Photographs from the curious cruiser: Part 1 Southampton – Casablanca.
Posted by Yvette on Mar 23, 2012 in Cruise Review, Photographs, Travel | 6 comments
“Following the light of the sun, we left the old world, in search of an experience greater than any that might be found on land…” Christopher Columbus
P&O Cruise’s Oceana moored in Gran Canaria
I have recently returned from my first cruise onboard P&O Cruises Oceana ship which gracefully took us to the Canary Islands from Southampton, the sea was calm, the service outstanding, the food divine and a total 3736 nautical miles were covered. I must admit I did not see the appeal of the open seas or being on a ship for longer than my Irish Sea crossings, I was a curious cruiser, however my opinion has changed immensely. Over the next three posts I will be sharing some of my favourite photographs from my voyages from the ports of call to life on board the ship – Enjoy!
Southampton
“At 12 o’clock noon, Oceana opened her doors and welcomed onboard 2000 passengers, all ready to go cruising. A departure time was set and Stand by Below was called at 1642″
Pomp and Circumstance as Oceana set sale
Sail-away complete with champagne on the balcony
“The passage out of the Solent took 2 hours and 16 minutes, and once close to the Nab Tower located east of the Isle of Wight; Oceana disembarked her local pilot and set a South Westerly course down the English Channel“
Lisbon
“The local pilot boarded at 0708. With his advice, Oceana was manoeured under the suspension bridge ‘Ponte 25 de Abril’ and alongside her berth on the starboard side.“
After two days at sea, Ponte de 25 Abril and Lisbon was in sight
Arco da Rua Augusta
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
“The final mooring lines securing Oceana to her berth were let go at 1640, and Captain Vago manoeuvred the ship away from the quay using the thrusters, before proceeding downriver towards the open sea“
Cádiz
“After manoeuvring in through the breakwaters, Oceana approached her berth and the first mooring lines were sent ashore at 0819.”
Cádiz Cathedral
Ayuntamiento de Cádiz
Former Royal Tobacco Factory Cadiz
“After another fine day on the Iberian Peninsula, Oceana’s departures procedures began at 1430. Stand By Below was rung at 1636. Departure swiftly followed, with the last lines let go at 1643.“
Casablanca
“Arrival check for the first and only African port of call on this cruise began at 0345, for a scheduled early arrival… After being guided into the harbour waters, Oceana commenced her swing in the turning basin, before moving astern towards her berth on the port side.“
Hassan II Mosque Casablanca
Hassan Tower Rabat
Reflection at sunset
“The final mooring lines were let got at 1827 and Oceana proceeded out of the Moroccan harbour and towards the Canary Islands, ringing Full Away on Passage at 1845.”
I hope you have enjoyed Part 1 of my cruise trip, more of my photographs can be found over on Flickr. All text in italics are taken from “Your Cruise log” which was presented to all passengers on board Oceana.
Are you a curious cruiser or do you shiver in anticipation for your next sea voyage? Let me know in the comments below or over on Facebook or Twitter.
Yvette
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Since an early age travel has played an important role in the life of Simply Luxury Travel’s Editor Yvette, from family holidays to working overseas to her academic life. Her career has involved working for leading UK airlines, airports, tour operators and corporate travel management organisations, with many of the roles in a senior position and her clients describe her as the oracle of travel: providing honest information and practical advice. Yvette’s academic, career and personal involvement within travel allows for honest and holistic reviews of the industry. 
Phil has had a passion for travel for over 30 years and is fortunate enough to be able to visit the likes of Maldives, Costa Rica and Indonesia with work. Leisure travel these days generally takes in the little luxuries life has to offer; business class flights and 5 star hotels, but Phil does appreciate that excellent service can be obtained just about anywhere, hence his love of staying at good British inns around the country. 
If I could cruise everywhere I want to travel, I would be one happy traveler. I love everything about cruising – the fact that you only have to unpack once, the great food, the relaxation, just sitting on the balcony watching the ocean roll by. Can’t wait to get on another cruise!
Jan Ross recently posted..Eating Our Way Around Old Town Scottsdale with Arizona Food Tours
Jan,
I can’t believe it took me so long to take a cruise. I thought I would get bored on the sea days and not enjoy the whole experience – I was wrong! Now planning the next cruise
Yvette
Looks like an AMAZING cruise! I’d love to see Casablanca someday.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Fairytale Castles of Europe
Hi Michael
Casablanca was “interesting”, however I don’t believe I saw it at it best. I was on an organised tour which only covered two places of worship in Casablanca, then took us up the coast to Rabat. There was a lot of construction work, along with a strike in Casablanca, so we were sat in traffic for over an hour for the last 2 miles back to the port. Setting that aside I would go back as I’m sure there is more of Casablanca to be uncovered.
Yvette
Gorgeous shots!
Have to admit, I’m apprehensive of cruising too, so this has made me a little more open-minded to the idea.
Emme Rogers recently posted..Photogenic Feline Friday: Spring Fever
Hi Emme
Thanks! It is such a wonderful feeling walking on deck and seeing nothing but sea and then a pod of whales appear along side, or the first glimpse of your next port of call. I’m so glad my friend talked intensively (in the nicest way) about her experiences, otherwise I may not have taken the cruise.
Yvette