• Rulocal

Indy, Spanish Flair

A 10-day adventure by Rulocal Read more
  • Trip start
    September 1, 2025

    Boarding day and first night

    September 1, Bay of Biscay ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Didn't do a lot today, as is usual for a first night on a cruise. It's the first time I have been on this ship (Independence ots) for about 5 years. Still a good ship but, the atmosphere is not as good as it used to be. This imho is due to the changes in the loyalty program, where now it's hit and miss if you are allowed in the consierge/suites lounge. Where we used to meet everyone and it was like a family, even with the usual family arguments, it was still a great place to meet up with old friends.
    Luckily on this trip we are allowed in the lounge and again by luck we met up with friends that we hadn't seen for ages. First of all I saw Jackie and Terry Jewel, who were sitting with two other friends Wendy and Diana whose surnames I can't remember. Then Sheila Hazlehurst and her husband turned up, so it was almost like old times, and a nice evening was had by all.
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  • Sea Day

    Sep 2–3, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    Today we had the Pinnacle Lunch with an officer, which was nice good food, free booze but, no officer, except for the hotel director who introduced the heads of departments then they all promptly left. There used to be a couple of officers who had the meal with us and chatted etc but, obviously times are changing. This is the first time we've sailed with Royal since the loyalty changes and I've got to say it's not the same the whole feel of the ship is different. Luckily we have met up with some old friends and that's but as I said the feel of the ship is different. Whether it's just this ship the Independence ots which we know quite well, I don't know but we'll see.Read more

  • Lisbon

    September 4 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Arrived in Lisbon this morning but, I don't think I'll be getting off because a national day of mourning has been declared because of the tragic funicular tram accident last night. Apparently 15 dead and 18 injured.
    💔💔💔So sad 💔💔💔

    On a lighter note just by chance we met two old friends from Scotland, Tom and Jean Kelso, who we had no idea that they'd be on board. So a nice surprise.
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    Trip end
    September 10, 2025