Tag: cruise

COBH (CORK), IRELAND

From British Pounds to Euros to British Pounds to Euros. Thanks to whoever invented the “plastic money”, it makes it easier to purchase souvenirs!

Colorful homes in Cobh with our ship, Regal Princess, in the background (Photo by Erna/Onie Marasigan)

The Port of Cobh is not only a gateway for cruisers but also a destination rich in history and charm. Whether you’re tracing the steps of Titanic passengers, exploring the quaint town or simply soaking the harbor views, Cobh has something to offer to everyone. Interesting to note that Cobh was the single most important port of emigration from Ireland. We docked in Cobh at 7:00 am and the gangway opened a half hour later. Those who didn’t book any ship’s excursion either stayed in Cobh or took the 25-minute train ride or bus to go to the city of Cork.

St. Coleman’s Cathedral
Memorial for the Lusitania
Interesting trivia

Those who decided to stay and explore Cobh were spared the crowded train to Cork. Trini and I decided the latter. For the first time, the sun came out occasionally requiring you to wear sunglasses. The temperature though was pleasant, in the high 50’s F. It was perfect for our leisurely stroll in the beautiful city. Cork is the gateway to romantic Ireland. In a land where fable and fact blend to become folklore, it was near Cork that the great Tuatha De Danaan, a race with magical powers was driven underground by the conquering Celts.

While strolling the narrow streets of Cork, we noticed that many of the locals were not bothered with the cold weather, most of them just wearing a single layer of clothing whereas I had three layers!

When in between ports, the ship finds ways to entertain the guests – games, lectures, entertainment and of course shopping bargains. Whatever your interests are, chances are you’ll find one. Other cruisers just sit in the quiet nooks of the ship reading their favorite novels in their ebooks.

Center photo above is Aaron, the ship’s cruise director
Onie and Erna joining the morning Zumba class to shed off some of those unwanted calories

Late post: Nelda and Mike Hope, Maria and Egidio Bernardi, Vicky and Eddie Baumann, and Manny and Offie Lopez flew to London two days prior to our cruise and joined tours to explore the city and its surroundings.

Tomorrow, we dock at La Havre, France.

ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS

Viking saved the best for last! We pulled in at 7:00 AM in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the island of St. Thomas. It was carbon copy of yesterday’s beautiful weather – sunny and low-80’s temperature! St. Thomas was purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917 (I’m glad they did).

St. Thomas is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It’s known for its beaches and snorkeling spots. Territorial capital Charlotte Amalie, founded by the Danish in the 1600s, is a busy cruise-ship port. Historic buildings include a 1679 watchtower called Blackbeard’s Castle, in reference to the area’s pirate history. On the harbor, 17th-century Fort Christian is now a local-history museum. ― Google

This island is really a paradise and this was so far the best island we visited among all the ten. The roads are well-paved and properly painted median lines. Pastel-hued buildings well kept including the government housing row! I have not seen a single graffiti and virtually no trash along the streets.

What I don’t understand is why do they still drive on the left side if it is a US territory? =)

Super yachts!
We docked in Havensight Harbor
Oh my, a Trumper in paradise!
Most of the tour vehicles are like this – open sides!

Our female driver/tour guide Nisla, took us through a scenic drive along one of the most breathtaking routes on St. Thomas. Much of the island’s beauty lies in its endless undulating hills spilling down to stunning bays shining in a hundred shades of blue affording us fantastic views of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean!

It takes lots of strength to get into the tour truck!
A souvenir vendor playing reggae music

The last stop we did was the world-famous Mountain Top, 2,100 feet above sea level where we admired the spectacular views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands. If we were this close to Tortola why did it take us overnight to reach St. Thomas? =)

Notice the azure waters of the Caribbean compared to the turquoise water of the bay

We reached the Mountain Top along with a dozen other tourist safari trucks and small roundabout in front of the Shopping Center/View Point was a little chaotic. However, the drivers enforced their own traffic rules and made the trucks move this way and that way in order for other trucks to maneuver about! No shouting, just signals and beep-beep communications!

Tortola (British Virgin Island) is in the upper right hand corner of above photo

After feasting our eyes with the panoramic vista, I lined up for the much-touted banana daiquiri they claim to be the world’s best! After a couple of sips I wanted to tell the bartender what I thought about their cocktail but decided to keep my mouth shut!

Over 7 million suckers fooled!
The shopping warehouse was huge
A Filipino couple from New York – Pro and Nanette

We’ve finally reached the end of our cruise although we purchased a two-day post cruise to stay in San Juan, PR. We tried to cancel but were told we will not be reimbursed for the paid 2 days.

While we were greatly disappointed with the itinerary changes – the main reason most cruisers booked was the Amazon River portion – we’re glad we continued on with this cruise. Not the best cruise we’ve experienced but in some ways it was an enriching one. I just had to open my mind and my heart.