Tag Archives: photos

Flying to Zurich

Before our 20-day MSC Lirica cruise from Venice to Dubai, we decided to spend a bit of time exploring parts of Europe where we’ve never been. We left 10 days ahead of the cruise, but the flight didn’t arrive until … Continue reading

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MSC Lirica

Lirica was MSC’s first new-build cruise ship and the last of the Lirica class to undergo a renovation adding a splash park, new child and teen areas, new lounge, enhanced buffet and extended restaurant. The four Lirica class ships were … 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

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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

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Hiking the Dungeness Spit

On the north coast of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, Dungeness Park near Sequim is divided into two sections. (Sequim is pronounced Squim – rhymes with swim.)The recreation area is a county park and has hiking trails and a campground where … Continue reading

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Cruising Gluten Free

Cruise ships have come a long way from the time people had to arrange for every gluten free item they might eat on a voyage in advance of the cruise. Now gluten free selections are often available to anyone at … Continue reading

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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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Surviving 22 Days On A Cruise Ship With No Guest Laundries

Some cruise lines have self-serve guest laundries on all their ships. Some have them on some of their ships. Others never have any laundry facilities for the passengers on any of their ships. On any major cruise ship you can … Continue reading

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Beppu, Japan Cruise Port

Beppu, Japan is a city of steam, best known for its multitude of natural hot springs and thermal pools. Some are used as day spas or resorts. Some are even used to steam food. Its 8 major geothermal hot spots … Continue reading

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