As we reflect on the past 111 days filled with good and exciting memories that melt into each other, we are reminded of our awesome journey as we look at the thousands of photos that were taken, and as we reminisce and laugh at the wonderful memories with our Cruise Specialists guests during Chat Times!
We have shared so many special events with each other, sad and joyful news from families, as well as the daily ups and downs that make up the routines of shipboard life. We were there for each other, listening, laughing, advising, as well as comforting each other. We all agree that being part of Cruise Specialists has been a huge benefit for each of us.
Rome to Fort Lauderdale. Only four words, yet they hold immeasurable adventures! We wondered at the Mediterranean’ historic influence, enjoyed walking on cobbled narrow streets, visited markets where the fruit was tempting us to buy, sat in charming cafés enjoying a beverage while watching pedestrians walk by. Every day ashore was another exciting day as we wanted to see as much as possible.
Our Cruise Specialists Tour in Funchal, Madeira was special because we were all together, waiting in early morning spring weather to board the famous Carreiros do Monte, or traditional sledge or toboggan rides from Monte to Funchal, where local guides hold your sleds with ropes and use their skills to allow you to sled down the hill on the roadway. This was their traditional way to bring their harvest to Funchal, now they bring the tourists. While waiting we had the opportunity to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Monte, the main church in the parish, built in the 18th century. This is an important pilgrimage site, especially on August 15th, the day of the Patron Saint.
More sightseeing, riding the Funchal cable car down the hill and enjoying some Madeira wine tasting at D’Oliveiras Vinho Madeira, a family-owned winery dating back 200 years. The next few hours prior to sailing varied according to guests' interests.
After 111 days, we reached our debarkation port, for those Cruise Specialists guests that boarded in Fort Lauderdale. For our guests that embarked in Los Angeles, they have a few more weeks to enjoy each other's company, explore ports in the Caribbean, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica and the transit of the Panama Canal before they reach their 111th day and debark in Los Angeles.
When we look back on this voyage and discuss it with friends, we will share that we had some of the best times on our World 2024 Cruise with our Cruise Specialists guests and look forward to next voyage.
2024 Princess World Cruise, chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3