World Cruise 2023 - Occasionally Live from the Island Princess

[GonzoWCS]

14 hours ago, We_like_to_cruise said:

 

You can get early morning specialty coffee at Good Spirits or at Amuletto Cafe (in the Lido Buffet on deck 14).  Due to passenger demand (complaints?) service at Amuletto has been starting at 5:30 am and not the originally scheduled 6 am. 

There is a small assortment of pastries at GS, so you are correct to put "International Cafe" in quotes!

Thank you so much for the quick and thorough response.  Also for the compliment of my proper use of quotation marks.  Never have to much praise about correct punctuation!  🥂🍺😎

 

Cheers

[Wanderers2]

20 hours ago, We_like_to_cruise said:

 

Hmm, not sure.  He only recently took over from Captain Lorentzen.   We are attending the Captain's Circle party in a couple of days - I will ask him!

Thank you for that I would really appreciate it.

We cruise to Norway in June on the Island & I wondered which captain we would have.

 

[We_like_to_cruise]

20 hours ago, Protirees said:

Have really enjoyed following your posts on the Island Princess WC. I will be on the WC next year on the Island and also joining you for the last of the 2023 WC (FLL>LAX). I have a question that hopefully someone can answer for me, if it is not too much trouble. Do you, or anyone else, happen to know what type of outlet is behind the bed? I haven't been on Island Princess since before the refurb and vaguely recall at that time it was a non-US plug. Just can't remember what kind or how far it is inset. My husband finds it most convenient to use the one behind the bed for his sleep apnea machine. Boarding next week in FLL so if anyone has any intel to share beforehand, it would be much appreciated. So looking forward to being on the Island Princess again.

 

Thank you.  I have brought an adapter similar to the following for the European outlet behind the bed.  It allows me to plug in a CPAP with a US plug as well as reconnect the bedside lamp.  We have those European outlets behind each night table in our balcony cabin.

 

https://www.amazon.com/OREI-Most-Europe-Travel-Adapter/dp/B079RKX5T8?th=1

Edited April 21, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[Protirees]

3 hours ago, We_like_to_cruise said:

 

Thank you.  I have brought an adapter similar to the following for the European outlet behind the bed.  It allows me to plug in a CPAP with a US plug as well as reconnect the bedside lamp.  We have those European outlets behind each night table in our balcony cabin.

 

https://www.amazon.com/OREI-Most-Europe-Travel-Adapter/dp/B079RKX5T8?th=1

Thank you so very much. I have one of those adapters already, but it sounds as though I may need more. Appreciate the update.

[We_like_to_cruise]

Marseille, France

 

Largest port on the Mediterranean

 

Confusing shuttle bus options into city - a far distance away from our port

 

Marseille Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille) built of local Cassis stone and green Florentine marble

 

Mairie de Marseille City Hall

 

Rue de Petit Puits

 

La Canabiere

 

Notre Dame de la Garde

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[We_like_to_cruise]

Barcelona, Spain

 

We have sailed into and out of Barcelona in the past.  Today we got up early and took the train to Santa Maria de Montserrat.  This is the home of the thousand year old Benedictine monastery and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montserrat, high atop a rocky mountain.

 

At the Placa Espana train station we purchase a combination ticket for the next train from the city that is timed to connect with the Cremallera, or rack railway, which will take us up the mountain.  (Another option is a train to the cable car – perhaps we will try that next time). 

 

Our wait is short before we board, and It is about an hour comfortable ride until we transfer over to an adjacent track.  We are now at the bottom of the mountain and will take a rack railroad the rest of the way.  The rack railroad uses a toothed track and cogwheels on the train to climb the steep grade up the mountain.  That ride takes about 20 minutes through a twisting serpentine ascending journey.  If you don’t like heights don’t look out the window as we perch along the edge of the mountain! 

 

At this level we are able to visit the museum, the sanctuary and basilica.  Over 50 monks still call the monastery home.  The basilica is also home to La Moreneta, a 12^th century carving known as the Black Madonna.  (Reservations are necessary to view this Holy Image of Our Lady of Montserrat).

 

The very large complex also includes a hotel, apartments, a restaurant and cafeteria.  Although many tourists are present it never feels very crowded.

 

Our combination ticket also includes access to two different funiculars

(funiculi ???  J)  that are part of the site.

 

Unlike the cremallera, the funiculars run along a cable and the ascending and descending railway cars counterbalance each other. 

 

The Funicular de Sant Joan takes us up a much steeper grade and even higher elevation for spectacular views of the entire monastery site and the surrounding countryside.  From a distance the funicular track looks like a waterfall spilling over the side of the steep mountain!  (pic 9).  Atop the mountain is a Nature Park for hiking – instead we enjoy a quiet and peaceful lunch and admire the views.

 

The Funicular de Santa Cova brings us below the monastery for a visit to the Santa Cova shrine.

 

Upon returning to Barcelona, we spend the next few hours wandering down Las Ramblas, the iconic pedestrian boulevard filled with shops, restaurants and music.

 

Perhaps a snack in La Boqueria – just not the sea hedgehogs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[trinitygirl]

Wow, I do not remember getting there (30 years ago) at all, although there is a photo of us all resting at the train station at the end of the day.  My main memories are of the black madonna statue inside the church - I can remember that blowing my little mind at the time.  We walked up the paths to see all the little prayer stations set in the rocks, and finished with a delicious tasting of the monk’s amazing liqueurs.  I bought a bottle of one of them back to NZ for my dad, it was so tasty, and can remember wrapping and unwrapping it in my backpack for weeks, keeping it safe on the journey home. 

[mrstmaxx96]

Since your cruise is coming to an end I wanted to THANK YOU for bringing us along!!  My husband and I looked forward to each of your postings - I would read them out loud every time one was posed. We loved that you wrote so much about each port and I'm sure no one got tired of your 'novels' as you called them:😄  You are an excellent writer - you really know how to tell a story!! And you're funny!!!   And you did so much research for each port.   Each  posting was amazing!!  And your photos were beautiful!!  We are on the 2024 WC after having 2021 and 2022 cancelled. We have learned so much about the ports and what to expect.   We never would have guessed you would miss so many ports so now we are prepared if that happens - won't be happy but know that it can, and probably will happen.  Thank you again and I'll definitely look for more We-like-to-cruise postings in the future

[Wanderers2]

I agree totally with pugbeary, we have enjoyed following your journey& your insights into life onboard the Island Princess.

 

Again many thanks

[NSWP]

Many thanks for the live blogs, enjoyable.

[EDVM96]

mmmh, sea hedgehogs ... 

😆

Still waiting for Casablanca photos.
As Island Pricness seems to be the only ship since Covid-Restart that really made it to this port. All other Princess ships cancelled before.

Edited April 22, 2023 by EDVM96

[MarinerLad]

Just wanted to join the chorus and thank you for your witty, insightful and helpful commentaries. We are on the Regent 2024 WC and this will be by far the longest journey we have ever taken. We feel much better equipped to do this because we have been with you in spirit every day of your cruise. 👏🏼 Patrick☘️ and Ross

 

[Teechur]

For those of you who enjoy long cruises, here is a first: A 3-year world cruise! It sounds exciting but I really hate sea days. I enjoy cruises that are in port nearly every day.

 

 

[Teechur]

I forgot to thank the OP for this cruise story. I stayed up last night reading it from end to end. 

 

I have one question I hope you can answer. Some pictures show the balcony staterooms with an easy chair in front of the glass, in addition to the desk chair. Some pictures don't have it. Are they currently in place? If not, how do you do room service dining? On the balcony only, or sitting on the bed? 

 

I will be aboard starting Sept. 5th for two weeks. Thanks again!

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/21/2023 at 11:10 AM, trinitygirl said:

 I bought a bottle of one of them back to NZ for my dad, it was so tasty, and can remember wrapping and unwrapping it in my backpack for weeks, keeping it safe on the journey home. 

 

You reminded me of a story of one of our past travels.  Years ago we purchased a bottle of Limoncello in Italy.  It was packed carefully in our checked luggage and we hoped that it would not break or go missing in a random bag check.  It got home safe and sound and we breathed a sigh of relief.

 

Two weeks later I was in our local hometown liquor store.  The same exact bottle was sold there - and three dollars cheaper!  🙂

 

(Of course your purchase was unique, so no chance of that same scenario).

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/21/2023 at 5:29 PM, pugbeary said:

Since your cruise is coming to an end I wanted to THANK YOU for bringing us along!!  My husband and I looked forward to each of your postings - I would read them out loud every time one was posed. We loved that you wrote so much about each port and I'm sure no one got tired of your 'novels' as you called them:😄  You are an excellent writer - you really know how to tell a story!! And you're funny!!!   And you did so much research for each port.   Each  posting was amazing!!  And your photos were beautiful!!  We are on the 2024 WC after having 2021 and 2022 cancelled. We have learned so much about the ports and what to expect.   We never would have guessed you would miss so many ports so now we are prepared if that happens - won't be happy but know that it can, and probably will happen.  Thank you again and I'll definitely look for more We-like-to-cruise postings in the future

 

 

Thank you for your kind words!  It was fun and helped me fill up some time on sea days.

 

I am happy to provide further details on ports / excursions if you have questions in the future!

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/21/2023 at 6:01 PM, Wanderers2 said:

I agree totally with pugbeary, we have enjoyed following your journey& your insights into life onboard the Island Princess.

 

Again many thanks

 

Thank you !

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/21/2023 at 7:39 PM, EDVM96 said:

mmmh, sea hedgehogs ... 

😆

Still waiting for Casablanca photos.
As Island Pricness seems to be the only ship since Covid-Restart that really made it to this port. All other Princess ships cancelled before.

 

We have a few more sea days and I am catching up to our last ports of call.  So, Casablanca coming soon...

[We_like_to_cruise]

23 hours ago, MarinerLad said:

Just wanted to join the chorus and thank you for your witty, insightful and helpful commentaries. We are on the Regent 2024 WC and this will be by far the longest journey we have ever taken. We feel much better equipped to do this because we have been with you in spirit every day of your cruise. 👏🏼 Patrick☘️ and Ross

 

Thank you!  The 111 day WC2023 has been by far our longest cruise.  But, now that it is winding down, we agree that the time went by so quickly.  We had a wonderful journey and I am sure you will as well!

[We_like_to_cruise]

21 hours ago, Teechur said:

I forgot to thank the OP for this cruise story. I stayed up last night reading it from end to end. 

 

I have one question I hope you can answer. Some pictures show the balcony staterooms with an easy chair in front of the glass, in addition to the desk chair. Some pictures don't have it. Are they currently in place? If not, how do you do room service dining? On the balcony only, or sitting on the bed? 

 

I will be aboard starting Sept. 5th for two weeks. Thanks again!

 

Thank you!  Our balcony cabin has a desk chair but no easy chair inside.  Outside are a pair of adjustable deck chairs, footrests and a largish table.  When we did eat in the cabin it was mostly outside.

[We_like_to_cruise]

On 4/19/2023 at 1:06 AM, Wanderers2 said:

I am reading that the captain on the Island at the moment is Paul Slight. Do you know if he will stay on at the end of the world cruise or is he due for leave?

 

We went to the Captain's Circle party and met Captain Slight.  He said he is on for another three months so will continue on after WC2023 LA segment ends.

[worldtraveller]

Thanks so much for your write up of the cruise.  I am still working and can't do my job remotely for that long but I am hoping to be able to do one in the future.  We do have a TA booked for this year so will be interested in hearing what you can do on those back to back days at sea.

[We_like_to_cruise]

Malaga, Spain

 

It’s a delightful day for outdoor activities and we join two other couples for an e-bike tour of Malaga.  Our guide escorts us around the city for the next two hours; we will also have the bikes for the rest of the day to explore on our own. 

 

He takes us to the Malaga Roman Theater with its adjacent glass pyramid a la Louvre.  This provides views of the remains of ancient Roman walls. Nearby is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.   Another stop is the cathedral – officially Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación.  He told us it is known as “La Manquita” - the one armed lady – since only one of its two towers has been completed. 

 

Our small group travels up Gibralfaro Hill (thank goodness for assisted pedaling on the e-bikes) for views of the harbor and the city.

 

At the bottom, the Cultural Center is the site of the refurbished 15000 seat La Malagueta Bull Ring.  Although still used as a bull fighting ring at certain times, it is also home to art exhibition areas and conferences.  We viewed it from above, and now, in addition to admiring the art, take advantage of its clean bathroom facilities. 

 

We visit one of the city’s sixteen sunny beaches and then the rest of our group follows the guide back to the shop.  He encourages the two of us to go further down the well-marked bike paths into a residential area. 

 

We discover a small local beach (Playa de Pedregalejo) and a pretty bike and pedestrian walkway. 

 

The local restaurants are on one side of the walkway, the other side is the beach. 

 

On the beach side, many of the restaurants have metal rowboats re-purposed as outdoor ovens.  The boats are filled with chunks of burning wood and charcoal.  As orders are placed in the restaurants they are cooked on the spot in the boat ovens.

 

 A popular dish was grilled sardines – a mid afternoon snack which I had to try!  The menu was small but adequate.  Did you want a beer?  Cerveza was listed – no brand names or sizes.  It worked for me. 

 

The fresh hot sardines were yummy and the beer was icy cold. 

 

What an enjoyable way to spend some time in the Costa del Sol!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 23, 2023 by We_like_to_cruise

[We_like_to_cruise]

3 hours ago, worldtraveller said:

Thanks so much for your write up of the cruise.  I am still working and can't do my job remotely for that long but I am hoping to be able to do one in the future.  We do have a TA booked for this year so will be interested in hearing what you can do on those back to back days at sea.

 

As far as sea days, there are many many activities during the day.  Some are repetitive, but the staff does try to mix it up.  I will post some Princess Patters from sea days after I have finished with the ports!

[HotRoot]

I believe the sardines cooked in a boat was featured on The Amazing Race.