Shoe crew
Get a kick out of solesearching on board the well-heeled Saga Pearl II this winter...
There was one thing that struck me as I prepared for my firstever cruise: I was going to need an awful lot of shoes. All I usually pack for a sunshine holiday is a pair of flip-flops, some trainers and maybe a pair of sandals for “nice”.
But as Saga’s Azores and Canaries cruise for five days from Fuerteventura to Madeira had such a variety of activities, I was going to need double that...
HIKING BOOTS
Waking up on board Saga Pearl II for the first time, berthed in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, a big adventure lay ahead: hiking the Bandama crater.
Our guide Nina set the scene for us as we travelled through wine country and up winding mountain roads on a short bus journey to the 2,000-year-old volcanic caldera – meaning cooking pot.
Other groups on a coach tour headed to the viewpoint at the top, but our intrepid gang were walking the 865ft down into the crater’s belly, past dragonblood trees, Canarian palms and wild olives.
A large eucalyptus tree at the bottom provided some welcome shade before we strolled around the base, where we encountered the crater’s 85-year-old resident Agustin watering his garden.
Born in the crater, he has lived in a house at the bottom almost all his life.
Knowing he manages the trek to the top meant there was no excuse for our tour, up to a sprightly 71, as we set off back up the path. There was a sense of satisfaction as we took in the view from the top.
FLIP FLOPS
We had definitely earned our lunch – and attacked that day’s delicious buffet of hot, cold, fancy, simple, familiar and exotic. Supported by attentive staff who are quick to learn passengers’ individual routines and preferences, every meal time was a culinary adventure.
So, refuelled, my sister Ruth and I set out in search of the beach. Playa las Canteras in Las Palmas is very much part of the town, with a good prom to walk along, excellent gelato and a popular sandy beach with a warm sea.
A 19-night Contrasts of the Canaries and Cape Verde round trip cruise on board Saga Pearl II leaves Southampton on November 1 with fares from €3,283pp. Includes meals, selected drinks, gratuities, travel insurance and UK mainland travel service to and from Southampton. Saga Pearl II docks in lovely Funchal Ann packs for eveey occasion
SANDALS
Dressing for dinner is an occasion every evening, with smart-casual – no jeans or shorts – the standard. The Verandah restaurant’s daytime buffet converts to waiter service, while the Dining Room offers slightly smarter surroundings and the option of having a regular table for the duration of the cruise, with group tables on offer for solo travellers.
After dinner passengers are entertained in the Discovery Lounge by saga.co.uk/cruises, 0044 0800 50 50 30 Ruth and Ann guest entertainers, with Harry the Piano the standout star.
November but the wind and sun at sea that far south can be fierce – pack sunscreen and a hat. The Spa is at its busiest on sea days. Look out for discount deals on port days.
visitmadeira. pt, caboverde.com, spain. info, visitportugal.com
TRAINERS
We had been due in La Gomera the next day, with my hiking boots set for another outing, but the weather had interfered with the captain’s plan.
Instead we went up on deck to see the sun rising as we cruised alongside an unidentified island – which turned out to be Tenerife, our new destination.
Progress was stately, which gave us plenty of time to join Andy the whale man at his look-out point. ORCA, an organisation which protects whales After-dinner treat and dolphins in UK and European waters, has partnered with over-50s specialists Saga for 10 years, and Andy and his team were on board to keep a tally of wildlife, with eager passengers bringing their binoculars along.
More than 300 dolphins, four kinds of whale and 24 turtles had been identified since the ship left Dover a week before, with 32 animals spotted that day. But I was out of luck – Cory’s shearwaters swooping over the waves were the height of my wildlife spotting.
DANCING SHOES
I had been looking forward to the sea day all week, and the 9am line dancing class got me out of bed despite a late night. A livelier than expected sea meant our lines were not as straight as they might have been, but our enthusiastic teachers Ian and Kathy still helped us rack up 4,900 steps with the Wigan Walk, Cowboy Charleston, Electric Slide and Blackpool Bell.
PARTY SHOES
Formals are a real event, with ladies glammed up in evening and cocktail dresses and the gentlemen dapper in dinner jackets or smart dark suits.
The menu goes up another gear too, with slow roast loin of venison a winning choice, followed by tarte tatin – and another attack on the cheese board.
We just had time for a mooch around Madeira’s charming capital Funchal before we set off for home – and the everyday reality of sensible work shoes.