• Carhmil
  • Carhmil

Lisbon to Miami

This will be our first repositioning cruise.
Flying out of Palm Springs on the red-eye flight to JFK NY tonight.
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  • Trip start
    November 15, 2023
  • JFK

    November 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Early morning arrive at JFK(6 am) . Our plan to take the Air Train to Federal Circle where we would get the hotel shuttle for our day room .
    Did go quite as planned as Train wasn't running, so busses were being used. Needless to say, it was a gong show with people yelling. Once at
    federal Circle, another gong show as to where the shuttle would pick us up. Keep sending us to different locations. I think we walked 3000 steps before they finally sorted it out.
    Relaxing day at the hotel. Back to the airport, spending a few hours in the before our 8 pm flight to Lisbon. Airport busy busy.
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  • Lisbon

    November 17, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Clouds shrouded our arrival in Lisbon, arriving early. Smooth sailing thru custom and with only carry-on, we were soon on the Metro to our hotel. 9 am checking in was allowed and time for a few minutes of shut eye.
    First outing, we explored the area close to the hotel. Had a great adventure in the afternoon. Riding the Gloria Funicular and then exploring the streets back down. Stopping at the church of Saint Roch. Lots of nooks and crannies to see.
    The final stop was at the Rossio Christmas Market.
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  • Sintra

    November 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Fog welcomed us today and never quite cleared for our tour to Sintra. So, I really didn't have a clear view of Palace of Pena or Bister Castle.

    But our main tour was of Quinta de Regaliera. One of the highlights of Quinta de Regaliera is undoubtedly the initiation well that is shrouded in myth and legend. 139 steps with a network of tunnels to a waterfall and small pond.
    Then on to the gardens which at this time of year are not at their best.
    The last stop was the palace filled with ornate & fascinating artifacts.
    On returning to Lisbon took a leisurely stroll to the water front.
    Evening dinner was most enjoyable at an outdoor restaurant. Loads of people out for Saturday evening.
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  • Tomar & Obidos

    November 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Fog greeted us again today! By the time we reached Tomar, it was mainly blue sky.

    Tomar is known as Templer City, founded by the Knights Templer in 1160, when land was granted to them. The Convent of Christ is the main attraction.

    On to the Mosterio da Batalha (Mosteiro de Santa Maria). It was built in 1385 to celebrate a military victory. It took two centuries to build, and one of the chapels was never finished. There are several distinct chapels and cloisters within the complex. Since it was Sunday, there was a service in the main chapel.
    Chapel was impressive, especially with the sun shining in the stained glass window, which reflected on the walls
    On the roof of the unfinished chapel are outside pipe organs. At one time they could be heard thru out the village.

    Last stop was the village of Obidos. Obidos is surrounded by a Roman built wall. Very quaint streets, with the church being converted into a book store.
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  • Lisbon Cruise Port

    November 20, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Nice change this morning 🌄.
    Used Uber from hotel to cruise port.
    Only 15 minutes from the hotel but fog started to roll in.
    There was a Cruise Critic meeting and greet with abt 60 people.
    Had dinner with Mary & Jim BryeRead more

  • FUNCHAL

    November 22, 2023, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Port of call for today - Funchal, Portugal did not happen.

    Captain Strazicic announced last night that we would not be able to dock in Funchal as port pilots would be on strike.

  • SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE

    November 23, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Beautiful day in Tenerife.

    We started early riding the shuttle bus to explore the downtown area.
    Of course, there is a church! Iglesia de San Francisco. The church was originally a Franciscan convent. The present church was completed in 1680.
    The auditorium de Tenerife is an architectural symbol of the city. Besides holding musical events, it also hosts conferences, conventions, etc.
    Strolled various squares and the Africa marketplace.
    The heat was taking its toll on us, so we headed back to the ship for lunch.
    Afternoon spent in spa area.
    Ending the day with Thanksgiving dinner.
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  • Atlantic Crossing Day 4

    November 27, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 -5 °C

    The last 3 nights we have gained an hour. There has been no internet connection for the 2 days.
    Woke up to showers but soon passed.
    Not as much motion today.
    Captains cocktail party.

  • Atlantic Crossing Day 5

    November 28, 2023, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    It's hard to believe we are on day 5 of the Atlantic Crossing. Very relaxing, lots, or doing nothing to occupy your time. Today is games day on the pool deck. Then Gary experienced his first culinary class. Lovely evening with one of those full moons.Read more

  • St John, Antigua

    November 29, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    This morning was the ship building challenge. It was great fun watching contestants show off their sea worth vessels.
    Arrived in St John's at noon. We did our own tour. The sidewalks were definitely arduous to walk.
    Visited the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda. A small museum that gives you a basic overview of the islands history. On to one of the local churches, The Cathedral Church of St John. The outside looks a bit run down. Then we meandered our way back to the ship with a few stops at the shops.
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  • San Juan, Puerto Rico

    November 30, 2023 in Puerto Rico ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Our tour included both the old and new San Juan. From 16th century forts, 500 yr old city with blue streets to the modern city with the massive convention center and shopping area. For the majority of the day, we were the only cruise ship in port. San Juan port can accommodate 11 ships. So far, they haven't allowed that many ships.Read more

  • Sea Day

    December 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    Enjoyed a day of relaxing, except for the packing. Had lunch with Mark and Jane, dinner with Lillian and Bruce.
    Happy hour with a few other cruisers.

  • Palm Desert

    December 3, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Our entertainment this morning was sitting our balcony watching 900+ passenger disembark. Disembark was running late by abt 45 minutes. We were the last group off. Once off only minutes until Uber arrived. Then to the airport for the 3:30 flight to Dallas. As it happened, the 10 am flight to Dallas was delayed until 1:00, and we made standby. I'm glad of this as our connection to Palm Spring was tight.
    Spent a few hours in the Premium Lounge. Arrived home at 9:15.
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  • Trip end
    December 3, 2023