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Copyright © 1995-2002 
Linda Coffman

 

Cruise Diva's CRUISE DIARY
~ Lisbon to Barcelona ~

Wind Surf Sports
Wind Surf Sports

Ibiza, Spain

May 3, 2002 - Known for its wild nightlife, we were looking for Ibiza's simpler pleasures--the daytime sights and sounds alongside the blue Mediterranean after a day at sea.

From our pier-side vantage point near La Marina, Ibiza didn't look a bit like a jet set playground. In reality, it's a perfectly preserved walled city. However, it isn't difficult to understand why so many artists began calling this their home on the 1950's and 60's and why the Beautiful People followed.

Our day started out overcast with a smattering of showers. By the time we went ashore mid-morning it was clearing up, but the beach transfer was discontinued due to the forecast.

Ibiza

Ibiza's harbor from the highest point of the city

The city's La Marina area extends west along the wharf, where we discovered cafes along the waterfront. Spread out above it, Dalt Vila is protected by the fortress walls. The historic castle and Gothic cathedral are within its confines near the highest point of the city. Sa Penya, Ibiza's old quarter, stretches east from the lower city walls to the sea and is honeycombed with narrow passageways lined with shops and restaurants.

As we shopped, the wind kicked up and the drizzle turned to a full blown downpour so I returned to the ship to warm up and take advantage of a spa special--three treatments for $99. After a neck & shoulder massage, spa facial, and soothing foot & ankle massage, I was energized and ready to attack the hill to the castle at the top of the ramparts. It was quite a climb, but the view was certainly worth it. The rain let up and shops, which were closed for the mid-day siesta, reopened and we browsed for souvenirs before returning to the Wind Surf for late afternoon refreshments.

And where are the famous (and infamous) nightclubs? Amnesia is the "in" spot but it's only open during tourist season. There were plenty of discothèques and restaurants within a block or two of the pier, though, and, off-season or not, it's still possible to party the night away. If our fellow passengers were so inclined, they could stay beyond our 11pm departure time and take the ferry to Palma to reboard the Wind Surf tomorrow.

With a late sailing, it was also possible to dine ashore. Those who did raved about the wonderful food. We opted to stay on board for a Mediterranean Night dinner served in the Lounge. Fantastic! Antipasto, salads, pasta, and heavenly desserts. The staff began preparations for the dinner at 7am and they gave us an evening I will always remember.

Wind Surf Crew Show

Wind Surf crew members display their talent & present a memorable show.

After dinner our Indonesian crew entertained us and we wouldn't have missed their performance for the world. Nightclubs ashore may be the hottest and most popular in Europe, but the Wind Surf's appealing crew gave them a run for their money. The Crew Show was a delightful display of their talents--attired in traditional costumes, they presented music and dance highlighting their culture. Passengers and crew have formed special relationships based upon mutual respect and our parting on Sunday will be difficult.

Later, sailing from Ibiza was breathtaking. The fortress walls and castle spread out before us were entirely floodlit. It was a scene from a fairy tale.

Speaking again of parting... Internet service was not available before debarkation on our final morning; however, I attempted to add the final Cruise Diary installments from a Barcelona Internet cafe. With the proliferation of computer viruses, unfortunately it wasn't possible to use my floppy disk and upload additional live daily reports. Thank you for bearing with me until I reached home when I was able to wrap up the Cruise Diary properly.

In the meantime, we have the day in Palma de Mallorca to look forward to.

Day Six -> Palma De Mallorca, Spain

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