Another Journey Of A Lifetime
From visas to vaccinations, money matters to medication; we’re now ready for an epic around the world cruise. An around-the-world cruise is often thought of as the pinnacle of a sailing vacation.
December 15, 2013
START OF TRAVELS : December 18, 2013 END OF TRAVELS : May 30, 2014
Just a few weeks from now, on December 18, 2013, we'll be off on our 150 day Grand World Cruise. We'll be visiting thirty five countries on five continents.
We are thrilled to to be doing this 2014 World Cruise to fulfill our dreams and sail around the world in another journey of a lifetime. From the island paradise of French Polynesian islands; magnificent Machu Picchu in Peru; quaint coastal villages ; game parks in Africa to the colorful sand dunes of Namibia; we are going to explore some of the world's fascinating destinations.
For the most part, this blog is to do a journal of an extended trip like this. Together, we've seen many parts of the world over the years and we would like to share this with our friends and families as this travel diary is intended primarily for them. Through our photographs and stories we would like them to feel as a part of our travel and adventure.
THE VESSEL
We will be on board Holland America Line M.S. Amsterdam. It is the third ship to bear the name of the Dutch capital in Holland America Line in its 135-year history. The M.S. Amsterdam blends the very latest in shipbuilding technology with the artistry, personalized touches and superior service that has made it one of the highest-rated cruise lines in the world.
There is no better way to cruise around the world than on board a Holland America ship. You are immediately welcomed by the dedicated and hardworking crew. As you travel from one port to another, you will be spoiled with some of the finest cuisine in the world. Special events are held at sea to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn and explore world cuisine, so local fare is highlighted. A deck party takes an Indonesian flair as you sail into Indonesian waters, or an outback flair as you sail towards Australia. Regardless of the region, an array of culinary delights can be tasted.
Destination map for WORLD CRUISE.
On days at sea, hours are spent on enriching activities such as water-color classes, computer classes, photography, arts and crafts, and cooking lessons with some of the top chefs of the world. There are also informative lectures conducted everyday on topics like history, culture, and attractions at the ports of call. One can also go for a spa treatment, fitness training, and other revitalizing activities like yoga, Pilates and meditation to renew the mind, body and soul.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
EASTER ISLANDS
PERU
FRENCH POLYNESIAN ISLANDS - from nature walks to snorkeling and seeing iridescent fish in one of the world's most beautiful lagoons.
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA -we would like to discover the diversity of this place from its curry dish to its colorful market. The Botanical Garden is also not to be missed with its giant tortoises.
WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA - is a natural lagoon that attracts birds; including flamingos, pelicans and other migratory species. Dune 7 is the highest sand dune in the coastal dune belt and offers an impressive view of the desert.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA- Famous Table Mountain looms above the city of Cape Town. For fantastic views, we can ride the cable car to the summit.
SEYCHELLES - The description of these paradise islands is gorgeous and romantic. A mountain range runs through the largest island and scenic national parks abound. It has idyllic beaches that have immortalized the Seychelles. We can spend a full day relaxing on the white sand beach and then the next day explore the laid back capital of Victoria.
There are so many other interesting places to see and things to do on this trip, but the list might be too long. We will try and post our blog as regularly as we can. From our experience, the WI-fi on the ship is very slow and expensive so we'd rather wait for an opportunity to get to a cyber cafe in every port of call.
And so, my dear friends, and relatives, it's time to hit the road again!
Postcard moments ? Lots and lots of them for sure.
Until then, sayonara for now.
BERT & CHARLOTTE
P.S.
As an Authorized Immigration Consultant of the Government of Canada, my daughter, Charelle M. Lopena, will provide pro-bono consulting, representation, and visa assistance in line with the recently announced measures by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to prioritize the processing of applications of Filipinos who were affected by typhoon Haiyan.
She may be reached at charelle@cmlimmigration.com or at : www.cmlimmigration.com.
Also, together with a Filipino store owner in North Vancouver (Lonsdale and Third St), they have initiated collection of donations in kind, and in cash for balikbayan boxes (care packages). If you want to donate you may bring your items to the store or you may also pledge cash to help cover the cost of shipping the boxes. The care packages would go to the community of two Filipina care givers living and working in Canada and whose families were wiped out.
As for me, I am looking forward to attending the water-color classes on board the ship. Last year, we were able to sell our artwork and crafts and whatever were sold was matched x3 by Holland America Lines. The proceeds last year went to the special school for disfranchised kids in Samoa. I'm confident that since we are scheduled to overnight stop in Manila, there will be some fund raising for the Philippines typhoon victims. Holland America owes it to their hardworking and dedicated Filipino crew.
With these in mind, we will go in our cruise thinking that we are able to help in our little ways. God bless the Filipinos and the all people around the world that continue to pray for them, and send help in any way they can.