Day 6 – Between Ocean Calm, Pool Brunch, and Musical Highlights 🚢🌊
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christiansweltreise
vakantio.de/christiansweltreise
Zuletzt in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Day 7 – Maspalomas, Sand in Every Crevice and Farewell to Europe 🌍
Published: 25.10.2026
Attraction
Dünen von Maspalomas
Maspalomas, Spain
Bus
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria → Maspalomas
Spain
Bus
Maspalomas → Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Spain
Eat
Bella Donna
$$ · Breakfast
Eat
Brauhaus
$$ · Lunch
Eat
Brauhaus
$$ · Dinner
By 6:15 AM, the night was over. Somehow I just couldn't sleep anymore.
At 6:45 AM, I took my morning round on deck before heading to breakfast with Sabrina at 7:00 AM. Today we chose Bella Donna since this restaurant opens the earliest.
Afterward, I watched the ship come into Gran Canaria. At 8:15 AM, the ship was released. The weather started off a bit cloudy at a pleasant 23 degrees but promised to become sunnier during the day.
Important: There was a change in our schedule for the day: Our docking time was extended to 10:00 PM for organizational reasons. In addition to refueling, cleaning the ship's hull underwater was also on the agenda. This has to be done regularly and was once again possible here due to the pertinent regulations from the Australian authorities. For us, this meant: more time in Gran Canaria!
Maspalomas – Dunes, Wind, and Endless Vastness 🏜️
At 9:20 AM, I was already at the bus – even a bit earlier than planned this time. The excursion took us to Maspalomas. After about a one-hour bus ride, we had two full hours and 45 minutes to explore the famous dunes and the impressive vastness of the landscape.
After a short walk from the bus, I stood in front of this massive sandy landscape. Initially, it was quite windy, and the sun didn't seem to know what it wanted either. However, the skies cleared up, revealing the seemingly endless expanse.
The dunes are truly impressive! However, it got windier as I climbed. Was that the trade wind? Honestly: I don't care! 😂 It was definitely windy.
The sand is sure to stick with me for a few days. It really blew everywhere in that wind. And I suspect that the numerous ascents and descents in the dunes will make themselves known in the form of sore muscles tomorrow. Despite the wind and the occasional chill, I was working up a good sweat.
Later, during a relaxed walk without wind, it became really warm again at 27 degrees. I have to get used to such temperatures again after the cooler days. Back in Las Palmas, it felt noticeably milder than it had in Maspalomas.
On the way back, I overheard snippets of conversation from other travelers that really annoyed me. They referred to crew members who spent their free time outside as “servants.” Honestly: I find that incredibly disrespectful and lacking in appreciation. The crew works hard for us to have a nice journey – and of course, the staff also has the right to their free time. A little more respect would truly be appropriate!
Back On Board – and the Evening Won't Be Very Long
At around 2:15 PM, I was back on the ship. In the brewery, I started with a small snack: potato pancakes with smoked salmon and dill sauce. After that, I was quite exhausted. Since I had slept poorly the night before, at 3:00 PM, it was time to close my eyes!
At 3:45 PM, I was ready for action again. I had an espresso and water – I actually passed on the cake! One doesn't have to take every opportunity. 😎
At 4:00 PM, we had a game of Yahtzee planned before I got some exercise with Shuffleboard at 5:30 PM. We then went back to the brewery for dinner with Sabrina and Verena at 6:45 PM.
Afterward, there was a photo shoot themed “Goodbye Europe.” The theme couldn't have been more fitting! Afterwards, we took a little digestive walk along the pier.
The Last Evening in Europe 🌅
At around 9:00 PM, we headed to the pool deck to prepare for the last departure in Europe. Actually, a round of “Werewolf” had been planned for this time. However, I had to skip it, as I definitely did not want to miss the final European departure.
And around 10:00 PM, it was time: AIDAsol said farewell to Gran Canaria and set course for the Atlantic.
What a special moment! With leaving Europe, it felt like the world trip was finally beginning. The first few days had been about arriving, getting to know each other, and settling in. Now the European continent was behind us – and new countries, impressions, and experiences await us ahead.
Since the last night had not been particularly restful and the day had started early, I retreated. At 10:45 PM according to the old time – or 9:45 PM according to the time change – I was in my cabin.
Because: Additionally, the clocks were set back another hour
Outlook: Two Days at Sea until Cape Verde
We now have two days at sea ahead of us before we reach Mindelo in Cape Verde. There are still about 1,617 kilometers or 873 nautical miles to go.
Time to breathe a little, sort through the impressions of the past days, and enjoy the sea. And naturally, there remains the hope that the sore muscles from the dunes won't be too severe. 😂
Europe is behind us. Now the next chapter of our world trip begins!
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