Tag Archives: travel

Flying to Zurich

Posted on December 27, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

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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San Francisco Cruise Ship Port

Posted on December 13, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

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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The Seven Hells of Beppu

Posted on November 29, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

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

Cruising Gluten Free

Posted on November 22, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

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

Posted on November 15, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

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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Beppu, Japan Cruise Port

Posted on November 1, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

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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San Diego Trolley Tour

Posted on October 25, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

Before our cruise on the Royal Princess we had a ship’s excursion booked in San Diego, California. It was supposed to be a ghosts and gravestones tour in San Diego’s old town area on a hop-on hop-off trolley. We never … Continue reading →

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Osaka Cruise Port

Posted on October 4, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

Osaka, Japan With a population of over 19 million, Osaka is Japan’s second most populous city, and one of the most populated metropolitan areas of the world. This port city has served historically as a merchant city. Signs of human … Continue reading →

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San Diego Cruise Port

Posted on September 27, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

Royal Princess arrived in San Diego around 4am, though the scheduled arrival time was 7am. That gave the crew plenty of time to set up gangways on two different decks long before most of the passengers woke up. The morning … Continue reading →

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Hits and Misses on Holland America Veendam

Posted on September 20, 2019 by LBcruiseshipblogger

Every cruise ship has its good features and its bad features. Holland America Veendam is no different. Even among ships of the same cruise line things vary, and of course likes and dislikes are a personal thing. Everyone is entitled … Continue reading →

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