I enjoyed my cruise adventure with Georgiana.  When I was ashore I was exploring and visiting lands like Vigo – Spain, Lisbon – Portugal, Gran Canaria, Madeira and Tenerife.

I have a photo of me and Georgiana on a small boat in Lisbon going for a tour, we went past all these statues, and a massive bridge which I found out that people come to Lisbon just to cross the bridge.  Then I realised that there was food on the boat and I quickly rushed over to the table and I got 3 plate full’s of cheese sandwiches. They were yummy as you can see in another picture !

In another picture I am on a camel and its name is Chou, and Sara and Georgiana went on a camel called Bara. I was in Georgiana’s rucksack with my head sticking out so I could see where we were going, it was a fun way to travel but very slow. That visit was to Gran Canaria.

In another picture of me on a beach in  Tenerife, I am with a ‘teddy camel’ that Georgiana bought in Gran Canaria and it was really hot, about 88 degrees !! I don’t know how I survived in that hot weather. Georgiana went down to the water to cool down, I didn’t go because I didn’t want to get wet.

I haven’t got a picture of this but when we went to Madeira I went in a basket with Georgiana, Sara and Jeremy and it was a tight squeeze, but very fun. When we went round the corners we got a feeling that the basket was going to fall in the ditches at the side of the road !!  Then we went on a small cable car and we were so high up and the view was amazing. We could see the Cruise ship and it looked massive compared to all the other boats.

I had a wonderful time with Georgiana, Sara and Jeremy and they made sure I was delivered safely back to Cruise Ahead office.

TED  x

If any of our passengers are interested in taking Cruise Ahead Ted on a cruise with them, please call  Cruise Ahead our free phone number 0800 9700 855 to arrange.

I am getting excited and busy packing for my next cruise on 31st October 2011 on Independence of the Seas and currently on my way to a lovely family who will be taking me with them.

TED

Saturday 28th August 2010. Today I flew out to join Silversea’s newest ship ‘Silver Spirit’ in Athens for a week’s cruise in the Mediterranean.
The weather in Athens was very hot for me at 36 degrees, it was a good job I had my sun lotion to protect my fur.
First impressions of the Silver Spirit were beyond my expectations, she is a very elegant looking ship, a good size at 36,000 tons and I was given a very friendly welcome on board with a cold flannel to cool my paws and a glass of champagne !
My suite, ‘a mid ship veranda ‘ is very spacious with a lovely bathroom with large shower and bath plus a walk in wardrobe for all my clothes. I also had a large bed, 2 flat screen tv’s and a comfy sitting area. My balcony had some really nice chairs too for me to relax and put my paws up!
I also met my personal butler Rizza who let me choose my toiletries and also stocked my fridge with my favorite drinks ! She also offered to unpack for me!

Monday 30th August.Today we arrived in Katakolon, this was a change to our itinerary as we had been scheduled to stop in Itea but due to maintenance work on a bridge we would have sailed under it was not possible.
Katakolon is at the western edge of the Peloponnese, close to the archaeological site of Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were held. The Olympic flame is still lit here every four years.
The town is small, but houses an array of local shops, bars and restaurants, and there are also a few rocky beach coves along the coast to sun bathe and swim in the sea.
I have had chance to explore the Silver Spirit now and the food and service I have had is exceptional. This is truly a 6 star luxury cruise experience. The crew are so friendly and nothing is too much trouble. The cruise director even remembered my name even though he had only met me briefly when I boarded the ship. !
Yesterday we had a lazy day at sea but there was still plenty to do if you did’t want to relax in the sunshine. There were lessons in different languages, a cookery demonstration by the Executive Chef and the spa of course, where I had a lovely back massage and facial.
This evening I ate in one of the speciality restaurants called La Terrazza which is an a la carte Italian themed restaurant at night at the back of the ship. I could have eaten out on the deck or inside. This restaurant offers buffet service during the daytime for breakfast and lunch and also serves afternoon tea.

Tuesday 31st August. Silver Spirit was moored in Corfu today, the greenest and possibly the most prettiest of all the Greek Islands – emerald mountains, ocher and pink buildings, shimmering silver olive leaves and turquoise waters lapping rocky coves.
This northernmost of the major Ionian islands has, through the centuries, inspired artists, conquerors, royalty and of course tourists. Indeed, when you look at Corfu in total, its hard to believe that any island so small could generate a history so large.
Classical remains vie with architecture from the centuries of Venetian, French, and British rule, leaving Corfu with a pleasant combination of contrasting design elements.
There are many sights to see here, Corfu Town, Archaeological museum, Byzantine Museum, Campiello, Church of St. Spyridon, The Esplanade, New and Old Fortress, Palace of St Michael and St George, Paleokastritsa Monastery etc…… There are so many things to do.Today when I came back to the ship I relaxed around the pool in the sun and the waiter brought me cold fruit kebabs and cold flannels to keep my paws cool.

Wednesday 1st September.Today I arrived in the beautiful country of Montenegro (formerly part of Yugoslavia) with deep blue waters,crystal clear rivers, dense forests and splendid lakes.  Montenegro is is situated across the Adriatic from Italy and is bordered by Albania, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia. Our ship docked in Kotor and the ‘Old Town’ is decribed as one of the best preserved medieval towns in the region. In the middle ages, this natural harbour was an important artistic and commercial centre with famous schools of masonry and iconography. These elements combined with numerous architectural treasures , led to the nomination of Kotor as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This morning I joined an excursion to Parest, a very small town on Boka Bay which included a boat across the bay to visit a very old an interesting church on an island. The guide was very good and our group was small.   In the afternoon we had some free time before I was allowed on the Bridge to meet the Captain and his Navigational crew. He even let me sit in his chair and have a photograph taken !!  In the evening I dined in the Japanese restaurant, this was a new experience for me but I enjoyed my first tastes of Sake, Sashimi, Sushi and tempora. 

Thursday 2nd September. Today I arrived in Split in Croatia. Sheltered from the open sea by many islands, the old town is built around the harbour on the south side of a high peninsula. Spit is a busy port with many feries operating to and from nearby islands . Dating back to 295 AD this ancient city is where the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace. Split is also popular for its beaches, pleasant promenades, luxurious hotels, Venetian Gothic buildings, Renaissance houses, Medieval churches, museums and art galleries.
The Silver Spirit docked almost right in the centre of the town and it was only a 10 minute walk for me to get to the best shopping area within the old town near to Diocletian’s palace.There are numerous boutiques,art galleries, locally produced crafts and jewellry here.
After relaxing around the pool this afternoon I watched the ship sail out of Split (from the comfort of my balcony) and got ready for my evening meal in the best restaurant on the ship – the ‘Relais & Chateux restaurant which has a female French chef called Julie. The food and service in here was exceptional, even though there is a cover charge it is well worth it. I felt like royalty!

Friday 3^rd September Today we arrived in the most beautiful city built by man. Venice, a “ floating city” or “city of canals” is also one of Europe’s most romantic cities.
Attracting visitors from all over the world for the culture, theatrical, artistic and musical productions, and sights such as St Mark’s Basilica, the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco.
Shopping in Venice offers endless possibilities around St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge area, filled with designer boutiques, shops selling ‘Murano glassware’, handmade lace, embroidered linens, leather articles, knitwear and a wide gamut of souvenirs.
The Silver Spirit sailed into this magnificent city early in the morning as the sun was rising – I can say it was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen.
Unfortunately I had to fly home early so I didn’t really get chance to explore Venice. The rest of the passengers had an overnight on the ship before they disembarked on Saturday 4th September. I will certainly make sure I come back to Venice.

If you would like to hear more about my cruise on Silversea’s newest ship Silver Spirt call me on free phone 0800 9700 855 or have a look at www.cruiseahead.co.uk

Sunday 18^th April

I have a really comfortable cabin with floor to ceiling opening doors, the sun is shining again and I can admit I am getting hooked on River cruising after just one night on board !

The food is excellent, all the staff are very friendly and the scenery is just breathtaking.

Today we arrived in the Mosel region’s most picturesque village, Bernkastel-Kues. The ship docked right in the centre of the village and we were allowed off for a couple of hours before sailing on to Trier. Some passengers took a walking tour which is included in the price of the cruise.

I had two choices for lunch, I could have a light lunch in the lounge or go to the restaurant for a served lunch or choose from a selection of salads, meats and cheeses from the cold buffet.

Friday 16^th April

My flight was cancelled so I had to find another route !! I already had my Eurostar ticket booked for my return journey, I just needed to get to Germany. I managed to get a Eurostar ticket to Brussels and set off on my journey at 14.39 from Chesterfield. I arrived in Brussels 20,30 local time but found my onward trains did not connect so a night in a Brussels hotel was on the agenda for me !.

I am waiting anxiously to see if my flight from Manchester will depart at 7am tomorrow for my trip to Frankfurt to pick up an AMA Waterways cruise. I have been really looking forward to this cruise on the Rhine and to try out this River Cruise company.

River cruising is the most enjoyable and relaxing way to explore Europe and in a grand style too.  I have my very own cabin with a French balcony and all my meals and excursions are included.

Fingers crossed I will get there !