Cannes

After catching a tender boat to the shore, we had a quick look around the beach area of Cannes.  It was a beautiful place.

We did not get to spend a lot of time here as we were on a coach trip to Monaco

Barcelona

Barcelona

We were off the boat first thing in the morning and headed straight for the hop on hop off tourist bus.  As it was another scorcher of a day we sat on the open top deck.  There were many attractions on route.  One of the main ones was the Sagrada Famila, a church designed by Gaudi and is still under construction.

We had intended to jump off at the Gaudi national park, however progress in the tourist bus was slow. This was for two reason, huge congestion and traffic lights every 100 metres.

we also passed Barcelona FC, the shirt sales and merchandise was booming.  No wonder they have a ton of money.

After a couple of hours on the bus we were feeling the heat and had to  move inside for the last but of the journey.  We then headed down La Rambla, this is the main shopping street in Barcelona.  You have to keep your eyes peeled for pick pockets, though.

We had to be back on Azura by late afternoon as it was my mums 60th birthday.  She had ordered some canapes to her cabin.  In the evening we headed to a Indian restaurant on board called Sindu, you have to pay a extra £15 pp though.

After the meal we went to a 80s, 90s, 00s pool party.  To say it was bad would be a understatement. It was just childrens entertainment mixed with some butlins cabaret!  There are many good aspects to cruising however the eveining entertainment is not one of them.

Alicante

Alicante

Another glorious day around the med, which set us up nicely for a stroll around the Spanish town of Alicante.

We had been off the boat no more than 2 minutes and Claire was off shopping.  Before, I complain to much she was buying a hat to protect her from the sun.

First up some random pirate boat, as a tourist you end up taking pictures of random shit.

We then headed into the old quarter, which was filled with narrow streets and small coffee shops.

After some nice lunch  and a massive ice cream we headed to the main area of town and I was hoping to sponge some free WiFi from somewhere.  However, it is really difficult to find not even the Mcdonalds or Burger King were offering much of a service.  The sooner roaming charges are scrapped the better ( yes another WiFi moan)

We paid a visit to the beach, which was absolutely packed.

A view of the castle in the background.

My overall impression of Alicante is its just a average Spanish tourist town. I personally would not go back, if you are looking for somewhere a bit quieter than Benidorm it might just be for you!

Vigo

Vigo

After a day at sea the Azura  docked at the Spanish port of Vigo and it was a glorious day. Vigo is made up of tight cobbled streets, that wind up some steep hills.

After a long walk we arrived at the Ayuntamiento.  This is basically a small fort that looks over the harbour.

Then we began the ascent up to the El castro restos de la Fortaleza.  This is the main fort that over looks the city.  We were pretty tired at this point and the sun was getting hotter, so we took some obligatory photos and headed off downhill.

A nice fountain at the top of the walk.

After a bit of shopping we headed back to the ship.  However there had been a chlorine spillage onboard the Azura so nobody was allowed back on.  We were told it could take up to two hours before we could board.   So we headed back into town for a ice cold beer and Claire did some shopping. Yes she bought some stuff!!