cruiseluv Posted August 2, 2018 #1 Share Posted August 2, 2018 Hi, Considering a Transatlantic on Explorer next March ( Miami to Lisbon) ,which stops at these two islands in the Azores. Has anybody taken a similar cruise? Is this archipelago worth a visit? Thanks for any comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare RachelG Posted August 3, 2018 #2 Share Posted August 3, 2018 We had a great private tour here. Really enjoyed it. Our guide took us all over. I would definitely go back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudhen Posted August 3, 2018 #3 Share Posted August 3, 2018 Make sure you're not stopping on a Sunday. Everything literally stops and/or is closed. We were lucky to find ONE little sidewalk kiosk that sold post cards......I was suprised there were no little cafes, restaurants, taverns where we could get a beer or glass of wine. Nope! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseluv Posted August 3, 2018 Author #4 Share Posted August 3, 2018 Thanks for the comments, we've booked the cruise and are looking forward to those new ports for us. Mudhen, did check, it stops there during the week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papaflamingo Posted August 4, 2018 #5 Share Posted August 4, 2018 I have only been to Ponta Delgada. We went into town and found a cab to drive us to the Blue/Green lake (Lagoa das Sete Cidades) show us around and bring us back. There is a quaint town at the lake. There were 4 of us, and we simply talked to a cab driver and worked a very reasonable deal for him to take us up and back with time in town to look around. If a sunny day, one side is green and one side is blue. It might be something worth looking into. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBWC Posted August 4, 2018 #6 Share Posted August 4, 2018 We stopped at both places last year on the Navigator. From Ponte Delgada, we took the Regent tour to the Blue/Green lake mentioned above; beautiful views of the island on this tour. In the afternoon, we walked around Ponte Delgada; it is a very pretty town. In Horta, we dud the walk from Capelinhos to Varadouro (Regent excursion); recommendable if you enjoy walking. Horta itself is much smaller than Ponte Delgada, so you should definitely book a tour. Everyone seemed to enjoy the Azores very much. One couple decided they wanted to go back for an extended vacation. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orvil Posted August 4, 2018 #7 Share Posted August 4, 2018 We stopped at Ponte Delgada on Cunard's Queen Victoria transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Cape Canaveral. Of course, we managed to do it when the first winter hurricane formed in the North Atlantic since 1934. Ponte Delgada was in the cross hairs. We left early and skirted it, but it was a very rough ride due to the swells. If it is raining, skip the ride to the lakes. You won't be able to see anything. We have friend that just visited on a sunny day. It was a world of difference. There really isn't much else to do. Mostly poor rural, depressed areas. Bad wine and bad cheese. The City is small enough for you to walk up from the Quay. It all seemed like a sleepy backwater. We got back on the ship and went to tea. We feel no need to return. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceilknits Posted August 12, 2018 #8 Share Posted August 12, 2018 We are thinking of taking this Transatlantic (it would be our first), as well. Good itinerary. Need to check on availability tomorrow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellaggio Cruisers Posted August 13, 2018 #9 Share Posted August 13, 2018 Last year, transatlantic on Explorer, we did the 4X4 ( included excursions) on both islands. There were just four of us and both days were lovely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceilknits Posted August 13, 2018 #10 Share Posted August 13, 2018 We've never done a Repositioning cruise...was the crossing fairly smooth? What were your impressions of the ship! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseluv Posted August 13, 2018 Author #11 Share Posted August 13, 2018 Thanks for the comments, we have now booked the cruise and are looking forward to it! Sheila , will look into those excursions. Ceilknits, We have done several crossings on Regent, as well as in other lines. As a matter of fact, our last crossing was on this ship, the Explorer, but it was East to West. My recollection is that for the most part the crossings have been smooth. I've experienced more rough waters in a Caribbean cruise! I love those sea days, no excursions to rush to, there's always something going on on the ship. The Explorer is lovely, we have been on it twice. Hope you'll join us! If you do, please check the Roll Call and say hi! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveH2508 Posted August 14, 2018 #12 Share Posted August 14, 2018 We stopped at Ponte Delgada on Cunard's Queen Victoria transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Cape Canaveral. Of course, we managed to do it when the first winter hurricane formed in the North Atlantic since 1934. Ponte Delgada was in the cross hairs. We left early and skirted it, but it was a very rough ride due to the swells. If it is raining, skip the ride to the lakes. You won't be able to see anything. We have friend that just visited on a sunny day. It was a world of difference. There really isn't much else to do. Mostly poor rural, depressed areas. Bad wine and bad cheese. The City is small enough for you to walk up from the Quay. It all seemed like a sleepy backwater. We got back on the ship and went to tea. We feel no need to return. We did a tour with another cruise line which included a wine and cheese tasting at a hotel in the town. Both the cheeses and the wines were excellent (if you like french-style runny, smelly cheeses). Ponta Delgada was probably the cleanest place we have ever visited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna201213 Posted October 4, 2018 #13 Share Posted October 4, 2018 Last year, transatlantic on Explorer, we did the 4X4 ( included excursions) on both islands. There were just four of us and both days were lovely. On this excursion do you have to drive the 4X4 yourself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellaggio Cruisers Posted October 4, 2018 #14 Share Posted October 4, 2018 On this excursion do you have to drive the 4X4 yourself? No. Offered in both ports in the aazores. It was a 4x4 with a driver and 4 people. Very private. Enjoyable. Sheila Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellaggio Cruisers Posted October 4, 2018 #15 Share Posted October 4, 2018 Hi, Considering a Transatlantic on Explorer next March ( Miami to Lisbon) ,which stops at these two islands in the Azores. Has anybody taken a similar cruise? Is this archipelago worth a visit? Thanks for any comments. BTW. We are on that cruise. I assume you are referring to March 25, 2019 on the Explorer. Sheila Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinkajou Posted October 5, 2018 #16 Share Posted October 5, 2018 Also on that cruise. Have been to the blue and green lakes and enjoyed it. We like crossings because they are so relaxing. Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceilknits Posted October 7, 2018 #17 Share Posted October 7, 2018 Thanks for the comments, we've booked the cruise and are looking forward to those new ports for us. Mudhen, did check, it stops there during the week. We are booked on this cruise! Barbara and Alan from Florida Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted October 7, 2018 #18 Share Posted October 7, 2018 We love transatlantic cruises but prefer not losing an hour every night (or almost every night). It becomes exhausting after a days so we take transatlantic cruises from Europe to Miami. Something to consider when booking a TA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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