Cruise Diva's CRUISE
DIARY
~ Lisbon to Barcelona ~
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| Wind
Surf Stateroom |
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| Wind
Surf Suite |
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| Wind
Surf Bathroom |
Lisbon &
Portimao, Portugal
April 28, 2002
- On the estuary of
the Tagus River, Lisbon is ideally situated to begin a journey
of discovery. After all, it was from this lovely city of seven hills that Henry
the Navigator departed on an expedition in 1415 and set the stage for
Portugal's colonial expansion. Since the Moors controlled the land
route, Portuguese explorers took to the sea and eventually Vasco da
Gama discovered the elusive sea route to India around the Cape of Good
Hope in 1498.
Our Wind Surf journey began with a
seamless embarkation and check-in process on board. Mimosas and finger
sandwiches were served to sustain us while we completed last minute
paperwork. Luggage arrived in our stateroom before we did and, with so
much efficient storage space, unpacking and settling in was a breeze.
At 188 square feet, the stateroom feels much larger and the bathroom
is truly generous.
Relaxation set in as we began to meet
our shipmates and enjoy a sunny afternoon on deck. Our pace slowed
until time for the boat drill. It was then that we got our first taste
of how different this cruise will be. Only 300 passengers are
sharing our masted sail yacht and no one required assistance to don
their life vest. Nor did anyone blow the attached whistle. This is a
well-traveled group of passengers, intent on seeing a combination of
traditional as well as off-the-beaten-path ports of call. We'll arrive
in style and comfort. The Wind Surf's extraordinary profile turns
heads.
It's a
treat to adhere to our own agenda and wander to the dining room when
we're hungry, rather than on a schedule. Tables for two are plentiful,
but we notice there are also a few large groups of friends traveling
together and their needs are handily accommodated.
We will also be well fed this week. Sirloin grilled to perfection and
crème brûlée were just two of my dinner choices. We didn't dawdle over
dessert and coffee, though. Our 10:30 pm departure from Lisbon
promised a special sight... sailing beneath the 25 April Bridge at
dead low tide--the only time Wind Surf could make it under the longest
expansion bridge in Europe. Several sights, including the bridge
itself look
familiar. First, the 25 April Bridge is a "miniature" replica
of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Then, across the Tagus,
the Cristo Rei, a smaller copy of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer
statue, seemed to bless our passage with a bon voyage. Finally,
a huge golden moon shimmered above.
It occurred to us later that our
vantage point on the pool deck probably wouldn't have been the best
spot to be if Wind Surf's masts hadn't made it under the
bridge... and it looked close (probably not as tight a squeeze as we
imagined, though). It was a breathtaking moment, one that we hoped
would immediately be
followed by the raising of the sails. Alas, jet lag overtook us and we
set off for bed before they were unfurled. We'll watch those sails raised as we leave Portimao
tomorrow.
April 29, 2002
- We slept like
babies, rocked to sleep with a gentle rolling sensation. Seas were a
bit rough; however, Wind Surf exhibited her seaworthiness throughout
the night. The toughest choice of the day presented itself at
breakfast in the Veranda... French toast or a made-to-order omelet?
As we approached Portimao we passed
The World of Residensea. The passengers onboard that new ship
had nothing on us as we docked, while they tendered ashore. Wind Surf
set a milestone during this, her first port call at Portimao. She is
the first and largest cruise ship to ever dock here. This fishing port
is a study in contrasts with 17th Century Palaces and colorful gardens
standing in the shadows of blossoming high-rises.
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|
Pria da
Rocha, the beach at Portimao, Portugal |
The highlight of Portimao is Pria da
Rocha, the wide golden beach studded with rock formations and resort
hotels. Cafes and shops line the boulevards and even in late-April,
the sunny warmth drew guests to sunbathe on the sand.
Wind Surf arranged for two
complimentary shuttles to town and Pria da Rocha and provided
information sheets and maps for those of us who wished to explore on
our own.
We completed the afternoon with tea
sandwiches and sweets in the Compass Rose lounge--just the thing to
hold us over until the evening Champagne Cocktail Reception hosted by
Captain Mark Boylin and Hotel Manager Francois Birarda. We look
forward to another pleasant dinner and the gathering of the
"Cigar Aficionados" afterward.
My only disappointment of the day was
not seeing the sails this morning. Hopefully, they will be raised
tonight as we make our way to the ancient and exotic port of Tangier,
Morocco.
Day Two -> Tangier, Morocco
Back to the Lisbon
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