Tag Archives: Brilliance of the Seas

São Miguel Island, Azores — Arrival into Ponta Delgada


We left Cobh (Cork), Ireland behind, after which we spent two days at sea aboard Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas. And on the third day of our transatlantic voyage, we made port in the Azores in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island.

Ponta Delgada

And, once again, Ursula had us slated for a tour. Our tour on this day would take us to visit numerous sights around the island, and our vendor for this tour was Azorean Tours. Azorean Tours was a great choice, and our tour group definitely got our money’s worth.

Our tour guide with Azorean Tours

One of our first destinations after pickup would be Fire Lake. To get there our van would have to climb up some serious hills. And, of course, that means great vistas, starting with this look back at the city of Ponta Delgada:

Ponta Delgada (Brilliance of the Seas to the left)

So, while we’re way up here, let’s take in the first views of the island from high above:

São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island

By the way, São Miguel Island has a nickname. It also goes by “The Green Island,” and the image below gives you a clue as to why:

São Miguel Island, also known as “The Green Island”

Comments Off on São Miguel Island, Azores — Arrival into Ponta Delgada

Filed under Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation

Fun Photo Friday — Cobh Favorites


Time for one last look at Ireland before we board our ship and return to the U.S.:

Comments Off on Fun Photo Friday — Cobh Favorites

Filed under Fun Photo Friday, Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation

Ireland — More St. Colman’s and views of Cobh


Today we continue with our tour of St Colman’s Cathedral. And when we finish up inside, we’ll head out for some views of Cobh.

St Colman’s Cathedral interior

Below is pictured a finely detailed pulpit contained within the interior of the church:

St Colman’s pulpit

You got a glimpse of the altar and vaulted ceiling on Monday’s article, but here are two more views:

St Colman’s altar
Vaulted wood ceiling in St Colman’s

Before heading back outside, let’s take a look at more of the exquisite stained glass of St Colman’s:

St Colman’s stained glass
St Colman’s stained glass
St Colman’s stained glass

Now it’s time to head back outside. Make sure you glance upward for this view:

St Colman’s Cathedral exterior

Our time was growing short. We had spent the day touring to Kinsale and Blarney Castle. We would soon have to get back to Brilliance of the Seas for our transatlantic crossing. Even so, I did manage to snap two fun shots of Cobh and its colorful buildings:

Cobh, Ireland
Cobh with Brilliance of the Seas at the upper right

Comments Off on Ireland — More St. Colman’s and views of Cobh

Filed under Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation