This has been such a busy trip. Most mornings start really early and often there is a second port in the afternoon as well. The expedition leader has taken to doing the recap/precap for upcoming ports days ahead of time rather than the usual late afternoon of the prior day. The ports have been quite interesting. Yesterday we were in the Aran Islands. I am still trying to wrap my head around a place where the bank is only open one day a week! Clare Island has only had one other cruise ship come ever and in fact that was the Silver Cloud last year. We were received with open arms. The pub offered drinks and snacks of local delicacies and the island’s children put on a wonderful show of Irish music and dancing. It was really a special place and wonderful experience.

Generally I agree with Ngaire’s assessment of the ship itself but I would add the the Cosmos are pretty good too! We have been enjoying the company of a great group of Puffins.

Mark, Jerry has not had an opportunity to sing. We asked the cruise director for a Karaoke night but he feels no one would come given how early our days have started. We told him we had a whole group who would show up but alas no Karaoke.
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Helen