Lisbon vs. Porto: Which Best??!!

[TLCOhio]

On 7/18/2019 at 8:09 PM, Hlitner said:

We have enjoyed both cities during multiple visits.  Overnighting in Lisbon is special for us since we enjoy going out to dinner and Fado.  Lisbon is also a great place for a base as there are many decent day trip options such as Sinatra, Cascais, Esteril, etc.  Porto also offers some decent regional options such as visiting wineries.  Porto has a pretty decent public transit system (so does Lisbon) which can get you across the river to where visiting a few port houses (and tasting) is fun.  Portugal is an excellent country for a driving or river boat vacation.   Hank

 

Appreciate these excellent follow-ups from mskaufman and Hank.  Very good and helpful.  Keep up the great sharing.  Lots to love in Portugal. 

 

Just completed yesterday, for our first time, flying into Calgary, seeing Jasper/Banff National Parks, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, then sailing up to Alaska, doing a post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  After that on our priority list is a first-time trip for exploring in early 2020 various South Pacific islands, including Fiji, Samoa, Bora Bora, etc.   Would commence this 18-day cruise in mid February from Auckland.  We plan to get there a week ahead in order to explore more of New Zealand's North Island and be escaping from the Midwest winter cold.  In 2014, we did Wellington, Napier/Cape Kidnappers, Tauranga/Rotorua and Auckland/Waiheke Island, etc.  Will welcome all good suggestion for other exciting opportunities and fun locations in NZ's North Island.  More good photo opportunities??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Just completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details!!  That live/blog is at: 

www.boards.cruisecdritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

Or, you could simply do a quick Google search with these terms: 

“Live Terry/Ohio Muse Alaska”

[TLCOhio]

Terry, there's a typo in the link you posted:  a "d" in the midst of cruisecritic in the link.  I'm just now catching up with your travels.

Appreciate Barb catching of this "goof".  Have corrected and will update the other posts with this better link.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

CORRECT LINK: 

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[Hlitner]

On ‎8‎/‎7‎/‎2019 at 5:36 PM, TLCOhio said:

Terry, there's a typo in the link you posted:  a "d" in the midst of cruisecritic in the link.  I'm just now catching up with your travels.

Appreciate Barb catching of this "goof".  Have corrected and will update the other posts with this better link.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

CORRECT LINK: 

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Just caught one of my own old typos in this thread.  My reference to "Sinatra" should have been Sintra :).   I have long wondered how to drive those typo demons from my PC or other devices.

 

Hank

[TLCOhio]

On 8/9/2019 at 6:13 PM, Hlitner said:

Just caught one of my own old typos in this thread.  My reference to "Sinatra" should have been Sintra :).   I have long wondered how to drive those typo demons from my PC or other devices.  Hank

 

Sintra vs. Sinatra??!!  Yes, agree with Hank that these typo correction tools can be either a . . . blessing or a curse.  For me when I am having trouble trying to spell a word, it can be a serious help to avoid me looking too dumb and stupid.  BUT, then there are other times it screws things up.  Never simple or easy.  But, fortunately, going way back to my high school days, I learned how to touch-type and be able to compose on the keyboard.  That helps to write and communicate in today's 21st Century world.  Could not write that well if I was only at a "hunt-and-peck" level.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 29,451 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

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

[mskaufman]

On 8/7/2019 at 3:41 PM, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate these excellent follow-ups from mskaufman and Hank.  Very good and helpful.  Keep up the great sharing.  Lots to love in Portugal. 

 

Just completed yesterday, for our first time, flying into Calgary, seeing Jasper/Banff National Parks, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, then sailing up to Alaska, doing a post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  After that on our priority list is a first-time trip for exploring in early 2020 various South Pacific islands, including Fiji, Samoa, Bora Bora, etc.   Would commence this 18-day cruise in mid February from Auckland.  We plan to get there a week ahead in order to explore more of New Zealand's North Island and be escaping from the Midwest winter cold.  In 2014, we did Wellington, Napier/Cape Kidnappers, Tauranga/Rotorua and Auckland/Waiheke Island, etc.  Will welcome all good suggestion for other exciting opportunities and fun locations in NZ's North Island.  More good photo opportunities??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Just completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details!!  That live/blog is at: 

www.boards.cruisecdritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

Or, you could simply do a quick Google search with these terms: 

“Live Terry/Ohio Muse Alaska”

Thanks Terry, We just got back from a week in South Dakota.  Not everything is a cruise.

 

[TLCOhio]

On 8/11/2019 at 8:07 PM, mskaufman said:

Thanks Terry, We just got back from a week in South Dakota.  Not everything is a cruise.

 

YES!!  Agree not everything is a cruise.  Just got back from Indianapolis for Ohio State beating Wisconsin to win their third-straight Big Ten Championship in college football.  Leaving soon for Kansas City and central Kansas for Christmas.  And was down in Charlottesville, Va., over Thanksgiving to visit our two grandsons, ages seven and nine.  Need to visit South Dakota!!  One of the few states that we have not yet visited.  On the future to-do list.  

 

For those interested in future options for travel, there was mention from Travel and Leisure magazine yesterday with this headline: “50 Best Places to Travel in 2020”.  They spotlighted attention as top options for: “Douro River”.  T+L rates these top areas as "must-visit vacation destinations, and with something to suit every interest — food, shopping, culture, history, and nature."

 

Here are some of the story highlights for Douro River Valley:   "Portugal remains a popular getaway — and in 2020, it’s all about experiencing it from the water. Last spring, Viking River Cruises christened the Viking Helgrim, a vessel built for its new Douro itinerary. A few weeks later, AmaWaterways debuted the AmaDouro, which sails between Porto and Vega de Terrón in Spain. This year, Tauck will launch the 84-passenger Andorinha, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will christen the S.S. Saõ Gabriel, which has décor that channels the ambience of the Douro Valley. On land, wineries like Quinta do Portal and Quinta do Seixo serve light reds, vinho verde, and the ubiquitous port. Stay in Porto at recent additions like the Art Deco stunner Le Monumental Palace or the art-filled Torel 1884, whose 12 rooms and 11 standalone apartments feature art inspired by fabrics, materials, and spices from faraway lands."

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2020

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 16,770 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

[mskaufman]

Hi Terry,

 

Not a cruise but we took my grandson to South Dakota this summer.  Really a great trip.  Here is a link to some pictures.

 

https://sdakota19.shutterfly.com/pictures

 

 

[TLCOhio]

11 hours ago, mskaufman said:

Hi Terry,   Not a cruise but we took my grandson to South Dakota this summer.  Really a great trip.  Here is a link to some pictures.

https://sdakota19.shutterfly.com/pictures

 

Nice pictures from South Dakota.  Appreciate your sharing and this follow-up.  

 

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph recently, they had this headline: “48 hours in . . . Lisbon, an insider guide to Portugal's timeless capital” with these highlights: “Lisbon is having a moment. It is the place on everyone’s lips and its breezy sea views, glossy tiled facades and red roofs feature on many an Instagram feed. The food surprises, with a depth far beyond the famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts) that are so known and loved. There is history; from the 12th-century Moorish castle that dominates the skyline to the magnificent 16th-century Manueline monastery of Jerónimos, and the bombastic 18th-century heart of Lisbon, built after so much of the city was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.  There is authentic, genuine and welcoming hospitality; and a wave of new and affordable hotels along cobbled streets and flanking bougainvillea-clad squares, all of which brim with a sense of place. ”.

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/lisbon/articles/lisbon-travel-guide/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 249,677 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia during this past week, they had this headline: “Best new travel discoveries of 2019” with these highlights about a key area of Lisbon: “Here's the great thing about Graca, the historic and friendly neighbourhood perched atop one of Lisbon's seven hills: not only does it have a local feel, but it also makes you feel like a local. Spend a few days here wandering the streets, calling in at the bakeries, checking out the shops, taking in the views, eating at the restaurants and drinking at the bars and you'll become part of the furniture – and that's a very good thing. See visitlisboa.com”.

 

Full story at:

https://www.traveller.com.au/traveller-writers-name-their-best-travel-finds-of-2019-h1kbew

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 238,147

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Guardian in the past week, they had this headline: “Best travel discoveries of 2019” with these highlights from Lisbon about "Pasta glory": “I’d only been in Lisbon a couple of days, but the beetroot pasta at Osteria Cucina Di Amici had already been name-dropped by both the manager of my co-working space and my surf instructor. The corner restaurant’s pea-green walls are decorated with vintage Italian posters and a photo of the pope lit up with coloured fairy-lights, under mismatched chairs at Formica tables dressed with red gingham napkins. An enamel bowl of silky, pink bucatini pasta topped with parmesan and basil leaves, was perfectly in tune with the surrounding Italian kitsch. The restaurant is in the hilly Madragoa neighbourhood of narrow cobbled streets and washing lines strung between crumbly tiled walls. For the more typical Portuguese cuisine, I headed down to local favourite Último Porto, where the seafood is barbecued on the dockside between shipping containers.”

 

This reporting brings back nice memories from fun dining in Lisbon and Portugal.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/dec/21/best-travel-discoveries-2019-guardian-writers

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 227,192 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[ollienbertsmum]

Thanks for reminding me that Porto is on my bucket list - but not as a cruise destination.  

[downsmead]

I would thoroughly recommend Porto. We spent 6 days there this year and have a fabulous time. We prefer it to Lisbon.

[TLCOhio]

On 12/28/2019 at 3:08 PM, ollienbertsmum said:

Thanks for reminding me that Porto is on my bucket list - but not as a cruise destination.  

 

Appreciate these follow-ups and great comments documenting why Porto is so super wonderful.  While we did Porto as a cruise, one-day stop, we would love to go back and spend much more time there and seeing the nearby areas.  

 

From the MarketWatch website this morning, they had this headline: “This gorgeous country is the No. 1 place to retire abroad” with these highlights: “Picturesque beaches lined with golden sand, charming cobblestone streets, breathtaking medieval castles, fresh and delicious food — these are just some of the perks you’ll enjoy while living in Portugal.  On Thursday, International Living magazine released its 2020 list of the best countries to retire abroad, and Portugal snagged the No. 1 spot, earning high marks for quality health care, a reasonable cost of living and the ease with which you can fit into life there (people are friendly, and, while it’s not an English-speaking country, many locals speak English). It climbed from the No. 7 spot a year prior.”

 

Not sure we are ready to retire to Portugal, but we would definitely love to go back, spend more time there, etc.  More in this story about how other countries/options rank for affordability, quality living option, etc.  Interesting!!

 

Full story at:

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-gorgeous-country-is-the-no-1-place-to-retire-abroad-and-you-can-do-it-on-just-2200-a-month-2020-01-02

 

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 86,192 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

Having returned from four weeks in New Zealand and the South Pacific on March 7, we feel lucky to have escaped the shut-down and trauma affecting so many during the past two months.  Not sure if, how and when things will return to some form of "normal" for air flights, cruise ships, etc.

 

Thinking of Portugal and wonderful memories from being there three years ago.  Would like to go back.  BUT????  International travel and cruising has become challenged and in question, especially for those older and/or more at risk from a health standpoint.     

 

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Guardian, they had this headline earlier this past week: “Which European countries are easing travel restrictions?” with these details and highlights for Portugal: “Borders are likely to open to international tourists in 2020, and the tourist board have said that a 'return for tourism is not far away', although a date has not yet been announced. Some flights are operating between London and Lisbon. The lifting of measures varies depending on region. Public transport across the country is running at a reduced capacity, though there are rail and bus links to Lisbon city centre from most parts of the country, and taxis are still operating. Restaurants and bars in many regions are permitted to open on 18 May, at limited capacity. Many of the Algarve’s hotels are already open and its beaches are due to open in June. Non-essential travel is not permitted to Madeira and the Azores, where there are health screenings and mandatory 14-day self-isolation is still in place.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/may/18/europe-holidays-which-european-countries-are-easing-coronavirus-travel-restrictions-lockdown-measures

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 30,573 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

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

[mskaufman]

For us it was only last year.  Seems so long ago. This year looks like we will be cancelled.

[TLCOhio]

13 hours ago, mskaufman said:

For us it was only last year.  Seems so long ago. This year looks like we will be cancelled.

 

Yes, measuring and sensing time these days has been challenging.  Below is an option for re-connecting with Lisbon. 

 

From theTravel Section of the London/UK Independent earlier this week, they had this headline: “HOW TO VISIT LISBON WITHOUT LEAVING HOME” with these highlights: “A sun-licked city on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, it’s little wonder that Lisbon has long tempted visitors into a weekend getaway.  One of the oldest capitals in Europe, the tangle of skinny, storied streets that make up Old Town Lisbon promise history, culture and lived-in beauty at almost every turn.  While life in the time of coronavirus means Portugal’s capital is temporarily out of bounds, you can still pore over the city’s greatest assets through your computer screen.”

 

Many options to consider if you check out this profile. This includes this link for a three-minute video tour: 

 

 

Bring back nice memories??  Many pictures and ideas are contained in this interesting profile. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/48-hours-in/lisbon-portugal-virtual-tour-visit-online-live-stream-home-a9489961.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 66,345 views:

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

[mskaufman]

Thanks Terry,

 

We usually take my 11 year old grandson on a trip.   This year that is in doubt.  Also, his parents were planning to take him on a Med cruise, also cancelled.  We have agreed that we would look at travel videos on Zoom.  This could be a start.

[iancal]

We have spent time in both.  They are very different.  We very much enjoyed both....for different reasons.

 

We like Porto but one reason for that is Porto is the gate to the Douro Valley. We had an enjoyable two days in Porto followed by six days or so touring the Douro Valley in a rental car.   This was by far the highlight of the area for us.  So much so that we plan to go back.  We did not even plan to go to Douro.  At the start of an extended trip we snagged an amazing one way air fare to Douro.  We looked it up, were impressed, and booked.  From there, we took a low cost TAP flight to Rome to board our Med cruise.

 

Portugal is a wonderful country.  There is so much to see, extremely friendly and welcoming folks.  

Edited May 27, 2020 by iancal

[TLCOhio]

On 5/27/2020 at 10:23 AM, iancal said:

We have spent time in both.  They are very different.  We very much enjoyed both....for different reasons.   We like Porto but one reason for that is Porto is the gate to the Douro Valley. We had an enjoyable two days in Porto followed by six days or so touring the Douro Valley in a rental car.  Portugal is a wonderful country.  There is so much to see, extremely friendly and welcoming folks.  

 

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from mskaufman and iancal.  We have grandsons ages seven and nine.  Sounds like a great future travel option to consider in a few years as they are older and better able to appreciate the great history and culture there in Portugal.  Excellent point by iancal for using Porto s the gateway to explore the Douro Valley.  Have that on our future to-do list!!

 

From MSN.com and this story connection, they had this headline: “Portugal Is Reopening for Travelers (and They Won’t Have to Quarantine)” with these highlights: “As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 and the summer tourism season gets underway, popular tourism destinations have begun opening their doors. In June, places like the Caribbean, Iceland, and the Florida Keys begin welcoming more travelers. And Portugal—the land of pastéis de nata, Fernando Pessoa, and fado music—is already mostly open for business. Starting June 1, the country enters its final phase of reopening, which means new air travel options and more activities available for visitors.  Although its land borders with Spain are shut until June 15, flights to the country of 10.3 million have been reduced but not eliminated. Routes are currently available between Portugal and the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Venezuela, South Africa, and Brazil.”

 

Here are some additional details provided in the article: "There’s already plenty for travelers to do once they’ve landed in Portugal. Shops, zoos, and cultural facilities like museums and monuments are open, and public transit is running. Food service is available at restaurants and bars, which are serving a reduced number of patrons and closing a bit earlier (11 p.m.). Social distancing and masks are required for use on public transportation and at many attractions, so be sure to pack accordingly."

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/portugal-is-reopening-for-travelers-and-they-won-e2-80-99t-have-to-quarantine/ar-BB14GLFt

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 49,473 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Independent earlier this month, they had this headline: “IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO PORTUGAL THIS SUMMER AND WILL I NEED TO QUARANTINE?” with these highlights: “As tentative signs start to emerge of a revival for the travel industry, our minds are turning to potential holiday destinations for this summer.  With excellent surfing, outstanding city break destinations and the world’s favourite custard tarts (pasteis de nata), Portugal has long been a favourite holiday destination for Brits.”

 

BUT, here is part of the challenge: "Can British holidaymakers even get there? And will we be welcome?  At the moment, the Foreign Office is advising against all non-essential international travel – including to Portugal.  The ban was initially put in place to avoid Britons getting stuck abroad as flight routes shut down; now that airlines are looking to restart summer flying programmes, this could change.   The FCO says its advice is under 'constant review'.  Its advice doesn’t make travel abroad 'illegal' as such – but it does invalidate your travel insurance and means you may find it tricky to get help from the embassy if things go wrong.  In continental Portugal, there’s no quarantine or self-isolation period required – although there are temperature checks in place at the airport.  However, in its rules about which nationalities can enter, Portugal has said it will allow them in 'provided that reciprocity of treatment in these countries is ensured for Portuguese citizens' "

 

Many more specifics and details are in this story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/portugal-travel-advice-uk-restrictions-algarve-lisbon-summer-coronavirus-a9575091.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 30,686 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

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

[Tikki1946]

Thank you Terry for all sharings.
It has been a dream for years ... to see Lisbon and Porto. Will visit both

Edited June 23, 2020 by Tikki1946

[TLCOhio]

On 6/23/2020 at 3:48 AM, Tikki1946 said:

Thank you Terry for all sharings.  It has been a dream for years ... to see Lisbon and Porto. Will visit both

 

Great that these excellent locations in Portugal are still on your "dream list" that you are making plans for visiting there.  We had previously visited twenty two different countries in Europe.  It was not until 2017 when Portugal became number twenty three.  It was well worth the wait.  We super loved both those great, historic cities with so much charm, character and interest.  Do miss it!!  Love to go back at a future time when we get over these Covid-19 challenges and can return to more normal conditions.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 239,679

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

[ollienbertsmum]

On 6/24/2020 at 4:29 PM, TLCOhio said:

 

Great that these excellent locations in Portugal are still on your "dream list" that you are making plans for visiting there.  We had previously visited twenty two different countries in Europe.  It was not until 2017 when Portugal became number twenty three.  It was well worth the wait.  We super loved both those great, historic cities with so much charm, character and interest.  Do miss it!!  Love to go back at a future time when we get over these Covid-19 challenges and can return to more normal conditions.  

 

 

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 239,679

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

 

 

Terry you are giving me huge travel itches.  

 

So I read your comments about Portugal.  Remembered that Porto was on my list of ‘drive to’ places and have set myself a 10 day trip starting with the first stop in Seville then Evora.  Again, on my list.  It won’t be soon especially with the Covid results comiing from Lisbon but it is there. 

 

Then I see your Fjord cruise report.  Wailssss in despair.  

I had booked a long-awaited bucket list cruise on Iona at the beginning of the month.  My first aft balcony too.  I know that big ships might not be the best way to tour that area - but to add insult to injury I was also including an overnight in Windsor.  Have not been there since I was a little girl (early 70s).  I was so looking forward to it.  

 

I have actually thought about Norway and I think that once flying restarts I will be planning seeing the area independently.  I am starting to warm to the idea of doing overnights on land, even if the ship would have got me around more cheaply.  

 

Thanks for your review and thoughts anyway.  

[smmountaingal]

I am so happy to find this discussion thread!  We are cruising out of Lisbon next April on the Celebrity Silhouette and I plan to arrive 3 days in advance to enjoy our first look in this city.  We also will have one port day in Porto.  I have much reading to do in this thread to gather information.  My first activity, however, is to identify a hotel for Lisbon.  I willingly will accept suggestions of others who have enjoyed this city.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

[downsmead]

In Lisbon we stayed at the Avenida Palace hotel which was centrally located and ideal for walking to anywhere in the city. Lovely breakfast, very helpful concierge, nice bar for a bedtime drink. So many restaurants nearby, we tended to stroll and see what we fancied eating. 
Overall we preferred Porto to Lisbon but thoroughly enjoyed both. We are planning to return to visit the Pena Palace and other outlying areas (we had visited Sintra on a previous visit). 
We had 3 nights in Lisbon which was enough to see the sights. I had a Lisbon guide book and had researched on line prior to our stay. Allow at least half a day to go out to Betlem and the Monasterio, easy to get to using local buses.