2007, July 16
Portofino, Italy
Serenity anchored off Portofino so tendered to shore. We each
had different tours today. Diane's was "Delightful Genoa & the
Delightful Riviera". (Both were delightful.) From Portofino
we were ferried to Santa Margherita where we caught our
bus. It took the scenic route which was beautiful. The streets
are so narrow the bus had to back up many times to let cars
pass the other direction. Arrived in Genoa which is mostly a
modern town. Much of it was destroyed in WWII when Genoa
sided with the Germans. What remains is either simple,
plain marble facades or opulent Baroque architecture.
One of the highlights was the San Lorenzo Cathedral
with black and white striped marble portals which is a
French Gothic style. (Took a lot of pictures).
The tour took us walking through picturesque streets.
We passed by the home of Christopher Columbus - just
from the bus, couldn't visit it. Visited the Palazzo Ducale
which is beautiful but is actually not marble but just stucco
and paint - they couldn't afford the marble. Had lunch at
Zoeffirino where Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and
Pope John Paul II had dined at regularly. Buon Apetito!
Then return to Santa Margherita and on to Portofino.
Paul toured "Scenic Drive to Rapallo and Sestri Levante".
Also leaving from Portofino to Santa Margherita took bus to
Sestri Levante which is a medieval beach resort town.
Free time to walk around and enjoy the sights. Then onto
Rapallo for a light Italian snack. A nice quiet day
enjoying the Italian Riviera with cliffs, coves, and beaches.
2007, July 17
Civitaveccia, Italy
Originally we were scheduled to get a delivery but due to
problems in customs it was cancelled. There was a crew
drill scheduled at 10:00am. After the drill it didn't really
seem like enough time to take the train into Rome and make
it back in time for work. Stayed in town. By the time we
took the shuttle (just a few minutes ride) into town the stores
were closed for Siesta. They wouldn't reopen until after 5pm.
Did find a good internet place which was only 2.5€ per hour
versus the $10/hr we pay on the ship. Enjoyed a quiet day
on the ship and a beautiful sunset at about 8:45pm. Shops
open from 9pm - 11pm.
2007, July 18
Sorrento, Italy
Anchored off the Piccola Marina in Sorrento so we were
tendered in. Both Paul and Diane escorted "The Excavations
of Pompeii". The city was well preserved after the eruption
of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD because the city was buried
beneath 30 feet of volcanic ash and cinder. There were
original casts formed from the tombs that were made by
bodies that were encased and incinerated. Eerie to
see their expressions. It was about 40 celcius today
which is about 104 fahrenheit. Hot day - but after all it
is summer. Shops open from 6PM to 11PM but had to
go in at 5PM to do "change overs" (changing the clothes
on the mannequins).
2007, July 19
Day At Sea
Shops open 9am - 9pm. No rest for the weary.
2007, July 20
Santorini, Greece
We were going to get going early and go into town.
There are about 6 ships in port so it was going to
be crowded.We woke up thinking it was 9am
but it tured out to be noon. Oh well, we stayed
on the ship and did laundry and layed out in the
sun.
Shops open 6pm to 11pm.
2007, July 21
Nafplion, Greece
We ended sleeping in until noon. All this
touring tires us out. We stayed on the ship
because we had IPM duties and the stores
were open 5pm to 11pm.
2007, July 22
At Sea
Stores open 9am to 9pm.
2007, July 23
Corfu, Greece
Paul escorted a 4x4 jeep tour with about 46 guests.
Went into the heart of Corfu. Visited a small village
and had a snack at the Golden Fox Restaurant
that overlooked the sea.
Diane escorted 26 guests on a mountain bike tour.
Good thing Paul was not there, he would have past
out from the heat. It hit over a humid 104 degrees.
The route was approx 20km which is about 12 miles.
Diane enjoyed herself. All the bike riding Diane did
in Phoenix before our trip to Europe paid off.
Shops open 5pm to 6pm
Til we write again............
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Italian Cities
2007, July 10
Day At Sea
Shops Open 9am - 9pm
Very boring day. This sailing is only 1/2 full. You can only
clean and straighten so much.
2007, July 11
Civitaveccia, Italy (Rome)
Escorted independent tours to Rome. Basically it's just a
round trip bus transfer between Civitaveccia and Rome. It's
about 1 1/2 - 2 hours each way. There was a guide on the
bus but then we were free in town. We started at the
Piazza del Popolo. This is where the twin churches are
located. Then onto the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain,
Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Jewish Sinagoga, Piazza Venezia,
and the Roman Forum. It was a real power sight-seeing
day. We ran out of time to actually go to the Coliseum
although we walked by. Next time we're planning on going
to Vatican City and the Coliseum.
We did manage a great piece of mushroom pizza. Best ever.
Then Serenity sailed at 9pm. Shops open 9p - 11p.
2007, July 12
Livorno, Italy
Escorted tours today - "Florence, All The Sights"
It was 1 1/2 hour transfer from the ship at dock in
Livorno to Florence. We started at the Chiesa di
Santa Croce (Sacred Cross Church). This Basilica houses
the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante and Galileo.
Then we continued onto the Uffizi Gallery where we saw the
works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Bernini plus
countless others. Many we're not familiar with but
beautiful just the same. Then to the Piazza della Signoria
where the statue of David originally stood. It's now been
moved indoors to the Galleria dell' Academia. There were
many other amazing sculptures there though. The tour
included a nice Italian lunch at Hotel Helavita.
Afterwards we went to the Galleria dell' Academia where
the originally David stands. It's absolutely amazing to see
in person. The copies of it and pictures cannot portray it's
beauty. There were many other Michaelangelo statues
there which were very interesting - how he could see the
figure in the marble. Our final stop was Il Duomo which is
one of the world's largest churches. The dome has a 3-D
effect which is very interesting.
Overall Florence was a pretty city with interesting
neighborhoods. We'd love to go back there and spend
more time some day.
The only draw-back on the day was escorting the tours.
It specifies in the description that the excursion involves
substantial walking for 3 hours. That however does not
dissuade guests with serious walking difficulties from
signing up. It's very frustrating and almost impossible to
keep the group together. In addition these cities are
packed with tourists and of course the summer days are hot.
2007, July 13
Monte Carlo, Monaco
A true day off. The ship was docked in Monte Carlo so we
took the shuttle bus up to the Grand Casino. Near the casino
we found a movie theatre where we thought we'd try to catch
a movie - unfortunately they were all dubbed in French.
From there we just walked along the beaches and through a beautiful
Japanese Garden. That night at dusk we walked around the
marina and admired all the beautiful yachts. We really
enjoyed not escorting and not working for a day.
2007, July 14
Toulon, France
Today is an disembarkation/embarkation day for guests.
We did "embarks" from 11:45am to 4:30pm. Just
escorting guests to the restaurant and to their stateroom.
Then we were free for a little while. We just walked
around Toulon, did a little shopping and found a good
internet cafe. Then at 7:45pm we had the guest
safety drill and then to work from 9:00pm to 11:00pm.
Shops were a lot busier with a full manifest of guests.
2007, July 15
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Serenity is anchored off Monte Carlo. We had IPM so
had to stay on the ship all day. Slept in late then went into
the shops to do some price changes. At night went with
Kay (fellow shoppie) to see "Amazing Grace" in the
Hollywood Theatre (one of the venues we have access to).
Til we write again.........
Day At Sea
Shops Open 9am - 9pm
Very boring day. This sailing is only 1/2 full. You can only
clean and straighten so much.
2007, July 11
Civitaveccia, Italy (Rome)
Escorted independent tours to Rome. Basically it's just a
round trip bus transfer between Civitaveccia and Rome. It's
about 1 1/2 - 2 hours each way. There was a guide on the
bus but then we were free in town. We started at the
Piazza del Popolo. This is where the twin churches are
located. Then onto the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain,
Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Jewish Sinagoga, Piazza Venezia,
and the Roman Forum. It was a real power sight-seeing
day. We ran out of time to actually go to the Coliseum
although we walked by. Next time we're planning on going
to Vatican City and the Coliseum.
We did manage a great piece of mushroom pizza. Best ever.
Then Serenity sailed at 9pm. Shops open 9p - 11p.
2007, July 12
Livorno, Italy
Escorted tours today - "Florence, All The Sights"
It was 1 1/2 hour transfer from the ship at dock in
Livorno to Florence. We started at the Chiesa di
Santa Croce (Sacred Cross Church). This Basilica houses
the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante and Galileo.
Then we continued onto the Uffizi Gallery where we saw the
works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Bernini plus
countless others. Many we're not familiar with but
beautiful just the same. Then to the Piazza della Signoria
where the statue of David originally stood. It's now been
moved indoors to the Galleria dell' Academia. There were
many other amazing sculptures there though. The tour
included a nice Italian lunch at Hotel Helavita.
Afterwards we went to the Galleria dell' Academia where
the originally David stands. It's absolutely amazing to see
in person. The copies of it and pictures cannot portray it's
beauty. There were many other Michaelangelo statues
there which were very interesting - how he could see the
figure in the marble. Our final stop was Il Duomo which is
one of the world's largest churches. The dome has a 3-D
effect which is very interesting.
Overall Florence was a pretty city with interesting
neighborhoods. We'd love to go back there and spend
more time some day.
The only draw-back on the day was escorting the tours.
It specifies in the description that the excursion involves
substantial walking for 3 hours. That however does not
dissuade guests with serious walking difficulties from
signing up. It's very frustrating and almost impossible to
keep the group together. In addition these cities are
packed with tourists and of course the summer days are hot.
2007, July 13
Monte Carlo, Monaco
A true day off. The ship was docked in Monte Carlo so we
took the shuttle bus up to the Grand Casino. Near the casino
we found a movie theatre where we thought we'd try to catch
a movie - unfortunately they were all dubbed in French.
From there we just walked along the beaches and through a beautiful
Japanese Garden. That night at dusk we walked around the
marina and admired all the beautiful yachts. We really
enjoyed not escorting and not working for a day.
2007, July 14
Toulon, France
Today is an disembarkation/embarkation day for guests.
We did "embarks" from 11:45am to 4:30pm. Just
escorting guests to the restaurant and to their stateroom.
Then we were free for a little while. We just walked
around Toulon, did a little shopping and found a good
internet cafe. Then at 7:45pm we had the guest
safety drill and then to work from 9:00pm to 11:00pm.
Shops were a lot busier with a full manifest of guests.
2007, July 15
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Serenity is anchored off Monte Carlo. We had IPM so
had to stay on the ship all day. Slept in late then went into
the shops to do some price changes. At night went with
Kay (fellow shoppie) to see "Amazing Grace" in the
Hollywood Theatre (one of the venues we have access to).
Til we write again.........
Monday, July 9, 2007
Italian Cities
2007 July 1-3
Docked in Venice, Italy. On the 1st we just took a water taxi into
town and walked around on our own. No amount of pictures
can do it justice. Everything is so grand, it's almost impossible
to take in. We just kept walking around the streets and alley-ways,
passing over many canals and watching all the gondolas.
Paul stopped for a piece of real Italian pizza, Diane opted for
fresh fruit at an open market. Walked over the famous Rialto
Bridge which passes over the Grand Canal.
In the evening we escorted a tour which was an evening
cruise around the canals by gondola. On our tour was an 87
year old guest (Arline) who could barely walk. We managed
to get her off the very turbulent water-taxi, walk ~ 200 yards
up and down steps to the gondolas, and then lower her
into a gondola. The gondolier was not happy about it and
kept giving us dirty looks - typical Italian. It was a beautiful
experience except Paul sat with Arline and Diane sat alone.
Maybe we'll have better luck next time.
On the 2nd we had IPM so had to stay on-board. Nice
quiet day, had 1 hour training and did a little work in the shops.
On the 3rd we escorted the "Introduction to Venice" tour.
This included a tour of the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)
which included paintings by many Venetian great artists.
We all went through the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)
which was very eerie. It was a bridge connecting the palace
to the prison, and it's said you could hear the sighs of the
prisoners. It's one of those places where you swear you can
feel a presense. We also toured the Basilica di San Marco
(St. Mark's Cathedral). After that a day-time gondola ride.
It was very interesting going onto the grand canl in gondola
this time. Lastly we we went to a Murano glass factory.
While everything was very pretty is was still basically a
sales opportunity.
Then shops open 5p - 11p.
2007 July 04 "Independence Day"
Day at Sea. While this is Independence Day for the U.S.,
there are maybe 20 crew members on board that are
U.S. citizens. We worked 9am - 9pm. After work changed
into formal-wear (it was a formal evening on-board) and went to
one of the shows "My Favorite Things" with music from
Rogers and Hammerstein. The show didn't start until
about 10:45pm. After the show (about 12 midnight) we went
to the crew party but had missed out on all the hamburgers
and hot dogs because everyone else had eaten everything.
Oh well. We also get to celebrate every other nationalities.
holidays.
2007 July 05
Docked in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Today started with a crew drill. We never know if it's to muster
stations or to emergency stations. Anyway, they evacuated the
entire ship of crew. Then lifeboat stations 9 & 10 which
included Diane had to board one of the lifeboats. It will hold
140 souls. In rough seas that could be tough. Diane held
back to get on at the last minute - smart thinking. Then the
Captain of the ship came out for a little pep talk. Life on-board
is really very interesting.
Afterwards, took a bus-ride shuttle into town this time. There are
many internet cafe's there so Paul spent time on the internet,
Diane walked around the side streets. It was very crowded with
tourists (like us) by the time we got there. We'll do "the wall"
next time.
Serenity sailed at 6p, shops open 6p-11p.
2007, JULY 06
At Sea
We were supposed to be at work at 9am. At 9am the phone
rang and the manager said "are you planning on joining us -"
we were sound asleep. With an inside crew quarter you
never know what time it was. Anyway, both alarm clocks
failed us.
Shops open 9am - 9pm. After work had a delightful drink
in Palm Court with Hong and Canh Nguyen from Viet-Nam.
They experienced the exodus of Viet-Nam after the war.
Now they own an extremely nice restaurant "Lotus" in
Vernon, CT. We're looking forward to a visit there some day.
2007, July 07
Anchored off Taormina. After oversleeping work the day before
we decided to sleep in. Enjoyed a day off in the sun and on-board.
2007, July 08
Anchored at Sorrento, Italy
Both Paul and Diane escorted tours from Sorrento where we
took a hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri. First the tour took us to
Anacapri (which is upper Capri) where we enjoyed the
Villa San Michele museum and gardens. Diane in particular
really enjoyed the peacefulness and coolness of the gardens.
Then on to Capri Town. Very expensive shopping.....Valentino,
Yves St Laurent, etc. The town was so crowded Paul and
Diane could not find each other for lunch. Also enjoyed
Augustus Gardens. In the evening, went back on shore and
walked around the shops. Bought a pashmina (scarf)for €1.5.
What a buy. Then back to the ship and to the "O-Bar" (Officers Bar)
for a little on-board socializing. A great day.
2007, July 09
IPM. Slept until noon.
We're becoming shoppies.
Day off. Laundry......that sort of thing.
Shops open from 5p - 11p.
Til we update again...........
Docked in Venice, Italy. On the 1st we just took a water taxi into
town and walked around on our own. No amount of pictures
can do it justice. Everything is so grand, it's almost impossible
to take in. We just kept walking around the streets and alley-ways,
passing over many canals and watching all the gondolas.
Paul stopped for a piece of real Italian pizza, Diane opted for
fresh fruit at an open market. Walked over the famous Rialto
Bridge which passes over the Grand Canal.
In the evening we escorted a tour which was an evening
cruise around the canals by gondola. On our tour was an 87
year old guest (Arline) who could barely walk. We managed
to get her off the very turbulent water-taxi, walk ~ 200 yards
up and down steps to the gondolas, and then lower her
into a gondola. The gondolier was not happy about it and
kept giving us dirty looks - typical Italian. It was a beautiful
experience except Paul sat with Arline and Diane sat alone.
Maybe we'll have better luck next time.
On the 2nd we had IPM so had to stay on-board. Nice
quiet day, had 1 hour training and did a little work in the shops.
On the 3rd we escorted the "Introduction to Venice" tour.
This included a tour of the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)
which included paintings by many Venetian great artists.
We all went through the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)
which was very eerie. It was a bridge connecting the palace
to the prison, and it's said you could hear the sighs of the
prisoners. It's one of those places where you swear you can
feel a presense. We also toured the Basilica di San Marco
(St. Mark's Cathedral). After that a day-time gondola ride.
It was very interesting going onto the grand canl in gondola
this time. Lastly we we went to a Murano glass factory.
While everything was very pretty is was still basically a
sales opportunity.
Then shops open 5p - 11p.
2007 July 04 "Independence Day"
Day at Sea. While this is Independence Day for the U.S.,
there are maybe 20 crew members on board that are
U.S. citizens. We worked 9am - 9pm. After work changed
into formal-wear (it was a formal evening on-board) and went to
one of the shows "My Favorite Things" with music from
Rogers and Hammerstein. The show didn't start until
about 10:45pm. After the show (about 12 midnight) we went
to the crew party but had missed out on all the hamburgers
and hot dogs because everyone else had eaten everything.
Oh well. We also get to celebrate every other nationalities.
holidays.
2007 July 05
Docked in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Today started with a crew drill. We never know if it's to muster
stations or to emergency stations. Anyway, they evacuated the
entire ship of crew. Then lifeboat stations 9 & 10 which
included Diane had to board one of the lifeboats. It will hold
140 souls. In rough seas that could be tough. Diane held
back to get on at the last minute - smart thinking. Then the
Captain of the ship came out for a little pep talk. Life on-board
is really very interesting.
Afterwards, took a bus-ride shuttle into town this time. There are
many internet cafe's there so Paul spent time on the internet,
Diane walked around the side streets. It was very crowded with
tourists (like us) by the time we got there. We'll do "the wall"
next time.
Serenity sailed at 6p, shops open 6p-11p.
2007, JULY 06
At Sea
We were supposed to be at work at 9am. At 9am the phone
rang and the manager said "are you planning on joining us -"
we were sound asleep. With an inside crew quarter you
never know what time it was. Anyway, both alarm clocks
failed us.
Shops open 9am - 9pm. After work had a delightful drink
in Palm Court with Hong and Canh Nguyen from Viet-Nam.
They experienced the exodus of Viet-Nam after the war.
Now they own an extremely nice restaurant "Lotus" in
Vernon, CT. We're looking forward to a visit there some day.
2007, July 07
Anchored off Taormina. After oversleeping work the day before
we decided to sleep in. Enjoyed a day off in the sun and on-board.
2007, July 08
Anchored at Sorrento, Italy
Both Paul and Diane escorted tours from Sorrento where we
took a hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri. First the tour took us to
Anacapri (which is upper Capri) where we enjoyed the
Villa San Michele museum and gardens. Diane in particular
really enjoyed the peacefulness and coolness of the gardens.
Then on to Capri Town. Very expensive shopping.....Valentino,
Yves St Laurent, etc. The town was so crowded Paul and
Diane could not find each other for lunch. Also enjoyed
Augustus Gardens. In the evening, went back on shore and
walked around the shops. Bought a pashmina (scarf)for €1.5.
What a buy. Then back to the ship and to the "O-Bar" (Officers Bar)
for a little on-board socializing. A great day.
2007, July 09
IPM. Slept until noon.
We're becoming shoppies.
Day off. Laundry......that sort of thing.
Shops open from 5p - 11p.
Til we update again...........
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