Cruise on the Norwegian SUN
19 Mar - 2 Apr, 2023
with: Francine, Alain, Shawn, Tanya, Judy,
Ron & Andy
Cruise Itinerary:
Sun 19 Mar Lisbon, Portugal depart @ 9:00 pm
Mon 20 Mar Day at Sea - specialty restaurant "Moderno Churrascaria"
Tue 21 Mar Funchal, Madeira arrive @7:00 am
Wed 22 Mar Funchal, Madeira sail away @ 4:00
Thu 23 Mar Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain 8:00 am- 6:00 pm
Fri 24 Mar Puerto del Rosario, Canary Islands 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat 25 Mar Santa Cruz de Tenerife, CI 6:00 am -11:59 pm
Sun 26 Mar Las Palmas, Canary Islands 7:00 am -11:00 pm
Mon 27 Mar Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 28 Mar Agadir, Morocco 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 29 Mar Casablanca, Morocco 9:00 am -
10:00 pm
Thu 30 Mar Ceuta, Spain 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Specialty restaurant "Cagney's Steakhouse"
Fri 31 Mar Granada (Malaga), Spain 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat 1 Apr Seville (Cádiz), Spain 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun 2 Apr Lisbon, Portugal (Flight Departure) arrive @ 7:00 am
Usually I have a little more information about the stops we make, but this time it's more "fluff" and less substance because I don't have it in me to do all the research this time.
We started our journey driving 12-hours from Moscow to Riga where we had 2 nights to rest up before flying on to Lisbon. In some areas the roads were absolutely terrible and riddled with deep potholes everywhere. The weather was still pretty cool in Riga, so we spent some time downtown, but basically just rested.
The winter wonderland we drove through on the way to Riga...
Pictures of the road taken by Craig on his way back to Moscow from Riga...there's no avoiding these holes!!! 🕳↓
We were so happy to reunite with the gang in Lisbon and meet Ron & Andy. Unfortunately, Shawn & Tanya were in Lisbon, but without their luggage and our cruise was to set sail the next evening. They weren't happy campers when they had to go shopping for luggage and some necessary clothes and toiletries. Not a fun day in Lisbon for them. I managed to get a bit of shopping in and purchased a new cork purse! 👸
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| View from the rooftop patio of our hotel (Hotel Mundial) of the Castle in Lisbon. Great location. Basic, clean rooms, lovely rooftop patio and good breakfast. |
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| View towards to rooftop patio |
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| Guys with their matching t-shirts from Thailand |
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| 1st group shot in Lisbon of the famous tram 28 |
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| Love this picture...especially of Shawn with his big grin! Alain looks a little constipated 😄, but still, a fun picture! A sign of the fun to come on this vacation. |
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| The gang in the park across from our hotel |
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The ladies enjoying a moment
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It's always exciting when we get that first glimpse of the ship. Earlier that morning Craig & I went for a lovely walk to see that our ship was in port, but it's great when you know you're about to board - especially when it's a ship we haven't been on before. Although we loved this cruise, we did miss some of our favorite and familiar things from our previous Celebrity cruises.
Tues. 21 March, 2023 - Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)
Madeira is one of two autonomous regions of Portugal (meaning they have a degree of independence in several issues - often because it is a sizeable distance from the rest of the nation). The island was discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1497. As of 2021, the island population was 251,060. The capital is Funchal - where our shipped was docked.
As it turned out, we absolutely LOVED Madeira. Definitely our favorite place we visited on this cruise. On day 1 of 2 days in Funchal we enjoyed the tour of the island (see map below)
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| View coming into the beautiful port of Funchal on the amazing Island of Madeira |
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| Such a scenic island |
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| Not the most flattering photo, but still cute! |
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| Bromance buds for life 👬 |
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Day 1 on Madeira we had a fabulous and long tour of the island through "Madeira Island Tours". HIGHLY recommend it. Only 150 Euros.
Itinerary:
* Câmara de Lobos - A typical
Madeiran fishing village.
* Cabo Girão - A 580m glass platform suspended on a sea cliff. Stunning coastal views.
* Ribeira Brava. Encumeada - A mountain pass of 1007m.
* Brides Veil - We drive through Seixal, a picturesque village, Its spectacular coastline is towered by mountains.
The tour will stop to see one of Madeira’s famous waterfalls, called Brides
Veil.
* São Vicente charming little town
with narrow picturesque streets and old white houses.
* Porto Moniz - A highlight of the trip; natural volcanic swimming pools |
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A quick pit stop on the side of the road to get some information about bananas and their life cycle.
Every stem produce 9 to 12 hands (rows of bananas). And every hand grows from 14 to 20 fingers (or individual bananas). About 75% of a banana is water. Bananas also contains fiber, sugar, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin B6. |
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| Loved our quirky guide |
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| Câmara de Lobos fishing village. We didn't spend long here, but it was adorable and picturesque |
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| Our comfortable van for the tour. Craig in his "Craig Fowler" van |
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| Adorable fishing village |
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| Judy did not join us on this tour - only on the Lanzarote tour, that's why there aren't many pictures of her on this trip 😔 |
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| The dudes |
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| Alain wanted to go fishing |
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| The lovely spring flowers. I hope to go back to this island one day when it's in full bloom in the summer! |
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| Incredible views and plunging cliffs all over this incredible island of Madeira |
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| It is an impressive cliff... they need a larger area for people though as it was quite crowded and not even the busy season |
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| I believe it was this 1st day in Funchal that Shawn & Tanya got the awesome news (after this tour) that their luggage caught up to the cruise!!! NOW they were happy campers and didn't have to wear the same clothes for 2 weeks! |
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| Yikes! That's a LONG way down if that glass ever broke! Although, I probably would have survived because I was straddling the framing! lol |
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| Buds 💓 |
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| Gorgeous scenery! I'd love a home with a view of this area |
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| Bird of paradise plant...love 'em. |
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| Craig was taking the picture. Gorgeous area! |
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| Mr. Chill 😎 |
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| Goofballs trying to take a selfie |
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| Love these guys! Forever thankful we met in Moscow 💗 |
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| Can always count on Alain to pose for funny pics! |
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| Two big kids (Ron & Andy) enjoying life! |
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| Driving towards Porto Moniz...just such beautiful scenery everywhere we went on the Portuguese Island of Madeira. |
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| Blurry spots because it was taken from the minivan |
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| Coming down the twisty road to Port Moniz where we had lunch and then, as usual, only Craig & Alain went for a cold dip in the lava pools |
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| They swam in the black rocky area directly across from the rock island |
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| After we were at the highest point on the island the fog started coming in fast. We timed it perfectly to be able to have great views before the fog |
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| Exploring the lava pools after lunch |
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| Gorgeous spot! |
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| Lots of waterfalls on the island |
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| Craig, swimming AGAIN in the freezing cold water |
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| Alain was pressured into joining him, cause nobody else wanted to |
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| Same, same. Twins! |
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| Craig in his gitch and Alain changing right there |
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| Hello down there! |
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| Very focused! lol We're back on the ship after a really awesome 1st day in Funchal and the amazing tour of Madeira |
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| The track was not consistent as people walk all over it, so slippery in some parts and not in others |
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| Ron & Andy were great entertainment on the "NOT SO Newlywed Game" |
Wed. 22 March, 2023 - Funchal, Madeira
Our 2nd day (ship spent the night at this port) we had a driver take us around and bring us to the famous 2 km "toboggan" experience - only place in the world where this is done.
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| This would be us very soon! |
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| Just another day at the office for these guys...I wonder how long they have to train (and on who) before they take tourists? 🤔 |
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| The Carreiros who would have our lives in their hands |
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| The excited participants |
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| Here we go ... down this steep hill to the sharp left-hand turn. We didn't know what to expect really. Unfortunately, there have been fatal accidents for tourists doing this experience because cars drive on the same roads we're on and the two have collided on occasion. Luckily we enjoyed it without incident. It actually wasn't as fast as I expected, but at first, before started, I'm not going to lie, I was a wee bit anxious! 😨 |
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| Beautiful views along the way... |
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| One of the sharp curves in the road on our way down the hill. Lots of obstacles along the route - including cars and dogs |
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| Ron & Andy were directly behind us, followed by Francine & Alain behind them and then Shawn & Tanya |
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| Francine & Alain enjoying the ride, but sad it was just about over at this point |
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| That carreiro looks like he was putting in a lot of effort to keep Shawn & Tanya on track. Shawn didn't look concerned |
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| LOTS of choices for cork purses in Portugal |
Below is Miradouro:
Pico dos Barcelos viewpointe
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| Love seeing Shawn with a big grin! |
Picture above and below are also from this same viewpoint
Next up, the slightly nerve-wracking drive to Nun's Valley
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| Everywhere you look are very steep cliffs that would definitely kill you if you drove over them |
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| It's hard to get the perspective in this photo, but that village is WAY down there. |
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| Me and my 🍯= 💘 |
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| Another view of Nun's Valley |
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| Buddies from their husbands having both been in the Navy together |
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| Shawn was not really keen on leaning towards this cliff as it's a REALLY long way down |
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| Sadly, Ron was unable to join us to enjoy these beautiful views because he has a fear of heights and was unable to make the climb |
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| We're so small next to these incredible mountains |
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| That line you see part way up the mountain, on the left, is the road we came in on |
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| Craig getting his hair cut in Funchal |
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| Craig surrounded by the kiddies who were going nuts running around this area |
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Wifi and a drink
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Thu 23 Mar Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain
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| 7 out of the group of 9. Craig's taking the picture and Judy was on her own excursion |
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| Dorky pose by me, but we enjoyed just walking around on this beautiful day. For sure, we had amazing weather on this trip! |
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| A chalk-rock memory of our time here🧡 |
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| Cool dudes rockin' it! (pun intended) |
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| Don't pull his arms off! 😘 |
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| 3 dudes and a ship |
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| A cigar maker in town |
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| The lovely balconies along the coast |
Santa Cruz de La Palma was founded in the late 15th century and started out as a small town where rich people would build their houses and even castles to oversee their plantations and use as a vacation home. Because the settlers had large amounts of money to spend and displaying your wealth is something that people liked doing even back then, many beautiful houses were built. Each more extravagant and colorful than the last. The most distinctive way of doing this was the beautiful and intricate wooden balconies that decorate the houses. Mostly designed by mainland artisans and based on the Portuguese architecture style of the time.
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| Two dudes, a whale and a ship |
Fri 24 Mar Puerto del Rosario, Canary Islands Canary Islands
I was looking at these photos and thought to myself "I don't remember that"!? That's because I wasn't there - I had caught some 24 stomach bug the night before and was physically unable to join our organized tour. 😒
Interesting volcanic landscapes!
Their tour was a scenic drive along the Southwest coastline towards El Golfito with stops at:
* El Golfito & Green Lake
* Las Salinas
* La Geria
* Puerto Del Carmen
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| Good capture of the break water crashing on the volcanic rock! Alain looks a little concerned he's going to be one of THOSE people who get washed away taking a photo. 🌊 |
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| I'm not sure what these are. I believe they're growing something in each horseshoe and the rocks protect it and the soil from being blown away by erosion?? |
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| Salt flats |
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| Ahhh...aren't you two cute! |
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| It looks like they're on the moon 🌒 |
Tue 28 Mar Agadir, Morocco Population: 924,000 (2014)
Here we decided to explore on our own, but first we had to negotiate for a taxi to take us to the main market - not as easy as it sounds! After shopping we just headed back to the ship for lunch. There was a bizarre sand storm happening here and it was in Casablanca too. It would look like rain from afar, but it was sand! So not good for your lungs.
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| Right away I spotted this pouf that I wanted - after walking through the market, we came back and bought the blue one in the middle. |
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| Dates anyone? Just grab a handful and don't worry about the sanitary conditions or the rats that are surely running around here. 😧 |
Wed 29 Mar Casablanca, MoroccoMade famous by the 1942, American film starring Humphrey Bogart ("Here's looking at you kid"). It is the largest city of Morocco with a population of about 3.71 million and is the country's chief port.
Another autonomous city, this time of Spain. Population: 85,144 (2018)
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| The Pillars of Hercules symbolizes the Strait of Gibraltar. Craig & Alain are fine, muscular pillars of strength too! 💪 |
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| Calipso statue, daughter of Atlas...stick your hips out a bit more fellas if you're trying to imitate her pose! 😍 |
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Monumento a la Semana Santa ceutí - it is not KKK as it first seemed. There's not much information on it. It's said to be a baroque-style image representing a penitent shaking hands with his young son, symbolizing the handing over of the baton to the youth. |
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| Slang term for "foreigner, this is means foreigner sandwiches. |
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| I must admit, I had him pose for this picture, but as you can tell by the grin on his face, he thought it was funny. |
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| We're old...we're not too great at selfies |
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| One more beach Alain & Craig would swim in |
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| Proof they got in...and threw the football around for a bit too |
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| That night, after Ceuta, Spain, we ate at the specialty restaurant "Cagney's Steakhouse". There was SOOOO much food. This was Craig & Alain comparing desert size. Craig's is as big as his head! Well, almost. Pretty hard to be THAT big! lol |
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| Finally managed to get these ladies to pose with the scarves I brought for them all the way from Thailand. |
Fri 31 Mar Granada (Malaga), Spain I've got nothing 🤷I honestly don't know how that happened.
Sat 1 Apr Seville (Cádiz), Spain Another autonomous city.
Population: 116,979 (2018)
It is often regarded as the most ancient city still standing in Western Europe. The Phoenicians established a port in the 7th century BC.
Here, we just walked off the ship to explore on our own. Craig did a great job as our guide.
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| The boys trying to reenact the scene where Halle Berry comes out of the water in the James Bond film (this is where she did it) |
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| What Halle looked like doing it |
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| Hmmm... big chocolate pastry |
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| Colourful fans for sale near the central market |
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Cádiz Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church built between 1722 and 1838 from the money obtained from trade between Spain and America |
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| A little window as we walked up to the bell tower |
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| We happened to be up there when the bells went off. Let me tell ya, it's friggin' loud! |
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| In another little cubby on our way down the bell tower stairs. Actually, I think it was a ramp, not stairs. |
Sun 2 Apr Lisbon, Portugal & the day most of the gang was returning to Canada. Judy was off to Greece and we were off to Riga (then Craig back to Moscow and me to Ottawa to give my Dad a helping hand)  |
Since we didn't take this picture when we were originally getting on the ship, we decided to get one when we got off. It was sad that this wonderful vacation was over, but it did have some hiccups with Shawn & Tanya's temporarily lost luggage, me, Andy & Shawn getting some stomach bug, me and some others having a bit of a head cold and Tanya ended up with an ear infection/vertigo and had some nausea on board. Despite all that, it was a great 2 weeks. I'm sorry that I don't have too many photos of Judy because most of the photos were taken on shore and she only joined us at one destination (the day I was sick).
Thank you to the gang (9 of us total) for making this cruise extra special.
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