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I began blogging our trips during our first world cruise in 2019. I am so surprised on how often I refer back to the blogs because I don’t remember if we have actually been somewhere. This is why I do this. The memory just does not operate like it used to.
This 127 day cruise is very different from 2019. It leaves from Ft. Lauderdale on January 3, 2024. We head South toward Devil’s Island and then around the eastern coast of South America to the Amazon. We will travel into the Amazon and make 6 stops in Brazil and turn around and sail back out toward the Atlantic. Back up the coast to the Gulf of Mexico we make stops in Granada and Curacao before heading to the Panama Canal.
Once through the canal, we make a stop in Costa Rica and two stops in Mexico. From Puerto Villarta, Mexico we head north for a 6 day trip to Hawaii. 3 stops in Hawaii and then 7 more days up to Guam and Saipan. 3 more days of travel up to Japan where we make 6 stops over 12 days.
China is relatively close and after a day of sailing we make 4 stops over 11 days. Next is Southeast Asia. Two stops in Viet Nam, then Singapore for two days. Sri Lanka is next followed by India and then to the Middle East. 3 stops in the United Arab Emirates and 2 stops in Oman. 1 stop in Egypt and then to Jordan. Up the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean. 3 stops in Israel have been eliminated. Maybe another time.
Greece is next and then 4 stops in Turkey. 2 more stops in Greece and then off to Italy, Spain and then Portugal. From Portugal we head across the Atlantic and back to Ft. Lauderdale.
22 countries, 127 days
Luggage is sent from our house right to our room on the ship. Luggage was picked up today. 3 very full bags and both sets of clubs in one golf bag. Terri is bringing a Sunday Bag and it fit nicely next to mine.
We are again on the Holland America Line (HAL) and the ship is the Zuiderdam. Our room is at the back of the ship facing the rear and we have a balcony. We are on the Upper Verandah Deck which is deck 6. Close to the dining room and far from the gym. The gym is right above the bridge and the views from the treadmills are spectacular.
A very long time was taken planning each day in port. All days are covered. Most are 3rd party excursions booked through Trip Advisor, Viator, or Tours with Locals. We do have some HAL excursions but we try our best to avoid those. The HAL excursions are rated easy to strenuous but you would never guess that with the people that are on them. Too slow for us.
We are planning to play golf. Jordan for sure. Maybe Hawaii, Guam, and India. Can’t book a tee time this far out.
Internet is fascinating out at sea and the speed limits the amount of photos I can upload. The ship is supposed to have Star Link. Let’s see if that makes a difference.
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