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georgeanddan.bsky.social
George & Dan
@georgeanddan.bsky.social
630 followers 540 following 76 posts
Sailing the globe, one adventure at a time. 🛳️⚓️ Join the journey! ⛰️
YouTube 19m+
Blog & vlog at cruiseescapes.co.uk.
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georgeanddan.bsky.social
In the evening, we arrived in Rouen, and it’s a festive dream! The magnificent Rouen Cathedral stole the show, its spires glowing beautifully in the evening light. Just steps away, the Christmas market was alive with festive cheer. Staying overnight means we have more time to soak it all in! 🎅✨
A brightly lit, vintage carousel at night, adorned with festive decorations, intricate paintings, and glowing lights. The carousel features ornate horses, a blue toy bus, and a double-decker design with decorative red and gold accents. People are seen enjoying the festive atmosphere in the background. A dramatic low-angle view of the ornate facade of Rouen Cathedral in France, showcasing intricate Gothic architectural details, including statues, arches, and decorative carvings above its large red wooden doors. The lighting highlights the texture and grandeur of the stonework against the evening sky. Show a Christmas market at night with lights in the trees. VIVA Gloria docked at night with people inside in the lounge.
December 16, 2024 at 3:10 PM
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Day 3: Exploring Les Andelys & Rouen 🎄🇫🇷
Our morning was spent in the charming town of Les Andelys, a peaceful spot nestled along the Seine. With its quaint streets, stunning views of the river, and a relaxing atmosphere, it was the perfect way to start the day.
A castle on a hill with town buildings below. A historic stone church with a tall, pointed spire and Gothic architectural features, including arched windows and weathered stone walls. The building has a mix of light and dark stone, with signs of age and restoration. A traffic sign and a “Déviation” (detour) sign are visible in the foreground. George & Dan taking a selfie on a grassy riverbank with the VIVA Gloria river cruise ship docked behind them. The person on the left has dark hair, a beard, and is wearing a green coat and grey scarf. The person on the right is wearing glasses, a dark beanie, a green coat, and a navy scarf. The river and surrounding leafless trees in the background suggest a cold winter day.
December 16, 2024 at 3:10 PM
georgeanddan.bsky.social
✨ Vino Vino: A wine lover’s dream – beautifully decorated too. 🍷✨
✨ Outside Deck: Chilly but perfect for soaking in stunning views. ❄️

The Christmas vibes are in full swing – can’t wait to set sail and explore tomorrow! 🛳️✨

#gifted
Restaurant and bar area showing name Vino Vino and a Christmas tree. Outside deck area showing some bathing chairs and small Jacuzzi. Outside area showing long L shaped sofas and tables with the Viva Gloria Bridge in the background.
December 15, 2024 at 5:24 PM
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✨ Lounge: Comfy, cosy, and perfect for relaxing with river views.
✨ Riverside Restaurant: Elegant dining with Christmas touches everywhere. 🍷🎄
✨ Cabin: Compact, stylish, and super cosy.
The lounge area showing a semi circular bar with stalls and tables and chairs around The lounge area showing sofas and tables and chairs The lounge area showing a gingerbread Christmas display A Juliet balcony cabin showing a king-size bed and vanity desk area
December 15, 2024 at 5:24 PM
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🎄 Day 2: All Aboard VIVA Gloria! 🚢✨

We’ve boarded the stunning VIVA Gloria, and it’s a festive wonderland! 🎅🌟 Everywhere is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and garlands. Here’s a quick tour:

✨ Entrance: A warm, festive welcome with twinkling décor.
The river cruise ship Viva Gloria docked Entrance area showing a Christmas tree and a stairs down to another area The entrance area from above showing two separate floors, a Christmas tree and lots of festive decorations
December 15, 2024 at 5:24 PM
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2.5 hours later, we arrived in Paris and headed straight to Galleries Lafayette. The Christmas displays were stunning – twinkling lights, a massive tree, and all the festive feels. Now, time to rest – tomorrow’s river cruise day! 🛳️✨
A Christmas display in Galleries Lafayette. Dan and Georgie posing in front of the Christmas tree display in Galleries Lafayette.
December 13, 2024 at 2:14 PM
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The station was packed, and no seats past security, so don’t go through too early. Boarding was chaos (giving Euston vibes), but once onboard in Eurostar Plus, we were sorted – comfy seats, fab food, and drinks included.
A Eurostar train. Eurostar Plus seat. Food served on Eurostar Plus. Georgie on the Eurostar train looking out the window.
December 13, 2024 at 2:14 PM
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Day 1: Off to Paris! 🎄
What a festive start! We travelled to London to catch the Eurostar, with a quick stop to admire the Wicked Christmas tree at St Pancras – so magical!
The city of Oz from the film Wicked in Christmas tree form. The land of Oz from the film Wicked showing the yellow brick road.
December 13, 2024 at 2:14 PM
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Day 1️⃣5️⃣ and our final journal from our Alaska cruise: Whale Watching in Victoria, Canada! 🇨🇦🐋
Today’s adventure took us from the beautiful city of Victoria out to Spieden Island on a thrilling RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) in search of orcas!
Two orcas swimming in calm blue ocean waters near a forested coastline, with one orca’s dorsal fin prominently visible and mist rising from its blowhole. A solitary orca gliding through calm blue waters, with its dorsal fin and white markings visible, set against a backdrop of lush, forested hills and a distant shoreline. A pod of orcas surfacing in shimmering blue waters, with their dorsal fins visible and mist rising from their blowholes, set against a backdrop of a dense forest and clear sky. A close-up of George bundled up in a red waterproof jacket with the hood up, wearing reflective sunglasses that show a colorful reflection of the boat and other passengers, set against a sunny blue sky.
November 26, 2024 at 9:35 AM
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5. Room service cheeseboard
6. Grilled black cod
7. Room service eggs & avocado on toast
8. Baked New York cheesecake for two
This image showcases an elegantly arranged cheese and crudités platter. The plate features a variety of cheeses, including wedges of cheddar, brie, blue cheese, and a small round of goat cheese. Accompanying the cheeses are fresh celery and carrot sticks, clusters of red grapes, and a handful of nuts for added texture and flavour. Two small ramekins hold chutney and a red jelly or marmalade, offering sweet and tangy accompaniments to the savoury elements. The presentation is visually appealing and ideal for a light snack or a sophisticated appetizer. This image features a beautifully plated cod dish. The cod fillet is served with its skin crisply seared, resting on a bed of creamy mashed potato. The plate is garnished with green beans and tender boiled potatoes, adding freshness and balance to the meal. A rich brown sauce or jus pools around the dish, enhancing its flavour. The dish is elegantly presented, reflecting a fine dining setting, and is complemented by a clean, white plate with a delicate gold rim. This image features a simple yet appetising dish of egg and avocado on toast. A slice of rustic bread serves as the base, topped with creamy mashed avocado and a perfectly poached egg. The egg is covered with a drizzle of golden sauce, likely hollandaise, adding richness to the dish. A garnish of finely chopped tomato and herbs completes the presentation, providing a fresh and vibrant touch. The dish is elegantly plated on a white plate with a gold rim, reflecting a refined yet casual dining experience. This image showcases a classic New York-style cheesecake elegantly presented on a white plate with a gold rim. The cheesecake features a thick, creamy filling atop a crumbly biscuit base, topped with a decorative swirl of red fruit sauce for a striking visual and flavour contrast. Accompanying the cheesecake is a medley of fresh berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, adding a vibrant, fruity touch to the dish. The setting suggests a refined dining experience, with the dessert paired beautifully with the glass of rosé wine visible in the background.
November 25, 2024 at 9:35 AM
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It’s day 1️⃣4️⃣ and after all our adventures, we take it easy and enjoying a chill day at sea. One of the best parts of this cruise has been the incredible food, so here’s a little foodie look at some of our favourites! 🍴🌟
2. The Cunarder Burger
3. Wild strawberry pavlova
4. MDR Roast beef
This image features George and Dan smiling posing for a selfie outdoors during a stunning sunset. Behind them is a serene body of water, possibly an ocean or sea, with distant hills or mountains on the horizon. The soft colours of the sunset create a warm and peaceful atmosphere, with shades of orange, yellow, and blue blending beautifully in the sky. The individuals appear relaxed and happy, enjoying the scenic view and the pleasant environment. This image shows a beautifully plated gourmet burger meal. The plate features an open-faced burger with a toasted bun. One side of the bun holds fresh lettuce, pickles, and a slice of tomato, while the other side has a cooked burger patty topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and what appears to be a creamy sauce with herbs. Accompanying the burger is a side of golden French fries served in a stylish metal basket lined with paper. A small bowl of ketchup is placed next to the burger for dipping. Drinks, additional sides, and glasses of juice are visible in the background, contributing to an elegant dining atmosphere. A wile strawberry pavlova. The centrepiece is a dome-shaped treat covered in pink whipped or piped frosting, giving it a textured and decorative appearance. Accompanying the dessert is a scoop of white sorbet or ice cream on the side, garnished with vibrant red strawberry slices and a sprinkle of pink sugar or crumbs. A drizzle of red sauce on the plate adds a pop of colour and enhances the visual appeal. The table setting is sophisticated, featuring a white plate with a gold rim, reflecting a fine dining experience. This image depicts a classic roast dinner plated with precision. The main component is slices of tender roast beef, served with a rich brown gravy. Accompanying the meat is a crispy Yorkshire pudding, a quintessential feature of a British roast meal. On the side are vibrant steamed vegetables, including broccoli and a carrot baton, adding freshness and color to the dish. Completing the plate is what appears to be a golden-brown potato rosti or another crispy potato accompaniment, providing a hearty and satisfying texture. The setting suggests a refined dining experience.
November 25, 2024 at 9:35 AM
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Day 1️⃣3️⃣: Off-Road Adventure in Sitka! 🚙🌲
Today’s adventure took us to the wild and beautiful Kruzof Island, right off the coast of Sitka, for an exhilarating 4x4 tour!
Dan and George wearing helmets and seat belts inside an off-road vehicle, surrounded by a lush forest visible through the open sides, with sunlight filtering through the trees. Motorboat speeding across a calm blue body of water, leaving a wake behind, with a backdrop of dense evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky. Scenic view of a lush green meadow bordered by dense evergreen trees, with a snow-capped mountain rising in the background under a clear blue sky. A bear resting in the middle of a lush green meadow, surrounded by tall grass and bordered by dense forest trees under bright sunlight.
November 24, 2024 at 11:58 AM
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Day 1️⃣2️⃣: Exploring Glacier Bay! 🌊❄️🇺🇸
Today we are cruising through the stunning Glacier Bay, and our main highlight is the breathtaking Margerie Glacier! 🌟
This image showcases a breathtaking glacial scene with a massive glacier dominating the foreground. The glacier features a striking blue hue, indicative of its dense, compacted ice, and is interspersed with darker areas of sediment and debris. In the background, rugged snow-capped mountains rise sharply against a bright blue sky, creating a dramatic contrast with the glacier below. The serene waters in the foreground reflect portions of the glacier, adding to the scene’s tranquility and majesty. This image captures a stunning alpine lake scene with a boat gracefully gliding across the calm, mirror-like water. The lake is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, and in the distance, a glacier extends down toward the water, adding to the icy beauty of the landscape. The vivid blue sky contrasts sharply with the rugged peaks, while scattered icebergs float on the pristine surface of the water, enhancing the sense of tranquility and natural grandeur. This image captures a serene moment viewed from the interior of the cabin looking out through the glass balcony door. George stands on the balcony, gazing at a stunning landscape of snow-capped mountains and a glacier descending toward a calm, turquoise body of water. The foreground framing of the doorway creates a cozy, intimate perspective, contrasting with the vastness of the natural scenery beyond. The bright sky and glacial backdrop add a sense of awe and tranquility to the scene. This image presents a picturesque view framed by the curved window of the ship. Through the window, a tranquil scene of turquoise water is visible, bordered by lush green hills and rugged snow-capped mountains in the distance. The clear blue sky above adds vibrancy to the landscape, while the framing creates a feeling of observing nature from a cozy, sheltered vantage point. The composition highlights the serenity of the natural setting.
November 23, 2024 at 11:52 AM
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🚂✨ Day 1️⃣1️⃣ in Alaska: Exploring Skagway! 🌲🏔️
Today’s adventure took us on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, and it was nothing short of breathtaking! 🚞🌟
A scenic train ride through a lush, mountainous landscape. The train curves along a track surrounded by dense green pine trees and rocky cliffs, with parts of the track elevated on a wooden trestle bridge. The scene captures the natural beauty and engineering marvel of this rail route, emphasising adventure and exploration in the wilderness. This image depicts a dramatic scene of an old, partially collapsed railway bridge in a rugged, mountainous landscape. The remaining steel structure of the bridge stands tall, with rusted beams and sturdy pillars still intact. Beside it, the remnants of the collapsed portion lie scattered in a pile of broken wood and debris, blending into the surrounding greenery. The backdrop of rocky hills and lush vegetation highlights the isolation and historical significance of this location. This image shows a small, rustic log cabin nestled in a lush, mountainous setting. The cabin has a simple, corrugated metal roof and is surrounded by greenery, with rocky outcroppings and trees in the background. In front of the cabin, a cluster of flagpoles display flags, including the American and Canadian flags, symbolising a cross-border historic location. A bright orange chair adds a pop of colour to the serene, natural scene, complemented by a small water body in the foreground. This tranquil spot reflects a sense of remote wilderness and history. This breathtaking image captures a wide valley framed by towering, rugged mountains covered with dense forests. In the distance, a turquoise body of water, possibly a fjord or inlet, contrasts beautifully with the snow-dappled peaks shrouded in low-hanging clouds. The atmospheric lighting adds a sense of mystery, while a lone tree in the foreground emphasises the grandeur and scale of the surrounding wilderness. This scene evokes a sense of serenity and awe in a remote, untamed landscape.
November 22, 2024 at 9:30 AM
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Day 1️⃣0️⃣ in Alaska!
Today’s adventure took us through the stunning Tracy Arm Fjord on a breathtaking cruise. As we sailed through the icy waters, we were surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and majestic glaciers. The raw beauty of this place is beyond words! 🌊❄️
A snowy blue and white icey glacier nestled between rock formations. A boat full of tourists is visible in the distance going toward the glacier. High snow capped mountains are visible in the distance. A snowy blue and white icey glacier nestled between rock formations. High snow capped mountains are visible in the distance. With snow capped mountains in the distance, a blue green water divides those viewing from the bow of the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship as it sails through the Tracy Arm Fjord. A seal laying on top of a small iceberg floating through greenish blue water.
November 21, 2024 at 10:53 AM
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With a small group of just 6 on the boat, it was an intimate and awe-inspiring experience. We spent 4 hours on the water, mesmerised by the majestic humpback whales, including the famous Sasha and Kelp! 🐳💙
November 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM
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🌊 Day 9️⃣ of our Alaskan adventure and it’s been absolutely unforgettable! 🐋 Today, we docked in Juneau and embarked on one of the trip’s highlights: whale watching with @jayleens_alaska Juneau Alaska Whale Watching.
November 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM
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Our adventure continued with a visit to Creek Street, Ketchikan’s historic boardwalk over the water. Once a bustling red-light district, it’s now a charming area filled with unique shops and galleries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
November 19, 2024 at 11:21 AM
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We also had the privilege of visiting the onsite Totem Pole maker. Learning about the rich history and cultural significance of totem poles in Alaska was fascinating. The intricate designs and stories they tell are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and heritage of the indigenous people.
November 19, 2024 at 11:21 AM
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We strolled through towering trees, vibrant greenery, and the soothing sounds of nature. Tree hugging encouraged 🫂
A special highlight was spotting a juvenile bald eagle! 🦅 Seeing this majestic bird up close was an unforgettable experience.
Dan and Georgie standing in front of an old tree in a forest setting. An old tree which has grown more above its roots showing a hollow base.
November 19, 2024 at 11:21 AM
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It’s day 8️⃣ of our retrospective diary and we are in Ketchikan, Alaska 🇺🇸!
Today, we immersed ourselves in the stunning beauty of the Alaska Rainforest 🌲 Sanctuary. This magical place is a haven for wildlife and a living museum of the lush rainforest ecosystem.
Ketchikan Main Street showing cars lined down the street and a large sign over the road that reads Ketchikan. A mountainous scene with houses along the front of the forest lined hill. In a forest Georgie hugs a tree. A juvenile bald eagle standing on a fence in a forest setting.
November 19, 2024 at 11:21 AM
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It’s day 7️⃣ and our first day at sea onboard the Canard’s Queen Elizabeth to Alaska 🇺🇸!
November 18, 2024 at 6:20 PM
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Day 6️⃣: The Adventure Continues! 🛳️🌊
We’ve just boarded the majestic Cunard Queen Elizabeth, ready to set sail from beautiful Vancouver, Canada! Firstly, we watched Disney Wonder depart against the beautiful backdrop. Oddly, she didn’t sound her famous horn.
November 18, 2024 at 9:00 AM
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Over days 4️⃣ & 5️⃣ we explore Vancouver 🇨🇦 visiting the Gastown Steam clock 🕰️ was build in 1977 in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood. It was built to cover a steam grate, part of Vancouver’s distributed steam heating system, as a way to harness the steam and a means of masking the sidewalk steam vent.
November 17, 2024 at 12:46 PM
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Our next stop in Seattle was the Chihuly: Garden and Glass showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. It contains stunning sculptures of colour and shape.
Next up we headed downtown to Pike Place to check out the market and take a stroll along the waterfront.
November 17, 2024 at 11:35 AM