Day One Hundred Sixty June 14

Today we are in Lisbon

A foggy morning greets us as we cruise the Tagus Estuary past the monument honouring the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. He was the first European to reach India by sea. The monument depicts Vasco da Gama at the front of a ship leading his men on the journey. We continue to cruise the estuary passing under the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge before docking.

For some passengers this is the end of their cruise, the segment called European Splendors began in Stockholm and ended in Lisbon. The total nautical miles travelled in the segment was 2,348.

Sadly, the final segment of our journey called the Atlantic Overture is to commence here with disembarkation on July 5 in New York. Estimates suggest that over two hundred passengers joined the ship in Lisbon which will double our capacity.

Insignia was conveniently docked near the city center so off we went exploring. Transportation is easy to find should you wish. Trams are plentiful providing a good way to see the city but of course we prefer to walk. Colorful Tuk Tuks are also available throughout the city.

Janice wants to do some shopping and still hopes to find some glass frames. While she is shopping, I wander off to find the famous Portuguese custard tarts. Meeting up later, Janice has changed as she is wearing one of her new dresses and luckily, I passed the test by noticing.

It is time for lunch, and it is off to the town center where restaurants are plentiful like most European cities.

Not wanting to leave just yet we made the decision is made to visit Sao Jorge Castle to take in the views of the city spread out below.

On our way out of town we stop to buy more Portuguese custard tarts for the crew, and I think a bottle or two of wine as Janice thinks she may be running low lol.

The sail away brought out many of the new passengers on board to see us sail under the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge, pass the Vasco da Gama monument and Christ the Redeemer Statue - and for a minute I thought I was in Rio.

Tomorrow we are in Porto.