Day 08 - Sun - 11/09/2025 - Santa Cruz de La Palma

 Our ship arrived and was docked by 7am.  However it was pitch black still, so we rolled over and slept for a bit more.  Also vendors wouldn't be open until 10am anyway.  While we ate breakfast we watched the crew drill 'man overboard' by throwing a life ring into the water and then maneuvering the tender boat to pick up the life ring.


We scanned off of the ship and began the long walk to the port exit.  We were the only cruise ship in port, but it was a long (roughly a mile) walk to the port exit.  Just outside the exit was a McDonald's restaurant, but we didn't partake.  The Beard's had inquired about a taxi tour but I wasn't interested as we like to walk new towns to get a feel for them.  


On the edge of the shopping district we looked for a place to sit so I could out together a walking route.  There was a closed tourist information office but the local bus tour company was selling tickets for a 20€ per person ride in an open Mercedes van or a shorter tour on a little two car train for 10€.  We purchased tickets for the van tour and had to wait about 20 minutes for the next shuttle. 


When the shuttle arrived there was a mass push to get on the van.  While we had purchased tickets early,  we barely got on the van.  


The tour was an excellent overview and we had a couple locations where we got off the can for photos.  It was probably the nicest 20€ van tour we've ever taken.  Back at the start as we were trying to depart a an Asian man was berating the guide about the tour.  I noted to incoming passengers that it will be the best 20€ they will spend on a tour. 


We then walked up the main shopping street.  Many businesses were closed but we still could do some shopping. The cathedral was open as a mass was under way.  We watched the end of it which had children come up to the altar and form a mass choir.  While I couldn't understand the words, their sounds were nice.  We continued our walk and found a thrift store which we shopped at but did not purchase anything.  


At the end of the shopping street is the Naval Museum.  Its structure is a full sized replica of Columbus' ship, Santa Maria.  Below the main deck is a museum with many ship models and an entry area.  The next floor up has some more models and leads to the open deck. It's a pretty nifty design for a museum.







We then wandered our way back to the ship along the street adjoining the sea wall.  I photographed a number of balconies for which the town is noted for.  Passing by the McDonald's, we stepped in to check out the menu, but passed in partaking.  We scanned back on the ship around 2pm and headed for the 5th floor ice cream bar to enjoy a premium dessert.  We're allowed two of them per day with our package, but they are so rich these were the first we've had this voyage.  JoAnn & Gary happened to meet us there unscheduled and we enjoyed our desserts together and chatted about our day.



Afterwards we headed back to the room where I downloaded pictures from my big camera and enjoyed some balcony time although it was a bit warm out there.  The Captain came on with his departure announcement just after 3:30pm and we were soon underway.  With the ship pointed seaward, it was a simple maneuver to push away from the dock, head straight ahead and do a hard left hand turn.  We're sailing overnight from the westernmost to the easternmost island in the collection of Canary Islands.


After a quick dinner we were in the Princess Theater an hour early for the Cast production of 5 Skies which about a video game player who has to play 5 levels of a video game to rescue the queen.  It's a very elaborate set and costume production and was very good.  We left that venue for an 80's sing along led by the Cruise Director, Matt dressed in 80's attire.  It was a fun time.  We ended our evening at Mobo's final set in the Vista lounge.  They are really good singers of Motown music.  


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