2nd Half Test for the World Cruise

The blog invites readers to take a quiz about the World Cruise, testing knowledge on destinations visited. Answers can be found through research or previous posts. Topics include unique wildlife, historical sites, and cultural events. Participants are encouraged to submit their answers for grading, aiming for an engaging experience.

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.

Alicante, Spain 4/26/25

Alicante, rich in history spanning over 7,000 years, transitioned from prehistoric settlements to a vibrant Mediterranean port under various civilizations. Today’s excursion revealed the charming Old Town, Baroque Cathedral, and storied Castle of Santa Barbara. Experiencing local culture, including Las Hogueras de San Juan, enriched our visit before heading to Lisbon.

Valletta, Malta 4/13/25

Malta’s rich history began with Sicilian farmers around 5900 BCE. It saw significant civilizations, including the Phoenicians and Romans, and was influenced by Arabs and Norman rulers. The Knights of St. John transformed the island into a fortress. Malta gained independence in 1964 and joined the EU in 2004, showcasing dynamic cultural heritage.

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.…

Maldives 3/10/25

Today, we visited the Maldives, a stunning travel destination made up of 1,192 coral islands. We explored Bandos Island Resort, renowned for its overwater bungalows and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling. Afterward, we returned to Malé and prepared for our next journey to Africa while managing ongoing work projects.

Komodo Island 2/25/25

Yesterday, Nana and I enjoyed an exquisite 11-course Chef’s dinner on the ship, paired with wines. Today, we explored Komodo Island, meeting villagers and visiting a local school. We marveled at the stunning Pink Beach and encountered a Komodo dragon. Tomorrow, we dock in Bali, allowing crew to reunite with families.

Darwin Australia 2/22/25

The post reflects on habits formed during elevator rides, highlighting a shift from the dim to the bright side. It also recounts enjoyable activities like listening to a string trio, playing duplicate bridge, and exploring Darwin’s rich history. The day ended with local sightseeing, shopping, and a beautiful sunset.