NorbertsNiece

Area around the pool is packed. We had lunch on the Verandah.

Tomorrow we are in Syracuse (pronounced Syracusa), Sicily. Arrive 0900. Depart 1800. Originally a Greek colony, home to Archimedes, Syracuse is renowned for its well-preserved ancient Greek ruins. The archaeological site in the northwest of the town showcases a theatre built to seat 15000 spectators. The historic centre of Syracuse, known as Ortygia, is set on a small island surrounded by the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by three bridges. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ortygia has an attractive piazza, Piazza Duomo, and the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a Doric structure dating from the 6th-century BC. Geoff will be taking the included tour and I will be on a walking tour. SYRACUSE PANORAMIC– INCLUDED TOUR Leave the pier by coach to begin your sightseeing drive through the lands of Syracuse. During the journey, you will pass by the Basilica of Our Lady of the Tears, also known as the “Madonnina delle Lacrime”. This Roman Catholic shrine church is located near the Neapolis Archaeological Area; from outside, you will be able to see the so-called Tomb of Archimedes (an artificial cave carved out of limestone). A photo stop will be then made at the Monument to the Fallen Italians in Africa, where you can find out about this tribute to the residents of Italy who lost their lives in the Ethiopian War. After admiring the surrounding ocean views and monument from a viewpoint perched near a cliff edge, continue to the Balza Akradina. As a historical cemetery from the Greek period, this is one of the most popular archaeological sites of Syracuse with sweeping greenery across the park, open sea views and rocky limestone walls. Proceeding towards the River Ciane, you will soon notice many luscious papyrus plants dotted throughout the area as you resume your drive back to the pier, passing in front of the English War Cemetery.Please note: This is a coach-based excursion with the majority of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Any walking at any short photo stops will be at your discretion. CATANIA CITY WALKING TOUR Leave the pier by coach and start your excursion with a short sightseeing tour of Syracuse before proceeding to Catania. In ancient Catania, you will drive past several key sights, such as the Piazza Verga, Piazza Stesicoro, Villa Bellini, before taking a guided walking tour of the city centre. It begins in the Piazza del Duomo, Catania’s central square, renowned for its black lava Elephant Fountain. See numerous university buildings surrounding the square as well as the 18th-century Municipio. Catania was rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, and lava stone was used in many buildings by architect Giovanni Vaccarini. A short visit will be made at the local food market. After the visit you’ll enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing in Via Etnea.Please note: This tour is a combination of coach-based sightseeing and a guided walk of approximately three-quarters of a mile. Walking during free time is at your discretion.

We passed the Galite Islands, Tunisia.

I've removed all the other vessels from the map. You can see that our route will take us between Malta and Sicily to Syracuse on the South East side of the island.

Day 7 Sea day Good morning and thanks for following. The stabilisers on this ship are exceptional. I seldom feel any motion at all! It's always a surprise when I'm focusing the camera out of the window that the 'ideal pic' point moves quite rapidly to the side!!

When we booked Khukuri my rugby fanatic friend had forgotten the matches planned for yesterday and we hadn't been aware at the time that there would be a special buffet! Khukuri was full! Really buzzing!!

Super afternoon with Supercraft Cruises making a leather decorated necklace. Then choir and stretch. My hip tolerated that mostly. Didn't go line dancing today. There was a special Italian buffet in the Grill tonight. We went to Khukuri after the rugby. Lovely meal.

Watching World Cup rugby in the North Cape Bar 🏉

Am up and out and about, well can't miss lunch! We ate outside on the veranda. Perfect.

Day 6 Sea day Good morning and thanks for following. Am laid up with mild hip pain this morning. Guess my walk yesterday was a bit strenuous in the time. I have one prosthetic hip and one heading in that direction! Thought you'd like to see what a dining room breakfast menu looks like. Am waving at my friends in Valencia!!

Dinner. Many dolphin fins sighted from the Grill. GF choux buns!

My walking route. Sailaway is delayed for some final checks. And then a guest requires medical attention ashore and the port have neglected to hire lines people to help us cast off! There's a video here ,volume up. A couple Geoff took from his excursion, saw dolphins, didn't quite capture any. Lunch with a view of the rock. Gibraltar coins have the monarch's head on one side but a totally different 'tail' side to ours. Their notes are colourful, bright even. Apologies for no pic. Living room offerings. I win at scrabble this time! Sailaway..... Orca are taking pics and sight dolphins in the bay. Do hope they post pics. That's Africa in the distance

Finish my walkabout. There's an indoor market.

I head up Main Street. I look for, and find one of less than a handful of synagogues. I am allowed through the door but no further. Understandable under the circumstances. Had a lovely conversation with the secretary. We hugged when I departed. I enter the Cathedral, such a calm space.

Walk about pics pretty self explanatory really!

What an enigma is Gibraltar! English shops but do say 'Hola' as you enter. Popped into a supermarket to purchase a couple of forgotten items, turned out to be Waitrose! I missed the Morrisons but saw people with the bags lol. They drive on the right here. Prices are in Sterling and Euros. Went to an ATM which dispensed very attractive Gibraltar notes. They are not legal tender in the UK but can be exchanged at a bank for equal value. I was given some change in UK notes/ coins which was appreciated! No bank in the village where I live!

@FannyLiz they were new to me.... I've brought my stick with me in case! May be someone else can answer if they're on SoD but I would imagine they would be too.

Link to morning video here Headed ashore after breakfast. There was a crew drill in action. The Duty Free Shop in the terminal is not necessarily cheaper than in town. Checked my perfume of choice before heading off. When shopping in town mention you're a cruise ship passenger for extra discount!!

Good morning and thanks for following. We are berthed in Gibraltar. First screenshot from silly o'clock when we were still en route. The bunker barge is already alongside. The MSC container ship is the 'Michel Cappellini'; built 2023 in China, named in Bremerhaven on July 16th, this is her 2nd voyage eastbound heading to Suez next stop. She can carry up to 24,346 containers, 400 metres long 😯, and at this moment she is one of the three biggest container ships in the world! (the other two are sister ships!)

On the TV they have maps of every port of call plus a QR code to download it to your phone. I understand that paper maps are no longer being distributed by Saga. All you have to do is aim your camera at the QR code and a link to that map appears! ❤️

Another lovely dinner. Hadn't realised they had Port Salut cheese & GF crackers so I had some of that too! 😋 Came back to the room and we each have a Spa promotion voucher!

We've changed course. The blue dot on the bottom shows our projected location at midnight.

Tomorrow we're at our first port of call, GIBRALTAR Courtesy of Britannica: Gibraltar is a British overseas territory, on the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain. Area: 2.25 sq mi (5.8 sq km). Population (2007 est.): 29,257. It occupies a narrow peninsula 3 mi (5 km) long and 0.75 mi (1.2 km) wide that is known as the Rock. It appears from the east as a series of sheer, inaccessible cliffs, which makes it strategically important. The territory is the site of a British air and naval base that guards the Strait of Gibraltar. The Moors held Gibraltar from 711 to 1462, and in 1501 it was annexed by Spain. Captured by the British in 1704, it became a British crown colony in 1830. Gibraltar was an important port in World Wars I and II. The sovereignty of the territory has remained a source of constant friction between the United Kingdom and Spain, though residents voted in 1967 to remain part of Britain. Spain lifted its border blockade in the mid-1980s. Formal talks that began between the governments of Britain, Spain, and Gibraltar in 2004 helped to further ease tensions. Gibraltar is known for Barbary macaques, which occupy many of Gibraltar’s caves and are Europe’s only free-living monkeys. ------ Geoff is booked on the following excursion (details from the excursions brochure). I'm going walkabout, I was last here in 2008 with my Uncle Norbert : DOLPHIN WATCH Go in search of dolphins and other fascinating marine life on this interesting boat trip. Gibraltar’s bay boasts three species of dolphin and seven species of whale, as well as sunfish, flying fish and turtles. After departing from your ship, take the short drive to the ‘Dolphin World’ pleasure cruiser. Then, after setting off into the bay, learn about the history of this tiny colony, and you will be given an insight into the marine life of the bay with a fascinating commentary from your guide. Refreshments can be purchased on board if you wish. After landing, return transport will be available back to the ship, or if time permits, you can choose to walk into town for shopping and a little independent exploration. Please note: We recommend that you take some warm clothing for the boat ride. This excursion involves up to 280 yards of walking to reach the vessel and a couple of steps to board the vessel unassisted. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed

Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments which are so encouraging. Really very appreciated. Had a nap. Played scrabble. GF biscuits. Piano music from 4pm. Then my mind was blown!! Totally blown. I didn't know they had a percussionist.... they don't.... to 'Sunny side of the street' a guest has joined the keyboard player and is playing the spoons..... brilliantly!!!

Met a friend for lunch. We didn't opt for curry.