Our final port on the 2016 World Cruise is a wonderful place to finish up...Funchal is the vibrant capital of Madeira, a sub-tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean about 600 miles southwest of Lisbon. Framed by a dramatic backdrop of towering cloud-tipped mountains, the city unfolds over a series of steep hills and terraces. Funchal is a wealth of historic monuments, convents, forts and churches that date back to the 15th century. Madeira's abundance of colorful and exotic flora is apparent in the areas many parks and gardens. Ann and I wandered the Old Town before taking a cable car for a stunning overview of the city and the botanical gardens. Returning to the harbor we stopped at; the Fort Sao Tiago, a bright yellow landmark and the local market or Mercado dos Lavradores. Stopping once again in the old town , we met up with Cathy and enjoyed some shopping, WIFI and gelato before returning to the ship. It is hard to believe this is our final port of call and the past seven months on the Amsterdam has nearly come to an end. Until we meet again, I would like to bid farewell to all my friends on the high seas....thank you for making my 10th World Cruise a memorable one!!! This is a two part blog, here is part 2
Dear Jeff, I have followed you since last September and can't believe it is now almost over. I want to thank you for the huge amount of time and effort you put into taking and sending these marvellous pictures to your land-locked fans. I have looked forward to your posts all winter. I think I have followed you now for about 9 or so years so have had many vicarious trips with you. I can sure see why you love cruising and so do I, but, I have been unable to cruise for a few years because of ill health. Thaks so much again and have a wonderful summer at home.
ReplyDeleteNora - from Vancouver Canada
Jeff, Thank you for all the effort you put into posting your pictures and commentary. I think, by now, we've seen all your travel postings from the last several years and we always enjoy them. You have served as an inspiration to us and we're looking forward to signing up for next year's World Cruise on the Amsterdam. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteJay & Tanya
Wiesbaden, Germany
Have been enjoying your world cruise tremendously -- as usual. We are now in the midst of preparing for our own RTW adventure. The one thing I am missing from your blog is a "Search" feature so I can easily refer back to ports of call on your previous adventures. Happy Traveling!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff, for the fun trip with you around the world on HAL!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed all your escapades so well represented in your photos and loved the Formal Night photos you have slipped in once in a while.
You are the BEST!!
Best wishes for the summer!
Patricia
How time flies...wishing you a safe journey and fun times as you cross the pond and head home.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for continuing the blog. Another year of stunning faces, market places, landmarks, critters and ships. Thank you, thank you so much Jeff. You brighten my days.
Getting ready to go to Alaska in June, praying I have the fabulous weather we had last year.
BVH-Groton, Ct
Hi Jeff, thanks for all your effort and time spent with your blog. We really enjoy it!!
ReplyDeleteErik and Diane