Another Cruise! First Stop: Porto, Portugal

With the warm weather taking it's time to appear in London, Shea and I decided it was time to leave this damp city and search for warmer climates.  The search didn't take too long as some friends had done all the research and were willing to put up with us while travelling to Spain and Portugal, via Cunard's Queen Victoria. 

Our first day of travel had us training to Southampton in order to catch the cruise. You would think this would be a simple process but nope, someone (or maybe it was all of us) got it in their head to walk from the station to the port.

Interesting fact: Southampton is hot! It's also quite a walk to the port when you are carrying luggage. The best part was we still had to go through check-in and have our pictures taken!

Rea and I dying! Purses suck to carry. We also used this time to air our grievances so there wouldn't be any issues on board.   

Thankfully, all it took was a shower and a late lunch and I was ready to enjoy the rest of the cruise!

Ben and Rea took full advantage of the mustering drill to model their life vests.

  The newest world's largest cruise ship (Harmony of the Seas) was beginning it's inaugural voyage from Southampton while we were there. This ship is huge!

Harmony of the Seas

 It didn't take us long to find our local on the ship.  The Golden Lion afforded us hours of entertainment (and not just with drinks). There were board games, cards, an elusive bottle of champagne was up for grabs at every trivia game. We never did get to taste those bubbles of victory...

Shea teaching Ben how to play Crib.

You're not supposed to show your cards Ben!

 There was plenty to do while spending a day at sea. Shea tried his luck at fencing. There were also a plethora of dance lessons, afternoon tea time, a lecture series about the Royals, nightly entertainment, and discos.  

Stabby Stabby!

Shea concluded that he would be ready if pirates attacked.

The Queen Victoria is a bit more fancy of a ship than Shea and I were used to. Mostly because they have strict dress codes and formal nights.  At first, we were a bit reluctant because of all the extra clothes you have to pack. That quickly changed!

Getting read for a fancy night out.

Ben and Rea owning formal night.

 With so much to see and do on board, it was a wonder that we actually left the ship at our first destination: Porto, Portugal.

Taking the shuttle into Porto. We were so happy to have Internet again!

When Shea and I first moved to London, we each picked out top destination that we wanted to see.  Mine was Switzerland. Shea picked Portugal. After three years in London we were finally making it to one of these countries. Porto did not disappoint.

We followed the Rick Steves walking tour for the city. 

Our first Portuguese church. It's in the baroque style.

Us in the Avenue of the Allies. 

The Imperial McDonald's. The fanciest McDonald's in Europe. 

The Sao Bento Train Station is decorated in painted tiles that tell history of this region in Portugal. 

A tiled rock.

Porto's Cathedral. 

The views of the city for the Cathedral were more impressive than the Cathedral. 

 After a few hours of walking, it was time to sample the Portuguese beer and take in some sun. Sightseeing is hard.

Ben being serious. 

Shea soaking up as much sun while in the shade as possible. 

Rea posing. I think. 

 My favorite bit of Porto was the Ribeira, the waterfront where you can find various restaurants amongst skinny, colorful houses.

Some of those beautiful homes along the waterway. 

The balcony railings really added some personality. 

 I think the only thing we missed while there was sampling port (which I am not a fan of). The city is quite charming to stroll through and was a great introduction to Portugal. It really was a teaser for our next stop: Lisbon.