Transatlantic cruise

[Michael Black]

Just returned from a 13 night transatlantic cruise on the Disney Magic from Miami to Barcelona. We had to take a covid test the day before we flew to Miami and another before boarding.
Although not required we still kept our masks on in the airport and on the plane we didn't want to be denied boarding after waiting 2years.
We left Miami and set an easterly course for Punta Delgada in the Azores due to arrive in 7 days, but the day before we were due to arrive the captain announced that the forecast was too bad to attempt to dock and he had decided to continue on to the next port Lisbon.
We arrived there 12 hour's earlier than planned and had an overnight stop there.The next day was my birthday and my wife and I had a run ashore to celebrate. After leaving Lisbon we sailed to Cadiz,Malaga,and Cartagena having a day in each before arriving at Barcelona where we disembarked.
We like the Disney Magic as it is not a party ship and does not have a casino or streets of shops. The entertainment is first rate and lots of things to do. There are not a lot of kids on the transatlantic 's and only about half full so plenty of space to keep distanced.
We had good weather all the way and the depression that stopped us calling at the Azores had only given us a following sea and did not affect us at all.
The covid precautions were all over the ship but some must have slipped through the testing in Miami as there were a few cases on board.
All in all a good holiday and we were sorry to leave but still good to be home.We flew back to Newcastle via Heathrow arriving home about 10o'clock in the evening.
Regards Michael

[happy daze john in oz]

Well don emate.
If all goes as planer we will be on one from Southampton next month.
Been almost 2.52 years since the last, getting cabin fever from not being able to sail.

[John Arton]

Did a couple of trips taking jet fuel from sines in Portugal to punta Delgada, very interesting place, good fort with all the old cannons still in place and nice main Street. The island is very green but hilly and it's airport has on of the longest runways as it is capable of handling the American B52 bombers.
Rgds
J.A.

[Michael Black]

Hope all goes well for you John. Which ship will that be. Must admit to being a bit apprehensive about going but once on-board relaxed and enjoyed it.
We booked a placeholder giving us 10% off a future cruise so now looking to book a Norwegian fjords cruise for next year.
Regards Michael

[happy daze john in oz]

With Princess out of Southampton to Norway and Iceland.
Did Norway in 2019 as far as you can go north in the summer with 24 hour daylight.
Only 3 ports in Norway this time 2 we have not seen and 4 in Iceland.

[Michael Black]

Sounds good John, we have booked today for the Northern European cruise. Never been to Copenhagen, Oslo, only passed through Amsterdam Airport but worked in Stavangar for 9 months so know that well.
Regards Michael

[happy daze john in oz]

Done a couple up there.
Best one took in St. Petersburg in Russia, but the way things are just now I doubt if they will go there for some time.
Interesting part of the world.

[Michael Black]

St Petersburgh is a no go now and I have heard that some lines are cancelling Tallinin in Estonia as well.
Regards Michael

[Des Taff Jenkins]

I did most of the Ports in Norway Sweden and Denmark on a small BP tanker back in the 50s, Stavanger on a bigger tanker lovely trips.
A big Cruise ship came into Sydney yesterday the first since the Covid lock down/
Des

[happy daze john in oz]

A pity as both St Petersburg and Tallin are great places to visit.
Was told by the guide that the parents of Putin were born in Tallin, Estonia was part of USSR at one time.