2023 World Cruise

I've been under the weather for a few days. I haven't left the cabin for 3 days in a row. We had a change of plans and missed both  Koper, Slovenia and  Split, Croatia due to weather in the Adriatic. Many complain about the Captain's decisions. In fact, we have commented to each other that we have heard more complaining aboard this ship than others we have been on. It is NOT bad. It is an older ship so no modern aspects but honestly, the crew is amazing and attentive. Perhaps people just have a higher expectation about their personal comfort. Many complain about the temperature, some too hot then some too cold - really, dress in layers people!!! We did stop in Kotor, Montenegro on April 5, but we did not get off. June has been there before and I was not up to it. Disappointing but I am thankful I can rest and have room service! Now we have had another sea day to rest and I am recovering. So, t oday I am going to get off in Malta. I will wear a mask, not sure it matters much...

Ravenna is f amous worldwide for its artistic treasures. Ravenna preserves  the greatest mosaic heritage   dating back between the 5th and the 6th century AD , decorating Early Christian and Byzantine monuments declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.   We are really still tired from yesterday but we are up and heading out of Venice by water taxi at 9:30a. The bus is loaded and we are on our way to Ravenna by 10a. Immediately upon arrival we went directly to lunch at Osteria Dalla Zabariona. It was delicious and soon we were on our way to see the amazing mosaics of Ravenna. The first was  Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, which is believed to be the oldest in Ravenna. T he mausoleum was commissioned in the first half of the 5th century AD  (after 426 AD)  by   empress Galla Placidia , daughter of Theodosius and sister of emperor Honorius, as well as reagent on account of her son Valentinian III.  She died and never was placed in the mausoleum. Then next to...

We were off the ship for 2 days, overnight in Venice, Italy. Our adventure began seamlessly and we were on the road to Venice at the appointed time. However, 1 hour into the 2.5-3 hour drive we had a restroom break along with the discovery that our bus is leaking fuel. Thankfully, this was discovered and another bus was sent to get us. At least our 1.5 hour wait was in a nice place with delicious cappuccino and pastries for just E$1.5 each. After we were back on the road it was a nice drive across the countryside to arrival in Venice. Our guides were awaiting the arrival of our group of 42. We boarded water taxis, 10 people in each taxi and made our way to the Continental Hotel. It was a fairly short trip, just 15-20 minutes at most. Our light lunch was awaiting us, then it was on to the walking tour of Venice. Always crowded, always lovely, full of numerous steps up and down the beautiful bridges. It was an exhausting day but rewarding. We did not do the gondola ride but went on our o...

Today's port is a small and  quiet one. No long lines for immigration just a small town with friendly  people. There were several restaurants, , we opted  for a scoop of ice cream. A short walk around the town and sending a postcard,  a bit of delicious ice cream, and that was it for our day.  Obviously a fishing village at heart.  We saw several  small boats come and go. There were even octopus drying in the sun!  The day was beautiful and the scenery was lovely  with quaint houses and Profitis Ilias, the snow capped mountain,  in the distance.  June and I have both been to Greece, each some time ago. She was on a cruise and John and I had an 18 day land tour.  Tomorrow is a sea day and then we will be off the ship overnight for a tour to Venice, Italy. 

As disappointing as Jerusalem was the other day, Ephesus was just what we needed. We had a WONDERFUL day. Our guide had a real heart for his country, his knowledge was comprehensive and pertinent, and he was such a nice man. As soon as we were on the bus we headed for Ephesus. It took about 1 hour to get there from the port. We immediately began our tour of amazing Ephesus. Ephesus has been around since the Byzantine period. Ephesus was a seaport of Aegean Asia Minor. It is now six miles from the water. In the fourth century BC, one of the twelve generals of Alexander the Great, founded the “new” city of Ephesus. Ephesus was known in Antiquity for the cult of Artemis, since they had built a temple in honor of the goddess, which was considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Our guide said it is the heart of Turkey and everyone comes to Turkey to see this amazing place. I don’t know if that is true but it should be! We saw the Isis temple, the Maltese cross, public t...

Here is the itinerary for our tour yesterday: Easy Jerusalem - 8:30a-5:30p This tour is ideal for those who prefer a more leisurely schedule amidst the sights and sounds of Jerusalem. Your scenic drive to Jerusalem is on the Road of Courage, which is scattered with remains of the convoys that tried to reach Jerusalem during the War of Independence. The drive will also take you through Ein Karem the birthplace of John the Baptist. In Jerusalem, pass through the New City with the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book and the Knesset, the Israel Parliament. For those who wish, there will be the option to visit the Menorah, before stopping for a panoramic view of the Old City from Mount of Olives. Continue onto the Garden of Gethsemane and view the Church of All Nations with the ancient olive trees in the garden where Jesus prayed and wept and was betrayed by Judas. Enjoy lunch served with wine before visiting the Western or Wailing Wall , the most sacred Jewish shrine, with the ...

The night before we anchored to await the queue to enter the canal. We had a little rain this evening as well. In the morning we began through the Suez Canal about 5:30a. There is much to see along the way that was not here on my last trip through in 2011. It was a lovely day. You can read all about the Suez Canal right HERE .