ConnieTact

Back to yesterday’s Dingle stop, I was having difficulty connect to WiFi yesterday so not so ‘live’ as it could have been! Our friend Ziggy organised a private tour to Slea Head, for a mini bus for 8 people with a local taxi company. He even arranged a taxi for overspill of 3 people who didn’t get allocated mini bus space after his first call on cruise critic. It was a perfect afternoon, it started rather rainy and foggy but developed into a sunny, warm day. We didn’t even need coats by the time we looked at the last exhibit! One unfortunate thing was as the mini bus was full, and we all thought all eight were from the ship, and those who were booked to be onboard. We were surprised to discover that there had been a misunderstanding and one couple, not from our ship, somehow had got on taking another couple’s spaces! They were on the wrong mini bus! This sadly meant the correct couple who had booked, who had run a little late but hadn’t been able to contact Ziggy, missed out. We all felt really bad about that, as if we had known we would have waited and asked the others to get off. As it happened, nobody lost out financially but we did feel sorry for the ones who lost out. Here are some shots from the places we visited. We really had a wonderful time and all were hugely grateful to Ziggy for organising it. First stop in a grand estate where these ancient stones had been found. They may have been grave stones or may have marked land ownership.

The sky was also very pretty,

Last night after dinner we went to the Bliss lounge to the 80s night. It was really fun with a screen showing music videos along with great hits. A fab night!

I’ve loved it. I feel we’ve seen a lot and if you take excursions at each port you see even more! So, my vote is for this cruise!

You can use your voucher anywhere! David confirmed this to me the other night. Hope that helps.

Views are lovely from the middle of Dingle Bay! Even view from the room.

Somehow the pizza photos didn’t load- here they are! In all their cheesy glory!

We had a disappointing specialty meal in La Cucina last night. Our starters we good, I had lasagne and MrCT had the risotto. Both were tasty, serviced hot and delicious. For our mains we both chose pizza. Mine was overly cheesy and I could barely see or taste the tomato. I had two bites but knew I didn’t want it. So asked for it to be taken away. I have never known my Mr CT leave pizza before but he got through half of his then stopped. The desserts were good. I loved my fabulously creamy panna cotta and Mr CT enjoyed his tiramisu but just ate half as it was so rich and overly large portion. IAlthough we said hello to the manager as we walked in, and he returned the greeting, he did not approach us at any time throughout our meal. I beckoned him over before we left, to explain why we didn’t eat our food, as we thought it important to get feedback for future information. He listened, said “I’m not charging you!” Turned, then walked away! I was surprised at this and left doubting his suitability for the management role. Maybe he gets a lot of complaints but part of being a manager is to deal with these. I was not complaining, just explaining. So I was further surprised at his cold attitude and lack of people skills. Although happy we didn’t have to pay, we won’t return to La Cucina.

Thanks for todays Tender information. I heard 1st call at 7 for group 1 then 7.07 group 2 next, 7.16 group 4 lastky, 7.36 groups 1-12 then I put in earplugs and went back to sleep! 😂 I understand the journey to the shore is a longer, half hour. plastic tender home is 8pm.

Just joined very long line for tender.

Things have improved on way back with warmth and he took it onboard that he needed to hold the mic to his face for us to hear! We were told, no time to stop there but nice restaurant. Beautiful castle there but no time to stop. This is a great view but, no time to stop. I’ll be glad to be back onboard and looking forward to my dinner having skipped lunch today! Wouldn’t mind a cuppa either! 😅

The caves were brilliant though and the guide there was clear and very good at reminding us to keep our heads down or when things got slippery. I recommend the caves.

Sadly, I would not recommend this tour. The coach was late leaving, hit traffic and was freezing cold. We didn’t stop until we got here so no way to tell them we were cold as yelling from the back didn’t work! 😅Also tour guide didn’t know how to use his mic so nearly all of it could not be heard. He was alerted twice by my calling out but I gave up on the end. Apparently he put the mic between his legs so that’s why we couldn’t hear him. Our ships in the background of that third photo- across the bay!

Oh! Sorry for the misinformation- thank goodness inside cabin is here to correct me! Thanks! 😊

Pack layers. Today is windy so I have a thicker jumper on. I brought jeans and also thinner trousers (hoping!) but they are great for evenings on the ship. I hope I don’t jinx it with this comment but we haven’t seen any rain yet! 🤞 I also have a heavy rain coat but also a warm shawl I take out if there’s no rain forecast. I hope this helps.

It makes me happy too. You can get a pot of tea in restaurants too. It’s only the buffet at Garden Cafe where it’s plastic cups.

The transfer to land took 10 minutes on the larger style boat. Maybe the smaller tense boats take longer. Now on the coach waiting for it to fill ready for our Norweigen excursion, “the Burren & the Aillwee Caves”. There are two coaches running.

Wow this huge tender is great- very smooth. Had upstairs & downstairs!

I’ll check out the Guinness situation onboard!

That’s great! Only 30 minutes in all. I’ll also report on our experience.

From the picture you can see how far land is away. Here’s one of the tender boats.

We would have enjoyed the Queen medley. So much good music onboard last night. Norweigen set their bar high for quality entertainment.

O’Sheehan’s for a quick pot of Earl Grey before getting ready for our excursion this PM. it’s really quiet on the ship with most people taking the opportunity to enjoy a full day of exploring this beautiful country. Even the main dining room I closed for lunch with a notice directing people to the buffet. From our booth window, there’s a good view of the tenders going backwards and forwards from ship to land.

Went for a late breakfast at Garden cafe. Again, not too busy. I was very pleasantly surprised to see they have a good class of Earl grey on stock. I’m delighted!

We ended on Gatsby’s and hid a duck in there. We did a few hides yesterday- it was fun!