Cruise

Friday April 26

Embarcation day for our cruise - we were able to secure a 2pm check-out from our hotel so after breakfast and nice walk we had showers and packed up. We left for the supposedly 1-hour drive to the port around 2pm.

The traffic turned out to be quite horrendous so the drive to the petrol station took nearly 1.5 hours then another 15 minutes to the Hertz drop off and cruise terminal. So in the end we arrived just as check-in for our Ponant ship, Le Dumont d'Urville, commenced at 4pm.

Check-in and boarding was chaotic - lots of waiting and multiple steps - then with the daily briefing, unpacking, safety and lifeboat drill there was no time to shower but we managed to freshen up and get to dinner just after 7:30pm. We were quite frazzled by this time but managed to enjoy a fairly nice dinner - based on our experience on our Tasmanian cruise last December our expectations food-wise were not that great.

The ship was fully booked - 95% French with (as we found out over the week) - 1 other Aussie couple, a few Americans and a couple of Germans. Our 2 "single" cabin booking worked out prefectly - the adjoining cabins had a large sliding door (which we kept open) at the front of the cabin with 2 balconies joined.

Saturday April 27 - Lanzarote

First full day on board - we docked at Arrecife on Lanzarote where we had booked one of the half-day tours - JAMEOS DEL AGUA AND MIRADOR DEL RIO - described as follows:-

The coach tour started with a one-hour scenic drive to the picturesque village of Haria, known as the “valley of a thousand palms”. Surrounded by lush green fields and colourful meadows, we admired whitewashed houses, shady palms, and tropical flowers line its narrow streets.We continued on to Mirador del Rio, Lanzarote's most famous viewpoint. This former gun emplacement had been converted in 1973 by local artiste Cesar Manrique into a recreational and ecological location. From the balustraded café or the vantage point of the balcony, you had some of the most breath-taking views in the entire archipelago. Standing 500 metres above sea level, you saw the entire northern coastline, the straits of El Rio and Las Salinas del Rio, the island's oldest salt plains which have been used since Roman times.Next, we reboarded the coach and traveled to Los Jameos del Agua. This massive open-air cavern is part of a long volcanic tunnel that was formed 3,000 years ago by molten lava. Due to gasses pression, the tunnel collapsed in some parts creating large openings. In 1968, Manrique had the idea to turn these openings into a tropical garden with a pool, a bar and a 600-seat auditorium.Upon arrival, we climbed down a stone staircase into the first cave known as Jameo Chico. We continued along a pathway crossing a lake filled with tiny albino crabs, a rare and delicate marine crustaceans. Following the footpath, we reached Jameo Grande, a huge open-air cave lined with tropical plants and a turquoise pool.

We had booked a tour for each day - these started between 8:30-9:00 and returned to the ship between 1:30-2:00PM making both breakfast and lunch a bit of a fire-drill.

It was the Captain's gala dinner which started late - after 7:30pm - the set menu was pretty good with the main course being "surf and turf"; however, we were seated with a couple from Maryland (Hewitt and Dianne) who were vegan so their dinner was pretty lean pickings they were also very reserved so did not make for the best dinner companions. 

Sunday April 28 - Fuerteventura

We docked at Puerto del Rosario, the capotal of Fuerteventura. We had another early start with a long half-day tour (4h45m) - BETANCURIA AND THE CAVES OF AJUY described as:-

Again by coach, we visited a picturesque fishing village, the historic town of Betancuria, and explored the pirate caves of Ajuy. We continued by  bus through the unique landscapes of Fuerteventura, to Ajuy.This pretty, peaceful village is located on the west coast of Fuerteventura. This local village, untouched by time, offered spectacular sea views and a relaxing black sand beach, framed by high cliffs on either side, contrasting with its white houses. From the village, we strolled along the coastal path, which runs along the cliffs to the spectacular Ajuy cave. Stairs took us down to explore the caves from the inside. We then continued to Betancuria, the island's first capital, where we enjoyed a short, guided tour and free time to wander the streets featuring traditional Canarian architecture. Betancuria was founded in the 15th century by the Frenchman Jean de Bethencourt - it featured town's main building, the cathedral-church of Santa Maria de Betancuria, as well as the hermitage of San Diego and the convent church. 

Monday April 29 - Los Cristianos, Tenerife 

We docked at Los Christianos, in the south of Tenerife. Today's tour was "Santa Cruz History and Tapas":-

Our coach tour started with a one-hour drive to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, located in the northeast of the island. Among its avenues and parks, the old town is packed with historic buildings and artists' sculptures. From Plaza España,we did a guided walking tour where we heard about the history of Santa Cruz. We passed iconic historic buildings, as well as churches, parks filled with wonderful flora, and sculptures in the streets. We continued strolling past the Church of San Francisco, the Plaza del Principe with its romantic garden and the "Chicharro" statue, before passing the provincial Parliament. We continued on to the oldest part of the city, past the Guímera Theatre, La Recova, Carta House, and the Church of La Concepción. We finished up at a popular bodega in the city's old quarter enjoying tapas and wine and people watching.

Tuesday April 30 - Santa Cruz de la Palma

We docked at Santa Cruz de la Plama, the capital of the island of Palma. Today's tour was "Above the Clouds of La Palma":-

Although one of the smallest islands in the Canaries, La Palma is exceptionally steep. A ridge crosses the center of the island from north to south and the entire mountain range exceeds 2000 meters in altitude. From the pier, we drove to the highest point of La Palma, the "Roque de Los Muchachos", located on the northern side of the "Caldera de Taburiente" National Park, at an altitude of 2,426 meters. It was designated a national park in 1954 because of its immense scientific importance and its wild and exceptional landscapes. No matter which direction you looked, the enormous crater of the Caldera de Taburiente offered  incredible views. The park features one of the biggest craters in the world with a circumference of 28,000 metres, a diameter of 9,000 metres and a depth of 700 metres. It´s lined with a pine tree forest, lava deposits and features furrowed by cool streams. Before reaching the top, you saw the peculiar scene known as the “Sea of Clouds”. Each visit to Roque de los Muchachos is different, as the clouds are never the same. A photo stop at Roque de Los Muchachos viewpoint where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the impressive Caldera de Taburiente.The next stop will be at Roque de los Muchachos Visitor Centre, which is divided into 4 rooms. The first one, the Welcome Room houses the reception, the auditorium, the store and a large interactive table, where you will discover what makes up the telescopes of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. Room 1 “The Canary Islands, a window to the Universe”: you will discover the reasons why the Canary Island were strategically chosen to house the most important telescopes in the world. Room 2 “Exploring the Universe”: here,  you will dive into the depths of the cosmos, exploring all the corners of science and our Universe. Room 3 “Back to Earth”: in this room you will return to the municipality of Villa de Garafía, where the Visitor Centre is located. You will discover their traditions, their way of life, and their natural and cultural heritage.After the visit you will have some free time to enjoy the amazing surroundings before heading to the port.

Wednesday May 1 - La Gomera

Today's tour was "La Gomera - A Scenic Panaoramic Journey":-

During this shore excursion, enjoy panoramic views and the mystery of La Laguna Grande, situated in the lush Laurisilva Forest in Garajonay National Park!Leaving San Sebastian, the capital of the island, you will head north to the first viewpoint, Mirador El Rejo, which offers fabulous views over the Hermigua Valley and the neighbouring island of Tenerife, with its impressive Mount Teide.The tour will continue towards the centre of the island, and you will reach the Laurisilva Forest in Garajonay National Park. It is a subtropical forest, found in areas with high humidity and relatively stable and mild temperatures. The hardwood trees are characterized by evergreen, glossy leaves, reaching up to 20 m in height. Many of the species are endemic to the island, which offers a rich biota of undergrowth plants, invertebrates, birds and bats.At Laguna Grande you will have the opportunity to enjoy the enchantment of this unique forest. Upon your arrival at Chipude, you will able to enjoy refreshments at the bar.The tour will continues southwards, and next stop will be at Agando, for a glimpse of the magnificent landscape of basalt formations of volcanic origin, such as Roques de Agando Ojiva.During the drive back to ship, passing by La Degollada de Peraza, you will enjoy the marvellous views all around you.

Thursday May 2 - El Hierro

Today's tour was "Nature and Flavours of El Hierro":-

You will meet your guide, board your coach and drive through the incredible landscapes of El Hierro.First, you will head south to the viewpoint of Mirador de Isora, situated at 1050 metres above sea level. From there, you can admire the incredible cliffs that fall into the Atlantic Ocean along a 9-kilometre-long amphitheatre.Then, you will continue your route through one of the largest tunnels of the Canaries to reach the outstanding eco-museum of “Guinea”. In addition to old farmhouses, typically furnished as they were in the last century, you will see a centre for the recuperation of El Hierro’s giant lizard. It is the best place to learn more about this endemic species of a giant lizard, rediscovered in 1975. The giant lizard is in danger of extinction and is one of the symbol of the island.Last, you will reboard your coach and drive to the spectacular viewpoint “Mirador de la Peña”, a visionary building designed by the well-known Canarian architect César Manrique. Here, you will enjoy the exceptional view over the Gulf valley, with its countless greenhouses that protect the bananas from strong winds.

Friday May 3 - Back to base at La Palma, Gran Canaria