The journey aboard the MS Nieuw Statendam emphasizes the beauty of cruising, highlighting moments of connection, leisure, and simplicity. Sea days unfold in a comforting routine, fostering deep conversations and shared experiences. The ports offer lasting impressions, while unplanned moments define the trip, leading to a deeper appreciation for life and travel.
A day trip from Dover to Canterbury provided a seamless and enriching experience. The effortless train ride led to the historic Canterbury Cathedral, where a commemorative prayer service took place. Exploring charming streets and enjoying local cuisine, the trip highlighted the joy of travel with minimal logistics and rich experiences, creating memorable moments.
The excursion in Dorset combined an immigration check followed by a scenic journey through charming countryside. Highlights included the historic village of Corfe with its castle ruins and a nostalgic steam train ride to Swanage, a delightful Victorian seaside town, culminating in moments of simple joy and iconic British fare.
Life on board is a delightful blend of routines and adventures. From daily Mass to morning coffee rituals with Nana, each moment is cherished. Whether working on projects or diving into new activities, every day offers something special. Dance classes and bridge games add laughter and camaraderie, making sea days unforgettable.
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.
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.
Yesterday marked an emotional farewell as the crew organized a heartfelt send-off. The journey concluded in Fort Lauderdale after 124 days and 37,379 miles, with special moments and experiences shared. While sad to leave new friends, there’s joy in returning home. Future blogs will shift focus to trains and family visits.
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.
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.
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.
papa carney 