World cruise 2025 number 2!!

[RichardBartlett]

Sea day , nothing to see day.

Slow run from Casablanca to las Palmas Gran Canaria. We could have easily done it in a day but I guess schedules mean a slow run down so we are chugging along at 17 knots. Apart from the speed it's at a vibration hotspot so everything is gently shaking. Not bad enough to move stuff but slightly annoyingly so.

Spent time speaking to a very nice German mum and daughter who live a few km from us in Tenerife. (They were on the same plane as us too)

Tried the music quiz, 7 out of 10 hmmm not bad or so I thought but joint winners at 9 out of 10 both put me to shame.. maybe next time.

Show later then dinner and a 70's disco thang. It's all go.


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[JSol1]

Originally Posted by RichardBartlett

Which line you booked with?

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Regent. We just got back on Saturday from a cruise with them (our 5th) and although on the pricey side we really enjoy the experience. and keep the pictures coming!

[77T]

Breathtaking photos from Casablanca streets and mosque.


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[RichardBartlett]

Gran Canaries. Las Palmas
Not far from home (next island) and I've been here many times so it was just a shopping day and a trip to the hairdresser's (sadly not for me as those days are long gone) . And pay the electricity bills for our rental properties.
For some reason you can't front load your account so each bill has to be the exact amount.(Spain has many quirky backwards ways tbh) So it can be quite difficult to pay when on the other side of the world..

Weather warm sunny but extremely windy first thing. Apparently weather in the Canaries has been pretty poor of late. Still better than 99%of the world but it's another reason we like the WC as we don't come back home till spring..

We had intended to combine with a stroll around the old town area which has impressive buildings and upmarket shops but my partner wasn't feeling like an additional 1.5 hr walk each way so we drifted back towards the ship instead.
With my 'local' mobile package I managed to do a bit of catch up on various data hungry apps etc on board so saved my esim as we leave EU and Europe later today...

Over all I'm not a huge fan of GC but las Palmas sure is a diamond in the rough..

Pictures limited as per above reason so L.P is way better than these show!


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[RichardBartlett]

Cape Verde island

It lies on the same fault line as our group of islands (the canaries do) it's very similar in topography. But in development it's at least 50 years behind. Our fellow travellers from Tenerife said exactly the same thing to us.

However even though it's Portuguese'd in history it feels far more African than our islands and much much poorer.
In fact walking around the main town we could easily have been Nigeria, Kenya or Madagascar for example.

They are trying to develop it as a tourist destination but IAH it's really got an uphill struggle. It's pretty desolate IMHO. It's also known to be pretty windy..

Not a place I'd rush back (we were here a year ago) but more and more cruise lines are adding it primarily because with the Suez shut to cruise ships, we are forced to pass round Africa and it's in a handy place as a stop, we stop..


We now have 4 sea days to Brazil......

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[RichardBartlett]

Recife Brazil
Well, sadly it's like a lot of Brazil or at least the Brazil that we've visited .

Lots of old stylish buildings which they have no idea or perhaps money to do anything but let them slowly decay away.. Rubbish piling up etc Whilst on 'the other side of the street' skyscrapers are built elsewhere..

land or space is not an issue but there seems a massive disconnect between the (poor) old part and the (rich) new part.

I worry certain sections of America and of Europe are going to go the same way over the next few decades..

Then there's this:

On leaving the port we (or rather my partner) decided we should walk to Olinda some 1.5 hours away to see the above. *Remember we walked the whole of Rio last cruise some 15 miles without any issues*

As usual everyone was swamped by reps pushing tours but we said "No, we're happy to walk there"
Every rep said "err no don't walk it's far too dangerous! Come with me" etc..Yer right!

So being two typical 'stupid tourists ' off we set walking, it was still quite early around 08.30 so 'only' about 26c but not too humid. No problem we've walked further

About half a mile the Police (or private security I'm not entirely sure) drove up and in Portuguese asked us where we were going "Olinda" we replied

"No, it's far too dangerous!!!
l will not allow you to walk. Get in the car I drive you to get an Uber"
We were not about to argue with them tbh...!!

So we jumped in he drove off and after stopping he got out, and called us an Uber. He even paid for it by CC and refused the money.
Eventually we forced 10 dollars US on him ( the Uber was 1 dollar btw) Middle chap in photo incredibly kind.

Anyhoo we got to Olinda and wandered round then got another Uber to another part of Recife wandered round and returned to the ship.
It ended up early afternoon around 32c and really rather humid. Brazil is always too hot and far too humid mostly but within that both incredible and not quite so incredible..

Recife is perhaps not a great cruise stop but given how we were treated good for us.

Note, as our previous visit to Brazil, there are heavily armed police almost on every corner .

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[RichardBartlett]

Maceio Brazil
Just another decaying town on the coast. We knew unless we booked an excursion out of the town itself it would be a quick in out and that's exactly what happened. From ship to ship in about one hour which included shuttle bus both in and put as passengers are not allowed to walk around inside the port.

but boy is it hot n humid even at 08.35
The beach was clean and tidy but the sea absolutely filthy. Why these politicians fly thousands of miles spending billions of dollars to pontificate on the weather in 50 years when there is a desperate and urgent need to de-pollute the world of garbage is a mystery (actually it's not but no politics here)

Like many of these towns along the coast of Brazil, once is plenty and occasionally once is once too many..



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[1William]

Wow. Great pictures and accompanying stories. Please keep us updated.

[m3tek44]

Please continue to share your journey! Some of the photos are simply amazing!

[JSol1]

Appreciate the perspective of the great and not so great experiences Richard…

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by RichardBartlett

Recife Brazil
Well, sadly it's like a lot of Brazil or at least the Brazil that we've visited .

Lots of old stylish buildings which they have no idea or perhaps money to do anything but let them slowly decay away.. Rubbish piling up etc Whilst on 'the other side of the street' skyscrapers are built elsewhere..

land or space is not an issue but there seems a massive disconnect between the (poor) old part and the (rich) new part.

I worry certain sections of America and of Europe are going to go the same way over the next few decades..

Then there's this:

On leaving the port we (or rather my partner) decided we should walk to Olinda some 1.5 hours away to see the above. *Remember we walked the whole of Rio last cruise some 15 miles without any issues*

As usual everyone was swamped by reps pushing tours but we said "No, we're happy to walk there"
Every rep said "err no don't walk it's far too dangerous! Come with me" etc..Yer right!

So being two typical 'stupid tourists ' off we set walking, it was still quite early around 08.30 so 'only' about 26c but not too humid. No problem we've walked further

About half a mile the Police (or private security I'm not entirely sure) drove up and in Portuguese asked us where we were going "Olinda" we replied

"No, it's far too dangerous!!!
l will not allow you to walk. Get in the car I drive you to get an Uber"
We were not about to argue with them tbh...!!

So we jumped in he drove off and after stopping he got out, and called us an Uber. He even paid for it by CC and refused the money.
Eventually we forced 10 dollars US on him ( the Uber was 1 dollar btw) Middle chap in photo incredibly kind.

Anyhoo we got to Olinda and wandered round then got another Uber to another part of Recife wandered round and returned to the ship.
It ended up early afternoon around 32c and really rather humid. Brazil is always too hot and far too humid mostly but within that both incredible and not quite so incredible..

Recife is perhaps not a great cruise stop but given how we were treated good for us.

Note, as our previous visit to Brazil, there are heavily armed police almost on every corner .

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Glad to hear you took the officer's advice, could have been a sad story.

[Giovannibravo]

When we cruise we normally do excursions via the cruise line. It’s worth the extra money for the added safety and ability to hold up the ship for us.

[RichardBartlett]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

When we cruise we normally do excursions via the cruise line. It’s worth the extra money for the added safety and ability to hold up the ship for us.

As part of the package most world cruise lines offer 15 'free' excursions. We normally take these unless we have something else booked. (Or want to go further away)
Usually we are not excursion type people because we prefer to walk around the local area. Most ports are close to the centre because towns grow up around the port so the old part is normally within easy reach.

We're not huge fans of organized tours due to the sheep herding nature of them. Plus on WC it's mainly old people so it can be at a slower pace than we like.. Although the benefit of a guide can add background details we'd miss.

The ship having to wait for official excursions is totally valid as we delayed setting sail in Casablanca over 1.5 hours due to a Costa coach getting back late.

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[RichardBartlett]

Originally Posted by m3tek44

Please continue to share your journey! Some of the photos are simply amazing!

Just to say to everyone who replies. Huge thanks for the encouragement!!

I'm just trying to give a personal account of the places we visit and to choose pictures to reflect what l see and feel of each stop.


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[RichardBartlett]

Day at sea.

I don't normally post sea days as what I eat and sleep is of no interest to anyone but to give a small piece of information regarding world cruises I'll update you

As we know old people are generally rubbish at standing up , walking around etc but exceptionally good at falling over unexpectedly. Thus the increase in slings, bandages and plaster casts is inversely proportional to the days left on the cruise. I often quip WC ships should have a large red cross painted on the side.!

A few days ago we had a call on the intercom for the emergency medical team to the open pool area after a lady had fallen. She was stretchered away and afaik she is ok.

However yesterday afternoon we had another emergency medical response team call (to the pizza bar area)over the tannoy.
The upshot of that call was today we had an unscheduled stop before Rio to drop off a passenger for them to go to hospital. I have no update on who or what but presume it was a heart attack.

On that note, it's expected and anticipated that an average of 3-5 passengers sadly pass away during the trip. Some die from old age, stress, over indulgence etc , some by having an accident either onboard or onshore and even some by suicide.

For example on our last WC (after we'd disembarked TBF) one lady failed to show up to disembark (in Germany) even though her luggage had been left outside the room and taken down.
On entering her room they found her balcony door open. It's assumed on the last evening she had chosen to jump rather than leave normally. It's possible she'd planned it all along but obviously no one knows and tbh I don't know if a note was left or not.
On a lighter note.
On embarking our dining table consisted of
one couple who had been put on the wrong table so we lost them immediately. One couple who changed to early dining due to her dietary needs.
One swedish guy who has been ill for two weeks (although we actually believe he wants a table alone but is too shy to say)
Us two and an English couple who disembark tomorrow

So out of a total of 9 we will be left on our lonesome, ownsome twosome unless A, we swap tables ourselves or B, fresh blood come on board in Rio tomorrow.. tbc

Anyhoo Rio in the morning for a stop over and heavy rain, thunder and lightning is expected. Oh joy.

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[Oscarpapa]

Interesting background information, deaths on board by suicide something I never considered but I suppose natural deaths with the age profiles, not surprising. Thanks

[1William]

Good background information on cruises.

[RichardBartlett]

Rio. Brazil

We were here less than a year ago and walked 35k steps so 'did' the main tourist stuff except sugar mountain and christ the redeemer. But the free excursion was for the Sugarloaf mountain so only C.t.R left. However this time we also had a free Sugarloaf mountain excursion so this morning we went again. Obviously very similar excursion and sightseeing tour. Quite a bit busier this time so much longer queues but was worth it. Best news is the rain held off throughout.But this added an Hr to the stop so the rest of the intended tour was curtailed. Not an issue for us as we've already been there done it etc.
We had intended to leave the coach and walk back to the ship but the clouds came over and it poured down and being a couple of miles walk we took the easy option.
Back on board for late lunch. Weather still ok but more storms possible so not entirely sure wether we go out again or Cruising and having already been here can make you a bit complacent and or lazy. Plus there's always next time..

With one eye on tomorrow (ship leaves port 20.00) we hope C.t.R is an option to complete the set but have been told that if it's cloudy it's pointless... plus because it's NYE the tourist spots are rammed so that's another thing to take into account.. standing around in the heat and humidity

Rio should be high on anyone's must do list. I don't believe it's as unsafe as it's made out but of course everyone must make their own choices in life...

note the beaches look amazing, sadly the sea like other areas along Brazil coast seems to have a permanent algae bloom. It's green and tbh even paddling makes you feel queezy so unless it's what you're used to I'd avoid..

Pictures are a little light on interest as we were in full on 'stupid tourist' mode..but wrist shot added for the watch enthusiasts!!

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[1William]

Very nice.

[Moondoggy]

Thanks for the effort really enjoying it.

[77T]

That's a mega excursion and judging from the crowd, very popular among your cruiser cohort.

This photo was quite striking - almost like flying into the cloud cover.



What is this tree dweller (did they say?)



Almost looks like a koala but for the enormous furry tail.


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[RichardBartlett]

Rio day two NYE

Apparently Rio gets around 2m revellers for the evening but the place is pretty much deserted. It also has a race for life event so you'd expect it to be rammed. It just Apart from the markets

We had intended to visit the christ the redeemer but looking up it seemed low cloud which affects visibility so we went for a walk instead.
Every says "Rio is so dangerous,get a taxi" but as per last visit it was a joy to walk around. Well apart from the humidity.

Lots of places shut for the day but we enjoy Rio none the less.

Back on board for NYE celebrations. The ship left at 20.00 but anchored off copacabana beach for the fireworks.. we were joined by several other cruise ships including the Poesia which was our world cruise ship last jan-may..



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[RichardBartlett]

Originally Posted by 77T

That's a mega excursion and judging from the crowd, very popular among your cruiser cohort.

This photo was quite striking - almost like flying into the cloud cover.



What is this tree dweller (did they say?)



Almost looks like a koala but for the enormous furry tail.


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Marmoset monkeys.

Sugar loaf mountain is indeed extremely popular. 5 cruise ships in on the day will all have it as an excursion plus NYE visitors made it full from opening to closing time

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[RichardBartlett]

Montevideo Uruguay

Very similar but quite different to Brazil. The people are much quieter and calmer. Very friendly and it felt safe. It's quite a wealthy country too.

The architecture is again similar but less so. Overall not a whole lot to see in the timeframe we had but like a lot of these places very glad we came. Just need to uptick the poop scoop action..the pavements and grass are a constant challenge of playing hopscotch around it.

That aside this is one of the main reasons we cruise, a day here is enough but to miss seeing here is too much

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[Jackie Daytona]

Enjoying looking through this thread and the pictures so far. Thanks for sharing! Looks like an amazing trip!

[BNA/LION]

Great pictures, enjoying following your trip! Have Fun, Be Safe and Keep The Pictures Coming!

[JSol1]

Keep em coming Richard!

[ttomczak]

Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing your journey!

[Moondoggy]

Keep it m coming much appreciated. An honest cruise review is invaluable.

Enjoy

[1William]

Very nice.