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.

Sardinia, Italy 4/23/25

Today, we arrived on Sardinia, Italy, known for its beaches and culture. We visited the Mancini Estate for wine tasting, enjoying three signature wines in a scenic vineyard. Nana negotiated a wine deal, purchasing 16 bottles. Tonight features a formal dinner before heading to Barcelona for a special dinner at a castle.

La Possession, Reunion  – 3/17/25

La Possession, a commune on Réunion Island, has evolved from a small settlement to a thriving community of over 30,000 residents since its establishment in 1890. It features the dramatic Mafate caldera, historical sites, and faces challenges like Cyclone Garance’s devastation. Visitors enjoy hiking, urban development, and cultural heritage activities.

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.

Arlie Beach Queensland 2/16/2025

Today we stopped at Arlie Beach.  Airlie Beach, located in Queensland, is a vibrant coastal town known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Here are some interesting facts about Airlie Beach: 1. Gateway to the Whitsundays: Airlie Beach is the main gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 tropical islands famous…

Sydney Australia 2/11-12, 2025

We arrived into Sydney early yesterday morning.  We are here for two days and staying overnight.  The night before were a lot of goodbyes for people leaving. So far on the first leg the passengers were 1400 of about 2,000 at full capacity. 500 people were leaving and 400 were arriving. I think a lot…