Chegg Caryn and Tony Had So Much Fun Messing With Will That Decided to Go Again for Round 2

How-do-you-do swain fodorites!

I'm dorsum from a wonderful 2-week cruise. While this is prowl related, the ports belong to this forum (3 nights pre-cruise in Rome; Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, and two stops in the Canary Islands). This is another long journal. I'll continue to add to this journal every mean solar day..

Monica

October 2009. This cruise was booked dorsum in Apr 2008. Tony was able to bid and go Nov for his vacation dates. However, this spring, at that place were lots of complications with his company and his annual go out. I won't go into the details, but volition say that afterward conscientious consideration, Tony requested a get out of absence. We waited anxiously for ii weeks to hear from the company. Tony checked his work schedule for November and saw that he did indeed get blessing. I was so excited near this but too (like Tony) upset that he would take a hit on his paycheck in November. All the same, nosotros decided it would be worth the loss of monies because nosotros had non taken a real vacation together since October 2006 (our Glory Zenith Bermuda cruise). Too, Tony has never cruised in the Mediterranean, or a transatlantic cruise. Many of our prowl friends were happy to hear that Tony was able to get.

I met many beau cruisers on our Cruise Critic (CC) roll phone call lath. In addition, about two dozen friends from previous cruises were also going on this cruise with us. It was overnice to have a good mixture of friends, onetime and new, on board with us. I also met fellow cruisers at a few pre-cruise get together luncheons, both at my house and in Atlantic Metropolis.

ane November 2009, Dominicus:

Afterwards 1.5 years, our trip and cruise was finally here! Tony drove me to Dulles International where I met up with my friends Carolyn and Mark, Affront, Carol, Glenn and Sharon, and Glenn and Ballad. This group of friends would be our tablemates on the cruise. Also at the drome were new friends Doug and Lynn, Susan and Caryn, Mary and Terry. Tony had to work, and then he dropped me off early earlier heading to National airport. Tony would arrive on the fourth. We all met at Gordon Beirch for drinks earlier the flight.

We flew on United #966 and had a good flight. The nutrient was lousy - Air French republic (ane of my favorite airlines) has better food. Wine cost $6, but I got one complimentary after flashing my employee/spouse airline carte du jour.

two November, Monday:

It was a beautiful morn in Italy, although it didn't last too long. We landed xx minutes early, got our luggage, and met up with our driver just outside of the customs area. Viii of us were staying at Hotel Giardino (Glenn and Ballad at Hotel Aureate). Prior to leaving the airdrome, all of us tried to get euros from the ATM auto, but nosotros had no luck. Fortunately Carolyn and I had euros on hand to pay the commuter.

We managed to get our entire baggage into the van (tight squeeze) and 45 minutes later we arrived at our hotel. All of the guys carried our luggage up two flights of stairs to the vestibule. My room was ready, too as Carolyn and Marks, so nosotros let the remainder of the group shop their baggage in our rooms until theirs was ready.

My room, #26, was very nice. Information technology had twin beds and a small balcony facing the street. Thick glass windows kept the majority of the street noise at bay, especially at night. At that place was more than bathroom space than my room, #32, in 2007. A hair dryer is provided in the bathroom, which I had to hold the button to utilise.

Giovanni and Davide were on hand each day and helped with my dinner reservations. Katie was on vacation and I was sorry I missed seeing her this fourth dimension.

We all headed out, got money from an ATM machine, and I went my own fashion for the afternoon to Trastevere via the Ghetto quarter. The mean solar day turned cloudy with a lilliputian pelting now and and then.

It was great to exist in Rome again. It's such a vibrant city! This day I wanted to explore the area of Trastevere. I took photos along the manner and walked forth the smaller streets of the surface area. I watched an older man playing with his 2 dogs. He used a canteen cap every bit a toy that one dog would chase and fetch. Clothes were hanging out windows to dry, so typical a street scene.

I had lunch at Al Fontanone. I told the owner I was a echo client and he was happy I returned. I had a delicious pasta dish with white vino. Empty eating house when I make it, full by the time I left.

It started to pelting when I walked out the door. I headed back to the other side of the Tiber River and walked around the Campo dei Fiori and even constitute via di Grotta Pinta, where nearly 50 of the states cruisers would run into for drinks on our concluding dark in Rome. This expanse was the location of the Teatro di Pompeo and most of the buildings (in a curve) sit atop of the theatre. "The inner bend of the theatre is faithfully echoed by the shape of the buildings of Via Grotta di Pinta, 1 of the most remarkable examples of urban continuity in Rome. Parts of the theatre'due south walls still exist in the basements of the buildings of the area." (http://www.romanhomes.com/your_roman...a-vittorio.htm).

Dorsum at the hotel I met up with Mark, who, despite the heavy rain, wanted to walk around the area. I went with him and we saw a couple of interesting sights: A bank, which parts of a 145 a.d. temple to the emperor Hadrian are incorporated; and the church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, which was designed past Borromini. It's an outstanding and unique case of Baroque architecture. It was built in 1633. We too walked by the pantheon. My shoes were completely soaked half way through our walk just I enjoyed having Marker tell me almost these sights.

I made dinner reservations at Gioia Mia Pisciapiano for our first evening in Rome with my group. I had dined here on two previous trips to Rome and information technology'due south 1 of my favorites. The restaurant was crowded, equally usual, with people existence turned abroad with no reservations. For my dinner, I started with an artichoke salad followed by Spaghetti alla carbonara, and finally flan for dessert. Everything was very good. With a few carafes of vino, the pecker came to 21 euros per person.

3 Nov, Tuesday:

I made plans to visit Ostia Antica with Glenn and Ballad. After breakfast at the hotel, I met upward with Glenn and Ballad at the Barbarini metro, which was located between both our hotels. We took the metro to the Piramide stop. We walked to the the market in Testaccio. I always honey visiting and taking photos of markets. After, we headed to Volpetti (Via Marmorata 47), a wonderful gourmet meat, cheese, and wine shop. I had iii sandwiches made (with olive bread, proscuitto, and buffalo mozzarella) for our picnic luncheon at Ostia.

Nosotros took the metro to Ostia, which took just 23 minutes along with a 10-infinitesimal walk to the entryway of Ostia. Information technology rained all forenoon long. We walked forth the ruins and when the sun finally came out, nosotros ate our sandwiches. Carol had purchased some slices of pizza that we too enjoyed. Once the sun was out, we truly enjoyed the sights at Ostia. The amphitheatre was quite impressive, as were the mosaic tiles in the Baths of Neptune. The main road in Ostia is well-nigh a mile long, but nosotros didn't walk the entire distance.

After our visit, we headed back to Rome and stopped to see the Colosseum. The area was filled with tourists and Italians dressed equally gladiators. The lord's day was just beginning to set, so I snapped a few photos before walking back to the hotel. Glenn and Carol went to their hotel via the metro.

For dinner, all of us dined at Hostaria Romana, via del Boccaccio, 1. Only like dinner the night before, I started with spaghetti carbonara (recommended on a couple of reviews) followed by Veal a la Romana, thinly sliced veal with proscuitto and mozzarella on top. We all shared 4 liters of white and red wine (total 22 euros per person). This was a eating place that had a few practiced reviews, with 1 comment: Become to know the waiters, equally they usually take care of the locals first. I had no trouble, as our waiter flirted with me all night. It was a fun place and we all had a keen time. The restaurant walls are filled with graffiti and some of united states added our names, although space was limited. I even peeked behind i of the framed photos on the wall simply to observe every inch of space written upon.

Afterward dinner, we walked to the Trevi fountain to detect many people out and about. I bought some gelato for a late night snack. Delicious!

4 November, Wednesday:

Tony arrived this morning. I booked a motorcar service for him, which was expensive for one rider simply I felt it would exist the all-time for him. He arrived at breakfast time and got to meet some of our friends earlier they headed out for the day.

I had computer problems – a huge virus problem – so Tony worked on it for a short while earlier we headed out. I had tried for two days to become my calculator to piece of work. No luck at all. Information technology was and then frustrating that I wanted to throw my computer out the window.

Tony and I spent the morning together walking to Piazza Republica to visit the Roman museum and Baths of Diocletain. I was admittedly amazed at the size of the baths. In the museum, nosotros saw interesting artifacts.

Tony was tired so nosotros went to the hotel and I went out to purchase panini's next door at a grocery blazon store. Subsequently lunch, I went out and bought ii bottles of vino and limoncello for u.s. to enjoy in our cabin on the ship. I went to the one wine shop that I knew about and picked upward the ane.75 liter bottles of wine.

I had made arrangements to meet up with fellow cruisers for drinks at 6pm, so Tony and I headed to the bar with friend Affront. Nosotros had purchased omnibus tickets just when we boarded, we couldn't go our ticket validated. The jitney was packed!

About 35 people met at the Grotta Pinta lounge. My friend GB (editor of www.italiannotebook.com where 4 articles I've written have been published) had introduced me to his friend Sveva, who owns the lounge. It'southward ready where the pompey theatre was located. Her club was 1 to two levels below footing and we many of the theatre's existing walls and arches were exposed. I invited GB to the result and we had a keen fourth dimension talking. He thought information technology was great that all of the cruises got together for the evening. Sveva served a lovely selection of antipasti. Drinks were 10 euros each. Tony and I enjoyed the food (and had plenty) that I asked Sveve to call the restaurant I booked and cancel our reservations.

Heading out after, it poured like crazy as nosotros walked back to the hotel. Carol had remained at the hotel due to a foot problem. Nosotros had her join us in our room for some wine and talk.

5 November, Thursday:

I woke upwardly to a beautiful and sunny morning. I was sorry we had so much rain the other days. I had time make a quick visit the marketplace at the Campo dei Fiori. It was a brisk walk to the campo. I had some skillful photo ops, peculiarly since it was sunny. I also bought a few souvenirs.

I ordered a bus service to pick up 39 cruise passengers. I provided this service two years ago and it was a great way to get to the port at an inexpensive price. The last time the bus parked down the street. I discovered that that the bus wouldn't be able to park in the same area, as in that location was ongoing road construction. Giovanni, who worked at the hotel, called the company for me to notice out if they could park right outside the hotel. Nope! They would be parking on the upper end of the street next to the Piazza Quiranale.

While Tony and the rest of the group moved the baggage to the bus, I stood waiting at the original option up betoken. I was able to divert 4-five taxis to the new location. 1 taxi driver refused to have his passengers to the new spot stating information technology would take a long fourth dimension to travel effectually, so they had to walk. Fortunately the couple had petty luggage.

We were on the road most 35 minutes later than planned, every bit three people had not shown up. We waited as long as possible. I found out subsequently that the taxi that arrived to pick up the three women was 45 minutes belatedly. They concluded upwards getting to the port (non sure if information technology was the same taxi) at a toll of $300.

About an 60 minutes later, nosotros arrived to Civitavecchia. Everyone was excited to see the Equinox. Subsequently I tipped the driver, we sort of stood around non sure if we should leave the luggage or carry information technology to the entrance of the building. We decided to carry our own luggage. Once the baggage was dropped off, nosotros headed inside, filled out a couple of forms and stood in line. Cheque in was easy, except Tony and I were not handed our sea pass cards and I was told we needed to go to the specialty counter. At commencement I idea, hmmmm, did we go upgraded? No, I was told I owed $30 for the cruise. We had received a discount to our booking (military discount) and the $30 was supposed to be credited back to our account. Evidently Celebrity didn't see this discount and therefore, information technology looked similar we owed them $30. This was subsequently resolved by Claudio Berry at guest relations.

Afterward the usual group photo at embarkation, nosotros stepped inside the Equinox along with a glass of champagne. This is always a dainty impact. Tony and I dropped our luggage off in our cabin, met our friend Carolyn to run across the restaurant managing director to change our dining tables. We had checked our table cards and discovered our group of 10 was split into three tables. We did link our booking numbers months in advance, but there'due south normally a glitch for some people with the dining tables and schedules. We got on the wait list for a tabular array for 10.

Lunch at the oceanview café was very good. There was a dainty option of foods: Pizza and pastas, hot stations, Indian curry dishes and rice, fish, salads, breads, fruits, lots of dessert choices, etc. Every bit I read online, the deli style-trays were no longer available. I think this was much amend, as it helped me to keep the food portion down on plate.

Some of u.s.a. walked around the ship after lunch checking the various decks, confined, pools, gym, etc. The Equinox is a beautiful ship. We have never sailed on a new ship, then it was a treat to see everything in perfect condition. The Equinox left dry docks in July 2009 with its first official sailing in August (and sea trials in betwixt). By the time we got on board, the Equinox had about 6-7 sailings under her belt. Every space was well laid out and beautifully decorated. At the staircase, on each level, were pieces of artwork. Some I did not similar at all – likewise contemporary for me.

I met upwardly with Alana at guest relations. I had been corresponding with her for a couple of months nearly setting up a tiffin for a large group of cruise critic members, as well as a couple of other events. Nosotros were in bear on throughout the cruise and even became friends. She offered a bridge tour for us (Tony was very happy!) and even said we would be her guest ane night for dinner at one of the specialty dining rooms. This was a nice surprise for us. We would run into after in the cruise to finalize the lunch once she finalized other functions onboard.

Back in our cabin, nosotros met our room attendant, Marcello. He filled united states of america in about our room, boat drill procedures, etc. Marcello was very dainty and provided great service. Whatever time we need anything, he was quick to respond and ever with a smile. When we requested a couple of items to be pressed, we were late in giving the items to Marcello. No trouble, he said, he would take care of it. And he did. Some other fourth dimension I requested actress appetizers for an afternoon cocktail gathering with my tablemates and Marcello came through again. He chatted with us throughout the prowl and talked we talked about his family unit, his dog, and his life onboard the Equinox. We tipped extra at the end of our cruise, as he deserved it.

Our cabin:

We were booked in room 1259 a C2 concierge class category. I decided to 'splurge' with this C2 category. At the fourth dimension of booking, there wasn't a big difference in price betwixt a standard balcony cabin and the concierge balustrade motel. Motel 1259 is on the Heaven Deck and is located port side, towards aft and near the elevators. I liked the thought of beingness close to some of the of import parts of the send: Library on the same deck, the pool area two decks above (Resort); the outdoor bars and Oceanview café 3 decks to a higher place (Lido). The gym and heaven lounge were located on the forward area of the ship, and so we had a longer walk.

Our bed was located side by side to bath. People on prowl critic talked almost wanting their bed close to the balcony door, equally they like to sleep with the door open to hear the body of water waves. I prefer the sitting surface area next to the balcony, which helps, in a mode, to extend the living expanse onto the balcony.

In that location wasn't a lot of counter superlative infinite for all of our things. I ended upwards putting my actress things in my suitcase for storage under our bed. The room could use more shelving and counter top space and also more hooks to hang things. We had a sofa that turns into a sleeper. Against the wall was a nice flat screen tv where we could view our photos that were taken while on board the transport. It also swivels so that one can lookout man tv while in bed. Options were: News, movies, CD's show, the web cam located at the front of the ship, and even a list of our onboard expenses.

The bathroom was compact, but laid out nicely. At that place were lots of place to store things. The shower stall had curved glass doors to brand the space larger, along with a neat shower head.

In our room were fresh flowers and a bottle of champagne. The concierge class perks were nice to have, especially the comfy bedding and pillows. I slept well each night. We too enjoyed the human foot rests on the balustrade. Balustrade: Small but we enjoyed our time sitting with drinkable in mitt enjoying the sea view.

Afterward the life boat drill (v:15pm and no need to bring our life jackets – that was a showtime for us), we joined many of the cruise critic members for our sheet away gather. I would say nearly 150 people showed upward. It was neat fun to finally meet people in person after chatting online for 1.five years!

Tony and I met upwards with friends David and Larry, and their friends Glenn and at the martini bar. It was great to see them again (third time cruising with them) and they FINALLY got to meet Tony. The martini bar was a fun place to stop by for a drink. On the counter is a 'sheet' of ice, and then the spectacles remain cold. In the other section of the bar was a counter top with bar stools. On the counter were bottles that were shoved in shaved ice to continue chilled.

Our dinner was scheduled for eight:30pm. Information technology was a piddling belatedly for us, by and large because nosotros never got out of the dining room until at to the lowest degree 10:30pm. The menu had a very good pick of foods to cull from. On the left side of the menu were the "Always Available" items. These were dishes that were always popular and I found it a nice bear on on Celebrity's part to have them on the carte du jour every night: Escargot, shrimp cocktail, French onion soup, caprese salad, Caesar salad, salmon, NY strip, and a squeamish selection of side dishes. Crème brulee was also available every dark! On the right side of the menu was the card for the evening. For my start dinner on board, I enjoyed the crab and avocado appetizer, creamy lobster bisque, and an excellent lamb shank. The shank was very large and I couldn't consume it all. The lobster bisque was not good at all and the Just item I ate on board that I didn't like (although the lobster bisque in the Murano restaurant was excellent). The quality of the food on this cruise was wonderful.

Off to bed right after dinner, as information technology was a long day. Tony and I came back to our cabins to find two bottles in our room plus a plate of delicious chocolate covered strawberries! They were from Alana and Ken (guest relations manager). Very squeamish!!

More than well-nigh on the food on lath:

Buffet nutrient: Very good. Good variety of food. No table trays, but it all worked out. Foods consisted of:

Breakfast: Everything you could imagine! Smoked salmon, pickled herring, eggs whatever fashion you want, all kinds of cereals, fruits, cheese, salary, sausage, potatoes, pastries, waffles, etc.

Lunch: Indian curry dishes, various rice and couscous, chicken, beef, taco area, pizza and pasta station…

Sushi: Just okay. There was a better diverseness on the Zenith when Tony and I went to Bermuda. However if anyone goes to the Silk Harvest restaurant, definitely order the sushi. It was great.

Ice cream bar: Good selection every day, including sorbets and low fatty ice cream. The mango sorbet was my favorite. My friend Ballad loved the coconut sorbet.

Grill: Burgers (tasty but I've had better burgers), hot dogs, chili, fries, onion rings, along with a variety of sides and pasta salads.

Pizza and Pasta station: I didn't have whatever of the pasta, simply did try pizza 1 fourth dimension. There was always a multifariousness to choose from and very good.

6 November, Friday - Marseille

Our first port day was in Marseille. During my research, I establish many people saying, "Go out of boondocks and caput to Provence." I was in Provence only a few months ago and wanted to see the sights of Marseille. Nosotros headed to town with friends Glenn and Ballad via the cruise shuttle charabanc ($15pp). The shuttle bus drops people off next to the old port where many yachts and canvass boats are docked.

After stopping at the tourist office (I left map and notes in the cabin) nosotros took the local bus (#threescore) to the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, located at one of the highest point in Marseille. The interior was cute, especially the ceilings with the aureate mosaics. Along the walls were diverse paintings of ships and planes, besides equally model ships hanging from the ceiling.

Exterior the views are fabulous! You tin see the Chateau d'If off the declension, and all of Marseille.

Back down once more (save your passenger vehicle ticket, as information technology's good for ane.v hours – y'all'll have enough time to take the omnibus to the Basilica, visit, and return to the port), the guys went to the maritime museum, while Carol and I window shopped. I wanted to buy some soaps and pick up some jarred patés. The museum was apparently small, as we met upwards with Glenn and Tony inside twenty minutes.

The area east of the tourist function is a lively French-African quarter. Many shops carried various cooking spices, tagine blistering dishes, colorful materials for dresses, etc. The many small restaurants that we passed by smelled wonderful! I saw many gypsies walking the streets in their colorful outfits. We wandered through a market expanse, which was filled with exotic fruits and vegetables.

Nosotros connected to the erstwhile quarter of Marseille just wandering the various streets. One corner had a sign, which was a memorial for the Jews that had been deported during WWII. We even saw a building, one of the few that survived the bombings in 1943, which was "a curious mix of gothic and renaissance styles built in 1535 for a sheet merchant…during the reconstruction work after the war, it was moved as a single piece on jacks and rotated by ninety degrees, to perfectly match with the new street layout."

Dorsum at the port expanse, Tony and I caught the shuttle bus back, while Glenn and Carol did more shopping. On lath, we had a light snack of sushi at the oceanview café and and so some wine in the cabin.

Dinner: Antipasti sampler from the Tuscan Grill eatery, sea bass with asparagus in a calorie-free foam sauce, and some corrupt chocolate dessert.

seven November, Sabbatum - Barcelona

Tony and I did a mean solar day trip via rental car with friends Bruce and Gail. I had met them two years before on my Milky way Mediterranean/Black Ocean cruise. Bruce and I had organized two tours to Yalta and Odessa. The 4 of the states were the start off the ship. We grabbed a taxi (got ripped off, equally the driver told u.s. there was a 20 euro minimum. Nosotros asked a guard back at the port most this minimum and we were told there was no minimum) and went to the downtown Avis rental bureau.

Our first cease of the day was to Poblet, an hour away from Barcelona. It'south located among vineyards and the fall colors were hitting their peak. The grapes had already been picked. Poblet is a monastery and is ane of the largest Cistercian abbeys in the earth. It dates from the 12th century. In order to visit the monastery, you need to book the guided tour. Of form it was in Spanish, and then we were given English language brochures. We visited various parts of the monastery, including the beautiful courtyard.

It rained briefly as nosotros left and headed to Tarragona, a cute seafront town. The town has many Roman ruins, including an amphitheatre and channel. The four of us enjoyed lunch while sitting at Plaza Fuente. The buildings in the plaza were colorful. In that location were lots of cafés and then we only picked one that had lots of diners. I had a delicious salad with breaded/baked goat cheese, walnuts, apples, etc. Tony had a cured meat sampler.

Nosotros had a little fourth dimension to walk effectually before getting back in the auto, so we dissever. Tony and I found the remains of an outdoor market. People were packing upward for the day and I could come across many empty vegetable/fruit bins. You lot know me: I beloved my markets, and then I was pitiful that I missed this one.

Back in Barcelona, we dropped off the car. We were charged extra for the gas, equally we couldn't find a gas station anywhere. A quick metro ride to Las Ramblas, nosotros didn't have time to enjoy the area. We walked to the location of the shuttle bus merely we were not allowed on board. The terminal costless bus left and the personnel on board didn't have tickets to sell to us. I suggested to them we get on board and when we got to the ship we would exist willing to have our room cards charged for the bus ride. No, they were non agreeable.

Nosotros hailed a cab and were whisked back to the ship within minutes. And we were near the concluding onboard the transport.

Dinner: Oysters Rockefeller, a wonderful mousse paté, osso bucco.

Nov viii, 2009 Sunday – Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, I hired a guide to take nineteen of us on a tour of Palma and Valdemossa.

Our guide (I have forgotten her name), was a charming woman. She started the tour with a urban center highlights. We collection around town and headed to the 14th century Bellver Castle located on hill overlooking Palma. Unfortunately, information technology was closed. In fact, about of the sights in Palma are closed on Sundays.

The La Seu Cathedral, also 14th century and founded by Jaime Ii, is located near the historical quarter and port area. A French Gothic style building, information technology has the largest rose stained-glass window in the world, larger than the one in Notre Dame in Paris. When we arrived, the sun was hitting the rose window, which reflected the colors into the building and against the walls and columns. It was beautiful and very colorful. Our guide said she had never seen these colors before and was too amazed to see them in such a heavenly place. We arrived at the perfect time.

To a higher place the main alter is a wrought iron canopy, designed by Gaudi. The choir stalls are made of walnut and was an impressive sight to run across.

We had fourth dimension to walk around the historical quarter. The streets were minor, notwithstanding mannerly. We walked to Plaza Mayor and saw a few Gaudi-type buildings. Near the Cathedral is a lovely garden area with fountains. Information technology reminded me of the fountains and gardens in Granada Spain.

Back in the van after a quick bathroom break at a café, nosotros drove to touristy Valldemossa just 30 minutes away. Located in the hills, Valldemossa is a lovely pocket-size town. Unfortunately, with all of the gift shops, some of its amuse is gone. Everyone split up for an hr and Tony and I headed away from the stores then I could take some photos of the buildings. Temperature dropped quite a flake and information technology rained off and on.

Afterwards a quick look in the stores and a couple of purchases, nosotros were back in the van and on our fashion dorsum to the ship. Our guide entertained the states with a Spanish song. She was a good guide and we enjoyed our bout.

This night was our first formal night. Anybody dressed upwards and the men looked peculiarly handsome in their suits and tuxedos. Women wore either cocktail dresses or dress pants with elegant tops. Tony and I went to the martini bar to meet up with friends for a drink before dinner.

Dinner was very good. I had the beef carpacio to start (sliced ever and then thin) and the rack of lamb for my master entree. Fantabulous! Assorted cheese platter for my dessert.

This night was too the Helm'southward Welcome, which took place in the theatre. Champagne was served for the usual toast. His senior officers were on phase and introduced. After, nosotros saw the multifariousness testify, which was very skillful.

November ix, 2009 Mon – Cartagena

This was our forth port day and I know people were starting to go tired of being on the go every day. Fortunately, Cartagena was an easy port to visit. Located further due south on the coast of Espana, the ship docked right in front of town among the many sail boats in the harbor. It was a sunny, but breezy day. Nosotros had a total day, so there was no need to rush off the ship. Tony and I met up with Glenn and Carol around x:30am later breakfast.

Nosotros began our bout at the top of the hill, which is the location of an erstwhile fortress. There'south an elevator that you can have to get to the summit, or you can have the stairs. On the way up, nosotros could come across an one-time bullring that was being refurbished. Up top the wind was bravado, but the views were great. There was not much to see inside the fort but nosotros did get to read about the history of the fort.

From the viewing platform, we could see the ancient Roman amphitheatre. There was a separate fee to get inside, so we didn't bother. The views from above were adequate.

Nosotros located the bathroom one-half way down from the fort. Horrible!! No electricity, no lights, and the toilets were clogged up. It was almost worse than the bathrooms I encountered in the Ukraine and People's republic of china!

We window shopped on the master pedestrian street and walked passed the city hall edifice. Cartagena is a beautiful city and very clean (Tony idea Marseille was very dirty). Many of the buildings had cute wrought iron balconies. The four of us met up with our dinner mates, who were snacking on various Spanish tapas. In fact, they ordered as well much, and then the 4 of us had a light snack along with some delicious sangria.

At a nearby grocery store, Tony and I picked up some bottled h2o for the motel and headed dorsum to the transport. It was just an easy relaxing day for us.

We went over to Jane and Ray's cabin for drinks before dinner. We continued at the Martini bar with Glenn and Carol, who enjoyed the martini flight. This was the starting time Celebrity cruise that I didn't social club the martini flying, although it looked delicious.

Dinner: Back-scratch chicken salad in a pineapple 'plate', French onion soup; and beef curt ribs on summit of mashed potatoes and served with carrots and green beans.

November x, 2009 Tuesday – Our first sea twenty-four hours

I talked to Alana the night before to discuss the luncheon for the cruise critic members. She told me she wanted me to meet the executive chef, Steve van der Merwe, to go over the special bill of fare. I was very surprised and told her it told her it wasn't necessary, that whatever was on the menu would be fine. She insisted! With Alana, I met Steve, Ludwig Lozano (food and beverage manager), and Lorenzo Davidoiu (eating house manager). Everyone was very nice and information technology was a pleasure to meet all of them. Lorenzo told me that they all wanted to make sure the tiffin group was taken care of and happy with the results. Nosotros were, but more on that later.

I met Tony and nosotros enjoyed a wonderful brunch at sea. Apparently Glory has stopped having the traditional midnight buffet. At that place were two brunches on this cruise, which I establish to be a nicer event than the midnight cafe. Who wants to eat at midnight after finishing dinner at 10:xxx-11:00pm? Everything was delicious and the food was beautifully displayed.

Later, Tony and I window shopped - or I should say Ballad and I did, while Tony and Glenn talked and talked and talked. We also took some dance lessons in the grand antechamber. There were probably two dozen dancers.

At 2:00pm, a large grouping of us participated in the cabin clamber. At that place were probably a couple dozen hosts that allowed guests to check out the cabins. This was the first time I did this and had fun. I got to come across some of the aft cabins, which had larger balconies. I also got to meet one of the suites, which had a jacuzzi on the balcony. Very prissy! I could come across myself out there in the jacuzzi with a drink in hand.

In the tardily afternoon, Tony and I met upwards with Mark and Carol at the sky lounge for drinks. This became our usual hang out with other Aristocracy Celebrity members.

Speaking of Aristocracy status: I need to add here well-nigh some of the perks we received on board, thanks to Alana and a few other staff members (and well-nigh probable from Dan, president/CEO of Celebrity (but that's another story): On our second evening on board, I found in our motel ii 'elite' cards ("Sectional Lounge Admission"), and 'elite' coupons placed on our bed. Glory has three levels for Captain's Club members based on the number of cruises taken: Classic, Select, and Elite. This cruise would give me the iii credits I need to become an elite member. Aristocracy condition gives extra perks, to include complimentary laundry, internet admission, various cocktail parties and other private events. Tony and I were, to utilize his phrase, prematurely elevated. From 8am to 10am aristocracy members can enjoy continental breakfast with champagne, mimosa, or cappuccino; or from 4pm to 6pm, cocktails and hor dourves. Since the number of elite members was quite large on this prowl, the meeting place changed from Michal'southward Club to the heaven lounge on deck 14. Drinks included champagne, wine, martinis, etc, along with tasty canapés / appetizers. In addition, on the same evening we received the cards/coupons, at that place were two bottles of vino – one from Alana and the other from the hotel managing director – on the dresser. There was too a plate of chocolate covered strawberries! The next night, a canteen of wine was delivered to our room from Simon Weir, who is the hotel manager, thanking me for my assist with planning a few on board events. This was such a care for for Tony and me.

Dinner: Crispy spring whorl; some sort of puff pastry (I have a photo of it but don't recollect what was inside!), and filet mignon. My filet wasn't cooked properly and afterwards 3 returns, I gave upwards and ate the last one delivered to me. Fortunately filets are tender, and so it still tasted fine.

More than to come!

Monica

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Source: https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/three-days-in-rome-followed-by-a-wonderful-2-week-cruise-816734/

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