Transatlantic 2026 – The Start

The author reflects on the joys of cruising aboard the Nieuw Statendam, emphasizing the familiar comfort and sense of community experienced on board. They recall cherished memories from past trips and reconnect with old friends while celebrating Easter. The journey symbolizes the continuation of their travel story, driven by the ocean’s allure.

Puerto Rico 5/6/2025

Nana showcased her watercolor paintings and performed at the guest talent show during the cruise. Following this, the family explored San Juan, appreciating its history, vibrant architecture, and warm atmosphere. They enjoyed local culture, tried a GPS-guided app, and savored piña coladas before preparing to disembark. Two more blogs are planned.

Lisbon, Portugal 4/28/25

Today, we met our son-in-law’s parents in Portugal while on a cruise. After navigating a city-wide power outage during lunch, we enjoyed city exploration and gifts exchanged. Despite delays due to the outage, we returned to the ship before departure. Tomorrow, we arrive in Tangiers with time constraints.

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands 4/8/25

Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, has a rich and layered history that blends maritime significance, piracy, volcanic activity, and cultural evolution. Lancelotto Malocello, an Italian navigator, is credited with rediscovering the island for Europe in 1312, giving his name to Lanzarote. The Norman nobleman Jean de Béthencourt led the Spanish conquest…

Santa Cruz, Canary Islands 4/7/25

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife in the Canary Islands (Spain), has a rich and fascinating history shaped by its strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean.  Before the Spanish arrived, the island was inhabited by the Guanches, an indigenous people of Berber origin. They lived in small communities and had a tribal society.…

Cape Town 3/25-26 25

Cape Town offers stunning views of Table Mountain and has a rich, complex history, reflected in its socio-economic disparities. The visit included a scenic bus tour, a harbor cruise, and a trip to Groot Constantia winery, highlighting cultural and historical experiences.