Canaries Cruise , Oct. 2016



Our Canaries Cruise ,Oct. 2016

28 members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Assoc. recently returned from a very enjoyable Cruise to the Canary Islands.

We set off bleary-eyed in the early hours of the morning on the 1st leg of our journey from Ballinasloe to Southampton where we excitedly embarked on the majestic “Independence of the Seas” ship.

For the next two days, we sailed down the somewhat choppy Bay of Biscay and were glad to make our first stop in the Island of Madeira. We had a full day to explore this lovely island before we sailed away again to sunny Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaries.                                                          /

Our 1st time cruisers took the opportunity to explore all the things one “must do and see” on these islands from deep-sea diving to wine tasting. Others were happy to relax on board ship, take a dip in the many pools or hot tubs, play mini golf or shuffle board, have a beer in the many bars or soak up the much needed sunshine.

On the return journey, we spent a most pleasant day in the beautiful town of Vigo, Spain. We availed of some retail therapy as we strolled around admiring the magnificent buildings and tree lined avenues.

The temperature gradually dropped as we travelled north to Southampton where our bus was waiting to take us to the airport. It was time to don the woolly hats and scarves when we reached Dublin.

Our Cruise was an enjoyable experience and even though we were glad to be on home ground again, we felt a little sad as we said good-bye to all our pleasant travelling companions.

We thank sincerely all those who helped to organise this memorable trip.

Chris O’Flynn (P.R.O.)