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.

GIBBRLTAR, Tuesday, April 15

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. The Territory shares a border with Spain to the north. Gibraltar has historically been an important base for the British armed forces and is the site of a Royal Navy base. Europe is only eight miles from Africa at this point and the Straits are 36 miles long. Whoever controls Gibraltar and the harbor at it's base is in a good position to control the passage between Atlantic & Mediterranean waters. Gibraltar is also the site of the Ape's Den, home of the famous Barbary Apes. Actually tailess monkeys, the apes are native to this piece of land, but not to the rest of the Spanish mainland. Legend has it that Britain will retain the Rock as long as the Apes live here.

This is one place we always love to visit. The streets are very clean, the shops quaint and the people lovely. We only had 1/2 day here so we were off the ship early. We have seen the apes, even had one jump on my shoulder & pick through my hair to preen. We have also taken the cable car to the top of "the rock," which is on the site of a WWII gun emplacement, for views of Africa, Spain & the Mediterranean Sea.   The road runs right across the runway.  They have to stop traffic when a plane comes in to land. 

Tonight is the second to the last formal night. I will be all packed by the last. By the way, Rita Moreno is on board & Rusty Shweigert, the astronaut, just got off.  Tomorrow Lisbon.

BARCELONA, SPAIN, Sunday, April 13

Although it is one of Spain's most lively & dynamic cities, Barcelona is really not Spanish at all. As the capital & cultural hub of the autonomous region of Catalonia, the city has a long & glorious history all it's own. It was a leading trading power in the Mediterranean during the 14th & 15th centuries. Today Barcelona is a bustling & cosmopolitan place. Pablo Picasso, Juan Miro, Salvador Dali, Pablo Casals and Gaudi have all called Catalonia home. The Gaudi Cathedral is really spectacular and, along with his other structures, should not be missed when visiting. I now know where the word "gaudy" originated.

This was our 4th visit here and we always love coming back. There is a wonderful walking street called Las Ramblas alive and colorful with small shops, flower stalls and cafes. Strolling from one end to the other, we encountered several mimes who, for a few cents, will put on a great show. Each has a different theme and the costuming is truly extraordinary. We had lunch (Paella) at Amaya, which is a restaurant we have been to several times. It was just as good as the last time, maybe more so. Tomorrow Gibraltar.

CANNES, Saturday, April 12

Cannes today is the crown jewel of the French Riviera. Wealthy visitors from Britain, Russia & America have been coming here since 1834. By the late 1940s it was the sight of the International Film Festival, rivaling Venice. The fortress on the larger island approaching Cannes was built by Cardinal Richelieu in The early 1600s & later used as a royal prison. It's most famous prisoner was the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask, who is in the novel by Alexander Dumas. We rode the double decker bus from the ship to the Cannes Yacht Club. Got a great overview of the city though we have been here before.

Stayed at the yacht club for a short time then took another bus back to the center of town. We walked around & ran into some friends. They already had lunch but came with us & had a drink while we ate. Weather was sunny, but pretty cool at only 58. Lots of boats in the harbor, both sail & power. We even inquired about an apartment to rent for a month. Jacqueline, one of our friends on board, lives here and left the ship today. Hate good-byes! We really enjoyed Cannes, Gary especially loved all the sailboats. Tomorrow Barcelona.

CIVITAVECCIA (ROME), ITALY, Friday, April 11

Civitaveccia has been the principal port of Rome since the 13th century. It is also one of the main ferry ports for Sardegna. Many medieval fortifications still stand today which were developed by Michelangelo.

The weather was cool (63) and raining. We walked around the city visiting the open markets & small shops. Lunch was in a quaint pizzeria and consisted of a little pasta, a little pizza and a little Chianti. We got back to the ship just in time to see the lead tennor from the Rome opera who came to the ship to perform. He was wonderful! Afterwards we went to the Friday night service and for the first time we have Rabbi on board. It's a woman and she & her husband are from Philadelphia. They will conduct the Passover service on the 19th when we are in Ireland. Several people left the ship today including the captain & the head of security. Good-byes are always sad. We also have 50 new arrivals for the last 10 days. Tomorrow Cannes. For the past few days we have been in a port every day...everyone misses the sea days.

SORRENTO, ITALY Thursday, April 10

Going through the Straits of Messina last night was phenomenal. To see the lights of Sicily on port & Italy starboard so close to us was an awesome sight.

Sorrento is a small city in Campania, Italy and is a popular tourist destination. For nearly 2,000 years visitors from all over the world have been attracted to it's breathtaking sunsets & fragrances of orange & lemon gardens. The town overlooks the bay of Naples & many viewpoints allow sight of Naples, Vesuvius and the island of Capri. The Amalfi drive connecting Sorrento & Amalfi is the narrow road that threads around the high cliffs above the Mediterranean. Ferry boats & hydrofoils provide service to Naples, Amalfi, Positano & Capri. They are known for their products made from lemons, in particular lemoncello. They produce about 30,000 tons of lemons annually. We saw lemons the size of soft balls (no kidding).

Walking around Sorrento was a real treat. Narrow streets with beautiful shops and charming restaurants. We ate lunch at "La Lanterna." We have always said that you can't get a bad meal in Italy and this was no exception. We had salad, pizza, chianti, cookies & lemoncello. Very few places can beat Chicago for pizza, but Naples is where pizza was invented and it was just wonderful.

AT SEA, Wednesday, April 9

We are now heading NW towards the Straits of Messina. Temperatures is 65 with a 15 knot wind. No humidity...GREAT! The ship advised us that they will sell us euros at $1.69 and will buy them back at $1.40. Outrageous!

Tomorrow morning we will dock in Sorrento. We have been here also and to Pompei and Naples which are very close.

ATHENS, Tuesday, April 8

It's been said that to explore Athens is to walk in the footsteps of those who planted the seeds of Western philosophy, science, culture and art. It is an unforgetable experience. Having been to Athens several times, we stayed in the port town of Piraeus which is only about 20 minutes form the city.

We rented an apratment 1 1/2 years ago for 1 month on Zakynthos, which is one of the Greek Islands in the Ionian Sea. Our friends from the island, Anna & Tony, came to meet us at the ship. We were able to get them on board through special permission from the captain. We had breakfast & then showed them around. Afterwards we took a cab to the yacht club. We were there before, but it is so beautiful we took our friends to see it. From there we went to a great restaurant and had another expensive lunch (dollar is now 1.60 to their Euro). We had a great daywith them & hated to say good-bye. Seeing them again was one of the highlights of this amazing trip.

AT SEA, Monday, April 7

We are now in the Mediterranean heading NW sailing between Rhodes on starboard & Crete on our port side. We are to dock in Athens tomorrow at 9 where we will meet our friends Tony & Anna who have flown from Zakynthos to meet us. Seas are very rough today. We have been very spoiled as we have not felt any motion since leaving the Pacific.

PORT SAID, Sunday, April 6

Port Said has been the"gateway to the East" for ocean liner passengers since the opening of the Suez Canal. Situated where the marshes of the Nile Delta meet the sands of the Sinai Peninsula, the city has a history dating back to Pharaonic times. It's a popular resort destination for Egyptians and is the gateway to Cairo, the Nile Valley & the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. Went into Port Said with Diane & David and hired a horse drawn carriage that took us around the city. Becuase it was Sunday, all of the better stores were closed, but the markets & smaller shops were open. After our carriage tour we walked for miles. Not too much to see here, even the museum was closed. Went to the outdoor markets which we found to be very interesting but could not compare to the markets in Saigon or the other places we visited.

We decided to go back to the ship around 3, eat lunch and planned to go out again. A massive sand storm came up as we headed back to the ship & cut our visibility to about 1 block. By the time we got back to the ship we could see nothing off the back deck. We had lunch & Diane & I just went to look at the shops around the ship. The tours will return pretty late as it's a 3 hour bus ride to & from Giza & the Cairo Museum. We once spent 10 days here so we didn't make the trip to see the pyramids or sphinx.

SUEZ CANAL, Saturday, April 5

The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway running N to S across the Isthmus of Suez in northeastern Egypt. It connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez, an arm of the Red Sea. The canal allows two-way water transportation, most importantly between Europe & Asia without circumnavigation of Africa. Excavation of the canal began April 25, 1859 and it opened to navigation on November 17, 1869 at a cost of $100 million. It has taken all day for us to transit and we have been watching it the entire time. It's mostly sand dunes on either side with a huge military presence. However, there are several towns along the way. At the end is Port Said where we will dock in the morning. Watching the transit from our own balcony has been incredible and what helped to make another spectacular day in paradise.