Malaga at the end of this month and have reserved a walking tour with tours by locals, then meeting friends from the UK who have a holiday home about 20 minutes ourside of the city. In the late afternoon, we plan to explore a few things on our own before we head back to the ship. Darcy