Day 7: Malaga, Spain with Holland America
Day 7: Malaga, Spain with Holland America
Holland America Africa Explorer Cruise – 49 Days from Rotterdam to Cape Town
Date: Friday October 3, 2014
Weather Forecast: Partly cloudy; 24 C/76 F
In Port: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All Aboard: 5:30 PM
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Location Information:
Malaga, Spain’s fifth largest city, is the second busiest cruise port on the Iberian Peninsula and is located along the Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea. With history that dates back as far as 770 BC, Malaga is one of the world’s oldest cities. Malaga is also the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso. Visitors should make time to see the Alcazaba of Malaga, Cathedral of Malaga, Picasso Museum, Castle of Gibralfaro and the Roman Theater (Teatro Romano – dating back to the first century).
WJs Day:
Today Holland America’s ms Rotterdam docked in Malaga, Spain. Many passengers took shore excursions to visit the Alhambra in Granada, Mijas or Marbella. As we’ve explored this area of Andalucia in the past, we decided to spend the day in Malaga and wander the old city.
The stroll from the Cruise Terminal to the Cathedral only took us about 25 minutes. We had stopped at the Tourist Information kiosk before leaving the Cruise Terminal and picked up a map that showed the main highlights.
Viewing the impressive architecture of the Cathedral enticed us to pay the entrance fee and go inside – it was worthwhile to see the massive organ and interesting paintings and sculptures.
Next we walked to the Teatro Romano and enjoyed views of it from a table outside at El Pimpo – a very well-known and popular cafe/bar that serves Malaga Virgen Wine. Although the Pimpo people told us they had Wi-Fi, nobody around could connect – which meant we didn’t stay as long as we would have.
From there we continued to wander the streets and view the shops in Malaga before heading off the beaten path and finding a bar that had great Wi-Fi and good beer.
We strolled along Paseo Del Parque and Paseo Del La Farola (next to the marina and lots of shops and cafes) on our way back to the ship.
Back on board by 4:00 PM we made our way to the Lido pool to relax before sail away at 6:00 PM.
Dinner tonight was at Canaletto (US$10 surcharge per person); which is an area of the Lido Restaurant that is turned into an excellent Italian dining venue during the evenings. The wine selection was very good and we thoroughly enjoyed each of the courses we chose.
Our wonderful waiter, Jai from Indonesia, started us off with antipasto served tableside – marinated mushrooms, prosciutto, chorizo, salami, grilled vegetables, buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes.
For a starter Jill had Insalata Canaletto, while Viv had Italian Herb Sausage and Cannellini Beans.
Jill had Veal Osso Bucco with potato gnocchi and Viv had Chicken Cacciatore All Forno with soft Parmesan Polenta.
Dessert was a Trio of Tiramisu and Mille-Feuille of Madagascar Chocolate. Everything was perfect and by far the best meal we had dined on thus far during the cruise.
Entertainment tonight in the Showroom at Sea was by Magician Mark Haslam – he has quite a remarkable act.
After Malaga, all the ports of call we are scheduled to visit on the Africa Explorer itinerary are new to us until we reach Port Elizabeth in South Africa. We were in Port Elizabeth when we spent 5 weeks in South Africa in 2007.
Next – Sea Day sailing towards Valletta, Malta
