Porto

Porto ( why do us Brits insist on calling it Oporto?) was one of the main reasons for choosing this cruise and we were not disappointed

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 Porto is on the north Atlantic coast of Portugal.

Portugal is in the same time zone as the UK so we got back the hour we last on Sunday night. So it was easy to be up to see the Pilot come aboard.

The ship berths a few miles north of the City and we were on the correct side of the ship to see the coast line from the Douro Estuary where the main centre is up to the Cruise Terminal in the industrial port.

There were nice sandy beaches and rocky headlands - very touristy!

No rush for breakfast and we were easily on the first coach into Porto

 A very nice ride along the seafront

 and then along the Douro Riverside

 passing under Ponta da Arrabida

and on to our drop off point at the edge of the old City by a very nice square with a garden. (Actually it was a triangle not a true Square!)

We then strolled through the Old City looking at the Churches, Railway Station, Cathedral and general skyline views

We then crossed the Douro River on the Ponte Luis I which is tram at the top level and road traffic below. We had great views over the river and city from the top level!

 Walk down a narrow and very steep cobbled street to river level!

We could have Funiculared up to the Shuttle Coach pick up but being fit old fogies we walked!

Going past some interesting tiled and painted old buildings

On the trip back to the ship we past a 'dead' tram and got stuck with behind badly parked van!

So back to the ship for our usual poolside slumber, eats, and swim. Shortly after this pic was taken IB was the ONLY swimmer in the pool - bliss!

So as we set sail for Guernsey we see the Cruise terminal with its mad architecture and the lovely beach bathed in sunshine!

But we avoid the Great British sail away party

So we wave goodbye to Portugal for the second time in a month!

Tomorrow is a day at sea and a much needed rest after three hectic port days. Looking forward to the 'new' Headliners show tonight!

La Coruna

We had a nice evening last night watching Reel to Reel in the theatre and it was a show we had seen over three years ago: time for some new shows P and O! Despite some football match the theatre was full - but so were the two venues showing the match.

This was our first view of La Coruna from the ship. The buildings are famed for their glass fronted balconies which gives La Coruna a nickname of Crystal City

We arrived early into La Coruna and as yesterday it started dull but very soon the sun came out and it was a warm 22c and felt hotter in the sun! La Coruna is our sort of cruise port with the ship berthing right in the centre of the city.

We decided to walk along the harbour promenade

and explore the old city with its treed squares,

This is the tomb of Sir John Moore in Jardines de San Carlos 

and narrow streets

One of the markers for the pilgrims route to Santiago de Compostela

and a good view of the harbour

Then though Plaza de Maria Pita with its Palacio Municipal

and on to the two main beaches

Playa del Orzan

Playa del Riazor

The beaches have a wide promenade

Visible from the Promenade is the Obelisco Millenium

 but it is a shame that you have to cross a wide and busy road to get to the beach

 then back to the ship through the nice wide roads and squares

So then our usual swim, food, relaxing, and exploring the ship in the afternoon! Still amazed at how many kids there are on the ship. The rumour is that there are over 500 and that Scottish and Irish schools are on holiday. Note to selves: Only go on adult only ships!

Gijon

Gijon, pronounced Heehon is in the northest of Spain on the Bay of Biscay.

We berthed at 8am and after breakfast we were (as usual!) on the first shuttle coach into the city. Ventura berthed in the commercial port some half an hour away from the city.

The facilities at the terminal tent were decidedly basic - just security screening!

We started by climbing the hill which separates the two main beaches in Gijon, and we greeted by this sculpture(?)  called 'Praise to the Horizon'

We then went to look at the main - natural - beach of San Lorenzo, which would have been acres of sand were it not high tide!

so then off throught the old quarter to the other beach and past the yacht marinas

Playa de Poniente is a man made beach nearest to the commercial port.

On the coach trip into the city we noticed a train museum so decided to see if it was worth a visit: a very well spent Euro 1.40 each!

The display seemed to be housed in a disused station but there were no signs in English and our Spanish is not too hot!

A Hunslet Diesel!

Luckily we had our drone with us so we were able to get this aerial shot of the museum!

So a quick look at the tree lined main shopping street

and Colonnade of San Esteban

So back to the ship for a quick swim before lunch and a lazy afternoon by and in the pool until it got too busy and then relax in our cabin.

Last night we had a very average comic (the son of Roy Walker) but expect more tonight from the second headliners show called Reel to Reel which we are sure we saw three years ago on our last 

P and O Cruise!

The day started dull with a shower but really cheered up and from mid morning it was sunny and warm!

Spain, Portugal and Gurnsey

Our holiday started with a car to Ryde, Island Line from Ryde St Johns to the pier head, Fast Cat to Portsmouth, train to Fratton,  (The fast through train leaves as the Cat arrives on Sundays!)  train to Southampton Central and a taxi to Ocean Terminal where we boarded Ventura.

The slow train arrives at the central platform but there is still a lift for oldies with heavy suitcases - Pippa please note!

Arrived at terminal at 12 Midday and despite a 3 30pm boarding time we were eating lunch on board at 1pm!

Time to look around ship and see some of the harbour movements:

 Shieldhall reverses out while a Raptor and Red Jet pass

We were in with Arcadia which left first and Queen Elizabeth which left just before us

We are on freedom dinning so as we like eating early we were eating as we left Southampton but we had finished just in time to see us pass Seaview and it was pretty clear for some decent photos!

and of the Fort

We have not cruised for three years and there are many changes. One improvement is that for a single extortionate charge we get unlimited time connected to the glacial internet. In previous years it was time limited! This will make blogging much easier as I can do it on line rather than pre writing by adding photos on line watching the clock and getting frustrated as to how long it took!

After dinner we saw the first Headliners show which was a biopic of Bert Bacharach - not bad!

Monday is a sea day and it started with a swim for IB while IG read by the pool. We are amazed at the age profile on the ship. We are pretty much the oldest on board and there are a fair number of families with young kids. the pools get busy with noisy kids so an early swim is the order of the day.

We have two port presentations to see - good opportunity for a snooze - and we will do a few laps of the prom deck to work up an appetite for dinner and a comic in the theatre tonight!

So we have our first port tomorrow, Gijon in Spain which is a shuttle bus ride away from where we park.