Barbados: 50th Birthday; Our Pix's, Experiences Feb./2015!

you are so wise. I like the way you think! What is your opinion on the price of a taxi for like 9-3? I heard they run about $75 for three hours...but that would just not be enough time. Also, do you think they do not mind waiting in the car for so long while we are doing a tour or eating lunch etc??? Do you know the price of tipping a taxi in this situation? I heard restaurants include a service charge on your bill which includes the tip also.

Appreciate your kind comments. Not sure that I am that wise, just been around for some time and having been in many different places. I do not remember the cost for our three-hour tour, but that price range seems somewhat in the rough ballpark. Do not recall those exact details for our taxi tour and/or dining tipping amounts there in Barbados. Have done so many countries and situations that some of those details tend to "blend" together after time. Ask at the hotel where you are staying and they can give more insights, suggestions for your best tipping options.

If you have a good driver and establish a proper "relationship", they generally are very happy at being flexible and helping to make your tour/travels work well. If you are stopping at a location for an hour for lunch, they might be able to "take care of business" while you are inside eating. If they are getting paid and you are happy, they tend to be satisfied, also.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 192,397 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Hey Terry, it's Len.

We will be in Barbados next month and we are looking for a good tour as we really don't do beaches. Can you recommend the tour company you used, or did you do a ship's excursion.

Hope you are well and miss you on the Baltics boards.

Cheers

Len

loved all of your info and pics, can you please share the name of the beach your wife is pictured in right after the St. James picture ?

Just saw this report. Love the pictures! Hope to get there soon.

Thank you for sharing, I think I am most looking forward to our day in Barbados on our next cruise, and these pictures definately helped!

Hey Terry, it's Len. We will be in Barbados next month and we are looking for a good tour as we really don't do beaches. Can you recommend the tour company you used, or did you do a ship's excursion. Hope you are well and miss you on the Baltics boards. Cheers Len

Appreciate these nice comments and the good question from Len. In Barbados, we used a private taxi driver that we connected with through the Courtyard hotel front desk staff. Don't have that name and/or company available. Sorry!

Been busy since January. Left in later January for four weeks in South Africa, Botswana, etc. We enjoyed great sights, many safari experiences and wonderful adventure times!! Lots of pictures on my live/blog and this reporting can be seen at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now over 10,000 views for this reporting that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Delta area with lions, leopards, cape buffalo.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 137,890 views for this posting.

loved all of your info and pics, can you please share the name of the beach your wife is pictured in right after the St. James picture ?

GalCruzer: Just saw this report. Love the pictures! Hope to get there soon.

jaycruising: Thank you for sharing' date=' I think I am most looking forward to our day in Barbados on our next cruise, and [b']these pictures definately helped![/b]

On the good question about the beach pictured featuring my wife, it was taken along the western coast highway as we were being driven north from the main downtown toward the Sandy Lane Resort. It was definitely south of Sandy Lane. In looking at a map, I would guess, not totally certain, that it was along and/or near Payne's Bay and Holders Hill. Yes, that was a very nice stopping and scenic location.

Appreciate these various kind comments. YES, get to Barbados!! We regard it as a favorite AND a place where we would like to return in the Caribbean.

From this news source last month, they have this headline: "Barbados, Grenada named among destinations safest from natural disasters" with these highlights: "Despite occasional threats of hurricanes, earthquakes and even tsunamis, Barbados and Grenada have been listed among the top 10 countries where tourists are least likely to find themselves victims of natural disasters, according to a report from Telegraph Travel. Barbados placed behind Qatar and Malta to rank third safest on the list with a 1.16 percent chance of visitors experiencing a natural disaster. Grenada placed behind Saudi Arabia to be named fifth safest with a 1.44 percent chance of trouble."

This story also noted: "The United States, Canada and United Kingdom were not listed among either the top 10 safest or least safe countries for natural disasters. Destinations in Europe remained fairly low risk. Vanuatu in the South Pacific was named as being the most at-risk destination with a 36.43 per cent chance of disaster. As if to underscore the point, the country was hit by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake last week."

Good news for Barbados!!

Full story at:

http://www.caribbean360.com/news/barbados-grenada-named-among-destinations-safest-natural-disasters

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 212,601 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

From the Boston Globe Travel Section last Friday, they have this headline: "Looking for the good life in Barbados" with this highlighted warning on trying to pinch pennies too much if you would be: "missing out on the glossy Euro-Caribbean spectacle that makes Barbados distinctive from its island neighbors"

This profile also notes: "Barbados is the wealthiest and most developed country in the Eastern Caribbean. Many of the Brits and moneyed Europeans with indeterminable accents who holiday here are looking to let loose, not pinch their pounds when they drop anchor near one of the well-appointed beach clubs for an afternoon of rum cocktails. You may not have the yacht, but you can still go to the club and see how the other half vacations."

Lots of different "angles" and interesting options are outlined by this writer. Maybe these ideas do not work for everyone's tastes. BUT, think about this background shared. Worth a read and enjoyable!! This includes for us when we were able to drive past Sandy Lane and got to dream/think about living the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous".

Full story at:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2016/06/30/looking-for-good-life-barbados/Be31Dy2B4kMMh0v9PwLXgM/story.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 40,421 views for these postings.

From the London/UK Daily Express yesterday, they have this headline: "Barbados: Everything you NEED to see on Britain's favourite Caribbean island" with these highlights: "Barbados is one of the most easterly Caribbean islands, making it the first port of call for the British Navy during its colonial era. Bridgetown and its colonial garrison area are now Unesco-listed and if you are lucky enough to be in the area on a race day you'll find the atmosphere at the Savannah horse track beside the garrison exhilarating. The 300-year-old buildings are interesting to nose around and the Barbados Museum explains the island's history. Atlantis Submarines is a pricey but unforgettable excursion - if only because it's not every day you get to go underwater in a submarine. Everybody gets a window seat so they can see the coral reef and colourful fish. "

This profile has a number of different ideas and pictures, plus other details to consider if you are planning to visit Barbados.

Full story at:

http://www.express.co.uk/travel/cruise/694346/Barbados-Everything-NEED-see-Britain-favourite-Caribbean-island-best-things

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 18,012 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Thanx for all the info!

Starting to put together our plan for when we get there and there is a lot of great info in here!

Cheers!

Thanx for all the info! Starting to put together our plan for when we get there and there is a lot of great info in here! Cheers!

Appreciate your nice follow-up. YES, keep doing that serious research and planning. Part of the Barbados challenge is that you many, many very good options to consider. This is not a boring and/or average Caribbean islands where you can just get off of the ship, walk around a little and go back to the ship. Happy to share any more information.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 155,076 views for this posting.

Thank you for sharing all of the information and beautiful pictures. We will be in Barbados in Jan. on our first Caribbean cruise. You have helped to both visualize what is to come, and enhanced our understanding of the possibilities.

George and Lori

Thank you for sharing all of the information and beautiful pictures. We will be in Barbados in Jan. on our first Caribbean cruise. You have helped to both visualize what is to come, and enhanced our understanding of the possibilities. George and Lori

Appreciate this nice follow-up from Lori and George. Good luck on your upcoming first Caribbean cruise. I am sure Barbados will be one of your highlights during this "adventure". You're from Kansas!! Get there much as my wife's brother and family live in the Junction City. Know your state well. What part of Kansas are you based?

Let us know any added questions!! Happy to share more.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 42,469 views for these postings.

We're outside of Wichita. Just saw a commercial for the Jammin' in JC concert and BBQ. We made it up for that a couple of years ago. Had a great time.

George and Lori

We're outside of Wichita. Just saw a commercial for the Jammin' in JC concert and BBQ. We made it up for that a couple of years ago. Had a great time. George and Lori

Appreciate the follow-up from Lori and George near Wichita. Glad that you've had some Junction City connection!!

From the TravelWeek trade publication last month, they have this headline: "Barbados unveils initiatives that aim for cultural immersion and experiences" with these highlights: "Some of the new programs that were cited were Speightstown Sizzlin', a town 11 miles north of the capital of Bridgetown on the west coast where visitors can take part in the Saturday night fish fry, similar to the larger one held every Friday night at Oistins near Bridgetown; the Holetown Heritage Walking Tour, a town eight miles north of Bridgetown that features tours with characters in period costumes and reenactments of historical events; and Breezin', which will offer visitors the chance to have family dinners with the Bajans, make pottery with local artisans and sample and make typical island specialties at community gatherings."

This story quoted Kerry Hall, CEO of the Barbados Tourism Product Authority, saying: "Travelers want more than the beach. They want cultural and community immersion, memorable off-the-beaten path experiences, value for their money, more experiential and educational activities, security and opportunities to give back to the local community. We need to showcase and tell the story of Barbados to and for our visitors."

During our tour, we traveled through Speightstown and found it to be an interesting community with lots of character and history. Yes, we liked that Barbados was much more than just beaches and shopping. We loved this wider range of potentials on this great island. This story encouraged people to visit the visitbarbados.org website for more info and options.

Let's hope for the best for the eastern Caribbean as tropical storm Matthew brought wind gusts ranging from 50 mph to 60 mph from Dominique to St. Lucia and Barbados. News reports say the islands saw heavy rainfall of up to 3 inches, causing landslides and flash flooding.

Full story at:

http://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/Insights/Barbados-unveils-initiatives-that-aim-for-cultural-immersion-and-experiences

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 32,944 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

From the Irish Examiner in late October, they have this headline: "Year round sunshine makes Barbados an ideal spot" with these highlights: "I was pleasantly surprised to arrive to clear blue sunny skies. I’ve realised you shouldn’t take notice of the forecast for the Caribbean, it almost always says clouds and showers, but that’s usually only for a few minutes a day. So, expect year-round sunshine and average temperatures of 30 degrees. Barbados is always a good choice."

Lots of pictures and options are outlined in this story. Here are some more highlights shared by the writer: "From the gentle breeze on the Caribbean Sea side of the island, to the rugged Atlantic waves and wind on the other, the tour brought us all over Barbados from Bathsheba to Little Bay and finished with a typical Bajan lunch of fish and chicken with rice and peas before dropping us back to the hotel to catch the last few hours of sunshine on the beach."

This story bring back nice memories from our fun times in Barbados last year.

Full story at:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/travel/year-round-sunshine-makes-barbados-an-ideal-spot-for-a-relaxing-getaway-428057.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 63,761 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From the London/UK Independent three days ago, they have this headline: "Lesser-Known Caribbean Spots" with this sub-headline: "It's not just about fly-and-flop holidays"

Early in the overall story, they note: "The Caribbean islands are too easily dismissed as the preserve of sun-seekers. The Caribbean is rich in nature, history and culture. It has a complex story to tell. The legacy of conquest and slavery, emancipation and independence, agriculture, industry and tourism have all left their indelible marks on both the people and environment."

This story focuses on this specific highlight for Barbados: A day at the races in Barbados! This includes: "Barbados may be well-known to Brits but there are still plenty of undiscovered pleasures. Place a bet at the Garrison Savannah (barbadosturfclub.org). This former parade ground for the British army has been the scene of horse races since 1845. Today 25 meetings are held throughout the year, including The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup in March. You don’t need to be a racing fan to enjoy a day at these races. Plenty of families picnic in the grounds to watch the marching bands and the excitable crowds when the horses hit the final furlong."

While they were not racing when we were there, we did see this racetrack and area. Nice to know more of the history here.

Full story at:

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/americas/swim-with-pigs-pig-beach-bahamas-caribbean-quiet-beaches-st-kitts-train-a7407711.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 205,236 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

From the London/UK Daily Mail today, they have this part of their headline: "From the glamour to the stunning beach and unparalleled beauty: 14 things about Barbados that you probably never knew" with these story highlights: "Barbados is known for its scenes of silky white sand shores, tumbling turquoise waves and palm-lined beaches - but there's far more to the Caribbean island than initially meets the eye. Aside from being a tropical oasis (as if that wasn’t enough), Barbados is also a cultural hotspot, a foodie haven and an explorer’s delight. From secluded beaches loved by the locals to fine cuisine at the islands most exclusive restaurants, to hand-crafted works of art, we reveal the 14 things about Barbados that you might not know."

Here are a few options to consider: "For a fancy feast, look no further than critically acclaimed spots like The Cliff, Cin Cin and Lonestar – all providing a luxury twist on classic cuisine with idyllic views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The whole island is in fact only 166 square miles, which will come as great news for any avid explorers who like to get to grips with the lay of the land. The best way to get around is by car - why not rent a convertible and get the most of the sunny skies above and be sure to opt for a 4x4 to tackle the inner-island hilly terrain. Barbados is world famous for its delicious – and strong! - rum and no visit to the island would be complete without sipping on a few Bajan rum punches. Forget cordoned off VIP areas, the beaches of Barbados are for all to enjoy, giving you plenty of choice when picking your perfect sunbathing spot. In fact, when the tide is right, it’s possible to walk all the way down the glamorous West Coast – perfect for a romantic stroll at sunset or a morning jog along the beach."

This article brings back nice memories and encourages a return trip for us. Yes, that's a priority, but we have other priorities ahead of us for the Panama Canal, Southeast Asia, etc. They note that you can discover more about Barbados at http://www.visitbarbados.org

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-3902514/From-glamour-shops-Holetown-stunning-deserted-Foul-Bay-beach-unparalleled-beauty-Flower-Forest-14-things-Barbados-probably-never-knew.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 22,847 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Sorry, incorrect post here. Meant for Aruba board.

From the Chicago Tribune on Jan. 6, they have this headline: "Celebrate Carnival in the Caribbean" with these highlights: "Carnival is about over-the-top, shed-your-inhibitions fun. Like Mardi Gras, it's traditionally a last chance for excess before the solemn season of Lent for Catholics. The annual bash is practically synonymous with Rio de Janeiro. But it's also a big deal in the Caribbean, which, despite popular belief, isn't one homogeneous destination. Each Caribbean island has its own history, cuisine, culture — and its own take on Carnival. On some islands, the event is tied to Catholic traditions. On others, it commemorates slave emancipation or the harvest."

Here are more details on: "Barbados: Aug. 7. Barbados could give Trinidad a run for the title of top party island — just don't call Barbados' event Carnival. It's Crop Over, and it's so important to this former British colony that it's a national holiday. As the name suggests, Crop Over celebrates the end of the harvest, on an island that was once among the world's largest sugar producers. Soca music competitions, the coronation of the Crop Over king and queen, parties, boat rides and parades — nearly two months of nonstop festivities lead up to the main event, Kadooment Day, the first Monday in August, when revelers parade through the streets in barely there bikinis loaded with sequins and feathered finery. You might even spot pop star Rihanna, who often returns to her native island for the festivities."

As detailed in my full live/blog linked below, we were very fortunate to hit a nice and wide variety of Carnival experiences in Bonaire, Dominica and St. Barts. That was one of our top highlights for being in the Caribbean at this sunny time of the year. Below are a few of pictures as "proof" and evidence!!

Full story at:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/sc-where-to-celebrate-carnival-caribbean-travel-0110-20161230-story.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 46,852 views for these postings.

Here are two of my pictures from the Carnival parade on Sunday afternoon in Bonaire. It was suppose to start at 2 pm. BUT, as our destination speaker Cory Sandler noted, he had the "cover" by saying it would be a "Caribbean Time"!!! starting schedule. That actually meant a timing that started closer to around 3:30-4 pm. Both Cory and I had to move forward up that routing in order to get some pictures as things in the parade/festival moved very, very slow. It was such total fun to be here to sample these festivities. We really got a feel for some of the "real people" who live here and how they like to enjoy, celebrate, etc.:

Here is my wife in Bonaire getting her picture captured with the "KING" of this segment of their Carnival parade group. Are people having fun? The facial expressions summarize the enjoyment perfectly!:

Here are two photo samples from Dominica's wonderful Carnival parade and celebration during our February 15 visit. One of the super big pluses was having it done and twisting in and around their old, historic area of their downtown. So much unique history to bring back there from the "old days" feel that was apart of this island's past.:

Here is one item of photo proof for the loud, loud drum action as the parade/procession was starting with the "straw statute" to go to the beach on St. Barts. It was great fun and a super experience to capture samples from these different Carnival examples at three different Caribbean islands. Each location was varied and very special in their own ways.:

From the Huffington Post today, they have this headline: "Why You Need To Head To Barbados Right Now" with this sub-head: "Sun, sand and rum punch are only the beginning."

Here are some of their story highlights: "Skip the freezing winter weather, pack a swimsuit and hop on a plane to sunny Barbados just as soon as you can. With temperatures in the high 70s-low 80s and so many activities to choose from, January to April is the best time to visit this island of beautiful beaches."

They cite thirteen things you have to do in Barbados. Here are some top suggestions: "Go the beaches. All of them. Barbados has so much gorgeous sand and sun it’s impossible to know where to lay out first. We suggest heading to Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown for the clear water, perfect snorkeling conditions and the chance to explore a few shipwrecks. Over the course of your stay, make sure to make it out to all of the island’s incredible spots ― including, but not limited to, Bathsheba, Accra, Miami, Reeds Bay, Welches, Brandons, Dover, Crane, Silver Sands, Paynes Bay Beach, and so many more!"

They also suggested: walking around Bridgetown, go under the sea in a submarine, head to Oistins’ fish fry on Fry-day, head to Harrison’s Cave, frolic around the gorgeous Flower Forest, play a round of golf at Sandy Lane and do dinner at The Cliff. Lots of pictures, details and potentials with this reporting. Brings back nice, fun memories.

Full story at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/things-to-do-in-barbados_us_5876b4cde4b092a6cae5341b?section=us_travel

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 167,546 views for this posting.

From the London/UK Guardian last weekend, they have this headline: “Barbados holiday guide: the best beaches, restaurants, bars” with this sub-headline; "You don’t need a pop star’s budget to enjoy the palm trees and ‘sunny Caribbean sea’ of this popular island. Genie Austin reveals her homeland’s best beaches, cheap eats, rum shops and typically tropical activities".

Here are some of their story highlights: “On an island where holidays can come at shockingly high prices, this idea of paradise feels woefully beyond the reach of the average traveller. However, as every Bajan knows, the charms of this tiny coral island between the Caribbean and the Atlantic can be unlocked without breaking the bank at a luxury hotel or being limited by a package deal.”.

Lots and lots of very good ideas, options, visuals, etc. Brings back nice memories from our visiting two years ago in Barbados. Loved this island, its history, people, culture, etc.!!

As noted below, we just got back from some Caribbean, Colombia, etc. sampling, plus going through the Panama Canal, seeing Central American and Mexico in firsts for us, doing San Francisco, etc. Full details below.

Full story at:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/mar/25/barbados-holiday-guide-best-beaches-bars-restaurants-hotels

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Panama Canal? Just completed Feb. 28-Mar. 15, 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through the Panama Canal with our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Lots of fun pictures!! Those pictures start on the second page, post #26. See more at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Getting ready in six days to be departing for Lisbon and our first visit to Portugal. Then, we will be seeing NW Spain, Bordeaux and Brittany also for the first time in these charming regions. Will do a live/blog for these "adventures". Join in and feel free to ask any questions as we sail.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 32,064 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

HOW WAS OUR LATEST ADVENTURE??!!: Just got back last month from three weeks in Europe doing five days in Lisbon, sailing from Portugal, seeing for the first time NW Spain, Bordeaux, Brittany, etc. Great sights and sites!

Below are a few "samples" to prove the value for exploring these wonderful areas on a nice ship. The central/connecting part was an eleven-day, very port-intensive cruise from Lisbon to Rouen/France on the highly-enjoyable Silversea Silver Spirit. For many more pictures and full details, check out this live/blog:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.):

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 51,883 views for these postings.

For Sintra north of Lisbon, here is one small visual sampling. Yes, as we told our grandsons, these are "Real Castles!". Really have learned lots on the unique history of Portugal.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger!)

From Porto, during our first trip to Portugal, we loved doing a small-craft sailing along their historic town areas near where Port wines are stored and sold.:

At the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the art is mostly about the building. Lighting and time of day when photo shooting allows for much creativity as to how you can capture this structure, its outdoor art, the inside drama, etc. Not your grandfather's museum! Like?:

Here is one quick visual sample from being in Bordeaux. If you love history and architecture, this is the super place to be!!. Like the little boy enjoying the water experience?:

During our Guernsey Island visit off of the French coast, we did our ship's "Powerboat Seascape Expedition". Great fun and sightings! Isn't this puffin cute?? Plus, lots of seal, beach, sea gull, etc., actions and activities.:

After the cruise concluded in Rouen, we finished with in-depth time in Brittany and to finish with a stop at Monet's Giverny before flying out from Paris' de Gaulle airport.:

After the dire impact of Hurricane Irma on nearby islands such as St-Maarten, the Virgin Islands, St. Barts, etc., it will be interesting to see in October, November, December, etc., if many cruise lines re-direct their eastern Caribbean stops to locations such as Barbados. Will be looking for any reporting as to if more people will get discover this unique and historic island. Any others picking up such information as to when and how the cruise lines will make schedule changes during their prime winter season?

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Panama Canal? Completed Feb. 28-Mar. 15, 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through the Panama Canal with our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! Those visuals start on the second page, post #26. See more at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580