2023 - Transatlantic Cruise

October 29 - November 25, 2023

Sky Princess Cruise Ship

October 28, 2023 - Leaving Kansas City to Heathrow via Chicago. 12 hours travel was a lot of time plus the 7 hour time change as we headed East. We traveled United Airlines. They gave us big meals, blankets, travel bag with accessories. (eye mask, tissue, toothbrush, earplugs, hand cream, lip balm, and towelette).

Dinner Time - Vegetarian

It was a short night with not much wiggle room. Harry booked Premium Economy which gave a little more room. Unfortunately the arm rests did not raise. At 3:00 a.m. we were served breakfast!

October 29, 2023 We arrived at Heathrow Airport at 6:00 a.m. Got a drink and then waited till 8:00 for the bus to take us to Southampton. From the middle of the 1800's Southampton has been famous for being a "liner port". In 1912, the world's most famous liner, The Titanic, embarked from here. 700 crew members were from Southampton.

Check in was smooth and soon we were up for the usual - pizza and also the International Cafe for a drink

Sail away time was 4:00. We mini suite was Emerald # 221. After unloading the suitcases we were done for the day.

October 30, 2023 - At Sea We needed this day to relax. Our usual day at sea included, breakfast delivered by Harry to Heather and me, morning coffee/hot chocolate, buffet lunch, exercise on machines or walking the jogging path on deck 17, then lunch in the main dining room. Sometimes the enrichment seminars or the evening entertainment. Heading to Vigo, Spain. The sea was a bit rough.

October 31, 2023 - Vigo, Spain. Where industry meets culture in coastal Vigo, home to a massive fishing port plus ancient Roman ruins, neoclassical churches, and an authentic Galician old town.

Watched an outing to practice for participation in nautical regattas. By the end of the day some boats sailed home on their own wind power and some were pulled in by motor boats.

We did not take a tour at this stop but walked around the town. The weather was rainy and sunny.

Visited a museum.

Bust of Jose de San Martin. San Martín is regarded as a national hero of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, a great military commander, and one of the Liberators of Spanish South America. (Don't know why a Spanish Liberator would be honored in Spain)

Lots of cathedrals in this town. The one on the hill was interesting, but I couldn't find the name.

Punta Borneira Lighthouse

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); two red flashes every 7 s. 11 m (36 ft) round 2-stage stone tower with gallery. Upper stage painted red, lower stage white. Located in the Ría de Vigo about 7 km (4 mi) west of the Vigo waterfront. Accessible only by boat.

Galician mussel farms, are rafts for cultivating typical Galician bivalve molluscs. You’ll see them as soon as you look at the Vigo estuary, arranged neatly along the coast. From those big wooden platforms hang ropes where the greatest treasures of Vigo grow: oysters and mussels. The imposing "bateeiros", mussel boats, lift the heavy ropes loaded molluscs with cranes.

November 1, 2023 - At Sea

Fun to watch the vegetable carving - talented and creative carvers.

November 2, 2023 - Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Funchal is the capital city of Portugal's Madeira archipelago. It's backed by hills, and known for its harbor, gardens and Madeira wine cellars.

Walking around the town

Madeira Botanical Garden - lots of trees and flowers, each with name tags.

Lt. is Bird of Paradise - the National Flower.

Rt. is the Elephant Tree

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.

It is the main religious church of the Madeira archipelago, widely admired for its incomparable historical, architectural and artistic value. This monument was first built by order of King D. João II in 1493. Completed by the early 16th century, it displays characteristic stylistic features of the Manueline and Gothic periods. Its façade, for example, presents a Gothic portal of great magnificence, composed of stonework from Cabo Girão, with eight archivolts in a pointed arch. Inside Funchal Cathedral, attention is immediately drawn to the altarpiece. Surmounted by a Gothic canopy, it is a large polyptych, in gilded woodcarving, complemented by sculptures and oil paintings on wood. The ceiling also warrants a close look. Worked in cedar from the island, it is a monumental example of Mudéjar decoration.

While we visited they had a service with music.

Left - Legislative Assembly Statue.

Middle - is João Gonçalves Zarco was a Portuguese explorer who established settlements and recognition of the Madeira Islands, and was appointed first captain of Funchal by Henry the Navigator.

Right - Tribute to the Madeiran emigrants who took the name and traditions of the island to all latitudes.

The streets had beautiful flowers hanging on the lamp poles. And as in every country teenagers are on their phones.

November 3, 2023 - Tenerife, Canary Islands. Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off West Africa. It's dominated by Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano that is Spain's tallest peak. Shared governance with La Palma.

The Canary Islands consist of seven islands (listed from largest to smallest): Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, which together have a population of just over 2 million (with 80% of that situated on Gran Canaria and Tenerife).

Tour: Basilica De Candelaria & Guimar Pyramids.

Left - While still on the ship we saw this boat spraying large amounts of water - some say it was practicing to put out fires aboard ships.

Middle - Sunrise, also shows the barriers that keep the ocean from the city.

Right - Welcome to Tenerife

Basilica of Candelaria - The Basilica of the Royal Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Candelaria is a Roman Catholic minor basilica, the first Marian shrine of the Canary Islands, located in the municipality and city of Candelaria on the island of Tenerife. Opened in 1959.

Left - Near the church by the water are nine statues of Kings and warriors holding arms to protect their lands around Tenerife. Tenerife was inhabited by a primitive race, called Guanche, before the arrival of colonists.

Right - On our way to the pyramids we saw a few people enjoying the beach.

The Pyramids of Guimar are a mystery with various theories of origin. Each pyramid has a stairway to the top. Instead of pointed summits, the upper part of the monuments is flat and covered in gravel. The stairways are all on the western side, suggesting a ceremonial purpose. It is believed that someone ascending the pyramid in the morning would be welcoming the rising sun. The pyramids are protected in the Pyramids of Guimar Ethnographic Park.

In addition to the pyramids, there is a museum, Sustainable Garden, leisure area, and a fascinating Poison Garden that houses over 70 toxic plants from all over the world. This green space with a clear, natural appeal is unique in the Canary Islands. It aims to educate and raise awareness about the danger of the poisons present in the plant world. The most poison plant was the Castor Bean that had a fence around it.

Items around the museum showing migration as people began moving eastward.

Middle - Crocodile drum from Papua New Guinea made from single tree hollowed, decorated with totemic engraving along the side, the edges struck with wood beaters, and the eyes cowry shells.

Right - is a replica of the Carrack Santa Maria Columbus used to sail to America.

November 4, 2023 - Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, capital of the island of Gran Canaria, is situated on the north-eastern vertex of the island where a small peninsula sticks out into the sea.

Left - Arrived at the port.

Middle - Atlantis. The origin of the Canary Islands has long been related to the myth of Atlantis, the continent described by Plato.

Right - Along the sea barrier as we walked to the bus for a tour. Many ships have visited and left their mark on the wall.

The Jardin de la Marquesa de Arucas. Established in 1880 by the island's first Marquis and his wife, the gardens are a romantic and serene setting for the 2,500 tropical plants that live in the five-acre park-like setting. The center photo shows a small palace built in 1880 by the first Marquis of Arucas.

And below a few of the amazing sights in the garden.

This church is one of the icons of Gran Canaria, usually called the Arucas Cathedral. The church is very imposing and stands proud over the town. The construction of the neo-Gothic church started in 1909 and was completed officially almost 70 years later in 1977. The locals say it was built by hand and is entirely made from the grey-blue volcanic stone of Arucas.

Basilica de la Virgin del Piño (Madonna of the Pine) in the town of Teror. Outside, ten gargoyles stand guard on the sides of the church; inside, the main features are the vast Baroque altar and the richly clothed, wooden carved figure of the Virgin Mary.

After visiting the church we walked around a bit in the town of Teror. Heather found a lava necklace and also cow to pet. (Petting the cow was in the previous place of Tenerife)

November 5, 2023 - Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary. Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, is a quiet, beautiful port city situated on the eastern coast of the island. Sharing prominence in its urban layout are the streets of the historic centre, filled with shops. We walked around at this stop.

We walked to the town from the ship. This is a place we need to come back and explore.

Left - Walking along the beach we find the sidewalk is marked and shared with bikers.

Middle - Replica of the boat. The Crime - The attack on the fishing boat Cruz del Mar took place on 28^th November 1978, when the crew of ten were eating their evening meal after fishing for tuna in the Canarian/Saharan bank, just off the African coast. A Zodiac dinghy containing 24 men approached and hailed the boat. Several of the men boarded the boat and searched it, before suddenly opening fire, machine-gunning seven of the crew, including a 14-year-old boy.

Right - “The Light That Guides Us”, designed by local artist Juan Brito was built in 2013 . The monument is in the form of a lighthouse and contains an image of the Virgin of Carmen, the patron of fishermen and the barrio of Valterra.

Cloudy day. Lots of beautiful flowers, many dogs walked by owners, and found some birds.

Stopped into a market for a snack. Lots of products were familiar. Check out took credit cards either Euro or US currencies excepted.

The Fisherman with Marlin by Jorge Isaac Medina represents a scene from The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway's classic novel of a duel between a fisherman and a huge marlin.

Then guess what was next???? Chief's Football against Miami Dolphins 21 - 14 for the win!

Harry watching the game and Heather playing on her tablet.

November 6. 2023 - At Sea

Music for evening enjoyment. There were some big waves today.

A beautiful rainbow Exercise time

Snack time

November 7, 2023 - Lisbon, Portugal

Tour - "Easy Lisbon" Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world (next to Athens). The Portuguese capital is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, and with its rich history, unique cuisine, and beautiful architecture.

Right: Alfama is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon. It’s where you can visit iconic landmarks like Lisbon Cathedral, Morning Lisbon - as seen from ship. São Jorge Castle, Museu do Fado, and Museu do Fado, andn Museu de Lisboa.

The Church of Santa Engrácia

Some narrow sidewalks

Lisbon's buses are operated by as are the An equestrian statue of Dom Joao I, also known as

city's trams and elevadors. Buses in Lisbon run John I of Portugal is located in Figueira Square.

from around 5 am - 1 am.

Left: Rossio Railway Station Right: Marques do Pombal Statue

Left: This statue was built in honor of the Right: Great black-backed gull
Portugese soliders who fought in world war l.

The statue resembles a fatherly figure
holding a flag and placing a crown on a

kneeling soldier.

Bélem Tower - built in the 16th century. It is sitting right on the river (in fact, it’s surrounded at high tide). It once served as a ceremonial gateway to the city as well as part of its defense system.

The Águas Livres Aqueduct is a historic aqueduct in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. It is one of the most remarkable examples of 18th-century Portuguese engineering. The main course of the aqueduct covers 18 km, but the whole network of canals reaches nearly 58 km.

Left: Marques do Pombal with Lion Right: Monument to the Restorers

At 52 meters (170 feet) tall, Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries commemorates the five hundredth anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, who discovered the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde. The Monument of Discoveries stands 170 Ft (52 m) tall.

Santa Maria de Belem Church in the West Lisbon District. The Church is part of the larger Jerónimos Monastery, construction of which commenced in 1501 and went on for the next 100 years.
One of the main and oldest churches in the city of Lisbon is the Church of Santa Maria. It is a beautiful building with imposing towers constructed with a combination of different architectural styles.

Pastéis de Belém, a pastry shop just west of Lisbon, claims to be the originator of what is ostensibly the country's most famous pastry. Legend has it that the sweet—which consists of pastry cups filled with an egg and cream custard—was probably first baked at the neighboring Jerónimos Monastery.

The end of a wonderful day.
25th of April Bridge pictured as we leave Lisbon.

November 8, 2023 - At Sea

The joys of the hot tub with a Pina Colada in hand. Finding new friends from far away places.

November 9, 2023 - At Sea

Left: Having a light lunch. Right: Sea a bit rough.

November 10, 2023 - Southampton/ Winchester Tour of Winchester and the Cathedral

A rainy day as walk around the town. Because it was late Fall the gardens weren't blooming.

A short walk from Winchester tracing the pretty River Itchen, one of England's rare and beautiful 'chalk streams.

Wolvesey Castle, also known as the "Old Bishop's Palace", is a ruined castle in Winchester. It is located next to Winchester Cathedral. \

Left: War memorial. Erected 1922, after the First World War, to the design of the sculptor John Tweed with an inscription added after the Second World War. Right: Our red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community.

Winchester Cathedral - Winchester Cathedral is a mediaeval Anglican church in Winchester, Hampshire. It is the seat of the Bishop of Winchester. The cathedral has the longest nave and overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.

The Cathedral is enormous! Once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman power, Winchester Cathedral is the resting place of Saxon royalty, bishops and Jane Austen, the much-loved English novelist. Was built from 1079 to 1532.

Left: Winchester’s Guildhall is another stunning building, built in 1871 in the Gothic Revival style. However, the history of the site is just as interesting as the building which stands there today.
Right: Alfred the Great. His statue, created by Hamo Thornycroft, was placed there in 1901 to celebrate one thousand years since Alfred died. He became king of England and made Winchester his capital in 871. He ruled Wessex until his death in 899.

Left: Yes another Starbucks! Right: Street Market

Couldn't miss this place. The pasteries were yummy.

Left: King Alfred the Great’s widow, Aelswith, Right: ??

founded a nunnery on the site and retired there after

his death in 899 AD. This nunnery became St Mary’s

Abbey and was one of the largest nunneries in the

country before the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII

Left: A simple Baptist Church Right: This fifteenth-century Butter Cross stands 43 feet high and is reckoned to be the finest in the country.True to its name, its original function was for market traders to display the butter they had for sale, as well as cheese, eggs, and milk.

So long England.

November 11, 2023 - At Sea

November 12, 2023 - At Sea

November 13, 2023 - At Sea

November 14, 2023 - Ponta Delgada, Portugal ~ Unable to land here due to Portugal Marine Pilot Strike. When turning South to our next destination there was a passenger health issue that needed a medical evacuation.

November 15 - 19. At Sea ~ Another fun day at sea for reading, walking, exercise, shopping, and of course eating.

Left: Cute evening towel animal

Right: Could be ice cream time.........

Time for special drinks

Left: Meeting the captain at Capain's Circle Right: Beautiful skies with some waves.

Left: Three happy cruisers. Right: More cute towel designs.

November 20, 2023. Antigua ~ Antigua and Barbuda, Island country, Lesser Antilles, Caribbean Sea. It consists of three islands: Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda.

Tour: Easy Antigua Panoramic Drive

Left:Another health evacuation ~ a man fell while Right: Entryway guards.

dining and fx his hip. Ambulance awaiting.

Left: Greeted by music. Right: Many tropical flowers.

Left: Fort James is a fortress which is at the entrance Right: Parish of St. Paul ~ first church built

Of the St. John's Harbour, locate in the capital and In1670 destroyed in 1843 earthquake. Rebuilt

Largest city on the island of Antigua ,part of the In 1847 severely damaged in 1880 by

Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. lighting and destroyed in 1950 by hurricane.

Rebuilt as is in 1952.

November 21, 2023 - St.Maarten ~ St Marten, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a country on the southern part of a Caribbean island shared with St Martin, a French collectivity.

Tour ~ Under Two Flags Island Drive.

As seen from ship

Left: Oyster Bay Resort Right: Celebrating Emancipation Day (1863)

Left: Lady Liberty Statue Right: Brown Pelican national animal of St. Maarten

found on island's Flag and Coat of Arms

Left: Statue of William Henry Bell ll famous Left: The remains of Fort St Louis, a Napoleonic fort

businessman on top of Cole Bay Hill overlooking the town of Marigot, the capital of

the French part of the island. Built in 1789.

In the 17th and 18th century, the island counted 92 plantations. Most cultivated sugar, indigo, a few grapes, mangoes, or limes, others bred cattle and horses for export. Small ranches still exist owned by third and forth generations.

It was a rainy day. We chose this pastry shop for our stop in Marigot. There was an open market that we briefly walked through.

Left: Cacti - Turk's Cap Cactus and ?? Right: One-Tete Lohkay - the female freedom fighter in times of slavery, shown running with sugar canes in her left arm.

November 22, 2023 - San Juan, Puerto Rico - the oldest continuously inhabited post-European contact city in United States territory and the second oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere.

Left: Vew from the ship

Right: U.S.A Customs

Left: Holocaust Memorial - built through
the Auspices of the Jewish Community of Right: World War I Memorial with the Capitol
Puerto Rico. across the street.

Left: Altar de la Patria - this monument Right: Another view of the capitol.

represents the three ethnicities of Puerto Rico: Built in 1921.

Taino, Spanish, and African.

Left: This statue is dedicated to John the Baptist, an Right: ??

itinerant preacher and prominent historical religious

figure after whom the city was named.

Named after the saint patron of land travelers, Saint Christopher, Castillo San Cristóbal, is considered the largest fortress built in the Americas. It is a fortification with three levels and an extensive series of outer defenses.

More of Castillo San Christóbal

Below is the exploration of Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Construction began in 1539 and finished in 1790; during those 250 years, El Morro went from a promontory mounted with a cannon to a six-level fortress. During the First and Second World Wars it was used by U.S. military.

Left: Walking around the upper level.

Right: The dungeon. A very dark and damp place where prisoners were kept.

Left: Green iguana is a large, arboreal, mostly herbivorous lizard.

Right: Near the bus we found some yummy coconuts. On a hot day this guy knows where to set up shop.

Chop, chop and we had a nice cool coconut drink.

Guess we were thirsty as we found another place for a drink. (Starbucks again)

Left: Christopher Columbus monument at Right: Giant 38' steel and bronze seahorse.

Plaza Cristobal Colon in Old San Juan (1894)

Left: The Iglesia de San Agustin (1914) is a Right: As we sailed away we saw El Morro once

Church, School, Convent, and Parish House. again. Also the slum area below.

November 23, 2023 - Grand Turk - Grand Turk Island is the capital island o the Turks and Caicos archipelago, in the Atlantic Ocean. It is dotted with the remains of salt ponds and windmills from the 17th into 20th century.

Tour - Rainbow Calypso Tram