Welcome to Senegal, our 83rd country. We woke up to our first African sunrise in Dakar aboard the beautiful Regent Splendor , an experience we had all heard so much about but only seen in movies! Senegal ensured we didn't miss this breathtaking moment. Dakar is the capital of Senegal, home to 1.3 million people. It was founded in 1857 when the French built a fort on the site of the modern Place de l’Indépendance to safeguard the interests of merchants who had been settling there for 20 years and of the residents of Gorée, a waterless island in the lee of the peninsula that once was an outpost for slave and other trading. We disembarked for our tour and boarded the air-conditioned coach, leaving for Lake Retba for an exciting 4x4 dune adventure. As we drove through the busy city of Dakar, we were given our first taste of an African country on the west coast, heavily populated and polluted in this case. The authentic living conditions and lack of infrastructure and machinery followed, showing us that today would be a learning experience we all needed and reminding us that this corner of the world is still a ways behind. The first stop on our tour, Lake Retba & Village Festival, was a traditional village, Noflayee, about one hour from Dakar. We were treated to a local dance performance and welcomed by the village chief. The performers were outstanding, especially during the midday heat, and danced their little hearts out; we felt welcome. Next was a trip to the famous stage from the Paris-Dakar rally and Lake Retba. The lake used to be pink due to marine microorganisms in its waters. However, due to the impact of climate change, it has lost its colour. We carefully selected our jeep, reminding ourselves to avoid the direct sun. Fortunately, we spotted a jeep with just that, a roof and bonus actual seats; all other jeeps were bench seats. A little warmup trip by the lake and salt mounds, crossing the finish line of the Paris-Dakar rally, and our first experience of the intensity of the local street vendors. Followed by a bumpy and fun ride as we hit the dunes of Senegal down the final stage of the famous "Paris-Dakar" rally on the wild beach with a stop by the Atlantic offering endless views of the Ocean. Unfortunately, our dream on an endless beach was spoiled by the extreme plastic pollution, the sight of a mature turtle that had recently died from swallowing one of the thousands of plastic bags that littered the shore. Meanwhile, locals poured over the sand dunes to try to sell cheap trinkets, which soured our experience. After the 4x4 ride, we returned to the local resort and enjoyed a delicious local lunch of African delights. Once our bellies were satisfied, we were back on the road with a quick stop at the local market for those wanting some souvenirs of their time in Senegal and to support the community; we were feeling a little overwhelmed by the intensity and being asked for handouts at every given moment, so chose to remain on the bus before we embarked on the trip back to the ship. Here are a few fun facts about Senegal: One of the youngest presidents, 44 Offshore oil and gas, one of the richest in the world, soon due to discovering oil recently Official French language 95% Muslim & 5% catholic It is home to several palm trees, including banana, coconut, and palm oil trees. The Maringa palm tree is known to heal diabetes.

Embark on a remarkable journey with us as we sail across the high seas from the historic city of Lisbon to the picturesque vineyards of Cape Town. Our voyage aboard the Seven Seas Splendor with Regent Seven Seas Cruises traces an exquisite route that introduces us to a tapestry of cultures, from the aromatic allure of Morocco's Tajines to the joyous spirit of children in some of the world's most remote communities. Our vessel, the Seven Seas Splendor, is a testament to nautical artistry. Her sleek design, from bow to stern, encapsulates luxury and comfort. The ship's ideal capacity made our voyage particularly exceptional. It balanced spaciousness with intimacy, hosting 746 guests with attentive service from 548 crew members. Every detail on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is finely curated to enhance the travel experience. The Splendor is perfectly designed to ensure guests never feel crowded, allowing each individual to savour their journey as though on their private vessel. With three specialty restaurants offering exquisite dining options and a selection of bars featuring live music, the ship offers many choices catered to every taste. Our all-inclusive experience onboard the Splendor was transformative. The convenience of an all-inclusive lifestyle where one needs not worry about the little things, like taking out a key card, adds luxury to the cruise that we quickly grew to adore. A highlight of our cruise experience was the extraordinary treatment we received when our laundry was returned—not merely clean but presented in beautiful boxes enveloped in tissue paper—a touch of elegance that did not go unnoticed. Above all, the crew of the Seven Seas Splendor amplified our journey to new heights. Skilled and passionate, each member showcased why they are the best in their field, turning exceptional service into art. This cruise from Lisbon to Cape Town is not just a journey across the ocean; it's an exploration of varied landscapes, cultures, and the human spirit. As we sailed from the bustling bazaars of Morocco to the tranquil wineries in Cape Town, what stood out were the universal warmth and smiles of the people we met—memories that will remain with us long after our splendid voyage.

St. Maarten | St Lucia We arrived in the Caribbean two days after leaving Miami on our 110-day cruise , sailing southbound to South America in preparation for our circumnavigation aboard the beautiful Marina with Oceania Cruises. Let's talk about the Caribbean islands we visited, where we got our little taste of paradise. St. Maarten and Saint Lucia. Day four - Philipsburg, St. Maarten Welcome to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. After two days sailing from Miami, we arrived at our first destination, Philipsburg, and made our way to the Amazon for Christmas and New Year. Seven years ago, we first visited St. Maarten, an island the Netherlands and France share. We spent our time on the French half on our first visit, so we enjoyed the Dutch half this time. After the Spanish abandoned their fort in 1648, a few Dutch and French soldiers hid on the island and decided to share it; soon after, both countries signed a formal agreement to split the island. After a quick water taxi to the centre, we were hunting for decent wifi, so we bar-hopped until we found a great connection. We also had a small shopping list of essentials, so we took this time to prepare ourselves for the next few months at sea. The island vibe was in full swing, swarming with cruise passengers from the four ships docked and the sweltering heat. The beach was filling up fast, and everyone enjoyed the hot weather! We decided we preferred the French side as it offered more quality dining establishments, was further from the port, and was more peaceful. Day five - Castries, St. Lucia This morning, we arrived in the tropical gem Saint Lucia, a small Caribbean island 27 miles long and 24 miles wide, located north of Barbados. We were docked in Castries, where we could wander off the ship to explore the nearby town and enjoy the local vibe. We visited St Lucia in 2015 and fondly recalled finding a local cafe overlooking the square, so we searched to find it. Afterwards, we strolled the streets, saying hello to all the vibrant and friendly locals and discovering St Lucia was home to a few Nobel prize winners. We discovered a familiar balcony cafe, although we soon realised it was different. We were previously docked on another part of the island; we later determined the restaurant we were looking for was another island entirely. We settled in all the same and enjoyed one of the most delicious coffees; we had to stay for two. We loved feeling part of the local life and watching everyone go about their day, the best way to immerse yourself into a new destination. After we were caffeinated, we took to the streets and enjoyed visiting the local market; everyone was super friendly and exuded the island's chilled-out vibe. Once we had reached our limit with the heat, we snuck back to the ship for lunch and then were spoilt with a golden hour sail-away, capturing the tropical gem of an island in the sunset. Thank you, St Lucia, for welcoming us back. Join us for our next chapter, 'Brazil', as we embrace and explore the Amazon over Christmas and New Year with Oceania Cruises on our 110-day voyage around South America.

A theme is beginning to emerge across borders along the West African Coast: the tale of two colonies: the French and the English. Both behaviours are becoming notable, with the French colonies having dramatically higher pollution levels than the English. Welcome to Abidjan, the largest city and former capital of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), is a French-speaking metropolis with a population of about 6 million. It accounts for over 20% of the country's population and is Africa's sixth most populous city. Known as a cultural crossroads of West Africa, Abidjan is marked by substantial industrialisation and urbanisation. Today's five-hour tour, Akwaba Abidjan to Bingerville with Regent Seven Seas on the Splendor , focused on exploring two significant Ivorian cities: Abidjan and Bingerville, which was the capital of Côte d'Ivoire for 25 years in the early 1900s. As we drove through the city of Abidjan, we saw quite a mix of architecture. The city was transitioning to a modern-day city with the construction of F Tower, the highest tower in Africa. This office building has 72 floors and is symmetrical, like an African mask. A city on the move! Given the heavily populated city and the primary mode of transport being vehicles, we were police-escorted throughout the day to ensure we arrived on time and returned to the ship without delay. We felt very privileged (not in a good way) to see all the locals queueing up in traffic to let the cruise passengers explore their country. Our first stop was the botanical gardens in Bingerville. We quickly rebelled and escaped the four buses unloading for a guided tour, taking the opportunity to explore and take pictures of the park. Once the weather beat us, we were back on the bus bound for a visit to the tiny Combes Museum, housed in a high school, the Center Technique Des Arts Appliqués De Bingerville. We bypassed the walk-through to chat with the young art students and enjoyed watching the local artist, Dezy Kouassi , bringing the mural to life; he was so kind as to send us a picture once it was finished. Our garden visit was followed by a trip to Orphanage De Bingerville, which was previously the governor's house. We enjoyed the learning experience and gifted some books and pencils to help the kids. We were offered a quick tour, and the kids were super excited and raced out of class for quick hellos. We spent the time doing a quick photo show-and-tell. They just loved it, and their smiles again filled our hearts! The Orphanage was for boys and girls aged 5 to 25 and opened in 1953 as a result of WII. Initially, it was coed, but 1973 it was split due to difficulties managing both. We wrapped up our tour with a lively music and dance show at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire. The museum showcases incredible sculptures that depict the traditional ceremonies and rituals of Côte d'Ivoire. The journey through Abidjan and Bingerville provided a glimpse into the urban transformation and the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Côte d'Ivoire. While the guided tour offered structured insights, the impromptu interactions with locals and spontaneous moments added a personal touch to the experience.

Join us as we embark on a new 110-day cruise around South America from Miami to Miami. We joined the beautiful Marina ship with Oceania Cruises on 18 December and disembarked in Miami on 6 April. Over 110 days, we explored three continents, 17 countries, and 51 destinations, including a few bucket list destinations: Amazon, Panama Canal, and Antarctica. We look forward to sharing our four months at sea, but first, we share our first few days at sea and our Oceania experience from Miami to the Caribbean. It was our first time sailing with Oceania Cruises, and from the moment we embarked to the very last day of our 110 days, Oceania were exceptional. The crew was and is an absolute delight. The level of care and service was limitless, the energy and friendly nature of all the staff were infectious, and we quickly became friends and family. We also have left with many new friendships from our sailing, both crew and guests, which we treasure and look forward to finding each other again on our travels. The food is divine, and after four months, we still missed out on some dishes we were hoping to try. (If you recall our last three-month cruise with Hurtigruten, they repeated the same menu for two days in the suite restaurant with only three options, and then this would repeat the following week for three months; this was very disappointing), and it was refreshing to be on a ship with outstanding dining. Marina has four specialty dining restaurants (all-inclusive), and each restaurant prepares a distinctive set of dishes based on its culinary expertise. From classic French fare at Jacques to vibrant Asian cuisine at Red Ginger or Toscana, where Tuscan cuisine evolved from rich family traditions, mothers and grandmothers of Oceania's own Italian culinary staff recipes, and, of course, a favourite steakhouse at Polo Grill, all restaurants are world-class. The Grand Dining Room and a terrace cafe (buffet restaurant) serve continental cuisine. A fantastic selection of worldly cuisines changes daily, approximately on a two-week cycle. You are spoilt for choice. There are two private dining venues, Privee and La Reserve (both at additional cost). Privee is an opulent, intimate dining venue that transforms dinner between Polo Grill and Toscana into a luxurious affair. At La Reserve, you can enjoy a unique dining menu that creates distinctive pairing dinners. You also have Baristas with illy coffee (included in your cruise fare) for your morning coffee fix and afternoon tea in Horizons to treat yourself to tea and scones. Red Ginger - Asian (Specialty Restaurant) Toscana - Italian (Specialty Restaurant) Jacques - French (Specialty Restaurant) Polo Grill - Steakhouse (Specialty Restaurant) The Grand Dining Room - Continental and International cuisine (Lunch - sea days and dinner) Afternoon Tea in Horizons Marina, the ship, was built in 2011 and has a capacity of 1250 passengers and 800 crew. We found the ship spacious; you could always find a quiet, relaxing spot. The staterooms are spacious, too, and it was a treat to have a bathtub in the room. The beds are heavenly and have ample storage; you pop your suitcases under the bed, so there is no clutter. We spent much time in our balcony room and didn't feel claustrophobic. We loved the cruise over Christmas and New Year; it was a lovely way to celebrate and see all the decorations sprinkled around the ship. We were also impressed with Oceania's beautiful Christmas gifts: a gorgeous handmade wooden chopping board and a card.

Binh Dinh General Hospital - One Visit Binh Dinh General Hospital is only one year old, so it is spotless and modern; I recommend this hospital if you need medical attention. We attempted to get treated at other hospitals in Qui Nhon but were terrified of all the rusted equipment and quality of staff; no English and the level of care was not high on their agenda. Binh Dinh had lovely nurses and doctors, very caring and provided correct treatment advice. We only needed a wound redressed and cleaned, so unable to give feedback on other procedures.

VinMec - Four Visits The hospital was very professional, clean, modern, and only 12 months old. The Emergency Department was not busy, so waiting times were fast all four times we visited. Whole blood and urine tests, including ECG, were completed to minimise surgery risks before the procedure. All results were provided to the patient. Fantastic pre-and post-op care was provided. The costs were not prohibitive: $900 for the day procedure and $20 daily to redress and clean the wound. The hospital accepts credit cards and provides insurance receipts. A fully stocked pharmacy is also in the hospital. We visited  VK Hospital  before attending VinMec, which was not very clean, nor were they able to diagnose the problem. There were long waiting times, and we completed a procedure that did not fix the issue. They also asked for a tip and confirmed he had no idea what was wrong after he had done the procedure.

Nha Trang Private Car We needed a private car to transport us from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon, and we were very impressed with this company. My customer service experience with Anna was fabulous, and I could quickly pay online with my credit card. We initially booked the transfer for a set date but had to postpone it at the last minute due to a medical emergency. Anna was excellent, understanding of our situation, and flexible as we adjusted the date. Thank you, Anna. When we were ready to depart, the driver arrived early and drove us safely to Quy Nho. The trip took about four hours, with a quick toilet stop halfway. As promised, the car was conditioned, clean, and safe. I recommend affordable offers in Vietnam at an affordable price.

Avani Quy Nhon Resort AVANI was lovely from the moment you arrived until you departed. The view from the restaurant and the rooms was beautiful. We had an oceanfront room, and waking up to the view every morning was excellent. The food was excellent, and we had an all-inclusive package, so we dined breakfast/lunch and dinner, which exceeded our expectations. We loved all the local dishes, and they were very accommodating for dietary requirements (as I am no onion and no garlic). The pool had a beautiful outlook, although the water was like swimming in a hot bath, so unfortunately, it wasn't suitable for laps. We also experienced the spa with a massage, which was great too! The customer service was responsive, and we had to delay our arrival by three days due to a medical emergency. They were very understanding and genuinely concerned about our situation, and most staff came to chat with us over our few days to make sure we were okay - they were divine! The transfer was lovely on the day of departure, and they even had our breakfast pack for the trip. Just note it was about 20 minutes from Quy Nhon, which you must visit to experience the fabulous coffee shops (and Vietnamese coffee); our favourite was Marina Royal. Recommend AVANI for a nice relaxing getaway for a few days. We also had to visit a hospital while there. Binh Dinh General Hospital is only a few months old and has always been efficient with our visits and quality care.

For all our travel experiences, tips on accommodation, dining and experiences exploring Croatia, click here . For all our travel experiences, tips on accommodation, dining and experiences exploring Croatia, click here . Zagreb - Seven nights Rijeka - Three nights Rovinj - Two months Pula - Two weeks Plitvice Lakes - Two nights Dubrovnik - Two nights