Tour guide/driver for Cascais/Lisbon

[SeabournGirl]

Hi Martita,

 

I know you have booked your favorite driver for the pre cruise in October, might he be with a company that can recommend another driver to pick me up at the airport & be available for touring?

 

I will be staying at the Albatroz in Cascais, and would love recommendations on local restaurants there that you might have been to. Our friend David recommends the Beira Mar, a fish restaurant in the village that was crowded with locals.

[Martita B.]

Leslie

You might contact Royal Executive in Lisbon as Miguel is a private driver and is not associated with a company. Their e-mail is:

reservations@royal-executive.pt They offer transfers and tours and I'm sure it's a quality service.

As to the Albatroz Hotel, JB and I were quite disappointed when we lunched there last March ~~the hotel had been sold and the new owners completely/totally changed the decor. Not near the charming beautiful lobby, dining room, etc., etc. we've enjoyed in the past. We dined on the terrace as the lovely dining room was packed with travel agents ~~our food/wine was expenisve but not near the quality of food we've had many times before. We agreed we won't be visiting again. Such a shame as it was a gorgeous property. Even our friend, Luz, the hotel's P.R. had moved to another hotel in Cascias.

MB

[Martita B.]

Leslie

Another car/limo service in Lisbon is Sunny Tours ~~they also offer transfers, etc.

Martita B.

[SeabournGirl]

Thanks for the heads up Martita!

 

I really like the Estalagem Villa Albatroz Hotel Cascais, which is on the same grounds as the Albatroz, and also has the ocean/bay views but seems to be more of a smaller, boutique type hotel setting. I didn't see many other choices for being on the water.

 

Has anyone stayed there - any thoughts???

 

Of course, if I've never been there before I might not be as disappointed as I have nothing to compare it to. Maybe you hit it on a weekend they were doing a special rate for travel agents to come try it out so they have forst hand knowledge about it? (Like SB does on special cruises that aren't open to the public)

[JaneBP]

Since it's never to early to plan, I have a question. Will be in transit on the Legend in Lisbon, starting in Rome. Will I have time, with a car and driver to tour Lisbon and take a drive down to Cascais? We sail at 5, and certainly don't want to miss the boat.

[Martita B.]

Jane

As there is so much to see/do in Lisbon I would spend the day in Lisboa. Portugal's coast is beautiful but driving to Cascais will take at least an hour ~~perhaps more in traffic. (total 2/3 hrs.)

I will suggest reserving a private car in Lisbon simply because you can then pick and choose the areas/sights you'd enjoy visiting.

I love Lisbon and the Portuguese folks! You will too!:p

Martita B.

[JaneBP]

Thanks, and as the time nears, will check with you as to the not-to-be-missed sights. But I must say I am drawn to drive down the coast as it was a favorite sight of my Mother's.

[Martita B.]

Jane,

Then by all means do plan to be picked up at the ship terminal and drive down to the Coast........I also tend to repeat what my Mother enjoyed. She loved the Prickly Pear Island picnic's so I'm usually aboard the first tender. Brings back so many happy memories.:D

MB

[Mahogany]

We stayed at the Albatroz twice many years ago. And more recently were on one of the last QE2 cruises from Captetown to Southampton with a stop in Lisbon. Took the train to Cascais and had lunch at Albatroz: still very good.:) There's also an open trolley car that goes around the town that's a good way to see that charming town.

By the way, what's the weather on deck during the fall Transatlantic - probably not swimsuit but shorts?

[Mahogany]

:oShouldn't have sent my post without reading others. So sorry to hear about the Albatroz's downward spiral. As I said we were there several years ago. Since we are arriving the day the ship sails from Lisbon (are we the only ones boarding that day!? seems like everyone will already be on board:D), we won't have time to re-visit Lisbon. Spent lots of time in Portugal about 20 years ago playing golf -wish we could do that now.

[Martita B.]

As to the weather on the fall Pride crossing you'll probably want to pack a jacket or a sweater ~~we never know just what the weather will be. Hopefully Captain Dexter will choose the most Southern route. I expect a few early morning showers.

 

The Albatroz was one of my favorite hotels until last March. JB and I noticed when we walked in how much the new owners had changed the decor ~~we didn't care for the modern/contemporary look. We have known a few of the waiters as we've visited many times but we didn't see any familiar faces in March. I'm sure it's still one of the "Small Leading Hotels" of Portugal but we were very disappointed it had changed so much.

Martita B.

[Bluewatercruizer]

By the way, what's the weather on deck during the fall Transatlantic - probably not swimsuit but shorts?

 

On the 3 Fall crossings I have done (Crystal and SS), the weather has been just spectacular -- even in Lisbon - approximately low 70s getting into the 80s as we approached the Caribbean. I usually bring a light jacket just in case and one silk turtleneck and everything else I bring is layerable (is that a word?:confused: ). Being the optimistic type, I also bring shorts and swimsuits for deckwear.

 

The Northern crossings are quite a bit cooler but even then the only place I needed a real "coat" was Iceland (aboard SS).

 

You aren't the only one boarding Pride that day, I will be there, too, while all those lucky people already on board will be sitting at the Sky Bar watching the new campers arrive and laughing at the "Parade of the Life Jackets" (AKA lifeboat drill)!

 

I usually do B2Bs but just couldn't get away from work this time. I always enjoy that "transfer" day when you feel you have the ship just to yourself (plus, that's the only time to do laundry!).

 

I am arriving day before & staying at Lapa Palace. See you at the Pride!

 

Marga

[Martita B.]

Marga

The Legend's fall (Nov.) crossings have usually started in Tenerife and many have reported gorgegous, warm weather. I've only experienced the fall crossings from London (to Newfoundland/NY) on the Pride. I'm just hoping we won't need to "do si do" around any hurricanes in the Atlantic and we'll enjoy beautiful weather.

I know Captain Dexter has planned a few "sea day surprises" for us

and perhaps if we do have smooth seas he'll host the fun crew tug-of-war. I'm also keeping my fingers crossed as to a few Sky Grill dinners ~~always delightful on a TA.

 

Safe travel to Lisboa:p

Martita B.

[Bluewatercruizer]

I am keeping all digits crossed for good TA weather. I have sailed through a few hurricanes aboard SS TA (Northern crossing) - didn't even feel them, darn it! One was bad enough to keep us locked out of St. John's harbor (Newfoundland) - but I suspect they close that harbor down fairly frequently.

 

I am sure the SB captains and staff are all very skilled at keeping their beautiful ladies in the best possible weather - with smaller ships, you really see the seamanship skills on a TA. I will be quite interested to see what (navigational) maneuvers they do to keep our drinks from rolling off the bar. :D

 

Am also looking forward to a tug-o-war after seeing all those great pix on Capt. G-A's site. I wonder if they will also have movies on deck or RTB show if the weather cooperates? I have heard they don't on TA cruises but it may just be weather-dependent.

 

See you on-board - I am the one with the great big smile (oops -- I guess that's everyone boarding SB, isn't it?) :D

Marga

[Martita B.]

Marga

Unfortunately most of the evening activities on a TA Crossing are indoors ~~with the exception of a few Sky Grill dinners. I've never seen a deck BBQ or a Rock the Boat on a crossing. One crossing (a couple yr's ago) the Sky Bar was packed with diners when all of a sudden the Pride's power system failed ~~~a total blackout!:confused: We heard later the waiters in the dining room quickly ran for the "formal night" candles, placed these on all the tables ~~then told the guests just to pretend it was a special evening! The power was off for quite some time. Up in the Sky Bar at least we had a beautiful full moon ~~~the guests being seasoned crosser's just kept right on eating and visiting ~~we were all very glad the sea was semi-smooth and still. (there is a techical reason for the power failures ~~it has to do with changing the fuel tanks or somethin'!:rolleyes:)

We never know what exciting events will occur on an Atlantic Ocean Crossing ~~we do know everyone has a grand, magical time!

I'll be perched on my stool (last one by the service kitchen door) on Oct. 30th ~~come by and I'll buy you a drink!

Martita B.

[Bluewatercruizer]

I'll be perched on my stool (last one by the service kitchen door) on Oct. 30th ~~come by and I'll buy you a drink!

 

Martita B.

Only if you let me buy you one, too. :D Get the SkyBar revved up and ship-shape for the crossing while I am parading the latest in lovely neon orange outerwear.

 

Marga

[Martita B.]

Marga

Oh, you must wear black with your couture orange lifejacket!

Afterall, it will be Halloween Eve!:D

Yes, please buy/treat me to a delicious Mojito!

MB

[Bluewatercruizer]

I think my black boa would be the just the ticket :D -

Actually I am making some beautiful feathered masks for All Hallows Eve the next night- I am making a few extras for those who might need something for the occasion and, of course, for my wonderful stewardess.

Mojitos are on. Does that mean I get a reserved sign on the barstool? :p

[Martita B.]

Marga

Are you staying at the Lapa Palace? I know of several other Pride Sailor's that will also be there on Oct. 29th ~~you might spot them in the lobby or the dining room.

Remember, Oct. 31st will be the Captain's "Welcome Reception" in the Magellan Lounge. (formal) Folks will probably wear their cute

masks to the Sky Bar ~~and to Trivia!:D

Miss W.T.'s appointed stool is the next seat by me ~~we laugh and say "well, we paid for these seats years ago!":confused: Wonder who the bartender will be? Our favorite, Nelson, will probably be on his vacation R&R.

MB

[JaneBP]

I think a feathered mask would be just the ticket for the Captain's Reception. Think of the fancy dress 'masques' in Venice.

I found a lot of decorations (flat and not taking much room, like balloons, etc) at OrientalTrading.com and then gave them to the Pursers' and the Cruise Specialists for their offices and the crew mess.

[Martita B.]

Jane

"His" is already waiting to be packed!:eek: Seabourn's "special events designer" (from Birmingham) will be again fashion Cheffy Markus's tall paper hat! I'm bringing all the millinery Halloween finery!:confused: (never saw anyone that enjoys dressin' up quite like Markus)

I'm glad to be reminded of my Stewardess's spook headpiece. I need to buy/pack her something special. I'm sure the Crew will have their annual Oct. 31st crew bar party.

MB

[Bluewatercruizer]

Marga

Are you staying at the Lapa Palace? I know of several other Pride Sailor's that will also be there on Oct. 29th ~~you might spot them in the lobby or the dining room.

 

Yes, I am. I was hoping I might run into some of them. I am hoping to run in to them -- let's get the fun started!

 

Remember, Oct. 31st will be the Captain's "Welcome Reception" in the Magellan Lounge. (formal) Folks will probably wear their cute

masks to the Sky Bar ~~and to Trivia!:D

I am thinking, Martita, we need to have a "Masque/hatParade" - during the day or on the way into the Welcome reception? Watcha think?

 

JaneBP -- if you would like a feathered mask, I will bring one for you! They are fun but elegant enough for formal night. I also love Oriental Trading Co -- have used them for years for corporate training events and teambuilding activities. You would be surprised how normally mature adults go crazy for funny-shaped squirtguns.:)

[Martita B.]

Marga

The Officer that loved a "super power squirt gun" was our beloved Kevin, Security on the Pride for many years. (now on a Princess ship)

I would find and buy one and take it to the tender dock ~~many times we would watch him squirt the tender boy's as we sped away to the "Mother ship!" We all miss Kevin so much!:D

Yes, please look for the Seabournites at the Lapa ~~

MB

[JaneBP]

Margo,

 

Thank you for the kind offer, but I won't be on your crossing. I am not 'scheduled' until the Legend in '09, which I board on the 31st if I remember correctly. But like so many of the cruisers here, will be with you all in spirit and look forward to trip reports.

[Bluewatercruizer]

Ah - too bad! We'll miss you! I understand there will be several CCers on this trip. Maybe I will see you on the Legend crossing. If all goes well on this trip, I plan to book a fall crossings for 09 (and 2010 if they'll let me -- but as I recall there is an 18-mo booking schedule? Correct me if I am wrong on this)

 

Will do my best to fit in trip reports between my heavy-duty transatlantic schedule:

1. room service breakfast
   
2. walk once slowly round top deck/sit in jacuzzi to qualify as exercise
   
3. post-exercise calorie replenishment (aka mid-morning snack)
   
4. pre-lunch reading usually combined with pre-lunch nap
   
5. lunch
   
6. afternoon arm-curling exercise (aka cocktails)
   
7. decide where to eat dinner
   
8. post-decision nap
   
9. spa visit/massage moment
   
10. tea
    
11. pre-dinner meditation session (aka nap)
    
12. pre-dinner cocktails
    
13. dinner.....

It's just so difficult to squeeze everything in but will try to find time for what will clearly be a very exciting trip report :p .

 

Marga, who is afraid word is leaking out about how wonderful transatlantic crossings are