54 Days on the Moon

[drron]

54 Days on the Moon to mark 60 years since the film 55 Days in Peking was released. I enjoyed it then and even more so now having met someone who was there for the Boxer Rebellion.
We had a good time in Portugal although with a few hiccups. Great treatment by the 5 hotels we stayed in.

A really amazing embarkation experience. Left the Intercontinental by taxi just after 1pm. The taxi driver missed the entrance to the cruise port twice so the second time we got out of the taxi on the road in front of the terminal.Not far to the SilverSea baggage collection and then upstairs to fill in the health questionnaire and photo taken.
Downstairs again and a short walk to the Moon. From the time we got out of the taxi to the time we completed formalities at the top of the gangplank was 30 minutes. Then straight to the Panorama lounge for a drink. At 2pm they announced the suites were ready.




When we got to our suite we knew they knew who we were.




There was the usual orchid and champagne.




Mrsdron was having trouble connecting to the internet so was heading for the wi fi consultant in Dolce Vita when she met the butler from our last voyage on the Dawn who brought her back to the cabin and fixed it quickly. No wonder we love SilverSea.

 

[Pushka]

54 Days on the Moon to mark 60 years since the film 55 Days in Peking was released. I enjoyed it then and even more so now having met someone who was there for the Boxer Rebellion.
We had a good time in Portugal although with a few hiccups. Great treatment by the 5 hotels we stayed in.

A really amazing embarkation experience. Left the Intercontinental by taxi just after 1pm. The taxi driver missed the entrance to the cruise port twice so the second time we got out of the taxi on the road in front of the terminal.Not far to the SilverSea baggage collection and then upstairs to fill in the health questionnaire and photo taken.
Downstairs again and a short walk to the Moon. From the time we got out of the taxi to the time we completed formalities at the top of the gangplank was 30 minutes. Then straight to the Panorama lounge for a drink. At 2pm they announced the suites were ready.




When we got to our suite we knew they knew who we were.




There was the usual orchid and champagne.




Mrsdron was having trouble connecting to the internet so was heading for the wi fi consultant in Dolce Vita when she met the butler from our last voyage on the Dawn who brought her back to the cabin and fixed it quickly. No wonder we love SilverSea.

54 days is half a world cruise! Sublime.

 

[drron]

Well our run of recognition continues. We have just done the compulsory muster. For the first time ever I was first to a lifeboat. Relegated Mrsdrron to second. Not every day that I can do that.

 

[drron]

Getting to the Moon.



A few views from our suite.




And our neighbours.

 

[drron]

The first menu in Atlantide.

 

[drron]

And the food. We both had the days asparagus dish to start then I had the potato and leek soup.











Then Mrsdron had the schnitzel and I the fillet of beef medium rare.














I had a very reasonable Portugese red and Mrsdrron as usual a Sauvignon blanc.








The desserts.Mrsdrron had the daily special and I the pear and blueberry crumble.

 

[drron]

Now breakfast at the Arts cafe.

 

[drron]

Flowers in Dolce Vita.

I attended the first lecture. Probably going to be the best attended lecture on this leg beings a sea day.

 

[JohnM]

Well our run of recognition continues. We have just done the compulsory muster. For the first time ever I was first to a lifeboat. Relegated Mrsdrron to second. Not every day that I can do that.

To hell with 'women and children first', eh?

 

[drron]

First lunch at the Pool Bar. Went to our favourite lunch place first, Kaiseki, but it was full with at least an hours wait so we ended up here.
The menu.





And the food. Mrsdrron had the Portobello sandwich and I the classic reuben.

 

[drron]

Since our last cruise they have added a limited buffet here.

 

[Major]

I hope you are maintaining your svelte, sophisticated self with all that food to choose from

 

[drron]

Tonight the Captain's Welcome coughtail Party. Most in formal wear.






So Captain Zanello is half Italian and half Australian. Obviously a good bloke.

 

[drron]

A few changes to the menu in Atlantide for formal night.
And the food; We both had the caviar to start then I had the pumpkin soup. Then we both had the lobster that was perfect.




Then Mrsdrron had the day's mango dessert and I had the cheese platter.



Mrsdrron had the Brown Brothers Sav Blanc from Australiaand I had the night's French red which I again enjoyed.


Our waiter for the night was from Cambodia. Has one son who is 22 and finished University. A lovely fellow.
We were also visited by the Chef who is from Praque. We gave him no hassles as we enjoy the food in Atlantide.

We also had a visit from Karolina the sommelier who is from Serbia. She came to apologise for the slow wine service at the beginning. Fairly understandable as there was a long queue to get into Atlantide after the Captain's Welcome Party. But I did notice at least 2 extra wine waiters were brought in so everything improved. We ended up having a long chat. One of the rasons was because we had visited 2 Serbian wineries outside of Dubrovnik when on our Dawn cruise. I am sure she appreciated some positive comments.

 

[drron]

Thursday and we woke up coming into Casablanca. A mixture of fog and pollution so a bit drab.


Looks like a new passenger terminal.


But not used yet.
Quite a few fishermen heading to seain their small boats.


The Moroccan navy was in.



And a motley collection of cargo ships..



And the Viking Jupiter was just tying up.








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[drron]

Our Excursion to Rabat was to leave at 0830. It was only 0820 when people were allowed off and a very long line to get on to the gangway. Then a long walk from there to the cruise terminal so we left a bit late. We berthed at the container terminal.


On the walk to the Terminal we passed a Moroccan ferry that was not in great condition.



Then in the busfor a90 minute driveto Rabat. A mixture of new, old and decepit buildings in Casablanca.




Lots of gulls flying around.


Some slums

 

[drron]

The beach.







Note the wattle and gum trees as the roadside vegetation.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

Now the gate to the old town Rabat.






Now in the Royal Palace precinct.



And when the fountains are off the King is not present.

 

[drron]

The Royal guard in red uniforms plus member from the Army,Navy, Marines, Customs and police also guard the Palace.