The cruise sounds very relaxing and the weather will be much better!

If Lagavulin is Mr. Gruezi's whisky of choice then he should try Laphroaig if he hasn't already.
It's another smoky,peaty single malt. These are my 2 favourites ;)

How big a ship, gruezi?

Ah.. that sounds like a trip we had to cancel. Hope it ends in Lisbon!

Very disappointing. I spent quite a bit of time coming up with my advice above.

As a saw off how about a Scottish cruise:

http://www.themajesticline.co.uk/vessels/

It does Gwennie. I've actually never been to Portugal - even though I traveled pretty extensively in Europe when we lived there. We stop in Honfleur, St. Malo, Belle Ille, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Gijon, La Coruna, Oporto, Lisbon. It sounds very busy but I've already given myself permission to spend a day or two poolside reading my books. Mr. Gruezi likes to keep things moving and this way we can except I can feel more relaxed and settled since I won't be changing rooms or sitting in a rental car or planning the day and reading maps. After 29 years I've learned what works for us.

Jubi - The ship is relatively small but there is a gym. You can bet he will use it daily and I'll never use it;) He usually exercises while I have my siesta and quiet time.

Sassy - thanks for the recommendation. I'm pretty sure he has. Funnily, we aren't big drinkers typically but he has a nice selection of whisky here at home that he'll bring out when he has guests. Most of the men like trying something special.

I'm excited for this trip. Mr. Gruezi and I have had quite the time of it the last 1.5 years so we are both looking forward to really getting away from it all.

(Scotland is also still calling me. A good solo trip I think.)

Gruezi, will you spend some time in Lisbon before coming home? One of the things we really liked and not on the regular "best of" list was the Church of Sao Roque. It is a jewel box.

Another was the Jeronimos Monastery, not only beautiful and with wonderful tiles but they have the best custard tarts ever. Don't miss them if you go.

Cold - your useless advice gace me a good laugh that's for sure! Did I ever tell you about my Hurtigruten cruise of Norway? I kept thanking God Mr. Gruezi was not on it because endless gorgeous scenery is not his thing. That Scotland cruise looks just like my idea of heaven. Esp. if you throw in some vertiginous walks for me to scare myself on.

Carolyn - it appears we have two or three days there before we fly home. Thank you for those tips. I love mosaic and tiles. And tarts:)

That cruise looks really good, colduphere!

If you have time try to visit the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon... small but very interesting.