2023 World Cruise

I was on my own today and took the shuttle  bus into "city center" - which was really the marina. I walked approximately  8K steps  and didn't really find much. There was one beach shop, one man painting little paper boats, and several  restaurants with a couple of them being open. I had read on the internet about a day pass for €4 for a  hop on and off red train  that stops at the city’s main points of interest. However, when I asked about it at the marina, I was told it has not been around since Covid and was moved to Grand Canary. The day was pretty even though overcast it was warm enough. Hoping tomorrow's  Canary Island will be a bit more impressive and that June will feel  better. I guess I should have researched more.  I've heard  the Canary Islands  are treasured vacation destinations!

We booked the Easy Casablanca tour for this port. It was like a poorly done Hop-On Hop-Off bus. It really depends on the guide you get because others took this same tour and actually saw everything promised. Part of the issue is Ramadan and many things are closed but as I said others actually saw what was promised when we did not. We are disappointed and I am writing another letter. That said, we did see parts of the city, a few historic buildings,  Hassan II Mosque,  and the weather was beautiful. 

On my own in Marseille today. I did see several people from the ship and chatted with them. Aperol Spritz and croque madame for lunch on the waterfront. Spent 5K steps to find the post office. That said, it was worth it! I had a lovely conversation with a nice man. When I told him the postcard was for my granddaughter he went and found an interesting stamp for my use! France I always meet nice people here!!! The only gift shop I went in, majored in sardines! Nice gifts for son Jeff ! I might have tried the Brazilian Restaurant but it was closed.

Deep water anchorage brings many cruise ships to this bay. We do have to tender but it is a short ride. We had a lovely day. Not only is this city a panoramic beauty, it abounds with restaurants right along the harbor to enjoy lunch. After finding my postcard (hopefully a stamp tomorrow) we chose this brassiere to have lunch. June had pasta and I had mussels with squash blossoms as our appetizer. Again it was lemon sorbet for dessert for me. 

Most people go to Rome from this port. Since June and I have both been to Rome several times we decided not to go there. She stayed onboard. I explored Civitavecchia a little bit on my own. Since I was too tired to search out Napoli pizza yesterday I found it for lunch today. That with a glass of house red wine was followed by the best lemon sorbeto I've ever had. I t was a nice walk around port, it was a little windy but sunny all day. I managed to find the post office with the directions in Italian given by a shop owner. I felt quite accomplished! Next stop France!  

Our port was supposed to be Sorrento today, but it has been changed to Naples. I am not sure why but instead of being a tendered port, we will now be docked, so it seems better to me. I haven't been to either of the ports. The BIG deal is seeing Pompeii from this stop.  We left right on time and arrived to Pompeii after a brief stop at a Cameo factory. I didn't get off there as they reported it to be a restroom stop. There was some delay with our group dividing into 2 tours but soon we were inside. There is a rule that one guide can only escort 30 people. You are no longer allowed inside without a guide. It was very interesting and our guide was good. I was surprised there were not artifacts among the ruins. Apparently, one must go to the museum section to see that. I recall seeing the limited exhibit at the Ronald Regan Museum and loving it. There were many casts of people, jugs, kitchen utensils, weights, and so much more.  

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...