Grandeur of the Seas alongside in Malaga, Spain

Itinerary		= ports at anchor
Sunday 19th June	-	Fly Gatwick to Palma, Majorca & embark Grandeur of the Seas
Monday	-	Barcelona, Spain
Tuesday	-	Ibiza, Spain
Wednesday	-	at sea
Thursday	-	Malaga, Spain
Friday	-	Gibraltar
Saturday	-	at sea
Sunday 26th June	-	Palma, Majorca disembark and fly to UK

The five of us (Andrew, Stella, Lesley, Peter and me!) who couldn't wait util October for the next cruise, chose this 7-night "Quickie" to satisfy our addiction! Then being advised on the day before departure that we had all been upgraded, proved to be an additional bonus!

The photos of Grandeur of the Seas & all the ports visited on this cruise can be found on my account at Captain Martini >>

Click the link to follow our adventures as posted on-line, or read on....

		Sunday 19th June 2011 London Gatwick to Palma, Majorca With no option but the charter flight provided, it was quite a job getting a week's luggage into one 20kg suitcase and one very small carry-on bag! (left) View of Palma Cathedral, taken from on board the ship

I was not looking forward to the flight but apart from having to leave home at 1.30am, it wasn't that bad; and in any event, the flight itself was over in less than 2 hours. Immigration in Palma was easy, so within another 2 hours, and aided by Priority Boarding, we were aboard by 11.00am.

Our Upgraded Accommodation
It was a pity we all had so little luggage because the suites we had been upgraded to were really rather nice; mine seemed particularly lavish, especially for one person!

Welcome Back! I like being a Diamond!		Junior Suite 8520 (Deck 8)				My Bathroom

My Junior Suite on Deck 8 came with a flat-screen TV and coffee-making tray, as well as a large balcony and far more wardrobes and drawers than I had "stuff" to put in them! Apart from a strange column in the middle of the room though, the decor was perhaps a little "tired" and I was reminded that the ship is now 15 years old and it had been 8 years since Andrew & I had last been on board.

		Having enjoyed the loyalty privileges of Celebrity & Cunard in recent years, it was nice to still be a "Diamond", although on Royal Caribbean, this didn't include my usual bottle of bubbly! A Grand Suite (Deck 8) The others though, had been upgraded to Grand Suites, with even more "extras" - including that missing bottle of bubbly! (left) Grand Suite 8512 on Deck 8 and its spacious, marble-topped bathroom (right)

Sunday 19th June 2011 Palma, Majorca

After the usual Boat Drill, there was a delay to departure and Captain Espen Been explained that he had feared a possible medical emergency. Then the ship left and we thought we were on our way but no sooner were we outside the harbour, than we turned around and went back again. Evidently, the medical emergency had occurred after all. We left port again, a few hours later.

Grandeur of the Seas
Having cruised on her in 2003, the ship seemed quite familiar and it was reassuring to note that all my favourite features still remained. While she lacks some of the facilities of the newer giant ships of Royal Caribbean, she's big enough to be impressive and spacious, without being intimidating.

The 7-deck high Centrum Suspended "Dragonfly" sculpture & "Wallclimber" lifts				Schooner Bar (Deck 6)		A stylised 1920's theme "The Great Gatsby" Dining Room

The "Great Gatsby" Dining Room
With a 1920's theme to its decor, this is suitably understated but elegant. Set on 2 levels with a "Grand Staircase" at one end, the upper level of the room faces onto the glass-walled Promenade, bringing light into the room and affording spectacular ocean views.

"My Time Dining" in the Main Restaurant
This is a kind of "Open Sitting" option for those not wishing to be bound by the times of either of the two main sittings. We chose it this time because we had been led to believe that on this cruise, 2nd Sitting would be at 9pm, which was too late for us. However, it soon became clear that 2nd Sitting was actually at 8.30 (as is more usual) and we had earlier been misinformed.

		"My Time Dining" is not really suitable for those who, like us, prefer to have the same stewards each evening; although with persistence learned from experience, we managed to get what we wanted most nights, our stewards, Roshmann and Luciano, providing us with excellent service. (left) Two Typical Dinner Menus and (right) An alternative typical "Healthy Option" Menu (NB. Although "Black Angus Top Sirlion" was on the menu, there was no steak on board all week!)

More pictures and a more detailed report on Grandeur of the Seas can be found in the Grandeur of the Seas Gallery >>
Alternatively, an extensive set of photos all around Grandeur of the Seas can be found on my account at Captain Martini >>

We eventually departed Palma for the second time. Whatever the earlier emergency had been, we had no idea but it wasn't going to affect the ship's schedule, because with only 136 nautical miles to Barcelona, we only needed to maintain about 10 knots to get there by tomorrow morning!

		Monday 20th June 2011 Barcelona, Spain My plans for an early swim were dashed by pool-cleaning and when I eventually got in, it was freezing cold! Unfortunately, things didn't improve! (left) The Solarium Pool - freezing cold every morning!

With no organised excursions booked today, we all planned a lazy start; just as well, because aside from a delayed swim in freezing cold water, there was a mix-up over cabin-breakfast and I ended up improvising with the aid of the coffee-maker and fruit & nuts from the complimentary gift-pack!

After the ship's tours had departed, we took the shuttle-bus to the World Trade Centre, and then the "Hop-on, hop-off" Sightseeing bus as far as the Spanish Village, originally constructed for the International Exhibition in 1929, as a museum depicting regional Spanish architectural styles.

Today a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Spanish Village features cafes, bars, restaurants and shops, and provides studios and workshops for artisans specialising in hand-made decorative art.

Poble Espagnol The Spanish Village (1929)				El Tram Grass Tram Tracks!		Casa Batllo by Antoni Gaudi (1904-6)

Following a break for "Hot Chocolate" in one of the cafes, we continued on the sightseeing bus, spotting the new "El Tram", built for the 1992 Olympics and the only one I've seen that runs on grass tracks! The bus also passes two of Antoni Gaudi's famous buildings, La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, the latter remodelled by him 1904-06 in his uniquely modernist style.

Here I left the others, Lesley & Peter for an afternoon rendezvous with friends, while Andrew and Stella returned to the ship. I meanwhile, transferred to the other sightseeing bus to the building that is considered Gaudi's masterpiece and life's work, Sagrada Familia.

Sagrada Familia - The Basilica Church of the Holy Family
Construction of the building commenced in 1882 but Antoni Gaudi took over the design in 1883 and promptly changed it! Already an enormous project, delays were worsened by Gaudi constantly revising his designs during construction. He died in 1926, before the completion of his East Facade.

The Nativity Facade (East) Completed in 1935, truest to Gaudi's designs				Scaffolders! Close-up shot >>		The Passion Facade (West) Controversially redesigned after Gaudi's death

I had hoped to go inside but naively, I had not expected so many tourists, nor a half-hour queue in the hot sun. So I consoled myself with a "Wall's Magnum" in the shade of the adjacent park instead! I must remember for next time; try to get there earlier in the day!

Tuesday 21st June 2011
We were not due in Ibiza until 1pm today, so with only 155 miles to cover since yesterday, it was no surprise that the ship was drifting through the early hours, only picking-up speed after breakfast.

		For my morning swim today, I was joined by Lesley, although the water in the pool was just as cold as yesterday and I'm sure she only got in to prove to me that she could bear it! Mind you, none of the ship's 3 sea-water pools were heated and yet this didn't seem to deter passengers; later in the day, in the full heat of the sun, perhaps they enjoyed the chance to cool-off!

The others had invitations to an exclusive Grand Suites Party, so I indulged in a "Royal Coffee" from Latte-tudes; with Cointreau, Kahlua and Baileys, it was excessively alcoholic but spoiled by being served in a cardboard cup! But I discovered later, that the others had been sun-bathing and hadn't gone to their party after all, so they ended up jealous of me, when I thought I was the one left out!

With the morning "free" I took the opportunity to re-photograph much of the ship and I was pleased to find that all that sumptuous artwork I remembered from 2003 was still in place.

"Swan Lake" by Yolanda Sonnaband (Main Stairway)	Where the heck? by John Clinch (Card Room)			Snoozin' by John Clinch (Library)		Mural & Cinematic Art (Singin' in the Rain Lounge)

		As we approached Ibiza, I watched the unfolding panorama from the comfort of my balcony, as I recalled the last time I was here, 26 years and 39 cruises ago aboard the beautiful Vistafjord on the "Love Boat Cruise" in 1985! (left) Flashback to 26 yrs ago and Vistafjord at anchor off Ibiza in 1985

Tuesday 21st June 2011 Ibiza

26 years ago, Vistafjord had anchored, much like Bleu de France today, tendering her passengers ashore; but for us there was now a new pier by the lighthouse across the bay at Marina Botafoch, although we still had to wait for MSC Sinfonia to leave before we could go alongside!

Bleu de France & MSC Sinfonia (37,301grt & 58,600grt)		Flashback 1985 View of Dalt Vila from Vistafjord at anchor		Dalt Vila today & the new cruise pier		"Martin i Soler" (2009) Ferry to Palma or Barcelona

The advantage to tendering is that you are usually put ashore close to the centre of town but Ibiza's new cruiseship pier is quite some distance from the town, right around the other side of the bay; and while it does give you a great view of "Dalt Vila" (the Old Town), it was necessary today to queue for the shuttle bus into town for our "group walk" up into the citadel.

The Entrance into the Citadel Evidence of the Roman Occupation			Pirates of the Mediterranean?			The Drawbridge		Market Hall in the lower town

Founded in 654bc by the Carthaginians, the Old Town now makes an interesting, albeit a hot and strenuous climb through its cobbled streets and alleyways, providing a number of splendid view-points along the way. (right) Taking a breather; me with Lesley, Stella & Peter, with our ship in the background (Andrew's photo)

		The view from this terrace I rediscovered after 26 years and I took much the same photo as I did then but today, where Vistafjord had once anchored, our ship was now tied-up at a new concrete pier! 26 years! (left) View from the terrace & (right) The view in 1985

The Cathedral of Santa Maria & the view from the Old Town battlements with Marina Botafoch & the cruise pier across the bay		Grandeur of the Seas & the new cruise pier		Bleu de France at anchor & tendering

Close to the highest point is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, dating from 1235 AD. Unfortunately, as is so aften the case these days, the church was closed but the view was still worth the climb!

		Bleu de France - a jewel in the making I saw the striking Bleu de France (37,301grt) in Salvador in January, currently sailing for Crocieres de France but originally built in 1982 as the German ship Europa, one of the highest rated cruise ships of her day. With just 700 passengers, she is exceptionally spacious and will shortly join Saga Cruises as the new Saga Sapphire.

Having reached the top, Andrew & I somehow lost the others, as we found our way down through a "secret passage" emerging just inside the entrance to the citadel, where we had to wait for the others to find us, whereupon everyone was awarded a "Magnum"! Back aboard, we dressed for our own "smart-casual" night this evening and I think our stewards actually quite enjoyed it too! (right) A Late Departure: The floodlit citadel as our ship departs at 11.30pm

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 A Day at Sea

View Forward From Deck 10		View Aft Promenade Deck		Cooking Demonstration		The completed Black Forest Gateau		The Captain How not to do it!

The highlight of the morning's entertainment was a cooking demonstration in the Atrium, in which one of the chefs showed how to make a Black Forest Gateau, while the Captain and Hotel Director played silly fools and generally made a mess! The results, nevertheless, ended up being eaten by passengers - though not by me, I hasten to add!

		Royal Brasserie 30 As the others preferred to sun-bathe and eat casually for lunch, I decided to try the alternative in the main Dining Room. The concept is built around serving a quality 3-course brasserie-style lunch in 30 minutes. The menu is surprisingly extensive and the quality very good, although I confess that I enjoyed it so much that I failed to check how long it took!
(above left) The 1920's elegance of The Great Gatsby Dining Room & (above right) A surprisingly extensive Royal Brasserie 30 Menu

In the afternoon, we all formed a team for the General Knowledge Quiz in the Schooner Bar; while we didn't win any prizes, we did come a respectable 2nd - by just one point!

		The first of two formal nights on this cruise, this evening was the Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception, the only cocktail party for all passengers, held in the South Pacific Lounge. While there was a reasonable supply of drinks flowing, it was noticeable that there were no canapes; in fact, in all the bars, we noticed that the stewards never gave you any nibbles with your drinks unless you specifically asked!
(above left) Our Group: All dressed-up for Formal Night and (above right) Stella & Lesley at the ship's one and only cocktail party

Schooner Bar (Deck 6)		The aft-facing South Pacific Lounge Location for the Captain's Cocktail Party				Palladium Theatre

Dinner being later than usual for us tonight meant that we did not get our "usual" table in the Dining Room. However, it was rather nice that Roshmann ("our" steward!) made a point of coming over to us to say "Hello!", rather proving that we had clearly made an impression!

We concluded the evening in the Palladium Theatre, for an excellent show by larger-than-life Scottish artiste, Brenda Cochrane, who gave a truly professional performance!

Thursday 23rd June 2011 Malaga, Spain

Underslept and realised, too late, that I had forgotten to put out my cabin breakfast request last night! So after another very cold swim, reluctantly headed for the Windjammer Cafe for breakfast.

The Windjammer Cafe
I am no lover of self-service cafes on board ship, so I was expecting the usual crowds and mahem. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the relatively quiet and well-organised nature of this well-designed cafe with a spectacular 180-degree view forward over the bows. The food here though, is nothing special and being adjacent to the open lido deck, it can get very busy and unpleasant at lunch-time; but as I had already discovered, lunch here can be easily avoided!

The Windjammer Cafe (Self-service Restaurant - Deck 9)				P&O's Aurora (76,152grt - 1,868 passengers) Also arrives in port

Out on deck, in the promising heat and early morning sun, I watched the arrival of P&O's Aurora, as she made her turn in the harbour and came alongside at the adjacent pier.

The others had taken the organised tour to Granada today but as Andrew & I had done that a number of times before, we decided instead to take the Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus.

		However, the walk from the new Cruise Terminal was quite long and shadeless and the bus-tour proved disappointing, spending much of its 90 minutes at red traffic-lights! Moreover, the city was suddenly enveloped in a thick sea-fog, blotting-out the sun completely! (left and right) Before & After: Grandeur of the Seas in a sea-fog!

Returning to the ship shrouded in fog, we enjoyed a pleasant lunch on our own in the Windjammer Cafe and consoled ourselves with a glass of wine, after which I nearly fell asleep on the balcony!

But hoping that the sun would finally break through, I decided to walk into town again; a mistake! Once was bad enough but the long walk from the Terminal twice in one day proved exhausting!

Malaga Cathedral - built between 1528 and 1782						The hillside terraced gardens of the 11th Century Moorish Alcazaba Fortress

The weather did not improve unfortunately, but the Cathedral and Alacazaba Fortress are quite close to the dock entrance, so I at least made it that far!

The others returned quite late, having enjoyed their day in Granada and having enjoyed rather better weather too! In the meantime, Andrew & I had a "Repeaters Cocktail Party" to attend, where we had some hors d'oevres at last, from a self-service buffet in the middle of the room!

That evening, the ship left port around 7.30 but from 9pm until the early hours, we were drifting again - but this time in thick fog, with the fog-horn going at regular intervals throughout the night!

Friday 24th June 2011 Gibraltar

Barely another 70 miles sailing down the "Costa del Sol", we were virtually coasting all the way and we were already alongside by breakfast-time; and we hadn't lost that low cloud either!

		But our plans for today had already been laid, as we had a rendezvous with resident and newest Lynch Cruise Club member Frank at 8.15am. Today, he was to be our personal Tour Guide, for an "Insiders' tour of the Rock", commencing with an ascent in the cable-car to see the Apes! (left) All aboard the cable-car; our "Tour Group" ascends the Rock!

But even before we reached the cable-station, there was a surprise in store, as we were unexpectedly joined by partner Sally, who no-one but Andrew knew was going to be here today!

Mother & Baby Barbary Apes	Against the Levante Lesley, Stella & Sally on the "Observation" Terrace!			Inside St Michael's Cave A series of limestone caves including the "Cathedral Cave" (right)

Here we learned that the fog or low cloud that had dogged us these last 2 days is brought by The Levante, a moist easterly wind well-known in this part of the Mediterranean. It refused to reveal the view from the top of the cable-car today but there was still a great view at St Michael's Cave.

St Michael's Cave
In fact, not just one but a series of caves, "St Michael's Cave" is the most well-known of the many natural limestone caves known to exist inside the Rock. Artefacts and cave drawings have revealed that they were known and used by prehistoric man, while they are also known to have been used for military purposes since the Berber Invasion of 711AD. A thousand feet above sea-level, the largest chamber, known as Cathedral Cave, has such excellent acoustics that it is used as a concert auditorium.

The Greeks believed these caves to be bottomless and to be the "Gates of Hades" or the entrance to the Underworld and legend has it that the Barbary Apes, came to the Rock from Africa through tunnels that run under the Strait of Gibraltar.