The latter half of the cruise included an entire week crossing the Atlantic Ocean before stopping in Madeira, then Casablanca, then Barcelona, with some more sea says in between. Highlights: 1. Madeira visit to see the Krause Family - 2. Casablanca Mosque visit - Lowlights: 1. Death of passenger - 2. Continuing lousy internet service - Highlights:
1. Madeira visit to see the Krause Family - Madeira was a highlight port visit, and one of the few places that we would really like to return to. We had met the Krause family on our last 30-day cruise to South Africa, and we've kept in touch with them for the past few months, in fact they are coming to Utah in August to visit. It was fun to see them, and especially fun for Megan to reconnect with Maja, and see their beautiful island. 2. Casablanca Mosque visit - This was really one impressive mosque. We timed it right to be able to get in to see the entire mosque outside of prayer hours, and we even got an English guided tour. The geometric designs inside were amazing and beautiful Lowlights: 1. Death of passenger - On Tuesday as we had left Barbados and were already heading across the Atlantic, we were told the boat was returning to Martenique to get medical help for a passenger. But either Tuesday night, or Wednesday, we were told the passenger had died, so we had turned back around to get to Madeira, and with a bit of increased speed, we would get there on time. What a sad time for the family. In fact, by the time we arrived in Barcelona, I was told that 3 passengers had died on the ship. 2. Continuing lousy internet service - Yes, it only got worse as we crossed the Atlantic. Itinerary Monday to Saturday May 22-27 – At sea - Sunday May 28 – Funchal, Madeira – I met Maja at the port and she helped me to procure the rental car. We attended church with numerous other members from the ship, then drove with Maja to meet the Krause family in Machico for a small picnic and hike. We hiked over the hills out of the city over a pass which took us to the North coast of the island. It was a beautiful hike and wonderful company with Stephanie and Axel and Maja and Syndie Anne. We went back to the Krause’s house for some refreshment and cake and internet, then returned to the ship. Madeira was a wonderful island worth returning to. Monday May 29 – At sea Tuesday May 30 – Casablanca, Morocco – We rented a car and visited the Hassan II Mosque, which was truly magnificent to behold. We waited a small time for lunch break to finish and entered the mosque, and happened upon an English tour guide, it was a great visit. We drove through the city, passing by the Catholic church, and the King’s palace, and market streets and walking streets, and dumpster towns, and run-down apartment buildings, and shiny new business districts, an old shopping districts. It was an interesting town to be sure. We returned the car and walked to the main square to meet our free walking tour guide, but missed out on that. We walked back by way of the old market square, and spent the rest of our Moroccan currency on ice cream and chintzy keyring Christmas ornaments and a ring for Megan. Wednesday May 31 – At sea Thursday June 1 – Barcelona, Spain – We disembarked from the ship, and having been to Barcelona before, we went straight to the bus station to get tickets for our next desination, Sant Feliu de Guixols.
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April 2024
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