SO LONG PACIFIC PRINCESS, Monday, April 21

Our 2008 World Cruise has been truly an extraordinary voyage. For more than 100 days, we have visited over 40 of the world's most exciting destinations, touching upon six different continents. It has been an adventure filled with unexpected delights, unforgettable sights and unbelievable experiences, truly the trip of a lifetime. We have enjoyed our voyage from the moment we boarded the ship and will never forget a single moment. We have seen fascinating places and will treasure the friendships we have made on this remarkable voyage around the world.

By the way, we traveled 30,336 Nautical Miles (FYI, the length of the Equator is 21,600 NM).

LE HAVRE, FRANCE, Monday, April 21

Lying at the mouth of the river Seine, Le Havre is the gateway to Paris and northern France. This entire region has been part of the central heartland of European civilization for 20 centuries. Around 1800, one European in every five lived in France. The trip to Paris takes about 2-3 hours each way...very few went. Only those that have never been before would go, stay 2 hours and then leave. We have been there a few times and as we have to be off the ship around 7:00 in the morning, chose to stay in Le Havre, have lunch in town then come back to the ship to finish packing and end my blog. Took a long walk and just enjoyed our last day in port (that is, until Southampton tomorrow).

AT SEA, Sunday, April 20

Last night was our Passover dinner. There were 6 at our table, we asked Gail & Dennis to be our guests, also Joyce and David were there. The Rabbi asked me to light the candles and say the blessing which I think I did exceptionally well. We had about 50 people there, maybe more. The food consisted of all the traditional foods, gefilte fish, matzos ball soup, eggs dipped in salt water and either brisket, chicken or lamb. The service lasted 3 hours but was done very well as she explained each part to everyone. We had the service in the Steakhouse which is all windows. While she was speaking we were leaving Ireland and saw the coastline passing by. It was very memorable. Tomorrow we will be in Le Havre, gateway to Paris and our last stop.

COBH (COVE), IRELAND, Saturday, April 19

Cobh is the port town for Cork which is Ireland's second largest city and the gateway to Ireland. The train runs directly in front of the ship and is about a 20 minute ride to Cork. Cork's most famous attraction is the legendary Blarney Stone. We were here several years ago and both kissed the Blarney Stone which, I'm certain, accounts for some of Gary's stories. The Titanic's last stop was in Cobh where several people embarked. Here the last photo was taken of the ship before the fateful voyage. We visited the building that held the new passengers. There are several monuments to those who perished and to those that helped in the effort to save the people of the Titanic and the Lusitania.

We walked into town with friends Gail & Dennis and parted when we decided to take the Titanic walking tour. It was very cold and windy so they chose not to go as it would last about an hour (they're from South Africa & not used to the cold). We met in a local pub afterward and stayed for about 1 1/2 hours. Had lunch at a nearby hotel (The Commodore) that is about 150 years old...it was charming. The entire town is very quaint and typically Ireland. Lovely people, cool weather and quaint, very old towns (with lots of pubs) and a beautiful countryside.

This evening is Passover and we are having about 50 people to dinner, both Jewish and non. It has been another wonderful day. Only 1 more stop in France before we get to Southampton.

AT SEA, Friday, April 18

Seas are very rough (Atlantic Ocean). Packed a little but can only do so much with 4 days left. Weather has been bad and everyone is inside the ship. Should be better in the English Channel.

AT SEA, Thursday, April 17

Starting to pack today. Unfortunately the seas are not cooperating. We have 12 foot swells and doing anything is not easy. Weather much cooler now, more like home. Atmosphere on the ship has changed, everyone in a "moving on" mode. Some are taking the Queen Mary back, some are staying in London, some are staying on the ship and going back to the Med, others have already left the ship in France. Not to many going directly home as we are. Good-byes are awful, a lot of camaraderie has developed after 100 days of seeing each other morning, noon & night. We have experienced the world together and have made many friends in the process.

LISBON, PORTUGAL, Wednesday, April 16

Lisbon was once the center of a great maritime empire. Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama & Ferdinand Magellan sailed from here. Today Lisbon is a stately city with classical squares & boulevards, ancient castles & cathedrals and a great shopping district.
Eternally linked to the lure & wonder of the sea, the magnificent harbor is crossed by the longest suspension bridge in Europe.

We took the shuttle to the center of town along with friends Gail & Dennis. It's a beautiful city and is always immaculate. It was about 65 degrees & sunny. We walked for several hours and again ran into our other friends David & Diane. We went for coffee at an outdoor cafe. There were musicians on the street near us from Peru that played their wonderful, haunting music. Afterwards we went our separate ways and Gary & I contuinued on. We stopped for lunch and sat outside to watch the world go by. The streets are made of individual smoothed stones that all seem to form an endless mosaic. In the center of the city is a large public square where most of the tour busses originate. On one side is a huge archway leading to the shopping streets and also all of the restaurants. Lots of street musicians & mimes along with colorful flower stalls. Beautiful day in Lisbon.