Happy St Patrick's Day 2017

                              Happy Saint Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years.

On St. Patrick's Day, which falls in the middle of the Christian Lenten season, Irish families would go to church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. The Irish would dance, drink and feast on the traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage. Lenten regulations about not eating meat were waived if necessary so that the traditional meal could be eaten.  They are waived again this year in Chicago.

Here in the United States, St. Patrick's Day has become a celebration for not only the Irish, but for all. There are parades and celebrations which include green beer. The Chicago River is dyed green each year in honor of the event.

Watch as the world turns green ...

Other Related Blog Posts on Ireland:

• Reflections of Ireland
• Dreaming of Ireland
• FriFotos Goes to Ireland

Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.

Blarney Castle (64 photos)

We've cruised to Ireland several times.  The collage above is made up of several images from a visit to Blarney Castle.   This is one of the favorite stops of visitors to the Cobh, Ireland area. Why not plan a cruise that includes Ireland, and kiss the Blarney stone for good luck?  We leave you with this Irish Blessing on this St. Patrick's Day.

 May you always have...
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire.

Reflections of Ireland

Source:  Irish Mirror front page September 13, 2001

September 11, 2001

The Day That Changed

The World Forever

Those words from this gripping image in the Irish Mirror sum things up for us the best.   Three hours after the first plane struck the World Trade Center, we would see an immediate difference.

As with all historic events, one remembers where they were when they heard the news. Our vantage point for the tragic events of 9/11 was Paris, France.   We had just departed on a Transatlantic Cruise onboard the Norwegian Sun.   It was it's maiden voyage which left from Southampton, England the day before.   

We had spent a wonderful day in Paris, about three hours from where our ship docked in LeHarve, France.   We toured the city, had lunch onboard a river boat, and did some shopping before returning to our bus for the return to the ship.   The bus driver, who spoke only French, tried to tell us about the events by motioning with his hands (showing a plane crashing).  Of course, we had no idea what he was trying to tell us.   Someone got him to change the radio station and finally a reporter speaking in English broke the news to us.

Arriving in Ireland

Flags of Ireland following attacks

On September 13th, we arrived in our first port of call following the attacks.  Arriving early in Cobh, Ireland, we departed for our scheduled shore tour.  Our tour guide began the introductions by expressing condolences about the attacks.  At the conclusion of our tour, we had some time for shopping near the ship.    We purchased the Irish Mirror newspaper where we learned of an entirely different perspective on the attacks.

Source:  Irish Mirror September 13, 2001

Ruth McCourt, 45, was taking her daughter, Juliana, age 4, on a shopping trip from Boston to Los Angeles.   Their flight was one of the hijacked planes that struck the World Trade Center.  Meanwhile, Ruth's brother, Ronnie Clifford, an architect, was helping to rescue victims from the earlier attack.   He was unaware that above his head his sister and niece were perishing in the flames.

Here in Co Cork, the rest of the family was attempting to deal with the news of the tragedy that struck their family.     After reading this story in the newspaper, we were aware of how far reaching this tragedy really was.

An Irish gentleman approached us as we returned to the ship.   He said "You are Americans, aren't you".  We replied that we were.   His response was, "You'll get those B...ds".    At that moment in time, we were united with the rest of the world, from government officials, to the man on the streets, the world was one in convictions that those responsible had to be held accountable.

Ireland Day of Mourning ... Schools, offices, and businesses across Ireland closed on Friday, September 14th for a national day of mourning.  The Irish Mirror  reported "Ireland will weep for America tomorrow as the nation remembers the innocent dead".

Continuing our Path of the Vikings Journey
 

Source: The Scottish SUN September 15, 2001

Just being with Scots who care has helped so much...

We arrived in Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland on September 15th, and once again were greeted by sympathetic locals.   Inaugural festivities, upon the first visit of Norwegian Sun to Scotland, did take place, but they were  low key.

That newspaper headline in The Scottish SUN reflected the sentiments of an American mother and daughter who were amongst the crowd paying respects at Glasgow's George Square as similar mourning events were held across the globe.   In London, thousands gathered outside St. Paul's Cathedral for England's memorial.

Our day in Scotland was a rainy one, perhaps fitting considering the earlier events of the week.   The people were wonderful and we enjoyed our stay despite the tragedy that underscored the entire voyage.

Throughout the remaining days of the Path of the Vikings voyage we encountered similar scenes to those in Ireland and Scotland, where flags were at half-mast, the people were caring and sympathetic, and comforted us during this very emotional time.    This cruise will always be remembered, not because it was the most exotic or most picturesque, but for the one with the people with the warmest hearts.   

We will also remember the Captain and Crew of the Norwegian Sun who stepped up to the challenges and helped the passengers through this difficult time.  Norwegian Cruise Line definitely went above and beyond when they opened up the phone lines and internet twice during the voyage and rearranged all the transportation for guests since our final destination was changed from New York to Boston.

See our Facebook Page for more Pictures from our Path of the Vikings Cruise - Including more 9/11 reflections.   While you are there, Like Us so that you can continue to follow our specials and stories.

Since #FriFotos is featuring #IRELAND today, we wanted to reflect on how the people there helped us through a tough time.
 

Dreaming of Ireland

That's No Blarney

When @FriFotos announced #IRELAND for the theme for this Friday, we knew the St. Patrick's Day party was going to begin early.   So, we want to be the first to wish you ...

Happy Saint Patrick's Day
 
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years.
 
On St. Patrick's Day, which falls in the middle of the Christian Lenten season, Irish families would go to church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. The Irish would dance, drink and feast on the traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage. Lenten regulations about not eating meat were waived if necessary so that the traditional meal could be eaten.
 
Here in the United States, St. Patrick's Day has become a celebration for not only the Irish, but for all. There are parades and celebrations which include green beer. The Chicago River is dyed green each year in honor of the event.


Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.

Blarney Castle (64 photos)

We've cruised to Ireland several times.  The collage above is made up of several images from a visit to Blarney Castle.   This is one of the favorite stops of visitors to the Cobh, Ireland area. Why not plan a cruise that includes Ireland, and kiss the Blarney stone for good luck?  We leave you with this Irish Blessing on this St. Patrick's Day.
 

 May you always have...
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire. 

If you like Travel & Photography join us each Friday!

Follow #FriFotos on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2013

That's No Blarney

Happy Saint Patrick's Day
 
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years.
 
On St. Patrick's Day, which falls in the middle of the Christian Lenten season, Irish families would go to church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. The Irish would dance, drink and feast on the traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage. Lenten regulations about not eating meat were waived if necessary so that the traditional meal could be eaten.
 
Here in the United States, St. Patrick's Day has become a celebration for not only the Irish, but for all. There are parades and celebrations which include green beer. The Chicago River is dyed green each year in honor of the event.

Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.

Blarney Castle (64 photos)

 

We've cruised to Ireland several times.  The collage above is made up of several images from a visit to Blarney Castle.   This is one of the favorite stops of visitors to the Cobh, Ireland area. Why not plan a cruise that includes Ireland, and kiss the Blarney stone for good luck?  We leave you with this Irish Blessing on this St. Patrick's Day.
 

 May you always have...
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire.

Retracing Titanic Cruise

Titanic Memorial Cruise
Southampton
April 08, 2012

The MS Balmoral set sail Sunday from Southampton, England, loaded with 1,039 passengers, the same as the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Relatives of those who lost their lives, relatives of survivors, historians and journalists were among the passengers on this memorial cruise. Miles Morgan Travel offered two cruises, Anniversary Cruise from New York, and this one, Memorial Cruise from Southampton.

The two cruises were marketed with the slogan "Be part of a once in a life time historical event". The Memorial Cruise planned to sail past France and stop in Cobh, Ireland, before continuing it's Atlantic crossing. The captain planned to reach the Titanic's wreck site in the North Atlantic for a memorial ceremony to mark the moment the liner struck an iceberg on April 14, 100 years ago, where a memorial event will take place.

Doomed by Bad Luck?

The Memorial Cruise has had two delays thus far, and there is a feeling that it might be doomed by bad luck.  The first delay was caused by gales and 30ft waves just hours into its voyage as it crossed the Irish Sea after leaving Southampton on Sunday. After stopping in Cobh, Ireland, the MS Balmoral was heading out into the Atlantic when it had to change course back towards Ireland after BBC cameraman Timothy Rex fell 'seriously ill'. He was experiencing chest pains and it was thought he might have suffered a heart attack. Mr Rex, 56, was airlifted by coastguard to hospital when the ship reached the helicopter's range – 130 miles from land.

Passengers in Period Costumes     Courtesy AP

Reliving History

The Titanic hit an iceberg on April 14, 1912 and sank the following morning, claiming the lives of 1,517 passengers and crew.

During this historic voyage, passengers will gather for a memorial ceremony at 11.40 PM, the time the ship hit the iceberg, and again at 2.20 AM the following morning to mark the moment it sank. After visiting the wreck site, it will go to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where some of the Titanic's victims are buried, and then on to New York, the intended destination of RMS Titanic.

The Balmoral is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, whose parent company, Harland and Wolff, built the Titanic in Belfast.

St. Patrick's Day Greetings from County Cork

Blarney Castle                 Charles Fort

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years.



On St. Patrick's Day, which falls in the middle of the Christian Lenten season, Irish families would go to church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. The Irish would dance, drink and feast on the traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage. Lenten regulations about not eating meat were waived if necessary so that the traditional meal could be eaten.

Pictured above are two well-known attractions that can be visited in a day trip while docked in Cobh (Cork), Ireland.   Blarney Castle, which was constructed over 600 years ago, is most widely known for the Blarney Stone.  Legend has it that if you kiss the stone, you'll never be lost for words.  Each year visitors climb to the top to reach the stone and hang by their feet to kiss it.  The picture on the right is of Charles Fort in Kinsale, Ireland.  This 17th Century fort, which protected Kinsale, is one of the last remaining examples of a star-shaped fortress.   

More pictures and information ...  British Isles - Cork, Ireland

The Irish countryside is beautiful, the towns are quaint, and the people are very friendly. It is a great place to visit. Cruises to the British Isles stop at one or more Irish ports. June is a great time to visit Ireland. The weather is usually mild and you'll be comfortable in a light jacket on the cooler days.   Plan your Summer British Isles cruise and be sure it stops in Ireland.
 

A special offer just crossed my desk ...   here's some Saving O' the Green...

3 days of special savings on 2010  

Canada & New England - Summer Caribbean vacations 
 Special St. Patrick's Day savings event starts March 17th.