Tag Archives | Selene

 

Jan 16-17, At Sea enroute Callao, Peru

 

Callao is the cruise port for Lima, Peru, our next scheduled destination.  It is planned for an overnight stop to give those guests who wanted to tour Macchu Picchu enough time to get to Cuzco and on the train to Macchu Picchu.

 

However, demonstrations across Peru, and especially in the Cuzco area, with dozens killed, have forced the cruise line to cancel all Macchu Picchu and Cuzco excursions.  Peru has declared a “state of emergency” in several areas, including Cuzco, Arequipa, Lima and Callao, restricting right of movement and demonstrations.  That has not stopped the people who want the current leader ousted.  The demonstrators have set up many roadblocks on major roads and railways, restricting normal movement.  The current president is the 6^th one since 2018, and the first woman.

 

With that in mind, Miriam and I have chosen to cancel our excursions in Lima and may remain on-board the ship, although so far no tourists have been targeted.

 

The Pacific Ocean has been kind to us the last two days, with only minimal winds and a low to moderate swell on our bow.  There are lots of activities to fill the days and yesterday was a formal evening with a special “Chefs Dinner” with a 6 course fixed menu, quite good.  The weather is warm enough to spend time around the main pool and have most of our meals poolside at the Patio Grill.

 

January 18, Lima (Callao)

 

The ship arrived in light fog which dispersed as we approached the entrance sea buoy and picked up the pilot.  The fleet of fishing boats anchored outside rolled heavily as the offshore swell moved into shallower water and built in height.

 

We docked in a industrial working port, but there were tents shoreside by the gangway with local handicrafts.  Patrick did ride the shuttle to Miraflores in the afternoon.  Miraflores is perched on top of steep cliffs overlooking the Pacific ocean.  The beaches below were filled with surfers, and one of the beaches was named “Waikiki”.  The shuttle stop was in the middle of the “Malecon”, a large park overlooking the ocean, with an upscale shopping mall built underground and down the side of the steep hill.  The mall was mostly upscale clothing shops and many restaurants looking out over the ocean.

“Waikiki” surfing beach in Miraflores

 

The shuttle passed though Callao, a much poorer area which looked pretty rough, with more garbage on the streets, and more boarded up storefronts.

 

January 19, Callao

 

Due to more demonstrations and more deaths, the ship has canceled all shore excursions, including the shuttle bus to Miraflores out of an abundance of caution, with guest safety in mind.  Passengers whose cruise ended here are still going to the airport and crew exchanges are still happening.  The ship’s staff are scrambling to provide additional activities for the guests.

 

Just one hour before departure the Captain made the announcement that all further Peru ports have been cancelled and the port of Callao has been closed to all inbound and outbound traffic.  We also cannot leave until all passports have been cleared out of Peru, so we don’t know when we can leave.

 

 

 

Jan 16-17, At Sea enroute Callao, Peru

 

Callao is the cruise port for Lima, Peru, our next scheduled destination.  It is planned for an overnight stop to give those guests who wanted to tour Macchu Picchu enough time to get to Cuzco and on the train to Macchu Picchu.

 

However, demonstrations across Peru, and especially in the Cuzco area, with dozens killed, have forced the cruise line to cancel all Macchu Picchu and Cuzco excursions.  Peru has declared a “state of emergency” in several areas, including Cuzco, Arequipa, Lima and Callao, restricting right of movement and demonstrations.  That has not stopped the people who want the current leader ousted.  The demonstrators have set up many roadblocks on major roads and railways, restricting normal movement.  The current president is the 6^th one since 2018, and the first woman.

 

With that in mind, Miriam and I have chosen to cancel our excursions in Lima and may remain on-board the ship, although so far no tourists have been targeted.

 

The Pacific Ocean has been kind to us the last two days, with only minimal winds and a low to moderate swell on our bow.  There are lots of activities to fill the days and yesterday was a formal evening with a special “Chefs Dinner” with a 6 course fixed menu, quite good.  The weather is warm enough to spend time around the main pool and have most of our meals poolside at the Patio Grill.

 

January 18, Lima (Callao)

 

The ship arrived in light fog which dispersed as we approached the entrance sea buoy and picked up the pilot.  The fleet of fishing boats anchored outside rolled heavily as the offshore swell moved into shallower water and built in height.

 

We docked in a industrial working port, but there were tents shoreside by the gangway with local handicrafts.  Patrick did ride the shuttle to Miraflores in the afternoon.  Miraflores is perched on top of steep cliffs overlooking the Pacific ocean.  The beaches below were filled with surfers, and one of the beaches was named “Waikiki”.  The shuttle stop was in the middle of the “Malecon”, a large park overlooking the ocean, with an upscale shopping mall built underground and down the side of the steep hill.  The mall was mostly upscale clothing shops and many restaurants looking out over the ocean.

“Waikiki” surfing beach in Miraflores

 

The shuttle passed though Callao, a much poorer area which looked pretty rough, with more garbage on the streets, and more boarded up storefronts.

 

January 19, Callao

 

Due to more demonstrations and more deaths, the ship has canceled all shore excursions, including the shuttle bus to Miraflores out of an abundance of caution, with guest safety in mind.  Passengers whose cruise ended here are still going to the airport and crew exchanges are still happening.  The ship’s staff are scrambling to provide additional activities for the guests.

 

Just one hour before departure the Captain made the announcement that all further Peru ports have been cancelled and the port of Callao has been closed to all inbound and outbound traffic.  We also cannot leave until all passports have been cleared out of Peru, so we don’t know when we can leave.

 

 

Monday – Tuesday, Jan 9-10, 2023

 

Seas remained calm and winds favorable as we set a direct course for the eastern entrance of the Panama Canal.  Shortly before 0900 on January 10 we entered the first lock chamber at Gatun and began the 85 foot rise to Gatun Lake, in three steps just behind a large container ship from China.  As predicted, the skies opened up and we had intermittent rain showers, heavy at times, as we proceeded westward to the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. Entering Pedro Miguel lock, the eastbound lock chamber had a very large crocodile swimming around, providing a photo op for many of us.  We exited the locks around 1700 and proceeded to Fuerte Amador and the new, but unfinished, cruise ship terminal.  Seabourn Quest docked about 2100 and will overnight here.

 

January 11, 2023 – Fuerte Amador

 

Patrick rode the shuttle into Perico Island Marina and then walked a mile to the duty free store at Flemenco Marina where he found the cognac he was looking for that the ship did not carry.  The day turned out to be very hot and humid, but the rainstorms have held off for the time being.

 

The ship departs early, at 1500, as we head down the coast to Manta, Ecuador.  Tonight is also the “Block Party” in the hallways to meet our fellow travelers in close-by suites.  The ship’s officers circulate around all the corridors and greet every passenger.

 

The weather report calls for light winds from the south, favorable seas and intermittent rain showers as we begin another day at sea.

 

 

Jan 12, 2023 – At Sea enroute Manta, Ecuador

 

Jan 13, 2023 – Manta, Ecuador

 

Manta is one of the major tuna fishing locations in the world, and the harbor was filled with tuna fishing boats in various stages of disrepair.  Both Starkist and Bumblebee have large operations in Manta, a city of about 250,000.

 

Patrick went snorkeling at a nature preserve at Puerto Lopez, about a 2 hour drive south of Manta.  The preserve is primarily to protect several endangered species of sea turtles, and humans are not even allowed to walk on the beaches within the preserve.  The snorkeling was only fair, with visibility limited to about 10-15 feet and significant current to swim against.

 

This is an overnight stop and we noticed how tight the security was around the ship, with guards with sub machine guns patrolling the breakwater between the ship and a large public beach next to the breakwater.  We believe it is because of demonstrations leading up to elections in February.

 

Jan 14, 2023 – Manta, Ecuador

 

We awoke in Manta to find another cruise ship docking, the Seven Seas Mariner, which left Miami 2 days after our ship, as part of a 143 day world cruise.  We spent the day relaxing and taking a walk around town through a large and modern shopping center just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.

 

Public Beach at Manta next to dock

Sunset departing Manta

Seabourn had one of their signature events, a caviar sail away as we left the dock in Manta at 1800.  We were treated to a nice sunset as we headed out of the harbor.

 

Jan 15, 2023 – Machala, Ecuador

 

Machala is a city of 500,000 and is supposed to be the banana capital of the world.  There were two banana ships tied to the dock when we arrived about 0700, one of them labeled Del Monte.  Patrick had a tour of a petrified forest at the Puyango River which was a two hour drive south of the city in the foothills of the Andes, which start only 20 KM from the coast in this part of Ecuador.  The petrified trees are about 100 millions years old and date from before the Permian extinction.  It was amazing to see the trunks sticking out of the rock walls.  Since it was Sunday, by the time we had finished the 1.5 KM loop trail there were long lines of people waiting to get in, with lots of children.

 

Ecuadorian Naval Vessel protecting the cruise ship dock

Petrified Log sticking out of bank

Public Utility wiring in Machala

Amancay Plant at Petrified Forest

On the return trip we stopped for lunch at the Hillary Nature Park, a upscale hotel and resort perched on top of a hill overlooking the banana and cacoa plantations below.

 

Machala is also known for shrimp farming, much of which takes place in large ponds located in the mangrove swamps surrounding the city.

 

Jan 16, 2023 – At Sea enroute Lima, Peru

Jan 17, 2023 – At Sea enroute Lima, Peru

Monday – Tuesday, Jan 9-10, 2023

 

Seas remained calm and winds favorable as we set a direct course for the eastern entrance of the Panama Canal.  Shortly before 0900 on January 10 we entered the first lock chamber at Gatun and began the 85 foot rise to Gatun Lake, in three steps just behind a large container ship from China.  As predicted, the skies opened up and we had intermittent rain showers, heavy at times, as we proceeded westward to the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. Entering Pedro Miguel lock, the eastbound lock chamber had a very large crocodile swimming around, providing a photo op for many of us.  We exited the locks around 1700 and proceeded to Fuerte Amador and the new, but unfinished, cruise ship terminal.  Seabourn Quest docked about 2100 and will overnight here.

 

January 11, 2023 – Fuerte Amador

 

Patrick rode the shuttle into Perico Island Marina and then walked a mile to the duty free store at Flemenco Marina where he found the cognac he was looking for that the ship did not carry.  The day turned out to be very hot and humid, but the rainstorms have held off for the time being.

 

The ship departs early, at 1500, as we head down the coast to Manta, Ecuador.  Tonight is also the “Block Party” in the hallways to meet our fellow travelers in close-by suites.  The ship’s officers circulate around all the corridors and greet every passenger.

 

The weather report calls for light winds from the south, favorable seas and intermittent rain showers as we begin another day at sea.

 

 

Jan 12, 2023 – At Sea enroute Manta, Ecuador

 

Jan 13, 2023 – Manta, Ecuador

 

Manta is one of the major tuna fishing locations in the world, and the harbor was filled with tuna fishing boats in various stages of disrepair.  Both Starkist and Bumblebee have large operations in Manta, a city of about 250,000.

 

Patrick went snorkeling at a nature preserve at Puerto Lopez, about a 2 hour drive south of Manta.  The preserve is primarily to protect several endangered species of sea turtles, and humans are not even allowed to walk on the beaches within the preserve.  The snorkeling was only fair, with visibility limited to about 10-15 feet and significant current to swim against.

 

This is an overnight stop and we noticed how tight the security was around the ship, with guards with sub machine guns patrolling the breakwater between the ship and a large public beach next to the breakwater.  We believe it is because of demonstrations leading up to elections in February.

 

Jan 14, 2023 – Manta, Ecuador

 

We awoke in Manta to find another cruise ship docking, the Seven Seas Mariner, which left Miami 2 days after our ship, as part of a 143 day world cruise.  We spent the day relaxing and taking a walk around town through a large and modern shopping center just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.

 

Public Beach at Manta next to dock

Sunset departing Manta

Seabourn had one of their signature events, a caviar sail away as we left the dock in Manta at 1800.  We were treated to a nice sunset as we headed out of the harbor.

 

Jan 15, 2023 – Machala, Ecuador

 

Machala is a city of 500,000 and is supposed to be the banana capital of the world.  There were two banana ships tied to the dock when we arrived about 0700, one of them labeled Del Monte.  Patrick had a tour of a petrified forest at the Puyango River which was a two hour drive south of the city in the foothills of the Andes, which start only 20 KM from the coast in this part of Ecuador.  The petrified trees are about 100 millions years old and date from before the Permian extinction.  It was amazing to see the trunks sticking out of the rock walls.  Since it was Sunday, by the time we had finished the 1.5 KM loop trail there were long lines of people waiting to get in, with lots of children.

 

Ecuadorian Naval Vessel protecting the cruise ship dock

Petrified Log sticking out of bank

Public Utility wiring in Machala

Amancay Plant at Petrified Forest

On the return trip we stopped for lunch at the Hillary Nature Park, a upscale hotel and resort perched on top of a hill overlooking the banana and cacoa plantations below.

 

Machala is also known for shrimp farming, much of which takes place in large ponds located in the mangrove swamps surrounding the city.

 

Jan 16, 2023 – At Sea enroute Lima, Peru

Jan 17, 2023 – At Sea enroute Lima, Peru

 January 5, 2023

 

We got up relatively early and headed to breakfast on the patio above the pool.  Prices were sky high, but what choice do we have?

 

Patrick headed to CVS Pharmacy a few blocks away to replenish the items we had left home, like sunscreen, antibiotics, eye drops, etc., and then headed to the Brickell City Mall to look for a set of Studs for his formal wear.  He was successful in that quest.

 

After an afternoon nap, and clarifying our transfer arrangements to the ship, we headed to the Gala dinner, with about 100 attendees.  The entertainment was great and the food was good.  We faded about 21:30 and headed to bed, since the luggage needs to be outside the door prior to 0800.

 

We also tested again for Covid-19 and are still negative.  Good News!!

 

Friday, January 6, 2023 – Departure Day

 

Baggage pickup was slow since the bellman told us there were over 500 bags to be brought down for transfer to the ship.  Our car was to pick us up at 11:30 and it was just before 11:00 before anyone showed up to get our luggage.  For some reason, since we had a private transfer, our luggage had to go with us rather than in the general luggage truck.  At least that way we knew the luggage would make it shoreside at the ship.

 

Check-in was straight forward, with the first checkpoint checking Covid-19 vaccination status and  negative test proof.  Then the next checkpoint looked at passports and took security photos.  The final checkpoint collected the passports.  We then were allowed to proceed to the gangway and board the ship, a long walk for Miriam since there was no wheelchair available.  By 12:30 we were in the Colonnade restaurant having a quick and small bite to eat.

 

The suites were available at about 1 PM, but luggage delivery was delayed.  We received our final bags after 5PM.  Once in the suite, the cabin attendants arrived with glasses of champagne and hors d’oeuvres and also notice of mandatory covid self test in two days.  We also have to wear masks while indoors on the ship for at least the next three days.

 

The ship departure was also delayed due to provisioning and luggage delays.  Seabourn Quest finally departed Miami after 7 PM while we we enjoying dinner at the The Grill by Thomas Keller.

 

Saturday, January 7, 2023 – At Sea North of Cuba

 

This morning we woke to mostly sunny skies, with the wind at 17 knots from the SE and a moderate sea.  For most of the day we are paralleling the northern coast of Cuba, just visible off the starboard side of the ship.  Cuba blocks the direct route from Miami to Panama.  There is a lot of cargo traffic visible as well.  For a time we were apparently escorted by a Cuban naval vessel.  Our route takes us around the eastern tip of Cuba.  Apparently, on the way back to Miami, on the last day of the previous voyage, Seabourn Quest came upon a sinking vessel with 34 Cuban refugees headed for the USA, who were rescued and turned over to the USCG.

 

Getting our exercise in takes some time, the walking path on deck 9 is only 100 meters in length, so it takes about 80 laps to get the necessary 5 miles in.  There is a regular parade of walkers going round and round the deck.  Patrick reverses direction every 10 laps to unwind.

 

Sunday, January 8, 2023

 

This morning the winds have changed direction, now from the NE, with a moderate swell on our stern and it is 81 degrees at 0600.  Patrick enjoyed a cup of coffee on our veranda as the sun rose above the horizon in a cloudless sky while Miriam luxuriated for a while in the very comfortable bed..  We have just passed through the Havana Straits between Cuba and Haiti and are headed directly for Panama.  There are ships on the horizon, but we can no longer see land.

 

This morning we have mandatory Covid-19 testing from 0900-1100.

 January 5, 2023

 

We got up relatively early and headed to breakfast on the patio above the pool.  Prices were sky high, but what choice do we have?

 

Patrick headed to CVS Pharmacy a few blocks away to replenish the items we had left home, like sunscreen, antibiotics, eye drops, etc., and then headed to the Brickell City Mall to look for a set of Studs for his formal wear.  He was successful in that quest.

 

After an afternoon nap, and clarifying our transfer arrangements to the ship, we headed to the Gala dinner, with about 100 attendees.  The entertainment was great and the food was good.  We faded about 21:30 and headed to bed, since the luggage needs to be outside the door prior to 0800.

 

We also tested again for Covid-19 and are still negative.  Good News!!

 

Friday, January 6, 2023 – Departure Day

 

Baggage pickup was slow since the bellman told us there were over 500 bags to be brought down for transfer to the ship.  Our car was to pick us up at 11:30 and it was just before 11:00 before anyone showed up to get our luggage.  For some reason, since we had a private transfer, our luggage had to go with us rather than in the general luggage truck.  At least that way we knew the luggage would make it shoreside at the ship.

 

Check-in was straight forward, with the first checkpoint checking Covid-19 vaccination status and  negative test proof.  Then the next checkpoint looked at passports and took security photos.  The final checkpoint collected the passports.  We then were allowed to proceed to the gangway and board the ship, a long walk for Miriam since there was no wheelchair available.  By 12:30 we were in the Colonnade restaurant having a quick and small bite to eat.

 

The suites were available at about 1 PM, but luggage delivery was delayed.  We received our final bags after 5PM.  Once in the suite, the cabin attendants arrived with glasses of champagne and hors d’oeuvres and also notice of mandatory covid self test in two days.  We also have to wear masks while indoors on the ship for at least the next three days.

 

The ship departure was also delayed due to provisioning and luggage delays.  Seabourn Quest finally departed Miami after 7 PM while we we enjoying dinner at the The Grill by Thomas Keller.

 

Saturday, January 7, 2023 – At Sea North of Cuba

 

This morning we woke to mostly sunny skies, with the wind at 17 knots from the SE and a moderate sea.  For most of the day we are paralleling the northern coast of Cuba, just visible off the starboard side of the ship.  Cuba blocks the direct route from Miami to Panama.  There is a lot of cargo traffic visible as well.  For a time we were apparently escorted by a Cuban naval vessel.  Our route takes us around the eastern tip of Cuba.  Apparently, on the way back to Miami, on the last day of the previous voyage, Seabourn Quest came upon a sinking vessel with 34 Cuban refugees headed for the USA, who were rescued and turned over to the USCG.

 

Getting our exercise in takes some time, the walking path on deck 9 is only 100 meters in length, so it takes about 80 laps to get the necessary 5 miles in.  There is a regular parade of walkers going round and round the deck.  Patrick reverses direction every 10 laps to unwind.

 

Sunday, January 8, 2023

 

This morning the winds have changed direction, now from the NE, with a moderate swell on our stern and it is 81 degrees at 0600.  Patrick enjoyed a cup of coffee on our veranda as the sun rose above the horizon in a cloudless sky while Miriam luxuriated for a while in the very comfortable bed..  We have just passed through the Havana Straits between Cuba and Haiti and are headed directly for Panama.  There are ships on the horizon, but we can no longer see land.

 

This morning we have mandatory Covid-19 testing from 0900-1100.

 The Grand Americas, Antarctica and Amazon adventure begins

 

January 3, 2023

 

Tomorrow we depart early for Miami to board the Seabourn Quest for a 79 day voyage around South America, departing on January 6 and returning on March 26, back to Miami.

 

This long voyage has a lot of prerequisites, such as advance baggage shipping, Covid-19 testing, shore excursion planning, ordering of Antarctic outerwear, etc.  Packing for all four seasons, including the Amazon, can be a challenge, hence the advance shipping of luggage with waterproof boots for wet landings, snorkeling gear for the tropics, trekking poles for hikes ashore, hiking shoes, and formal wear for evenings on board the ship as well as casual wear for days at sea.

 

Today was spent on last minute preparations, including haircuts, Covid-19 testing, final house cleaning and shutdown, clearing out the refrigerator, preparing cars with trickle chargers and phone calls to family.  We tested negative at the Bellevue College test site, so we are good to board the ship.

 

We will also try a get a few hours of sleep before the car arrives at 0400 for our transfer to the airport.

 

January 4, 2023

 

The alarm rudely woke us at 0300 and before long the BMW 7 series was in front of the house as we set the alarm, turned off the water heater, turned down the furnace and put our bags in the car.  At 0400 there was little traffic going to the airport and by 0445 we were checked in and through security, waiting for the Alaska Airlines lounge to open at 0500.  The lounge is on the way to Gate D11, where we will board an American Airlines flight to Dallas, connecting to another flight to Miami.  We arrive late and are staying at the Four Seasons hotel for two nights so we can attend a gala dinner the night before embarkation for those guest going on the complete

 

January 4, 2023 – Part 2

 

The American Airlines flight from SEA to Dallas left on time and the predicted flight time was 3:08 hours instead of the scheduled 3:59.  Taking off pre-dawn to the south we had a magnificent view of Mount Rainier as the sun rose above the horizon.  We were warned by the captain of possible turbulence over the Rockies and he was correct.  Meal service was not started until 90 minutes into the flight.  We had pre-ordered our breakfast, but what arrived was nearly inedible.  We think it had been in the warming ovens too long.

 

Arriving at Dallas, the wheelchair situation was strange.  Miriam was shuttled from the door of the aircraft to the gate area and had to wait while all the other wheelchair passengers were brought out of the plane and then all were loaded onto a vehicle.  Patrick just walked to the Admiral’s Club lounge and waited for Miriam.  We spent about two hours in the lounge, nervous about whether our flight was going to be cancelled due to weather like most of the other Florida bound flights.  The lines at customer service were very long as a result and it took more than 30 minutes just to arrange a wheelchair from the lounge to the gate.  Again, it was a multi-passenger tram and we arrived at the gate far too early.  Miriam was a trooper and stood for nearly 30 minutes before a wheelchair arrived to transport Miriam to the door of the Boeing 787.  Miriam was the first passenger on board and walked to the front of the aircraft to the lay-flat bed/seat, since we boarded the aircraft at door 2 in the middle of the aircraft.  By this time we were both pretty tired and closed our eyes.  Surprisingly, the full flight departed early and one could not even tell when we were airborne.  The business class seats were arranged in a herringbone fashion, slightly offset, so I could only see Miriam’s left leg for the 2:30 minute flight to Miami at a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet.

 

Service started quickly, with hot mixed nuts and drinks. That was followed by a meal, where Miriam had a vegetarian lasagna and Patrick had a Charcuterie plate, both very acceptable, especially compared to the previous flight’s breakfast service.

voyage.

 

 

 

We arrived slightly early to Miami, the wheelchair was waiting at the aircraft door and then we cooled our heels along with all the other passengers for 45 minutes for the baggage carousel to start.  We were not worried about the bags making it to Miami since the Apple AirTags worked well and we knew the bags were in the terminal.  The Seabourn representative was waiting for us and when the luggage arrived called for the private minivan.  It was a smooth but slow process.  The trip to the hotel was also slow due to traffic and construction detours, so it was nearly 10PM local time when we arrived at the hotel.  The restaurants were closed but the lobby bar had small plates, so we went there and had a burger before checking out our room and getting some much needed sleep.  Long Day!!

 The Grand Americas, Antarctica and Amazon adventure begins

 

January 3, 2023

 

Tomorrow we depart early for Miami to board the Seabourn Quest for a 79 day voyage around South America, departing on January 6 and returning on March 26, back to Miami.

 

This long voyage has a lot of prerequisites, such as advance baggage shipping, Covid-19 testing, shore excursion planning, ordering of Antarctic outerwear, etc.  Packing for all four seasons, including the Amazon, can be a challenge, hence the advance shipping of luggage with waterproof boots for wet landings, snorkeling gear for the tropics, trekking poles for hikes ashore, hiking shoes, and formal wear for evenings on board the ship as well as casual wear for days at sea.

 

Today was spent on last minute preparations, including haircuts, Covid-19 testing, final house cleaning and shutdown, clearing out the refrigerator, preparing cars with trickle chargers and phone calls to family.  We tested negative at the Bellevue College test site, so we are good to board the ship.

 

We will also try a get a few hours of sleep before the car arrives at 0400 for our transfer to the airport.

 

January 4, 2023

 

The alarm rudely woke us at 0300 and before long the BMW 7 series was in front of the house as we set the alarm, turned off the water heater, turned down the furnace and put our bags in the car.  At 0400 there was little traffic going to the airport and by 0445 we were checked in and through security, waiting for the Alaska Airlines lounge to open at 0500.  The lounge is on the way to Gate D11, where we will board an American Airlines flight to Dallas, connecting to another flight to Miami.  We arrive late and are staying at the Four Seasons hotel for two nights so we can attend a gala dinner the night before embarkation for those guest going on the complete

 

January 4, 2023 – Part 2

 

The American Airlines flight from SEA to Dallas left on time and the predicted flight time was 3:08 hours instead of the scheduled 3:59.  Taking off pre-dawn to the south we had a magnificent view of Mount Rainier as the sun rose above the horizon.  We were warned by the captain of possible turbulence over the Rockies and he was correct.  Meal service was not started until 90 minutes into the flight.  We had pre-ordered our breakfast, but what arrived was nearly inedible.  We think it had been in the warming ovens too long.

 

Arriving at Dallas, the wheelchair situation was strange.  Miriam was shuttled from the door of the aircraft to the gate area and had to wait while all the other wheelchair passengers were brought out of the plane and then all were loaded onto a vehicle.  Patrick just walked to the Admiral’s Club lounge and waited for Miriam.  We spent about two hours in the lounge, nervous about whether our flight was going to be cancelled due to weather like most of the other Florida bound flights.  The lines at customer service were very long as a result and it took more than 30 minutes just to arrange a wheelchair from the lounge to the gate.  Again, it was a multi-passenger tram and we arrived at the gate far too early.  Miriam was a trooper and stood for nearly 30 minutes before a wheelchair arrived to transport Miriam to the door of the Boeing 787.  Miriam was the first passenger on board and walked to the front of the aircraft to the lay-flat bed/seat, since we boarded the aircraft at door 2 in the middle of the aircraft.  By this time we were both pretty tired and closed our eyes.  Surprisingly, the full flight departed early and one could not even tell when we were airborne.  The business class seats were arranged in a herringbone fashion, slightly offset, so I could only see Miriam’s left leg for the 2:30 minute flight to Miami at a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet.

 

Service started quickly, with hot mixed nuts and drinks. That was followed by a meal, where Miriam had a vegetarian lasagna and Patrick had a Charcuterie plate, both very acceptable, especially compared to the previous flight’s breakfast service.

voyage.

 

 

 

We arrived slightly early to Miami, the wheelchair was waiting at the aircraft door and then we cooled our heels along with all the other passengers for 45 minutes for the baggage carousel to start.  We were not worried about the bags making it to Miami since the Apple AirTags worked well and we knew the bags were in the terminal.  The Seabourn representative was waiting for us and when the luggage arrived called for the private minivan.  It was a smooth but slow process.  The trip to the hotel was also slow due to traffic and construction detours, so it was nearly 10PM local time when we arrived at the hotel.  The restaurants were closed but the lobby bar had small plates, so we went there and had a burger before checking out our room and getting some much needed sleep.  Long Day!!

 Friday, September 30, 2022 – Santorini

 

We had hoped for a spectacular sunrise over the caldera at Santorini, but the weather gods had other ideas.  The top of the caldera was shrouded in clouds and fog, still impressive, but not what we had hoped for.  Seabourn Encore was joined by only one other cruise ship, the Azamara Quest.  We were transferred to local tenders for the trip to the ferry terminal where we met buses that took us to the top of the caldera on a narrow winding road for a ride to the east end of the island.  We arrived at the ruins at Akrotiri, which date back to at least 5000 BC and have layers of different cities built on top of each other, like Troy, but fewer layers.  The ruins are protected by a roof system and raised walkways around the different layers and areas, different than when we visited 14 years ago.

 

Some of the covered ruins at Akrotiri

After that visit, we went to the other end of the island to the town of Oia, with the famous blue roofed chapels and whitewashed building perched on the rim.  Even with only two ships is, it was crowded and by now, the clouds had burned off and it was HOT.  Miriam and I had a lite lunch while waiting for the rest of the tour group, since the steep rough streets and steps were just not doable with a walker.  We finally just abandoned the tour and took a taxi back to Fira, the central town.  The taxi driver dropped us off as close to the gondola as possible, where we found a taverna with a spectacular view across the caldera, including our cruise ship.  We enjoyed some Tzatziki and local white wine while waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive from the tour.

 

When the others arrived, everyone agreed it was time to return to the ship so we walked across the street to the gondola which took us to the bottom of the steep volcanic cliffs where we boarded a tender for the return to the ship.

 

Saturday, October 1, 2022 – Spetses

 

The island of Spetses is south of Athens and is considered by some to be the Monaco of Greece, since many wealthy Athenians have summer places and the small town center is filled with high end shops.  The are many beaches, including one right in the main town, so Patrick tried out the water, which was cooler than in Skiathos.  The town was buzzing with mopeds and horse drawn carriages since no autos, except for delivery vehicles are allowed in the town center in the morning.  The group found an open air taverna and we sampled local Greek dishes while watching the people go by.

 

Pedestrian only shopping streets in Spetses

Sunday, October 2, 2022 – disembark in Athens

 

Our disembarkation was delayed for a few hours since central Athens, where our hotel was located, was the start and finish for the Run/Walk for the Cure for Breast Cancer, and many of the roads were closed to traffic.  We finally left the ship about 1:00 PM and checked into the Grand Bretagne Hotel across from the parliament building.  After a quick trip to the Plaka for some last minute shopping the group gathered for a farewell dinner at the Grand Bretagne rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis as the sun set and the Acropolis lights came on.

 

Monday, October 3, 2022 – Heading Home

 

Our car and driver were scheduled for 0715 in the morning, so we had just time for a quick bite to eat on the rooftop of the hotel before heading for the airport.  Traffic was heavy in the city, but smoothed out when we got to the toll motorway.  Check-in was fairly smooth, except they would not allow Miriam’s walker except as checked baggage, which turned out to be a little bit of a hassle since we had placed her cane in our checked luggage.  British Airways arranged a wheelchair transfer to the spartan business class lounge which British Airways shares with several other airlines.  Miriam and I then had a private lift bus to the plane and we both entered through the forward galley door. The flight to London Heathrow was expected to take 4 hours.  There was a meal service, but strangely enough it was breakfast even though we took off at 1100 local time.  That flight landed right on time.

 

The Heathrow connection was straightforward, but with long lines at security checkpoints and a lot of secondary screening, so it took about one hour to reach the lounge after disembarking the plane.  The Seattle flight was 1 ½ hours late and there was additional secondary screening before we boarded, searching hand luggage.  The flight was 9 + hours long, with lots of coughing passengers and few face masks, but landing only about one hour late.  Clearing back through Customs and Immigration was swift, we were the only flight at the time and no lines.

 

 Friday, September 30, 2022 – Santorini

 

We had hoped for a spectacular sunrise over the caldera at Santorini, but the weather gods had other ideas.  The top of the caldera was shrouded in clouds and fog, still impressive, but not what we had hoped for.  Seabourn Encore was joined by only one other cruise ship, the Azamara Quest.  We were transferred to local tenders for the trip to the ferry terminal where we met buses that took us to the top of the caldera on a narrow winding road for a ride to the east end of the island.  We arrived at the ruins at Akrotiri, which date back to at least 5000 BC and have layers of different cities built on top of each other, like Troy, but fewer layers.  The ruins are protected by a roof system and raised walkways around the different layers and areas, different than when we visited 14 years ago.

 

Some of the covered ruins at Akrotiri

After that visit, we went to the other end of the island to the town of Oia, with the famous blue roofed chapels and whitewashed building perched on the rim.  Even with only two ships is, it was crowded and by now, the clouds had burned off and it was HOT.  Miriam and I had a lite lunch while waiting for the rest of the tour group, since the steep rough streets and steps were just not doable with a walker.  We finally just abandoned the tour and took a taxi back to Fira, the central town.  The taxi driver dropped us off as close to the gondola as possible, where we found a taverna with a spectacular view across the caldera, including our cruise ship.  We enjoyed some Tzatziki and local white wine while waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive from the tour.

 

When the others arrived, everyone agreed it was time to return to the ship so we walked across the street to the gondola which took us to the bottom of the steep volcanic cliffs where we boarded a tender for the return to the ship.

 

Saturday, October 1, 2022 – Spetses

 

The island of Spetses is south of Athens and is considered by some to be the Monaco of Greece, since many wealthy Athenians have summer places and the small town center is filled with high end shops.  The are many beaches, including one right in the main town, so Patrick tried out the water, which was cooler than in Skiathos.  The town was buzzing with mopeds and horse drawn carriages since no autos, except for delivery vehicles are allowed in the town center in the morning.  The group found an open air taverna and we sampled local Greek dishes while watching the people go by.

 

Pedestrian only shopping streets in Spetses

Sunday, October 2, 2022 – disembark in Athens

 

Our disembarkation was delayed for a few hours since central Athens, where our hotel was located, was the start and finish for the Run/Walk for the Cure for Breast Cancer, and many of the roads were closed to traffic.  We finally left the ship about 1:00 PM and checked into the Grand Bretagne Hotel across from the parliament building.  After a quick trip to the Plaka for some last minute shopping the group gathered for a farewell dinner at the Grand Bretagne rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis as the sun set and the Acropolis lights came on.

 

Monday, October 3, 2022 – Heading Home

 

Our car and driver were scheduled for 0715 in the morning, so we had just time for a quick bite to eat on the rooftop of the hotel before heading for the airport.  Traffic was heavy in the city, but smoothed out when we got to the toll motorway.  Check-in was fairly smooth, except they would not allow Miriam’s walker except as checked baggage, which turned out to be a little bit of a hassle since we had placed her cane in our checked luggage.  British Airways arranged a wheelchair transfer to the spartan business class lounge which British Airways shares with several other airlines.  Miriam and I then had a private lift bus to the plane and we both entered through the forward galley door. The flight to London Heathrow was expected to take 4 hours.  There was a meal service, but strangely enough it was breakfast even though we took off at 1100 local time.  That flight landed right on time.

 

The Heathrow connection was straightforward, but with long lines at security checkpoints and a lot of secondary screening, so it took about one hour to reach the lounge after disembarking the plane.  The Seattle flight was 1 ½ hours late and there was additional secondary screening before we boarded, searching hand luggage.  The flight was 9 + hours long, with lots of coughing passengers and few face masks, but landing only about one hour late.  Clearing back through Customs and Immigration was swift, we were the only flight at the time and no lines.