This cruise was special in that it was advertised down under as a celebration of the 100 year anniversary and remembrance of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) day. As a result, Americans were a clear minority as 1,200 Aussies and 300 Kiwi's patriotically made this pilgrimage aboard the Celebrity Celebration. We joined the standing room only throng in the theater at 5:30 AM, where you could hear a pin drop during the simulcast of the beautiful remembrance taking place less than 2 miles from the ship at the landing site of the ANZAC forces on that fateful day. Over 7,000 Australians and over 3,000 New Zealanders gave their lives trying to seize this peninsula from the Turks to control the strategic Dardanelle straits which connect the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. The Turks lost over 70,000 defending their homeland here and further up the coast against the British at Gallipoli. The ship's captain brought the ship within 1 mile of the landing site, slowly turning 180 degrees as a ceremony was held on deck. A former NZ rugby star performed the Haka (which I am now an expert), evoking goose bumps.

We later went into town exploring the narrow streets with many aggressive shop owners hawking their wares. The harbor featured small restaurants, British warships in observance of ANZAK day (Prince Charles was ferried to board the ship), and a replica of the Trojan Horse. We had a delicious late lunch at one of the little harbor front authentic Turkish café's. Two entrée's, 4 drinks and tip was $22 US.

We took a day excursion into Rome as the Celebrity Constellation boarded over 2,000 new passengers. The highlight of the day was to see the Pope in St. Patrick's Square, and touring the Sistine Chapel. There was a 4 hour line to get in to the Vatican museum, church, and basilica, but we had a guide, who are allowed immediate entrance. The Sistine Chapel was absolutely breath taking. The Pope apparently holds public audience every Wednesday, with heavy security and pilgrims holding colorful banners from all corners of the globe. 

After a 45 minute bus ride to the beachside village of Benidorm, we strolled the heavily British influenced boardwalk with packed beaches and no bathers. The Mediterranean temperature must have been in the 50's, but it was sunny and in the 70's. WE enjoyed drinks and lunch at a Mediterranean cuisine café for under $12.

Returning to Alicante, we strolled down the main street lined with vendors and artists in small booth like tents.

The right pillar of Hercules is still British and strangely so. The approximately 1/4 mile separating Gibraltar from Spain is called the frontier, with the Spanish often detaining the British citizens returning to Gibraltar for hours. The road then crosses the only runway at the Gibraltar airport! Gates come down when a plane is within 4 minutes of landing.

We hiked nearly 7 miles, by guide, through the maze of tunnels within the famous rock highlighted in the insurance company's logo. There are more miles of tunnels than there are miles of roads in Gibraltar. Most people travel by motor bike as the roads are narrow and steep. We lunched in the town square on authentic fish and chips. The view near the top of the rock is one of 3 countries and 2 continents. We have many great photos to come.

Captain of Celebrity Constellation says his 18th crossing was his smoothest ever. Our first stop is Madeira (Funchal) Portugal, the 'island of flowers' in the Azores known for it's vintage wines and hand sewn embroidery. We toured using a hop on hop off double Decker open bus, seeing the haunts of Winston Churchill, and many historic figures whom would take holiday on the reclusive island that was also neutral territory during the great war.

We sat on the patio of the Reid's hotel, the first built over 100 years ago, and sipped Madeira wine which was decidedly more a liquor cordial than table wine. Later we did a wine tasting at a local winery in town. We were fortunate to visit Madeira during their annual Flower Festival. We have pictures a plenty, but internet speed is too slow to post many.