Here are a couple of photos from the Church of Our Lady in Rhodes, Greece.

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Topics: Europe, Mediterranean, ms Noordam, Postcards from..., Shore Excursions | | No Comments

We arrived in Istanbul via the world (it seemed) on May 16, boarded the Noordam on the 17 and finally got to see a little of the city the next day. The ship docked just down from the Galata Tower, a structure built in 528 A.D. It sits atop one of the hills of the city and has a wonderful view of the city and the Bosphorus. The entrance fee is 13 lira or about $60 and of course there is a line to reach the top but it moves quite quickly. If you enjoy views and/or photography take some time to visit.

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Topics: Mediterranean, ms Noordam, Postcards from... | | No Comments

Thanks to Susie and Glenn for sending in some photos from their recent trip to Italy, Greece and Turkey aboard Eurodam.

We have recently returned from our first cruise taking in sites in Italy, Greece and Turkey. Absolutely loved it. The ms Eurodam was excellent and the staff very warm and professional. Highly recommend this cruise line to everyone. The excursions were all fantastic allowing us the opportunity to see so much and experience even more. Our favorite (if it’s possible to choose) was Ephesus. Our stewards were the best. Alim and Jono … Have taken sooooo many pictures of which I will make movie dvd’s after attending the fantastic techspert, Evan’s classes … thank you everyone for making this such a wonderful trip. Definitely not the last. Already thinking about our next … possibly an Alaskan. My pictures vary, one from breakfast on the veranda, Corfu, Greece, Kanoni, Greece with Mouse Island and the ms Eurodam in port. Thank you again for the memories. Susie and Glenn

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Noel Bell, HAL guest and frequent blog contributor, is on Noordam for 21 days and is sharing photos from his trip. Here are some snapshots taken during his call at Mykonos, Greece.

A very lovely island here in Greece just off the Turkish coast. As you can see, it has the famous Greek style windmills on the shoreline.

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Topics: Cruise Diary, Mediterranean, ms Noordam, Postcards from... | | No Comments

Thanks to HAL guests Sergio and Geneitha for sending in these awesome photos taken at Half Moon Cay.

We are convinced that these are award winning pictures, taken on our last trip in December 2012, at your private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay! We are dreaming and looking forward to sailing with you again in the near future because we had a amazing time. — Sergio and Geneitha

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Topics: Caribbean, Half Moon Cay, Postcards from... | | 1 Comment

Noel Bell, HAL guest and frequent blog contributor, is on Noordam for 21 days and is sharing photos from his trip. Here are some snapshots taken during his call at Rhodes, Greece.

Rhodes, said by many to be one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, it is here that we explore the walled town with it’s signature windmills at the entrance to the harbour. The knights came here during the crusades, but we are only on Rhodes for 8 hours. Enjoy the images.

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Topics: Cruise Diary, Mediterranean, ms Noordam, Postcards from... | | No Comments

I have just returned from a three-week cruise on the Veendam which included a wonderful excursion to Machu Picchu. As usual HAL had organised everything perfectly and it all went like clockwork. The guides were excellent, the Monesterio Hotel lived up to its 5-star rating, the Hiram Bingham rail journey was a great experience and the Inca site itself was amazing. We had a lovely sunny day and because we didn’t arrive until after lunch, the crowds had gone and we managed to get some fabulous photographs. Machu Picchu was on our bucket list and we didn’t want to spend days trekking in Peru, so three days off the ship was a perfect way to do things. Grace, who happened to be the captain’s wife, travelled with us and was an excellent travelling companion, I hope we can keep in touch. — Margaret Morris

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Topics: ms Veendam, Postcards from..., Shore Excursions, South America | | 1 Comment

Noel Bell, HAL guest and frequent blog contributor, is on Noordam for 21 days and is sharing with us photos from his trip. Here are some photos taken during his calls at Port Said and Alexandria, Egypt.

Port Said, gateway to the Suez Canal & Alexandria ‘Jewel of the Med’, although a little tarnished, is still a great place to explore.

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Topics: Cruise Diary, Grand Voyages, ms Noordam, Postcards from... | | 1 Comment