Day 2 Ponta Delgada, Portugal

2019 Transatlantic Cruise on MSC

Day 8 MSC Divina - Ponta Delgada, San Miguel Island, Portugal -- November 13, 2019

Please click here for video of our second day in Ponta Delgada.

We started off a little later this morning after having a relaxing breakfast at the main dining room. We were not in a hurry since we had already covered most of the traveling on this island the day before. After meeting up with everyone, we headed out to shore with our rain gears. It was a rainy and misty morning which dampened our spirit a little but we still wanted to make good use of our time here before leaving this afternoon.

Enjoyed my made-to-order omelette and sausages in the dining room.

Forte de Sao Bras

The main attraction for today would be paying a visit to the Forte de Sao Bras on the other side of the promenade. While walking over from the cruise port, we stopped by a couple of gift shops and some of us made purchases on souvenirs and gifts to bring back home. Comparing prices is important because even within a short distance, stores would have the same item but different in prices.

The fountain at the Praca Vasco da Gama.

Main custom office of Ponta Delgada right around the corner.

Arriving at the fort right off the coast.

This Renaissance fortress is now a military history museum.

The entrance was not that obvious. We bravely walked up to the gate which seemed like an off-limit entrance for their personnel. Fortunately, we were at the right place.

General admission was 3E each, but for us seniors it only cost 1E to enter. And with a group of 10, we were able to get group discount, 1E per person. Not a bad deal! This gentleman was the guard and the ticket agent. I asked if I can take a picture of him, he said, "Sure!" Then he walked out from his work space and had a picture taken with me. What a nice guy!

There were quite a lot to see, even for me who is not a museum person.

We were able to walk all over the fort, climbing up and down, and then in and out of the rooms for the exhibits.

It looks far but the port is really just walking distance away.

Catching the right moment with a perfect rainbow behind us.

Not at our ship!

Top of the fort.

Old cannons.

Down to the indoor exhibitions.

Quite an interesting place to visit.

After the fort, we came back to the city gates and downtown area.

We ran into Dave and Maryanne who just purchased some more local cheeses from the Prince of Cheese to take home.

Lunch at Restaurante Alcides

Son likes to try local foods. The four of us decided to follow Tiago's advice to have lunch at the Alcides. He suggested that we try the local beef here. The rest of our group returned to the ship instead. Apparently this is a popular restaurant but we were there early enough so we had no problem getting a table.

Too bad this photo of the menu is not clear. Just showing that the prices are actually quite reasonable.

Only .50 per person for fresh bread, much better than those we had in Genoa.

Big brother and SIL.

Nice atmosphere and good service.

Yummy, juicy steak...

came with salad and fries.

Definitely an enjoyable lunch!

Then we came back to "Prince of Cheese" one more time and got three different kinds of cheese to take home. We were able to sample the cheese before purchasing. They also vacuum packed them very well so we could take the blocks home without any problem. Not only good value but they were fine local products. Dairy is an important industry in Ponta Delgada.

Sampling of cheeses

Then we took a walk to the market (Mercado da Graca), but the vendors were closing down for the day and there wasn't much to see. That was why I did not take any photos there.

Across the street from the cruise port, stood the Church of Sao Pedro.

Back at the cruise port. The sun is out by now.

We went back to the ship after strolling through the busy promenade and ended our lovely visit to Ponta Delgada.

Forgot to take a picture of the map this morning.

It's Portugal night in the dining room.

Avocado Salad with Seafood and Cheese

Grilled pork chop with potato gratin

Pan-fried salt cod with rice pilaf

Egg tart pastry with vanilla sauce

I really enjoyed our visit of San Miguel. I am thankful that we had two good days here even though it was a little rainy on the second day. With the cruise port being so close to town made all the difference and the overnight certainly helped making it a special stop. Hopefully, we will be able to come back again for another visit in the future.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."   --Proverbs 31:30