From Table Mountain to the Sea

As we peered out from our cabin balcony today, we were amazed by the wonder of seeing Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain in southwestern South Africa, overlooking Cape Town. Its tabular shape results from nearly horizontal layers of sandstone exposed by vigorous wind and water erosion. The distinctive-looking mountain is one of Cape Town's most recognized landmarks, with a stark, scarred, 2-mile long northern face and barely any space between the mountain, the city, and the sea. The mountain's imposing presence dominates the skyline, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the vibrant city below. The view from our balcony allowed us to fully appreciate the grandeur and beauty of this natural wonder, leaving us in awe of the incredible landscape before us.

As was the case with each of the previous two segments of this world cruise, Royal Caribbean International entertained all their world cruisers with "an escape." Today's escape was to Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in South Africa and one of the oldest in the world. Groot Constantia's rich history dates back more than 330 years, when it was founded by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape Colony. His love of wine established South Africa's first wine farm and laid the foundation for the country's thriving wine industry. The estate gained international recognition for its high-quality wines, with emperors and kings such as Frederick the Great of Prussia and Louis Phillipe, King of the French, purchasing 'Constantia Wyn' at auctions across Europe. As we explored the beautiful grounds, we were impressed by the breathtaking scenery of the vineyards and the historic Cape Dutch architecture of the manor house. The perfect weather and the estate's warm hospitality made for an unforgettable evening, as we tasted a selection of three wines from this world-famous vineyard, each showcasing the winemaking expertise that have made Groot Constantia a historic feature of this part of the world.