Apr
14

Malaga – Capitol of the Costa Del Sol | spain

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The Alcazaba, Malaga

The Alcazaba, Malaga

One of the ports of call on our transatlantic cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas is Malaga.

Malaga is located on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula in the western part of the Mediterranean, and is the southernmost large city in Europe.

Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians as Malaka in about 770 B.C. Since that time, it has been under the control of many different cultures and civilizations, from that of Ancient Carthage, the Roman Empire, the Moors, and finally under Spanish rule.

It has a very strong and diverse culture and amongst other important influences, Malaga is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

The Costa Del Sol has become a very popular tourist and resort region on the Spanish Coast, and it extends both to the east and west of Malaga. As a result of the influx of millions of tourists each year, most of whom arrive through the Malaga International Airport, the city has become much more busy than it was traditionally only a few decades ago.

One of the first things that we noted as we alighted from the coaches that transported us from the port into Malaga was the lovely and lush park lands that extend almost into the city center. There were seemingly dozens of horses with carriages ready to take tourists on a tour of both the old parts of town as well as the more recent additions.

The people of the Andalusian region of Spain are proud of the exotic mix of cultures that make up their heritage. The region exhibits a wide array of unique social customs that combine aspects of Islamic tradition with a strong influence of Catholicism.

We decided to soak up the atmosphere of Malaga by walking around the inner and historical areas of the city.

This part of the city is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets with a wide variety of shopfronts, impressive public squares, an amazing cathedral and an ancient Roman amphitheater.

Any tour of Malaga would be incomplete without a visit to the Alcazaba. This is a Muslim palace and fortress that dominates the city center, facing out onto the Mediterranean shore. It was built during the 11th Century as a palace for the rulers of the city as well as a defense against attacks from the sea.

The wonderful gardens that line the waterfront add to the magic that is Malaga today.

 

Categories : Destinations, Sea
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Apr
13

Cadiz – Europe’s Oldest City

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Cadiz - Old quarter

Cadiz - Old quarter

Cadiz is strategically located on a narrow piece of land in Southern Spain, just outside the Straits of Gibraltar.

The city is almost entirely surrounded by water, and was considered to be of great strategic value over many centuries.

The history of Cadiz goes back to the time of the Phoenicians, who founded a trading port on the site in about 1100 B.C. Over the intervening years, many other cultures and societies have fought and claimed Cadiz for their own strategic base. These include the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors, amongst others.

Because of its location and geography, Cadiz is a very compact city, and very easy to explore on foot.

The city walls are still on display along the sea front and surrounding the old town, offering a unique view of life as it might have been in the days before cars, trucks and motor scooters took over the narrow cobblestone streets between the rows of lovely old buildings.

We took advantage of our time in Cadiz to explore the lovely old parts of town, admiring the Alameda Gardens, visiting the Church of the Carmen and sauntering through the Parque Del Genoves.

Our wanderings (amongst numerous attempts to discover where we were on our walking map) enabled us to find many quaint little squares, discover some ancient pre-Roman walls, admire the magnificent cathedral that exhibits many architectural styles from the Byzantine domes and clusters through the neo-classical influences of the 19th century through to what some might consider an unfortunate 21st century layer of glass and steel that now fronts the street.

We enjoyed taking time out in many of the squares and plazas around the city, talking with friends, enjoying some excellent coffee and brandy, and discussing how Cadiz would be a perfect place to visit for anybody who wasn’t looking for the hype and excitement of big city life.

Our time in port didn’t permit us to also visit Seville, about 90 minutes drive inland from Cadiz, although we were reliably informed that this is one of Spain’s real showcases.

However, maybe we will return with more time to explore this lovely part of the world at the bottom of the Iberian Peninsula.

 

Categories : Destinations, Sea
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Apr
10

Water Water Everywhere!

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The Liberty Of the Seas

Liberty Of The Seas Under Power

We’re currently sailing across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the magnificent Liberty Of The Seas.

The trip from Nassau to Tenerife takes more than 7 days and covers  3280 nautical miles (or 5905 kilometres).

The weather and sea conditions for the crossing have been amazing, with light winds and a slight swell for almost all of the way. You’d hardly believe that we were in the middle of one of the world’s largest oceans.

One of the most notable issues about life on board the ship has been the way in which we have been adjusting to the change in time zones between the USA and Europe.

Ship’s time has been adjusted by 1 hour each day for 5 consecutive days. As a result, we have lost an hour (at 12 noon each day). By the end of the 5th day, most on board have found that it has been difficult to wake up at a reasonable time, since we are each going through consecutive doses of mini “jet lag” (or should it be called “cruise lag”).

However, life on board has not been boring by any stretch of the imagination. There are numerous activities available each day, from the boxing ring to mini golf, rock climbing and the amazing flow rider surfing machine. Of course, there are always the more common water sports, exercise sessions, the gymnasium, table tennis, shuffleboard, basketball and volleyball. For those looking for a less active lifestyle, there are trivia sessions, bingo, the library, on board destination lectures, enrichment lectures, day spa facilities, acupuncture, and of course shopping for those in need of this form of therapy (all at tax and duty free prices).

For those in need of more than three meals in every day the ship can also provide a number of extra outlets. These include 24 hour room service, 24 hour Cafe Promenade, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Johnny Rocket’s, the Cup Cake Cupboard, Sorrento’s Pizzas, as well as afternoon teas and suppers available on the Promenade Deck.

Liberty Of The Seas has bars open from 7:00am through to early morning. Watering holes include the Casino Bar, Boleros, the Schooner Bar, the Catacombs, Olive and Twist, the Champagne Bar, English Pub, Piano Bar, Pool Bar, Viking Crown Lounge, Connoisseur’s Cigar Club and Vintages Wine Cellar.

This ship also offers wireless internet in all cabins (at a cost unfortunately), and you may use your mobile phone throughout the voyage (only if you elect to do so).

For people wishing to simply chill out, there are a number of lounges and hideaways scattered across 5 levels of the ship, so the you can take your book or ipod and find a comfy nook to retreat from other passengers if you so desire.

 

Categories : Sea, Vacations
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Apr
04

8 Hours In Nassau! The Bahamian Experience

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Aerial View of Nassau, The Bahamas

Aerial View of Nassau, The Bahamas

On the first morning of the cruise on the Liberty Of The Seas, we were able to watch our ship docking on New Providence island for a one day visit to the capital of the Bahamas.

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is located on New Providence Island just 150 miles or so off the coast of Florida.

The history of Nassau goes back many years, and it was well known as a haunt for pirates during the 1600s and 1700s, who found its natural harbor an ideal base from which to base their nefarious activities.

However, the pirates are now long gone. However, Nassau still maintains an air of expectation and excitement.

A Nassau Policeman In Uniform

A Nassau Policeman In Uniform

Nassau is a part of the British Commonwealth, and it is still possible to see some of the unique elements of the time of British colonialism when you walk through the streets of the town. Nassau bobbies still sport a uniform which combines white jackets, navy pants with red seams and pith helmets – a tropical equivalent of the traditional London bobbie.

Parliament Square really seems a quaint part of colonial society, highlighted by a statue of Queen Victoria seated regally in the middle of the square.

Another thing that Nassau is famous for is quality shopping. Walking down the main street, you’ll pass outlets that display many of the famous brands of Europe – from Rolex through Gucci, and many many more.

Another element that attracts many visitors to Nassau is Paradise Island. This small island which is accessible both by boat and by road bridge is home to many luxury residences, as well as the amazing Atlantis Resort and Casino.

While it is possible to walk around the town of Nassau, those wishing to try a more relaxed means of transport can always request a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Once you have seen enough of the delights of Nassau, enjoyed the traditional foods and participated in the cultures of this special part of the world, it is time to wander down to one of the island’s lovely beaches and relax in the clear waters of the Bahamas.

 

Categories : Destinations, Sea
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Apr
03

Off On Our Transatlantic Crossing

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Liberty Of The Seas Docked At Port Of Miami

Liberty Of The Seas Docked At Port Of Miami

We have now left the United States on the first leg of our 14 night cruise from Miami to Barcelona.

Arrival at the port from our accommodation was a white knuckle experience.

The taxi driver determined that he needed to arrive in the shortest time possible, and was travelling at speeds of up to 90 mph in heavy traffic, dodging between lanes as though he was in a dodge-em car.

We began to wonder whether or not we’d actually reach the cruise ship at all.

However, we did arrive at the dock in one piece, and proceeded through the embarkation process without any major dramas or delays.

On a ship the size of the Liberty Of The Seas, it is necessary for the cruise line to process over 3,000 passengers in a period of a couple of hours, and there is always an amount of queuing as all of these passengers need to go through the government processes of checking passports and other travel documents, validating cruise ticketing and payment arrangements, photographing each guest and issuing cruise cards that act as charge cards, personal identification tags and door locks.

However, we eventually arrived in our cabin, and started to unpack our belongings. One of the advantages of cruising is that you only need to unpack once, and then travel from place to place in your own room.

At last, the Liberty Of The Seas set sail out of Miami Port on its way east across the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Categories : Sea, Security, Vacations
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