More and More Med

2007, August 22
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Docked today. Diane took an early shuttle bus into Dubrovnik
to "walk the wall" of Dubrovnik that Paul had done previously.
Not for people with a fear of heights. It was very interesting
seeing Dubrovnik and the area from a different perspective.
Paul stayed back and went to the crewman center to use
the Internet and make phone calls.

Sailed at 6pm, shops open 6p - 11p.
Immediately after work caught the end of a Hector Olivera
performance in the Galaxy Lounge. He is an absolute artist
performing on the organ. At midnight there was a crew movie
in the Hollywood Theatre - "Blades of Glory".
Fun to watch with fellow crew.


2007, August 23
Day at Sea

Shops open from 9am - 9pm.
Some excitement during the day. They saw a small lifeboat
capsized near our ship. They sent a boat out to investigate it.
No indications as to how it got there. After work went to see
comedian Yakov Smirnoff in the Stardust Lounge. Still very
funny. Then walked around Deck 13 to look at the moon and
the sea, then to the crew bar for a few a little while and just
talked with some friends.


2007, August 24
Taormina, Italy

Anchored off the port of Naxos-Gardenia. We have
In-Port Manning today so cannot get off the ship.
Slept very late, worked out some, household chores.
Shops open 5p - 11pm.

VENETIAN MASQUERADE PARTY at Stardust
Lounge for crew. Lots of fun just talking with
everyone. We couldn't wear masks because of our
glasses - Diane went with a fan, Paul didn't need one!
Ha-Ha!.


2007, August 25
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!
Sorrento, Italy

A full day off - slept late again. What a great place to spend
a birthday. Tendered into town and had a great Italian lunch at
Ristorante Don Vincenzo, dined al fresco and watched the
people. Paul had lasagna, Diane - salad and 4 cheese pasta.
The salad is served only with olive oil and balsamic vinegar - perfect.
The bread all has a hint of anisette. The meal was followed with
lemon cillo and some cream liqueur. Neither were to our tastes.
Birthday's are posted on crew boards so everyone, even people
we barely know, have been wishing Paul a happy birthday.
Very hot today 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) not Phoenix hot but
still decided to come back and enjoy the air-conditioning and
just relax. Because of the heat it wa so hazy you couldn't even
see Mt. Vesuvius. Shoppie girls (sorry Kamal) dropped a
birthday care package for Paul - "for the man who has
everything". As we were going back ashore ran into some
crew we know going to dinner so joined them after making
some phone calls. It was a great night. We ended up with
shoppies, photogs, entertainers, bar and restaurant waitresses,
art gallery managers, casino people, trunk show concessionaires
and land-based managers. There were people from the U.S.,
England, Scotland, South Africa, Romania, India, Australia,
and Canada. Part of the fun of life on board.
Shops closed - Overnight in Sorrento.


2007, August 26
Sorrento, Italy

Worked in Men's Apropos changing over stock in the morning.
Training from 2P - 4:30p. Then shops open 5P - 11p.
Our area manager from Bristol, England was onboard so a
spent some time after the shops closed making some changes.


2007, August 27
Day At Sea

Area manager still on-board so still making changes and
adapting to different merchandising.
Shops open 9am - 9pm.
More changes made after closing.


2007, August 28
Civitavecchia, Italy

Docked today. We intended to take the train into Rome but
just didn't have the drive. Worked in the stock-room for
a little while, went into town to a crew internet/phone place.
Walked down and went to the beach.
Shops open 9p - 11p.

More Mediterranean

2007 - August 17
Day at Sea

A bit of information regarding the Mediterranean.
It is constantly changing due to the movement of the European,
African, and Asian continents. It actually encompasses the
Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, the
Sea of Crete, the Sea of Marmara, the Alboran Sea, the
Balearic Sea and the Ligurian Sea.
Shops open 9am - 9pm


2007 - August 18

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!!

Venice, Italy

Got up at 5am to watch the ship sail into Venice. It actually
goes through part of the largest canal. It was a very fun
experience. Afterward we docked we received a delivery so
spent the day in the stockroom (deck 3) checking in the new
stores. Worked until about 7pm. Afterward, we took the
water-taxi into St. Mark's Square just to walk around (and grab
a slice of pizza). It's such a pretty city at night.
Shops closed due in-port overnight.


2007 - August 19
Still in Venice.

Worked for a few hours in the store room
organizing after yesterday's delivery. Then starting at 11:45am
until 3:30pm did "embark's". As new guests embark onto the
ship we escort them to lunch or room. Then took the ferry
shuttle back into Venice. Had a fantastic day just walking
around. Came across a nice park, a tree-lined
pedestrian lane, beautiful monuments, interesting art,
Campo d'Arsenal, more gondolas, bought some gelato,
listened to the church bells, plus did some souvenir shopping.
Shops closed due in port all day (yeah!).


2007 - August 20
Woke up in Venice again.

Worked all morning in the stock
room and shops still organizing and bringing out new stock
from the delivery. Guest drill at 1:15pm and then shops opened
at 2p - 9p. After work went saw "Waitress" in the Hollywood Theatre.


2007 - August 21
Sea Day

Shops open 9am - 9pm.
Diane went to see the "Million Dollar Musical" with Kay.

Til we write again...................................................

More Mediterranean

2007 - August 10

Portofino, Italy

IPM today. Enjoyed a quiet day on-board ship.
Sailed at 5p. Shops open 5p - 11p.

2007 - August 11
Livorno, Italy

Docked in Livorno which is an industrial port.
Diane escorted a tour to Medieval Lucca and Historic Pisa.
Lucca has over 88 churches which the tour went to every one.
Not really. It was a beautiful town though with historic city
walls built in medieval times and reconstructed in the
16th century. All for protection from the Venetians and the
Pisians. Today the walls a a beautiful tree-lined park.
It also included a typical Tuscan lunch at bucadisanantonio.
Afterward a short bus-ride to Pisa for a visit to the Duomo,
Bapistry and Leaning Tower of Pisa. The foundation of the
Tower shifted during construction in the 12th century,
- devastating architect Bonanno Pisano. Little did he know
that the Tower would become internationally famous.
Paul did not have a tour today so he went into Livorno and
walked around a little.

2007 - August 12
At Sea

Typical sea day
Shops open 9am - 9p

2007 - August 13
Sorrento, Italy

Anchored off Sorrento. More tour escorting today.
Diane escorted "Snorkeling the Protected Bay Or Ieranto".
The Bay Of Ieranto is protected by the National Trust for Italy.
The Bay can only be reached by boat. Snorkeling wise there
wasn't much to see. The snorkel guide did find a couple
different star-fish, a sea cucumber, and a spiny urchin, also saw
some jelly-fish. It was a lot of fun to go swimming in the
Mediterranean Sea. It was so cold and very salty. Also took a
path to an old church where there some great views.
Paul escorted "Deluxe Discovery of Amalfi and Positano".
Same tour as Diane did last time in Sorrento.
Shops open 6p - 11p

2007 - August 14
Taormina, Italy (Sicily)

Anchored of the port of Giaridini Naxos. More tours.
Diane escorted "Panoramas of Castelmola & Taormina".
Part of the fun of this tour was the bus ride to Castelmola.
The streets are so narrow the bus driver has to back down
the steep, narrow streets. After a walk around Castelmola
transferred to Taormina where we toured the Greek Theatre
then a very nice lunch at Grand Hotel Timeo.
Everything in Sicily is "piano, piano" - slowly, slowly.
They don't like to get upset about anything - they have a very
laid back lifestyle.

Paul escorted the Silician Cooking and Gardening Tour.
He visited a typical Tuscan Villa right out of the movie
"Tuscan Sun". At the villa they had a typical Silician garden
with fruit trees, olive trees, fig trees, plus other seasonal
vegetables. Afterwards attended a 2 hour cooking class
where Paul helped to prepare a Sicilian lunch.

Shops open 5p - 11p.

2007 - August 15
Corfu, Greece

Docked off Corfu Town. Paul escorted the
"Achilleion Palace & Old Corfu Town". The palace has
beautiful gardens and a fantastic view of the Ioanian Sea.
Then a short walk through the narrow lanes and beautiful
mansions of Corfu's Old Town

Diane escorted the "Corfu Adventure by 4x4".
Paul did this tour before. The road we took boasts 27
hairpin turns, leading from the east side to the north side
of the island. Then onto the west side for a quick snack
at the Golden Fox restaurant.

Shops open 5p - 11p.

2007 - August 16
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Docked today. Crew drill at 10am. IPM today but
switched cards with Kate and Ruschda so went in to
seaman's center to use the internet and phones. Also
went to the grocery store - a crew member luxury.
Shops open 5p - 11p.

Til we write again............

Idyllic Italy

2007 - August 1
Sorrento, Italy

Diane escorted a tour
"Amalfi & Positano: A Deluxe Discovery". It was really
nice. First a beautiful drive down the Amalfi Coast with it's
jagged cliffs. Then free time exploring Amalfi town which is
more of a small Italian village. Afterward she was treated to
a gourmet lunch at Le Sirenuse. It included pasta with shrimp
and fillet of sea bream with aubergines. Then more time to
explore Positano which is another Italian village. Very
charming and interesting.

Paul escorted a tour
"Positano & Don Alfonso Wine Cellars". He crossed
paths with Diane in Positano for a quick photo-op.
Then to the Wine Cellars which were fascinating because
the vaults that were built between the 16th and 18th
centuries descend vertically. Paul then enjoyed a sample
of wine, olive oil and local snacks.
Ship sailed at 12 midnight. Shops closed.
Crew party at night on Deck 5 Aft.
Live Band Night - Engine Room Band and
Abandon Ship (A-Band-On Ship).

2007 - August 2
Sea Day

Shops open 9am - 9pm.
After work at 10pm, the fitness instructor Alwyn
had a "circuit class". We decided to go to kick-off a new
habit of exercise. The only crew to go were just 5 of
us shoppies. Boy did he give us a work-out! More on
how we feel about this tomorrow.

2007 - August 3
Cannes France

Anchored today. Took tender in at about 10am. Spent a
leisurely day walking around, we are so sore from yesterday.
Looked at all the expensive stores. Bought a take-away lunch
from a local stand and found some chairs to just sit and
people watch on a strand at the beach.
We found a movie theatre and saw the latest
"Harry Potter" movie which was in English with french
subtitles. It was nice to do something "normal".
Shops closed all day since overnighting in Cannes.
Went back into Cannes during the evening to walk around
and enjoy the lights and ambience of local street artists.


2007 - August 4
Cannes, France

Ship had anchored overnight. Today we were IPM (in-port
manning) so had to stay on-board. Got caught up on a few
things. Went to the crew gym for some cardio work.
Shops open 5p-11p. Then went to the gym again to continue
with weight machines. On the way saw the most unbelieveable
moonrise. Probably about 3/4 moon which was huge and
dark red.


2007 - August 5
Livorno, Italy

Caught a bus from Livorno to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower.
Ran into a couple of other people from the ship - Kay, a fellow
shoppie and Luke, a gentleman ambassador host, went all
together. Bus ride was a lot of fun. Very local. Went by many
beach clubs where locals go to have fun. It was a Sunday
so everyone was at the beach. It reminded us a lot of the
beach areas near North Wildwood, New Jersey. In addition
to the Leaning Tower their was Duomo which is the cathedral
and there was also the Baptistry. The Leaning Tower was
originally built as the bell-tower for the Duomo. We were on
a strict timeline so didn't stay for long but everything was so
interesting. Grabbed a ham and cheese pizza/sandwich
from Bar Roma in Pisa on the way back. Caught the bus,
- then back to work.
Shops open 9p - 11p.


2007 - August 6
Portofino, Italy

The next to last time we visit. It always feels like home since
it looks like the hotel at Universal. Climbed the cliffs to
Castello Brown and lighthouse above the harbor. Met an
interesting young couple from Hungary and had a nice talk
with them by the lighthouse. All the views and the water
were unbelieveable. The town is so pretty it almost
doesn't seem real. Was sad to leave. Some big yachts
were in the harbor (see pictures). One of the yachts
"Halcyon Days" we've seen in other ports of call.
Went back to ship and saw the movie "Zodiac" in the
Hollywood Theatre.
Shops open 5p - 11p.

Then to the gym for a quick work-out. Leaving the gym we
saw a Princess Cruises ship sailing the other way -
literally - 2 ships passing in the night.


2007 - August 7
Civitavecchia, Italy
(That's pronounced chi-va-ta-vekkia.)

A day on our own. We got off the ship at about 8am. It was
just a short walk to the train station to catch a train headed to
Rome. The ride was about 1 hour. Got off at the Roma San
Pietro stop which is right by Vatican City. We knew there
was going to be a long line for the Vatican Museum and the
Sistine Chapel but it was so much longer than we expected.
At least 2 1/2 hours. After about an hour wait we gave up and
went to the front of the line, said we lost the group we were
escorting and could we get in right away. The guard said OK.
We saved ourselves a lot of time. Another big surprise was the
vastness of the museum. You couldn't do it in a full day much
less a few hours - but we just blew through as fast as we could.
One of the best parts was an exhibit of Egyptian artifacts.
Every single room we entered was awesome. The Sistine
Chapel was completely packed with people. It was interesting
how so much of the paintings included a lot of blue. While the
Sistine Chapel was amazing we enjoyed other parts of the
museum better.

Found a quick slice of pizza and a coke then off to
St. Peter's Basilica. The sheer size was amazing. It really
made us feel small. The statues, arches, doors, paintings,
ceilings, everything were absolutely grand. It takes quite a
while just to wander into all the different alcoves.
Finally we had to go to catch the train back to Civitavecchia.
After getting back to the ship went back in to town to do
e-mails and phone calls (a lot cheaper than on the ship).
Got back to the ship again just in time for the guest safety
drill and then work 9p - 11p.


2007 - August 8
Day At Sea

Shops open 9am - 9pm
Went and worked out again after work. Then fellow shoppie
Kamal turned 30 at midnight so met everyone in the crew bar
for a celebration. Had a fun time hanging out with the group.
Left by 12:30a because had an early day tomorrow.


2007 - August 9
Monte Carlo, Monaco

Where Monaco is the country, Monte Carlo is the only city.
The entire country of Monaco is 1/2 the size of Central Park
in NY City.

Started at 7:45am where Diane escorted the
"Private Cooking Lesson at Le Moulin de Mougins" tour.
After a scenic 1 hour bus ride past Nice arrived at Le Moulin
de Mougins. Moulin means mill. The restaurant so named
because of the olive mills to make oil. This was just a
demonstration - nothing hands on. The recipes demonstrated
were "Italian style risotto with lemon zest and fresh mint" and
"Chicken ballaton with olives past and thyme flavoured tomato
sauce". Both wonderful (of course) and appropriate for the
region. Then a nice drive back.

Also starting at 7:45am Paul escorted the "Eze and Nice"
tour. Diane had previously gone to Eze which is a very
quaint medieval village and also Nice which is really a
wonderful French city.

Both tours were nice because they were just 1/2 day
which gave us the rest of the day to explore on our own.
A fellow crew member told us to walk thru an auto
tunnel to get to an internet area. At the end of the tunnel we got
stopped by the local police. It turns out no one is allowed to go
thru the tunnel. He wanted to give us a ticket, but we talked him
out of it.


Til we write again...........

More Italy

2007, July 24

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Paul escorted the wall city of Dubrovnik tour. Paul had a small
group of 6 people. The walled city has a walk way that circles
the old city. It takes about 50 min to walk the wall of the city.
After they visited a maritime museum,
Diane escorted the "Scenic Off-Road Adventure" tour, if you
could call it escorting. Their were a total of 4 guests with 2
escorts, 2 guides, and 2 jeeps. Very interesting for Diane since
she rode with the main escort. The guide talked a lot about the
war which gave Croatia their independence in 1991. Still today,
people must stay on the main paths because there are
unexploded bomb shells all over the countryside. The guide also
talked about the difference in believes between the Catholic and
the Muslims which both live today in modern Croatia. The first
part of the tour went to Velji Do which was a scenic point very
near the Monte Negro border which also recently gained
independence. Then drove down and across the agricultural
area which is in the Konavle valley which included different
produce - peaches, apples, watermelons, pumpkins, other
squash, vineyards. Also sheep ranches and drove through the
river Ljuta, which runs through central Dubrovnik.
Other highlights included a stop at the freshwater spring of
Vodovadja where we skipped rocks and watched the turtles
run. Then up to the country estate Sapro where a delicious
traditional Croatian meal was served. Chicken and lamb seasoned
with rosemary cooked under steel covers with charcoal underneath
and on top. But to start fresh tomatoes and cucumber in olive oil
with a broth soup.
Also fantastic figs!!!


2007, July 25

Shops open 9am - 12N
Arrived Venice, Italy 12N

Delivery day. At first it was indicated to be around 1pm.
Then 2pm. Then 4pm. Finally after 5pm. In the meantime we
just sat around (and napped) and waited. Once we received
the delivery it was all work - lifting, moving, counting, checking,
pricing, and inventory. Worked very late, Shops closed
though since we were in port.


2007, July 26

Venice, Italy

After the delivery yesterday, spent the morning in the shops
putting out new stock. Then we had embarkation duty again
from 11:45am - 4:30pm. Embarkation includes welcoming
guests aboard and escorting them to either restaurants or
their rooms when available. Then walked around the pier area
(nothing exciting) and called home.
During the evening met the shoppies plus many others at the
O-Bar (Officers Bar). Afterwards went into Venice for dinner.
Venice at night. Unbelievable. Many musicians. All the
landmarks had such a different contrast than in the day.
Had pizza just on the other side of the Rialto Bridge.
Caught the last water shuttle back to the ship.


2007, July 27

Venice, Italy

In-Port Manning (IPM) Spent the day on board organizing the
shops and store-room, price changes. That sort of thing.
Ship sailed at 5pm. Shops open 5p - 11p.


2007, July 28

Day At Sea

Absolutely nothing different from normal.
Shops open 9am - 9pm
Afterwards went to Deck 13. The almost full moon on the calm
sea was beautiful. It was un-earthly.

2007, July 29

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Diane had a nice tour called "Cavtat Panoramas". Cavtat
is a little village founded centuries ago. It has a palm-lined
promenade with shops and bistros. Beautiful yachts were
in port. Diane walked up about 200 steps to the Racic
Mausoleum. From the dates on the tombs it's not more than
about 100 years old, but all the tombs are above-ground.
It was very beautiful and peaceful. Then a nice ride to
different "panoramas".

Paul took a much longer tour - Neretva River Delta Cruise.
He was able to go into Bosniz-Herzegovina which is one of
the bordering countries. The tour included lunch which you
can only get to by these old wooden boats that look like
the boat from the movie African Queen.
Shops then open 6pm to 11pm.

2007, July 30

Day at sea

Shops open 9am-9pm
Just relaxed after work.


2007, July 31

Taormina, Italy

Both Paul and Diane escorted the Mt Etna Off Road
Adventure tour. The tour included doing 4 wheeling over
old lava flows, walking through a underground lava tube,
taking a walk up volcanic ash hills, visiting a water gorge
area where locals go to swim and had lunch at this
Italian restaurant set in the wood. It was one of the
best excursions we have been on.
Shops then opened 6pm to 11pm.

Til we write again..............................

Cities of Perfection

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............

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.........