In just over a month I will be waiting for the car to come and collect me to drive me down to Southampton Terminal for boarding and I can't wait.
I leave on 19th November setting sail for Funchal, Madera as our first stop. We have four days on board first as we gently make our way down the coast UK and Europe. I anticipate getting to know the sauna rooms and the hydrotherapy suite very well during that time.
I'm on the sister ship, Spirit of Adventure so different decor but essentially the same layout. Sadly I won't get to see the staff off the other ship but perhaps another time.
Our itinerary is nice;
November 23rd, Funchal and an inclusive tour of Funchal itself with the rest of the day exploring and enjoying the town. Its a lovely place, one I've been to a couple of times but I never get tired of the Portuguese style of buildings, the food and the sea front.
On 24th, November we're in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, where I will again have an inclusive tour of the city (certainly cheaper than the tourist bus at €48) and once again an enjoyable stroll about. I've been here many a time so it'll be like going back home in a way. My saddest thought is not seeing Puerto de la Cruz, some 40kms away but that's for another time.
The 25th sees us docking in Santa Cruz, La Palma. I'll spend the morning with binoculars looking at the volcanic eruption remnants and then maybe a stroll along the sea front but I'm off out in the afternoon on a coastal walk and to see the forest of Los Tilos so I won't want to be late and will need lunch beforehand.
I spent a week I think, with Pete Simmons over there. That was years ago. He had lived there for two years and never ventured far, not even to other islands to explore. I never did understand why and he never showed me the island as promised, not even the large telescopes at the top of the island, the reason I went in the first place.
I'm not sure how my ankle will take the walking but at least we will have time at sea until, on 28th November we arrive at Porto Grande, Cape Verde.
Not sure what I will do in the morning but at 1pm I'm off on a sight seeing mission to look round Mindelo City and explore their culture.
I've never been here before so it will be interesting. I've been warned about the poverty on the island since the salt mines were closed down, so this is something I am keen to see and photograph.
We then move on to Praia, Cape Verde on 29th and get to see Santiago. I'm back in time got lunch so, depending upon when we set sail will determine if I stay on board or visit somewhere close....on foot.
We have a few days back on board as we sail toward the Canaries once more and make a stop at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on 2nd December. I've seen some of the island but not the northern parts, so I am joining a trip which will take in the sights. Gran Canaria itself is huge but there is a really nice cut through to the beach not far from where the ship docks. If its a nice day, I'll probably wander up there and have a paddle....it's just got to be done.
We arrive in Arrecife the next day and I pray for good weather because I'm high-tailing it to the ⛱ and staying for as long as I can. The sand is soft, fine and warm and the beach bars are wonderful.
I'm busy on 5th December. We arrive in Lisbon, early in the morning, and my first of 2 trips leaves at 9am. The first is just a look around Lisbon itself and the second is something with an intriguing title: Guincho, Cascais and Estoril. With a title like that I just had to say yes.
So there you have it.
The places, the excursions and my hopes and dreams. Not long to wait and I'm already planning what to take.
I am so ready for this 🤩
