Italy - Civitavecchia

We arrived in Civitavecchia a little earlier than scheduled, but as our plans did not include a journey into Rome (having already been twice in the last few years) we were able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Once fuelled, we hopped on to the curtesy bus into the city centre. The city itself serves mainly as a gateway to Rome and is thus usually overlooked by the cruise ship clientele, but judging by the number of Emerald Princess passengers wandering around the streets it seems that there must have been very little uptake on the excursions into Rome itself.

We explored part of the city ramparts and the revamped promenade area before heading more into the city centre, the busier parts of which are pedestrianised. It seems that an effort has recently been made to revitalise the city as there are a number of higher end shops and smart looking restaurants.

Before becoming completely exhausted, we joind the Italian cafe society and enjoyed an extra strong Americano whilst watching the world go by.

Thus we now have a relaxing afternoon on board before the early evening sailaway. I am writing whilst enjoying a refreshing beer and sitting outside by the Outrigger Bar and pools which are right at the very stern of the ship and definitely one of my favourite places aboard (photo attached, hopefully!)

Corsica - Ajaccio

Quite an active and exciting day all round in Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The ship was not scheduled to arrive into port until 10am which meant that we could still have a leisurely breakfast and watch the sail in. Having let the masses wander ashore, we then followed a short while afterwards and began a small exploration of the town. Despite it being a Sunday, the local market was in full swing and all the souvenir shops were doing a roaring trade.

We decided to stop for a coffee and having found a nice cafe with some shade under the trees waited for several minutes while the waitress ran too and fro, busying herself with customers old and new. We called her over and she promptly informed us that she was now closed! It seemed quite bizarre, but there was nothing we could do. So, with a Gallic shrug of the shoulders, we set off and soon found another cafe that was more than happy to accept our custom.

Feeling refreshed, we bought tickets for the wally trolley and climbed aboard for a short trip around the town and then a longer excursion along the coast to the Iles Sangiunaires, a set of red granite islands that dominate the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio. Although not spectacular, it is quite a pretty coastline with many small coves, both rocky and sandy.

We got back on board the ship in time for a very late lunch and just in time for the afternoon trivia. More by luck than judgement, we managed to win the competition, even beating a lady who Dad recognised as having appeared on Mastermind. (We asked, yes, she had definitely been a competitor). Thus we were the lucky recipients of the best prizes Princess could muster, pens, lanyards  and a giant paperclip. No expense spared there then.

To celebrate our win, we headed for the swimming pool and a refreshing dip, followed by a soak in the jacuzzi. I daresay a celebration involving a more alcoholic form of liquid will follow this evening.

En route to Ajaccio

So as to bring any foodie readers up to date, my choice for last nights dinner was a melon starter followed by a very nice turkey escalope and then creme brûlée (again) to finish. Our evening entertainment was provided by watching the karaoke in Club Fusion...and extremely entertaining that was too.

Saturday morning has dawned with a rather hazy sky, but nevertheless nice and warm and with a sea like glass. Quite a contrast to the last fill day at sea. More excitement (if that is the right word) occurred this morning as we were in the middle of the quiz. The ship slowed, the crew alarm signal sounded, and once again the captain had to announce that there was a fire in the engine room. (At least it was mid morning and not at 1am this time). All crew donned their lifejackets and went to their muster stations but thankfully the emergency only lasted for 15 minutes. So, never mind abandon ship, but it was a case of abandon trivia (and just when we were doing so well!). 

We have also learned that the captain only joined the vessel in Southampton, so the voyage has been a bit of a baptism of fire (so's to speak) for the poor man.

The passengers.

We are on a table of 7 for our evening meals. Our companions are Sharon and Dennis (our age and on their first cruise) from Southampton and Jen and Keith (retired, well travelled and rather glamourous) from Kidderminster. Very good company they all are too. In fact, there seems to be a number of first time cruisers on this trip and those we have spoken to have said that thus far, it has definitely exceeded their expectations.

Around 80% of the passengers are British and the majority of the remainder American and Canadian. There are the usual assortment of "characters", including a couple of ladies with two tone hair colours who we have dubbed the Cruella Twins, a couple who look as if they would be more at home in a gypsy caravan than a luxury cruise ship, and a chap who must be 6'6'' and 25 stone wearing a tee shirt with Ronaldo on the back. Oh, the irony.

The ship.

Now that we have had time to explore the ship properly, IMHO it is very comfortable indeed. There are several quiet bars where one can retire for reading, several larger public rooms which are mainly used for functions and entertainment and of course the usual high end shops, three swimming pools, 10 or more jacuzzis, putting green basketball court and croquet lawn. The buffet also has seating outside at the back of the ship which gives more of a continental cafe flavour. The international cafe down on deck 5 serves all kinds of speciality teas and coffees and fancy sandwiches and cakes 24 hours a day. For the slightly less health conscious, pizza, hot dogs, burgers and fries are always available from the pool grill. And after having your heart attack on a plate, washed down with a choice of one of several international beers or lagers, why not finish off with a large helping of icecream.

The skywalkers lounge, from where I am composing this note, is high up at the back of the ship and affords a fabulous 360 degree panoramic view. I will try and attach a couple of pictures to this post.

The walkway around the promenade deck is somewhat narrow and thus only deck chairs rather than sun loungers are provided, but walkers can walk all the way around the ship from the stern to the very point of the bow. Once again, fabulous and very different views can be gained from that position.

The crew and staff are everything we have come to expect from Princess, being ever cheerful, helpful, friendly and efficient. I am not really in a position to comment too much on the entertainment provided at the moment, purely because we have not gone to the theatre to watch any of the artists or shows, but I have no doubt that will be rectified before too long. The resident four piece band are however, excellent.

More to follow once we have spent our day in Corsica tomorrow.

Gibraltar

Thankfully, as the ship neared the most southern point of Portugal, the swell reduced significantly and everybody was able to enjoy last evening without appearing to stagger around like a company of drunken sailors. It was also our first formal night and I am pleased to report that the dress code was kept immaculately, indeed I would estimate that three quarters of the gentlemen were in black tie and a similar proportion of ladies were in elegant dresses. I don't recall seeing more than a dozen or so passengers not conforming to the dress code. Very impressive.

I chose smoked breast of duck as my appetiser and beef medallions with croquette potatoes for mains, with a generous slice of New York strawberry cheesecake for dessert.

Following dinner, we made our first venture into the casino and in particular to the roulette table. I am rather disappointed to report that our $20 gambling limit was totally squandered within a few minutes. Lady Luck was definitely not on our side. 

Thus today we arrived in Gibraltar at 9.00am as scheduled. We had booked a dolphin watching trip and I can honestly say that over the course of the last 12 hours I have seen more dolphins than I have had hot dinners as there were large pods swimming alongside the ship as we sailed into the Bay this morning and again sailing out this afternoon. However, the excursion provided the "up close" viewing opportunities.

We also had a little look around the town as Dad was desperate to buy some duty free ciggies, but as both Emerald Princess and Prinsendam were in port, it was, to say the least, heaving. Still, the task was successfully accomplished and we stopped in a little bar for coffee as a reward.

Sailaway proved to be a most patriotic affair. The entertainment staff handed out Union Jacks to everyone and as we slipped our mooring and moved away from the pier, they were waved fervently to the sound of Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Brittania. Whether this patriotism was because of Gibraltar's  position as a Crown Dependancy, to celebrate Scotland's decision to stay in the union or just to stick two fingers up to the Spanish, I am not sure. Probably a bit of all three.

Finally, just to prove what a very small world this is, we have just bumped into a couple from Jersey who live about five doors down from Dad!

A sea day tomorrow and then next stop is Ajaccio in Corsica.

At sea.

Tuesday.

I am not sure how well the Marine Safety Inspectorate did their job but we had just turned off the lights at 1am and the Captain gave an announcement over the ships PA (including all staterooms) saying that smoke had been discovered in the engine room and all crew should go to their emergency stations. Passengers need take no action. Further announcements were made over the course of the next hour stating that the fire had been discovered and then extinguished. Quite why all these announcements were necessary I am not sure, especially in the early hours when most people were trying to sleep.

Anyway, all is well and we are making good progress down into the Bay of Biscay. The captain has just given his noon report from the bridge advising of bad weather ahead. If it is very bad, there may be a temporary break in the blog!

Whilst heading south and into said tempest there was plenty to keep us entertained. Firstly, we attended the cruise citic meet and greet. A very pleasant hour was spent chatting to like minded cruisers from England, Canada and the US. The meeting culminated with a gift exchange on a lucky dip basis, with all gifts being a token souvenir from the home towns of those participating and we ended up with some delicate Nottingham lace.

Next on the agenda was the inevitable trivia quiz. As we took our places four of the cruise critic group passed by and joined us so as to make up an international team of six. Unfortunately, this alliance could only muster 14 points compared to the winning score of 17. Oh well, there is always tomorrow.

Still, we all continued chatting well after the competition had finished and thus ended a very social afternoon.

For anyone interested in my choices for dinner, I had beef satay to start, followed by a very tasty Caribbean jerk chicken and a vanilla creme brûlée to finish. 

Wednesday.

The weather certainly deteriorated last evening and although not rough there has been a heavy swell running ever since. The sky is very grey and there is rain in the air. Hence it is very busy below decks as 

people meander (or should I say slightly stagger) around trying to find somewhere to sit.

We have just competed in the morning trivia and having teamed up with two English ladies, managed a very creditable 18 points and claimed a runners-up spot.

As I write, we are awaiting the Captains noon day report, anxiously awaiting a favourable weather forecast although there is no doubt that things will be much improved. As things stand however, I very much doubt that any attempt is going to be made to build the champagne fountain for tonight's formal celebrations lest there be much sweeping up of broken glass!

First impressions

I knew it was too good to last. The taxi picked us up from home 10 minutes early. The flight landed in Southampton 15 minutes early. We arrived at our hotel 20 minutes early. The taxi from the hotel to the dock was bang on time. We checked in within 5 minutes of arriving at the terminal. We were then stuck for two hours in the terminal waiting to board the ship whilst the Marine Safety Inspectorate conducted an unannounced review of the ship. Still, we did manage to get embarked by 2pm...I doubt the Inspectorate were particularly worried about delaying the ships sailing time.

This delay meant that our safety drill was carried out just as the ship was pulling away from the quayside and thankfully only 45 minutes later than the original scheduled leaving time of 4pm.

At 115,000 tons and with a passenger list containing 3,000 names, the Emerald Princess is probably the largest cruise ship that we have sailed on to date. It certainly seems spacious and I am sure I will provide many more details of the public rooms and amenities as the trip unfolds. I daresay that, like us, many of the passengers have spent the first few hours exploring the ship, getting their bearings and finding a bar in which to wile away the evening. We discovered the Adagio bar, a relatively small watering hole overlooking the stern of the ship but being high up, well placed for views. 

The staff were attentive and friendly and provided a small selection of nuts, cheese straws and olives to accompany our drinks.

We have opted for the late seating traditional dining and again, the initial impression was very good, with our waiters being efficient and helpful. The first night menu didn't look particularly exciting in terms of words, but I opted for the strip steak which was tasty, cooked perfectly and could have fed three people rather than just one. Just for the record I had passion fruit soufflé for dessert. Lush.

We have had to add one hour to our clocks tonight so as to be on par with Central European time. Thus it is already well after midnight as I compose this note and it will seem like an early start tomorrow. After all the travel and excitement a day of rest and relaxation will be most welcome.

Off to the Mediterranean again!

Not having been abroad for a year, it seemed like a good time to try and extend the British summer by a couple of weeks and so we will travel with my Father on a much needed break by booking a two week cruise on the Emerald Princess down to the Meditterranean during the latter part of September. 

This time, the journey to the embarkation point will not be so arduous for all concerned as we only need to fly from home across to Southampton.

Although we have visited all but one of the ports of call before, there will undoubtedly still be lots to see and do.

A link to the Emerald Princess bridgecam can be found
Here