Category Archives: Port Cities

Busan, South Korea Cruise Port

Formerly spelled Pusan, but now changed to Busan although since apparently the Korean pronunciation actually is Pusan the spelling change really makes no sense, this city is South Korea’s second most populous city after Seoul. It is the 5th busiest … Continue reading →

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Gondola Ride in Venice

Our 20-day cruise on the MSC Lirica was scheduled from Venice to Dubai so we flew into Switzerland 10 days ahead and did some traveling around Europe by train, ending with 3 nights in Venice before boarding the ship. Although … Continue reading →

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Touring San Francisco

After the Royal Princess docked in San Francisco, my sisters and I went out to the pier to meet with our cousin and her friend who live in the area. We hadn’t seen our cousin for quite some time so … Continue reading →

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Where’s the Ship?

Boarding in Venice Trieste Venice Venice is Italy’s city of canals, built on a series of islands in a lagoon. The original lagoon dwellers were fishermen living on the then marshy islands. Others retreated there to avoid various armies after the … Continue reading →

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Hakata Cruise Port in Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka, Japan Fukuoka sits on the northern shore of Kyushu island in Japan, with the sea to the north and mountains surrounding the other 3 sides of the city. Fukuoka has a major industrial area and is one of Japan’s … Continue reading →

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Capilano Suspension Bridge at Christmas

Capilano Suspension Bridge spans the Capilano River at Capilano Bridge Park in Vancouver BC, Canada. A free shuttle picks visitors up from 4 locations in Downtown Vancouver. In the wintertime the park is strung with lights for their Canyon Lights … Continue reading →

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San Francisco Cruise Ship Port

Sailing into San Francisco is quite scenic. It’s like having harbor tour without ever leaving the ship. Besides all the scenery onshore, the ship sails under the Golden Gate Bridge. Quite a few people gathered on the upper outside decks … Continue reading →

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Sydney Australia Cruise Ship Ports

Sydney, Australia has two cruise ship ports. Ships that are too big to fit under the Sydney Harbour Bridge dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. Smaller ships may dock at White Bay Cruise Terminal in Balmain. White … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Explorer of the Seas, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Royal Caribbean | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Seven Hells of Beppu

Beppu, Japan, known as the city that steams, is home to numerous hot springs and other geothermal features. Steam rises from thermal pools, steam vents, and sometimes even storm drains. There are steam baths called Onsens (thermal spas) all throughout … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland America, Japan, Pacific Ocean & Islands, Port Cities, Ports of Call, Westerdam | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Beppu Monkey Park

We started our port stop from Holland America Westerdam in Beppu, Japan with a visit to Takasakiyama Monkey Park. This park sits at the base of Mt. Takasaki, and is populated by wild macaque monkeys. A sign at the entrance … Continue reading →

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