Saturday, May 18, 2024
British Isle Cruise - Days 1 through 5
This trip has been the longest I have been disconnected from work - I did go through 350 office emails a couple days ago and need to check again today or tomorrow - and blogging in memory. The husband and I have been enjoying ourselves despite some disappointments with our ship, the Celebrity Silhouette. The ship is clean, the food decent (although not anywhere as good as advertised)and the crew very friendly. Surprisingly, for a European sailing, almost all the passengers are American, many well into later or old age. The dress code for "chic attire" in evenings is a joke and not enforced with many passengers, especially the men, looking like they are dressed to dine in at their local McDonalds or Burger King.
Our day in Dover was nice, but it rained constantly which made our tour of Dover Castle, one of the largest in the UK, a bit soggy. After a day at sea (sunset over the Celtic Sea is above) we visited the Waterford glassworks in Waterford, Ireland which gives one an appreciation for why the products are expensive. Yesterday in Cobh (formerly Queenstown under the British) was enjoyable and we had a great tour through Railtours Ireland which we would definitely use again. The Lusitania memorial in Cobh town center is below. The husband at Blarney Castle is shown above. What one doesn't usually hear about is Blarney House - owned by a friend of King Charles III - which was built in the 1870's on the 60 acre site with the castle. We also helped the local economy with some purchases at the Blarney Woolen Mills in the town of Blarney, Ireland.
We have met several nice couples - some gay and some straight - from various parts of the USA, including a group that formed their own travel club and do trips and cruises together. The supposed LGBT meet ups have been a bust since they are at the martini bar which is overrun with aging, overweight straight couples, few of who know how to dress. Based on other cruise lines we have sailed on, we brought "dress up clothes" for formal nights or "elegant" nights and have worn them since we have them with us (e.g., I brought 3 tuxedo shirts), Each time we have received many compliments, including from the crew. If one wants good attire, our recommendation is Cunard which still requires proper attire for the main dining rooms.
Today, we are in Liverpool and will do a walking tour that traces the Beatles and their rise to fame. The morning clouds are forecast to burn off, which will be welcomed. A view from the ship is below.
Tomorrow we will be in Glasgow and will be doing a castle tour and views of the edge of the highlands.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
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