NAVIGATION-Cruising and Maritime Themes

thank you to Maritime Historian Fred Claessen for sending me this memorable and Historic photo of the fabulous S.S. ROTTERDAM of 1959 in New York, I can't resist to publish it and wish all the regular followers of this Blog a very merry HAPPY CHRISTMAS and a wonderful 2014, thank you for your continued support.

Seen here at Lisbon is the magnificent ORIANA, photos 11.12.2013

I went recently to China via Dubai Airport, waiting for my transfer flight to my final destination, I had a few hours so time to explore the magnificent new Airport and of course time for a detailed visit to the magnificent Tourist Information and its wonderful facilities. Dubai is today the aviation hub for the region and also the cruising hub of the Middle-East, situated on the crossroads of Europe and Asia on the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is today an ideal stop for cruising holidays. The new Cruise Terminals are situated at the heart of the city in Port Rashid reflecting Dubai's rich maritime heritage, today most of the Cruising Operators include the region on their itineraries for a visit or indeed turnaround cruises. For further information on cruising from Dubai as well as for the region's hospitality and heritage, please visit www.definitelydubai.com. Photos included taken from the Tourist Information Centre at Dubai last month

The 1997 built "ROTTERDAM" entering Lisbon last September, the ship is the sixth to bear this Historic name, this was the second time I had the opportunity to photograph this ship this year. Photos 22.9.2013

Last October, three massive cruise ships were at the Portuguese Capital together, the CROWN PRINCESS from PRINCESS CRUISES, the ROYAL CARIBBEAN INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS and the CELEBRITY ECLIPSE operated by CELEBRITY CRUISES. The INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS is currently the largest cruise ship visiting Lisbon at 154.407 G.T., this giant beautiful ship was introduced in 2008. Photos 17.10.2013

                                                    Junior suite on Navigators Deck                                                        Porto Bar                                                              Internet Center                                                         Restaurant LISBOA                                                           COIMBRA Restaurant                                                                      GYM                                                             Beauty Center                                                  Ilha Verde Lounge and Library and card room below "FUNCHAL" has seven decks OBSERVATION/NAVIGATORS/PROMENADE/AZORES/MADEIRA/ALGARVE and ESTORIL. Restaurants LISBOA and COIMBRA are located on the AZORES deck as well as the Wellness and Beauty Center, the ship has also a medical Center on deck MADEIRA, the majority of the passenger facilities though are located on PROMENADE deck and incl

After following "FUNCHAL" for nearly a week it was my turn to step on board as a passenger for the short trip from Porto to Lisbon. This was an exciting moment for me, "FUNCHAL" has been for decades like a toy for me, one of the last original built Passenger Liners from the 60's, the last survivor of what was once a proud Portuguese Mercantile Fleet, she is today a unique ship, there are very few passenger ships like "FUNCHAL", she has rounded lines a streamlined profile with real wooden decks, two of them sheltered, the amount of outdoor space available for her passengers it's just amazing for a ship with barely just under 10.000 G.T., her interiors are full of charm and character. The last time I have sailed on her was back in 1987, she is today a completely different ship in terms of decor, hardly recognizable, what has not changed much throughout the years is her profile and the feeling of being at se

It's been twelve days since my last entry on this blog concerning "posts" connected with my ship stalking of "FUNCHAL", after Le-Verdon-sur-Mer and Bilbao, the next port of call for the ship would be La Coruna, I will never forget after the ship's departure from Bilbao I have followed her for over 30 miles on the road that leads to Santander, a delightful journey with the ship always in sight but unfortunately out of reach to my lenses, nevertheless quite an experience. "FUNCHAL" would stay at La Coruna in Northern Spain from 9 am to 3 pm, also in Port the DISCOVERY on a cruise with British passengers and HAMBURG, after some photography at the port, I've decided to wait for the ship's departure, shame about the weather, once again windy with some showers. Photos 18.9.2013