By Leonard Seelig

Cruises around the British Isles and stopping in France have been top-rated for years. In contrast with the last 12-day departure from Southampton for a Transatlantic voyage with many sea days, this was going to be a port-intensive cruise involving stops in Britain, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and France. Intertwined was only two at-sea days. There would be a new place to explore each of the remaining days. Shore excursions involved early wake-up calls while onboard. The adventure was to be an exciting one. This cruise was very well-involved.

This voyage was on the Regal Princess, a newer well-designed ship. The landing was at Heathrow with a two-hour transfer to the Port of Southampton. There was a bit of nervousness based on a previous experience there, but the representatives handled this professionally, ensuring a smooth process. Heathrow is a prominent place, and the port was huge as well. The process was a seamless one.

Crystal Legacy-Photo Leonard Seelig

The stand-out ports were at Waterford and Giverny. While in Waterford, there was a chance to see the making of the legendary crystal found in many fine stores and homes worldwide. The source of it is fascinating. Visitors watched the various stages of creation, from the furnaces to the final cutting and polishing. The skilled people that created these pieces had to go through extensive training. As a result, the finished items exhibited a quality that was at the top. Everything from small glasses to the life-size replicas of items showed a fine attention to detail. The process is very valued by those wishing to have a piece to acquire. As a result, the number of those purchasing items in the gift store was vast, and many people leaving carried a bag with a delicate thing that would remember their visit. They, too, picked up a couple of items to be given as gifts to their family members.

Like Waterford, the Gardens at Giverny was a labor of love and a creative process by one of the most respected artists in history. Monet’s devotion to light and color was dazzling. He arranged the gardens for painting and exploring his life while there. He raised his family there. The choice of flowers, plants, and the placement of architectural elements were part of his devotion and inspired his work for many years. He composed his canvases from various angles, sometimes painting the same thing on several occasions in different color palates. He comprised the series of paintings he was so well known for. There was the house with its workshop, the formal gardens, and the famed lily pond with the Japanese bridge to be explored. It could be considered a shrine to many, as the number of visitors seemed to choke the pathways that meandered around. Even with this, it was a sight to see.

Monet’s Vision-Photo by Leonard Seelig

Other ports along the way covered many aspects of each place. The Industry of Belfast was to be seen. At the same time, the drive around the Scottish Highlands almost reminded them of the campaign around Alaska several years ago, this time with warmer temperatures. They were majestic and were a highlight of the tip. Like many places, the cathedral or church was not just the center of town but was very prominent in the city's history. There were historical details throughout the surrounding towns and villages that were visited. Food is ever-present, and there was a multitude of things to sample. The various brands of whisky and ales were to be seen, explained in the manufacturing process, and consumed.

While back onboard the ship, many of the shipboard aspects were to be pursued. There was fine dining, entertainment, casino gaming, and other activities. They almost took second place in the ports visited along the way. Highlights included late-night dancing in the club and alternative dining in the ship’s specialty restaurants. A favorite was calzone that was served in the Italian café style restaurant. This was chosen over one of the formal nights in the main dining room as they wanted to explore new things. Some of the most exciting conversations did not happen in the dining room or lounges but when people started conversations with others in the elevator as they went from floor to floor. When they were not in one of them, many chose to use the stairs to go places, something that has been told to work off the calories from the food consumed.

Such a cruise like this is highly recommended, such as for the third or fourth one after Alaska and the Caribbean are to be explored.

Those wishing to be enthralled by art, creativity, and history will not be disappointed. Their next voyage, it is hoped, will be to around Israel, Italy, and Greece, where more of this type will be experienced. They hope to have this journey and to other parts of the world. Time flies by, and the ship is always sailing.