Traveling with the Jones — Sharing Travel Discoveries

Cruising the British Isles: Edinburgh (from Rosyth, Scotland)

by Janis on July 28, 2011

We’ve recently returned from a 14-Day Celtic Circle cruise around the British Isles on Holland America Line’s ms Prinsendam. While onboard the 835-passenger”˜elegant explorer’, we visited 10 ports in Scotland, Ireland and England. This post is part of a series detailing our discoveries both in port and on the ship.

The port of Rosyth, Scotland provided a free bus shuttle to the Inverkeithing train station. From here we bought a round trip train ticket to Edinburgh Waverly station. The cost was 5â‚¬; the trip took about 30 minutes.

Waverly train station is right in the heart of Edinburgh, with the Royal Mile and the Edinburgh Castle nearby up hill.

Setting Up for the Royal Military Tattoo in front of Edinburgh Castle

At the height of tourist season and the preparations for Tattoo underway – it runs August 5-27, 2011 We found this area overfilled with tourist shops and crowds, and since we’d visited the castle before, we headed to the streets below the Royal Mile.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

We were fascinated by the burial stones and monuments in the Greyfriars Kirkyard, where many of Edinburgh’s famous names are buried. Outside the graveyard walls is the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier who for 14 years stayed near the grave of his master, an Edinburgh police officer.

The National Museum of Scotland

Nearby, we could have spent hours in National Museum of Scotland. It has a large, eclectic collection of art, archaeology, history and technology exhibits.

Loom demonstrating how tartan plaid was woven.

“˜The Maiden’, a guillotine used to behead criminals between 1564 and 1710.

Quiet by the University of Edinburgh

Down the street the museum we headed to the University of Edinburgh area. Since classes were not in session, the area was quiet and peaceful. We caught up on email with the free Wi-Fi during lunch at Aspen, as Mr. Jones continued his fish and chips pilgrimage.

First of many Tennant’s drank throughout the UK

At Aspen we first sampled Tennant’s which became Mr. Jones favorite beer throughout the United Kingdom.

Have you been to Edinburgh? What are your favorite spots?

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Cruising the British Isles: Onboard the Prinsendam

by Janis on July 27, 2011

We’ve just returned from a 14-Day Celtic Circle cruise around the British Isles on Holland America Line’s ms Prinsendam. While onboard the 835-passenger”elegant explorer”, we visited 10 ports in Scotland, Ireland and England. This post is part of a series detailing our discoveries on this cruise both in port and on the ship.

Onboard the Prinsendam
It’s a small ship with a shallow draft, allowing it to cruise to unique ports. One of the Prinsendam’s biggest draw is its itineraries. Yet, being on board, offers some nice touches as well.

The Lido Pool is filled with fresh water; while the Sea View Pool contains salt water.

The Sports Deck includes Bocce ball, croquet and a golf putting green.

Our new friend Richard demonstrates his Bocce ball technique.

The Crow’s Nest offers spectacular views, and on our cruise, the best entertainment on the ship. Debbie Bacon entertained at the piano, singing, playing the saxophone and flute. She had a full house every night and could play nearly any request, from show tunes to Journey.
Our cruise was Debbie’s last of her current contract, but she will be back on Holland America entertaining on the World Cruise starting in January, 2012.

Daniel Hoffman, aka Sparky with the Travelin Jones

Our friend “Sparky” also known as Daniel Hoffman is the Travel Guide on the Prinsendam. He gives presentations on all the things to do in each port, and how to do them on your own if you don’t want to take a shore excursion. Daniel also answers individual questions during deck hours and on the gangway each morning in port.

Ferdinand Basa is the Cellar Master on board. Ferdie’s wine tasting classes are some of the most informative and most entertaining at sea.

In the La Fontaine Dining Room, we were lucky to have Bambang as our waiter. Besides his megawatt smile, he’s an outstanding waiter — efficient, providing good recommendations and willing to handle any request.

We also loved the Pinnacle Grill, managed by Daniel Crisan, with its beautiful wood paneling décor and terrific views. And the chef, Babu Streedharan, created delightful food.

Have you sailed on the Prinsendam? What’s your favorite thing about the ship?

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Cruising the British Isles: Lovely London

by Janis on July 26, 2011

We just returned from a 14-Day Celtic Circle cruise around the British Isles on Holland America Line’s ms Prinsendam. While onboard the 835-passenger”˜elegant explorer’, we visited 10 ports in Scotland, Ireland and England. This post is part of a series detailing our discoveries on this cruise both in port and on the ship.

Lovely London

The London Eye along the Thames River

London never fails to delight.

We spent a day and a half exploring the city before the cruise, since the Prinsendam sailed from Tilbury, a port on the Thames River 25 miles below the London Bridge.

Big Ben, the bell of the clock tower at north end of the Palace of Westminster.

Royal Pageantry

Terrific Theatre, although no time on this visit to take in a show

Count Down to the Olympics

Pub food – the Ploughman’s Lunch at the Barely Mow pub in Mayfair

The first of Mr. Jones’ fish and chip pilgrimage throughout the British Isles

Snob food did not sound appealing

The Mango Tree, an ideal Sunday night dining spot.

Commuting bicycles work for tourists, too.

Plug-in cars are cute, but we wouldn’t fit.

What are your favorite spots in London?

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Photo Friday: Stromness, Orkney Islands, Scotland

by Janis on July 15, 2011

While the day started out overcast, by afternoon it was a beautiful sunny day in the town of Stromness in Scotland’s Orkney Islands located to the northeast of the mainland.

Where’s your favorite spot by the sea?

See all of this week’s Photo Friday submissions for “Seashore” here.

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