A Europa…en crucero
18.10.09
"Los viajes son glamorosos solamente en retrospección," comentó una vez el escritor Paul Theroux, refiriéndose, a los trajines de arreglos de hoteles, restaurantes, transporte, etc. que se olvidan con el tiempo al regreso. Pero si se disfruta de un crucero en un barco de lujo por Europa la experiencia es glamorosa tanto durante como después del viaje.
En esta jornada se desempaca solamente una vez pero se visitan cuatro o más países, se pueden arreglar excursiones opcionales por adelantado y cada noche, después de una magnifica cena y espectáculo musical, se descansa en una cómoda cabina hasta despertar en otro sitio idílico.
Así fué una travesía de 16 noches en el Regatta de Oceania Cruises. Un barco intimo con ambiente relajado para solamente 684 pasajeros, el Regatta cuenta con un restaurante principal, restaurante informal estilo bufé, dos restaurantes alternativos, salón de espectáculos, spa, gimnasio, pista para correr, piscina, tres Jacuzzis, biblioteca y mucho más.
Nuestro itinerario era como una gran gira europea, zarpando desde Londres (Dover). Parando en una docena de puertos adicionales en Francia, España, Portugal e Italia y terminando en Roma. En un viaje así a la crema y nata de Europa los momentos especiales hacen ola incluyendo estos:
Paris- Las glorias de la Ciudad Luz siempre encantan: la Torre Eiffel -que desde el Siglo XIX ha reinado como uno de los más impresionantes monumentos del planeta con 300 metros de altura - los Campos Eliseos con sus boutiques y el Arco del Triunfo; el Sena; y Notre Dame, el alma de París con bellos vitrales. Almorzamos en un café al aire libre cerca de Notre Dame e hicimos compras de perfumes.
San Malo- Si París fue memorable, la parada en San Malo fue divina. Fuimos al Monte San Miguel - en una islita rocosa a un kilómetro de la costa francesa en Normandía - con su abadía benedictina en estilo romanesco del Siglo XI, y símbolo del espíritu indómito de Francia dedicado a los ideales más altos. "¡Que belleza!" exclamó Mary Ann Cassello, una viajera de Nueva York, al ver la primera vista de la islita con la abadía. "Siempre soñé con venir aquí y aunque a veces sitios famosos nos defraudan porque esperamos tanto de ellos -este ha sido todo lo que me imaginaba".
Patrimonio de la Humanidad de la UNESCO, la islita está conectada al continente por medio de un puente -algunos visitantes optan por caminar por el terreno arenoso que une a la isla al continente pero es peligroso ya que se inunda con la marea alta -y la marea, como observó Victor Hugo "viene rápida como un caballo cabalgando", a veces alcanzando 46 pies de altura.
El ascenso a la galería del tope de la abadía es dificil -hay unos 300 escalones, pero vale la pena para disfrutar de vistas panorámicas de la bahía desde 300 pies de altura y de este sitio místico. A mitad del ascenso se encuentra la iglesia de San Pedro con una capilla adornada con una dramática estatua de San Miguel y un dragón. Se celebra una misa diariamente a las 12:15 p.m.
Cristobal Port Guide - Cruise Ports
The Cristobal Port , located in Cristobal, Panama is located at the entrance of Limon Bay. Limon Bay will lead you to the entrance of the eastern portion of Panama Canal. When you visit the Cristobal cruise port, chances are you may be on one of the cruise ships that will actually enter into the Panama Canal. If so, it will need to make use of the canal locks to get to Gatun Lake. This will allow you to take a short excursion into the beautiful city of Cristobal, especially if your cruise ship takes you directly to Cristobal.
ShoppingOne of the most noticeable things about the Cristobal cruise terminal is that it is a basic port, and not much more. There is limited shopping available in Cristobal. Generally, the ships will dock at the new Cristobal Pier and from there, it is a short walk into the city.
There is some shopping right off the pier in small, locally owned shops but you will also find a very large shopping complex selling handmade crafts, clothing and treats right at the pier. The Cristobal Cruise terminal is home to a flea market as well. In both areas, you may find perfumes, silver jewelry, woodcarvings and weaved basilicas.
Things to DoThe first thing people come to see when they come to the Cristobal Port is the Panama Canal. This is one of the main attractions in the port city. Most arriving ships will pass through the canal. If you arrive differently, you can opt to take a short cruise through the canal to view it at a slower pace. You can also take the train that runs from Cristobal along the coastline to see the full length of the canal. Some people will take the train and others will take a motor coach from the Cristobal port of call down to Panama City. The Gatun locks can be one of the reasons to go on such a trip since these locks are not only very interesting but they are a part of the city's history.
You can also go hiking into the rainforest. If you love the outdoors, the Gatun Lake is just a few minutes from the port of call itself. There, you can go kayaking, fishing or just enjoy the beach. Peacock Bass fish are found in the lake and are a very draw for tourists.
Restaurants and BarsBesides the local cafes, located at the pier and the flea market stands, Cristobal is not known for its restaurants and bars. Most visitors do not spend a great deal of time at this particular port and therefore will remain on the ship or perhaps take a short walk through the pier. Stopping at the Balboa Restaurant for local fare is a worthy consideration.
The Cristobal Port attracts visitors mainly because of the canals located here, but it is worth the visit.
Cristobal Cruises - News
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Caribbean Shore Excursion Adventures with MSC Cruises cruises (departing Fort Lauderdale November 20 and 30 and calling at Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Cristobal, Panama; and more » |
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MSC Cruises' Fall Promotion Offers Complimentary Balcony Upgrade on Select ... MSC Cruises' Fall Promotion Offers Complimentary Balcony Upgrade on Select Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Cristobal, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; and Playa del Carmen; departs Dec. 10. Fare: $899 Cruise-only rates are |
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How to see the Galapagos Islands on the Cheap Most travelers go on liveaboard cruises that bring them all over the islands, sailing at night and arriving to a different island every morning. |
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Galapagos Travel and Concerns Galápagos Safari Camp, Ecuador (galapagossafaricamp): "These safari-style tents offer a unique alternative to sleeping onboard a cruise ship for visitors to and more » |
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Darwin's wetsuits Darwin's wetsuitsSan Cristobal Island, where I fly to meet the ship, looks like an army blanket from the air. It's wrinkled inland but tucked in tightly along the coasts. and more » |
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Snorkelling off the Galapagos Islands offers astonishing sights San Cristobal Island, where I fly to meet the ship, looks like an army blanket from the air. It's wrinkled inland but tucked in tightly along the coasts. and more » |
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