Aruba: Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015!

Appreciate these nice comments and follow-ups. When we visited Aruba, we did a morning overview tour through our ship that gave us a good sampling for many of the various, key sites and locations around on this island. We did not want to do the hassle for getting of a rental car, driving on our own, navigating, etc. Nor wasting time waiting on public transit, etc.

 

Although this island is not that big or complicated, for our purposes, it was good to not have to worry on any of those "logistics". Then, in the afternoon, on our own, we got a taxi to take us to excellent Eagle Island. Things worked well for our time there in Aruba. We got a good sampling, but did not have to worry too much to make it all happen. Does this help? Any other questions, comments?

 

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 191,813 views.

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

Well, it was not the answer I was hoping for, but yes, it was helpful. I was hoping you would say that it was a tour so that I could book it, but since you booked from the ship, I guess that won't happen. Most island tours take you to places like the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista chapel, Natural Bridge etc. I've seen those before, but would love to check out the places you visited. Not thinking that will happen, but I'm glad you got to experience those places.

Thanks for sharing all the pictures. They are FABULOUS.

cruiseapril: Great photos. Great island.

Bluemoon319: Well' date=' it was not the answer I was hoping for, but yes, it was helpful. I was hoping you would say that it was a tour so that I could book it, but since you booked from the ship, I guess that won't happen. Most island tours take you to places like the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista chapel, Natural Bridge etc. I've seen those before, but would love to check out the places you visited. Not thinking that will happen, but I'm [b']glad you got to experience those places[/b].

Appreciate these nice comments and follow-ups from Brenda, April and Nancy. Glad to know that each of you are persons of such high class, great taste and wonderful judgment to make these generous comments.

Depending on how busy the port is on the day you are there, you might chat with one or two cab drivers and see what you can work out and/or negotiate, etc. With certain drivers, especially in the afternoon, when the peak crowds have passed, there might be a "creative" options as a potential. Good luck!!

Just ten aways from when we depart for Cape Town to enjoy South Africa, Mozambique, Victoria Falls and Botswana. Will do a full live/blog for that adventure to escape, again, the cold of the winter Midwest.

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 56,492 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

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

Just ten aways from when we depart for Cape Town to enjoy South Africa, Mozambique, Victoria Falls and Botswana. Will do a full live/blog for that adventure to escape, again, the cold of the winter Midwest.

To update, we are back safely from 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 trip detailing can be seen at:

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

Now over 10,300 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, elephants, giraffes, hippos, etc., etc.

Ohio was not too bad for the time while we traveled below the Equator, but the weather for these southern parts of Africa was much warmer and sunnier than what we would have experienced in the Midwest during these winter periods.

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 nearly 138,000 views for this posting.

From the London/UK Guardian earlier this month, they have this headline: "Aruba's wild side" with these highlights: "There’s much more to the Caribbean island of Aruba than its gorgeous white sands. Its untamed side offers rugged landscapes and remote beaches – and there are now direct flights from the UK."

Here are a few other story highlights: "Twenty-four hours into my visit to Aruba, I’ve slipped into an easy routine. It starts with fresh juice on the balcony of my casita. I watch the bright green lizards soaking up the first rays of sun before cycling to nearby Dushi Bagels, a family-run cafe whose walls heave with paintings by local artists and shade is provided by palm trees wrapped in colourful crochet. This month, Thomson Airways added direct flights to Aruba from Manchester, and Virgin Holidays has just added the island to its portfolio."

Sound good and interesting? Here are a few more items to encourage you to visit Aruba or to go back: "Part of the appeal is its Dutch heritage, with rainbow-coloured, gabled houses across the island and in the capital, Oranjestad. Its west coast has the requisite Caribbean beaches, with turquoise water and long curves of powdery white sand, dotted with bars and hotels. But the eastern side has an altogether different character. Wonderfully untamed, with wide stretches of darker sand battered by foamy waves, it’s a paradise for surfers. Even the swimming pools are wild: jeep drive across the arid landscape leads me to what’s known locally as the Natural Pool, a circular basin protected from the pounding sea by a semi-submerged natural rock wall, where where I spend a few hours floating in the warm water."

Full story at:

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/may/07/aruba-wild-side-direct-flights-caribbean-holiday

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 198,494 views.

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

From the Caribbean Journal earlier this week, they have this headline: "In Aruba, A Conference on Happiness" with these highlights: "the 'happy island' of Aruba will host Happiness 360 Conference World Tourism Aruba– an international symposium in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The event is scheduled for September 13-14, and will highlight industry trends and synergies between tourism, culture and happiness."

This story notes that Aruba is "the most tourism-reliant nation, relative to size, in the world" and that the island is very "attuned to industry trends". I have not been ask to speak at this event. They just need to cover my travel costs and I will be happy to be there, attend, share more details and enjoy this area, again. I will check the mail box each day hoping to get some free tickets.

Full story at:

http://www.caribjournal.com/2016/06/29/aruba-conference-happiness/#

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 146,725 views for this posting.

Here are some more varied views and examples from what we experienced during day in Aruba. These had not been previously posted on my live/blog that is linked below.

 

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 28,877 views for these postings.

 

 

Here are some more examples of sights and options in and around Aruba. This includes some of the rough, rocky coastal areas, a long view from the lighthouse to the concentration of hotel/resorts areas, some plant/tree examples, their fun license plate and an example of the Aloe products produce on this island.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Terry

Thanks for all your posts, they are very helpful. How was this lotion??

Hi Terry. Thanks for all your posts, they are very helpful. How was this lotion??

Appreciate your kind comments and the very good question. Just asked my wife. Her response: "Great! I love it. I want to buy more." Sounds very positive. Their materials were not cheap, but it is good news that my wife is a very satisfied customer.

Keep the wonderful questions and sharing happening.

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 148,369 views for this posting.

Loved looking through your post on Aruba. We (my husband, my 15 yr old granddaughter, and myself) will be on a cruise in December this year and a stop in Aruba and Curacao (among Amber Cove and Santo Domingo)...loved seeing these fabulous photos too, I hope to take some as nice. My husband is interested in a trike excursion in the desert of Aruba and I am looking forward to Eagle Beach and sightseeing. Curacao my favorite will be the waterfront areas. I will read through this a few times more I am sure, before we leave in 139 days !!! Thanks for sharing.

Terry,

I ALWAYS enjoy your posts, detailed info and AMAZING photos!!! I am quite sure this has already been asked, but what kind of a camera do you use? I think I am going to invest in a new one prior to our ABC trip next July! Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed your trip to Africa!

Terry, I ALWAYS enjoy your posts, detailed info and AMAZING photos!!! I am quite sure this has already been asked, but what kind of a camera do you use? I think I am going to invest in a new one prior to our ABC trip next July! Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed your trip to Africa!

Appreciate your kind viewpoint on my pictures. Glad to know you're a person of such high class, great taste and wonderful judgment to make these generous comments.

On my camera, I upgraded to a Nikon D7100 with an 18-140mm VR lens before our 2014 Australia-NZ adventure. It is a good camera, but not at the top-pro, highest-cost levels. But, just like with an artist or cook, it is not always the quality of the paint brushes or pots and pans making the difference. It's the skill, attention to detail and interest of the camera user. I had been using a Nikon D3100 camera that is now down to around $300-500 for that type of a camera with a good and versatile 18-55mm lens.

Lenses are also important. Mostly I shoot with the Nikon 18-140mm mid-range zoom lens that came with this Nikon D7100 camera. Also have a Nikon 55-300mm VR lenses for longer shots and a 10-20mm Sigma wide angle that is great for church and building interiors, etc. I also got a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 for lower light and other such needs/specialities, including food and evening shows. This Nikon D7100 camera also has 1080HD video capability that works well with our two grandsons born within 21 and a half months of each other. In most cases, I shoot in the program or auto setting, letting the camera do the work on settings and focus so that I can be more concerned on framing, subject and creative options. These cameras can be “complicated”, but I try to avoid those challenges and distractions. Here are a few of my basic, key photography secrets:

1. Shooting lots of pictures. That's easier with digital to do, learning as you are taking pictures. When done and sharing, only show people the "good ones!" and do not bother them with the average, duplicate and/or poor ones. The more you shoot, that improves your "odds" to get more better pictures, varied framings, magic moments, etc.

2. Move closer! Zoom in, fill up the frame, try different, more interesting angles.

3. Involve people and light. Make it interesting. Get that human element/connection when possible. Do NOT be boring!! Get something better than just the normal "post-card" picture that everyone has previously seen.

4. Hold things steady. Gently squeeze. Use door frames, walls to give more "stability" and lessen the blurs in lower-light situations. Night pictures can have a real drama.

5. Editing: Fine-tune your pictures on your lap-top, brighten when needed, level it out, improve the cropping, etc. Narrow down to only your "best of the best" pictures before sharing. I have done that on my MacBook Pro computer using their iPhoto and now Aperture software tools. Fairly quick and easy!! That thoughtful editing really can make a major difference to increase quality and interest.

Does this help? There questions, info needs? Happy to share more.

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 18,412 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.

Am looking to do a Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco cruise through the Panama Canal in late February-early March 2017. This includes a short 7 am to 1 pm stop in Aruba. That's a limited amount of time on this island. Clearly we have seen from our 2014 visit many of the key highlights there, but doing Aruba snorkeling seems of interest. Any tips, ideas, suggestions, experiences, etc., to share as to where is best for such underwater viewings, getting good/interesting visuals, etc. There are several ship excursion options, but wanted to get any good tips and ideas.

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 43,548 views for these postings.

From the Washington Post in late October, they have this headline: "Visit a Caribbean island — but which one?" with this opening summary highlights: "Think 'Caribbean,' and images of palm trees, aquamarine seas and fruity drinks with umbrellas typically come to mind. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find distinctly different vibes, landscapes, weather and attractions defining the region’s more than 7,000 individual islands."

For Aruba, this story notes "Known for their wide, white sands and blue waters, the beaches of Aruba come in many flavors. The two-mile Palm Beach, in front of a string of high-end resorts, casinos and clubs, offers calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. The quieter Eagle Beach, just south of Palm Beach, is popular with watersports enthusiasts; come in June to view sea turtle hatchlings. On the more remote Arashi Beach, which is away from hotels, there are free thatched huts to sit under. For crashing waves, rent a 4-by-4 and head to Andicuri Beach."

Lots of details in the profile for various Caribbean options. This story helps hype interest to enjoy the Caribbean, again, as the winter cold rolls into the Midwest.

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/youve-decided-to-visit-a-caribbean-island--but-which-one-heres-our-island-by-island-guide/2016/10/27/39f897e0-9168-11e6-9c52-0b10449e33c4_story.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 CNN cable news network on Tuesday this week, they have this headline: "Aruba Aloe sheds light on potent, powerful plant" with these highlights: "For the tiny Dutch Caribbean island that lies less than 30 miles off the coast of Venezuela, 'A' could just as easily stand for aloe. With its dry, arid climate and nearly year-round sunshine, Aruba offers ideal growing conditions for the desert-dwelling plant. In fact, so successful is aloe-growing on the island that the plant is Aruba's top export. The best place on the island to get up-close and personal with the potent, medicinal plant is the Aruba Aloe farm and factory in Hato, a short, 10- to 15-minute drive from Aruba's main hotel zone."

This is an interesting story with great details about aloe and Aruba. We enjoyed our visit to this Aruba Aloe farm and plant. My wife loves the aloe products that she bought there and now uses. This profile notes that aloe is "packed with 12 vitamins, 35 minerals and 20 amino acids."

Full story at:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/10/travel/aruba-aloe-farm/

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 220,057 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

Have good friends, Amy and Milt, in Aruba yesterday and today. Below are some fun pictures that they have sent to me. We will be there in Aruba in early March as we are on our way to Colombia, the Panama Canal, Central America, San Francisco, etc.

Clearly, as the pictures prove, they are enjoying the sunny weather there. Their cruise is giving them two days in Aruba, including an overnight. That's really nice!!

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 170,254 views for this posting.

First, here is an example of the blue waters there in Aruba. Second is the cute boat from which they were doing their snorkeling today. We are scheduled to use this same boat for water adventures in about two and a half weeks. Third is Milt in the waters there off of that boat.:

Here is a nice view of either the sunset or sunrise there in Aruba. Not sure which time that this visual was taken. Next are some views in connection with a beach-side watering location. Got to keep drinking in these locations to capture the "spirits"!!??:

Appreciate your Aruba interests. Here are three more visuals from Amy and Milt on location as my "special reporters" in Aruba. Maybe more to come! This is helping build our excitement to be re-visiting Aruba.

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 208,950 views.

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

Here is the Scientology vessel that is kept in port in Aruba. As I have been told, there is no Scientology church here, but this ship picks up members every week and tours around the Caribbean. Also have heard that Tom Cruise has a place here in Aruba. Yes, this "church" must have some money, right? I remember seeing this ship in port when we were there in 2015, but did not know that background for its ownership and/or uses.:

From their visit to an aloe production location, here are a couple of their visuals.:

Below is a connection for a live/blog from our March experiences in doing this fun "adventure", including our visit again to Aruba. It was too short of time period. Will try to post more pictures here. Or, go to this live/blog to see lots of my most recent pictures and details. This March cruise includes our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great San Francisco. Very special and interesting in seeing the Panama Canal and learning about its creation/construction.

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 times in these charming regions. Will do a live/blog for these "adventures". Join in and feel free to ask any questions as we sail. It will be on the Silversea Cruise Critic board.

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

Here is the first of three picture segments from our Aruba visit on Friday, March 3, 2017. This was the first stop on our Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco. As I mentioned earlier, our time to visit this island was less than four net hours, but it was enjoyable with the sunny weather and great, fun sights. And we were here mostly only in the mornings before the weather got too hot in the afternoon.

Since we had a full day two years ago in early 2015 for visiting Aruba, we had previously done many of the key, expected options, including the fallen natural bridge, the aloe factory, the California lighthouse, Eagle Beach, etc.

I was interested in doing some snorkeling, while my wife, Penny, had always wanted to do some beach horse-back riding. Could I go along for that horse-riding. Not really!! They have a weight limit for doing that ride and I flunked it for meeting their standards. Can’t be punishing those nice horse too much.

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 225,084 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

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

For activities, here is a picture of Penny enjoying her horse-back riding, including along a scenic beach area. Her horse’s name was Martini. This was a “bucket-list” event for my wife.:

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

While I was snorkeling, here is a picture I took with my waterproof camera showing our Jolly Pirates ship. Looking cool? Yes!!:

On our pirate ship, here are a couple of visual samples, including of the Captain and his mate who made the drinks. Beverages were included!! Fun!!:

From our ship here is a view of California lighthouse on Aruba along with a portion of the rocky coastline.:

Here is an example of one of our ship passenger doing his snorkel work in the waters of the Caribbean Sea.:

Here is the second of three groupings from our Aruba visit. More to come!! That’s both a promise and threat?!

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 32,081 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

On our pirate ship, after snorkeling in two different locations, there was time for using a “swing” to leap off of this ship and go out into the deep salt waters. Many did very well, including a few who worked in a flip at the end as they let go of the rope handle. For me, too much weight and gravity!! Sorry! My skills in hanging on for very long were seriously challenged. But, I did do “IT”!!! Below are a couple photo examples for others enjoying this fun.:

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

From our ship, we got some nice scenic views of the nearby beaches, hotels, water activities and shore setting. Here are a couple of examples. Yes, this island is very dry and there are lots of cactus here.:

Here is one of our boat mates using the power boat towed by our sail boat. He went back to check on items from our passengers being left at the snorkeling site being left in the waters. I showed him this dramatic picture and he liked it.:

After we got off of our pirate ship, we walked back and saw this interesting beach scene.:

Here is the final group from our March 2017 brief Aruba visit.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 68,547 views.

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

Here are some additional Aruba waterside sights, boats, action, etc. Does it look like people are having fun? Yes is the correct answer!:

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

While driving back for our pirate ship adventure, we saw a number of views seeing their large hotels from a different angle and beach view with wind-swept trees:

During our early afternoon sail-away from Aruba, here are two different views from the top deck of the Island Princess.:

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all your pictures. I didn't know about that Scientology ship. Seen it there both times I was there. Will check in November 2018 and see if it is still there.

Sent from my SM-T817R4 using Forums mobile app

Looking forward to a first-ever stop in Aruba in December.

Thanks for sharing your lovely pics. :)

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all your pictures. I didn't know about that Scientology ship. Seen it there both times I was there. Will check in November 2018 and see if it is still there.

Looking forward to a first-ever stop in Aruba in December. Thanks for sharing your lovely pics.

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups. Have some newer pictures to post on the Scientology ship that is still in port there next to where the cruise ships dock.

For FionaMG, we depart this Friday for your country of Portugal. Looking forward to seeing and exploring Lisbon, plus also going to Porto, Óbidos (medieval town surrounded by walls), Nazaré (for lunch in this fishing village with Atlantic coast views), Batalha (monastery of Our Lady of Victory, best gothic architecture in Portugal) and then to the “star” of Fátima (that the Pope visited last month). What other tips and suggestions do you have for us as first-time visitors to Portugal?

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 181,218 views for this posting.

For FionaMG, we depart this Friday for your country of Portugal. Looking forward to seeing and exploring Lisbon, plus also going to Porto, Óbidos (medieval town surrounded by walls), Nazaré (for lunch in this fishing village with Atlantic coast views), Batalha (monastery of Our Lady of Victory, best gothic architecture in Portugal) and then to the “star” of Fátima (that the Pope visited last month). What other tips and suggestions do you have for us as first-time visitors to Portugal?

Hi Terry!

Portugal is actually my adopted country; I am originally from Scotland but have lived here in southern Portugal for over 30 years. DH is Portuguese, though.

You will be spoiled for choice with things to see and do.

Lisbon is very easy to get around. I suggest you get a "viva viagem" ticket from any metro station. You then load credit on to it so that you can get around the city by bus, tram and metro. For €6.15 you get unlimited rides in the city for 24 hours from the time of first use. You will need one card for each person in your party. For an extra 4 euros, you also get train rides out to Sintra, which should definitely be on your must-do list.

Here a couple of good websites to help with your planning:

https://www.visitlisboa.com/see-and-do/sightseeing-and-activities

http://www.metrolisboa.pt/eng/customer-info/information-on-fares/

http://www.sintra-portugal.com/index.html

The Portuguese are some of the friendliest people you will find anywhere and the food is second-to-none. Look out especially for fresh fish and seafood. You will see many restaurants with aquariums and chilled displays and you can actually pick the fish you want to eat.

The wine is excellent too and very underrated. Vinho verde ("green wine") is a lightly-sparkling white that pairs very well with fish and seafood.

I am sure you will have a wonderful time and will want to come back again for a longer visit. :D

Hi Terry! Portugal is actually my adopted country; I am originally from Scotland but have lived here in southern Portugal for over 30 years. DH is Portuguese, though. You will be spoiled for choice with things to see and do. Lisbon is very easy to get around. I suggest you get a "viva viagem" ticket from any metro station. You then load credit on to it so that you can get around the city by bus, tram and metro. For €6.15 you get unlimited rides in the city for 24 hours from the time of first use. You will need one card for each person in your party. For an extra 4 euros, you also get train rides out to Sintra, which should definitely be on your must-do list.

Here a couple of good websites to help with your planning:

https://www.visitlisboa.com/see-and-do/sightseeing-and-activities

http://www.metrolisboa.pt/eng/customer-info/information-on-fares/

http://www.sintra-portugal.com/index.html

The Portuguese are some of the friendliest people you will find anywhere and the food is second-to-none. Look out especially for fresh fish and seafood. You will see many restaurants with aquariums and chilled displays and you can actually pick the fish you want to eat. The wine is excellent too and very underrated. Vinho verde ("green wine") is a lightly-sparkling white that pairs very well with fish and seafood. I am sure you will have a wonderful time and will want to come back again for a longer visit. :D

Appreciate these wonderful Portugal tips, ideas and this great follow-up. Am copying this excellent info to my laptop computer in my trip file. Might share at a couple of other Cruise Critic locations. Very helpful. Looking forward to departing tomorrow.

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 215,781 views.

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

Just thought that I would report back and appreciate those on Cruise Critic for all of their tips and ideas.

LATEST ADVENTURE??!!: Just got back 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. 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

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 32,521 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

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.: