LIVE From the Ruby Princess - Our European Adventure - July 4th to 16th

[J&Jtravelcouple]

Tickets can be pre-reserved for the Vatican online, only a small extra fee and you can walk right in, just like the tours. For the Colosseum, tickets can easily be purchased from the Palatine Hill ticket office (your ticket is good for the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill) round the corner where there is usually next-to-no line.

 

Don't take an expensive tour just because of lines! ;)

 

Thanks for the great tips.:) I think you mean the Vatican group tickets to bypass the lines, not the individual tickets, correct? I believe there is still a line for the individual ticket holders? There is only one group tour time available our date, and I'm not confident we can arrive there in time for that tour. :-(

[atlasali]

I am so glad that for you the Sistine Chapel was amazing to see.

I saw it in 1970. The people were obnoxious then, too. But for me the paintings did not live up to my expectations. Since then, the Japanese sponsored the cleaning and removing of 500 years of soot, etc. While attending an art teacher convention, I saw a video presentation of the process and results. It was so beautiful, that I cried. Finally, the World could see what Michaelangelo intended for us mortals to see. I hope to see it next year.

 

Question for any experienced travelers - Are there less lines in Rome in the Spring or Fall? Or is an elite tour the way to go?

[cruisemom42]

Thanks for the great tips.:) I think you mean the Vatican group tickets to bypass the lines, not the individual tickets, correct? I believe there is still a line for the individual ticket holders? There is only one group tour time available our date, and I'm not confident we can arrive there in time for that tour. :-(

 

If you prepurchase individual tickets, you do not have to wait in the long line to purchase tickets. Just go straight to the front of the line and there should be a separate place for you to check in with your confirmation (I can't remember if it is to the right or left of the long line.) It is very quick and painless.

[cruisemom42]

Question for any experienced travelers - Are there less lines in Rome in the Spring or Fall? Or is an elite tour the way to go?

 

As for your first question, Rome is less crowded in the early spring and late fall. I generally try to go there between the months of November and February, but October, March, and April are less crowded than the summer season of May-September.

 

As for your second question -- if you are set on taking a ship tour, then I'd say Elite is the way to go. However, a private tour is even better (smaller group). I did several Elite tours a couple of years ago on Princess. In Istanbul we had the same problem as Kimmer reported -- e.g., not nearly enough time in Haghia Sophia (why is this always the last stop of the day? :().

 

At heart, I think that any tour of more than, say, 8 people is just too many to really interact with the guide and be able to move more quickly than larger groups.

[hisunbeam]

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for taking the time (and money) to do your live posts. My new husband and I will honeymooning with Princess on the same itinerary Aug 21. Your updates are not only entertaining, but have provided some great pointers since we're still debating on tour options for some of the ports. We're fairly new to CC (but not to cruising), and will definitely be visiting the role call to attempt to go the private tour route whenever possible. I'm like you, and 10 minutes in the Hagia Sophia just won't cut it. Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your cruise!

[Woobstr112G]

Day 10 – Rome

 

They say that Rome wasn’t built in day…..I would add that Rome can’t be seen in a day either.

 

After sleeping through our wake up call for Amalfi, we made sure that we were up right with the call at 5:30 AM this morning. Painfull……absolutely. The thought of another packed bus tour didn’t tickle our fancy this morning, but Rome had to be seen. So up we were, ordering room service breakfast, with plenty of time to get ourselves looking beautiful. This, of course, is a much easier task for Kim than I.

 

We wanted to get down to the herding station early in an effort to get out as one of the first groups of our tour. Apparently, this is a science to some, as we were still given group four. We were signed up for the Elite Rome Tour with Princess. All we knew was that it was an expensive one.

 

As we herded our way to the bus, we were quite happy to see that our group was smaller, yet still in a full sized bus. Kim and I, as always, lollygagged our way to the bus and managed to get seats to ourselves. I love extra room, and there were a great many empty seats on the bus, which surprisingly stayed empty the whole day. At the bus we met our first guide, Corina, who was wonderful. As we headed out from the port of Civitivecchia (can I buy a vowel?), we picked up our second guide, Rita along the drive to Rome.

 

The drive afforded me some time to grab a nap, as the traffic was ample as the bus approached Rome. It took us around ninety minutes, which, apparently, was quite fast for rush hour. Arriving at 9:00 AM, Rita provided us with constant entertainment and information as we drove into Rome. It is really quite amazing how preserved the ancient sites are in this city. It is a wonderful mix of old and new wherever we drove today.

 

Listening to Rita speak of her city led me to feel that, within Italy, there is all there are two separate regions……Rome, and not Rome. She spoke of the city as not only the Capital of Italy, but the capital of the world. There was great pride in her narration which couldn’t help but make you feel like you are in the most important city in the world. Personally, I was more impressed with Istanbul, or even Ephesus, but I wouldn’t have said this to Rita. Picture the little exorcist lady from the movie, Poltergeist, and you have a good impression of Rita. She consistently referred to herself in the third person, as well, sparking memories of such lines as, “George likes his chicken spicy!”, for all you Seinfeld fans out there. (On a side note, I was saddened to read that Mr. Stienbrenner passed away today, despite the fact that my back to mediocre Blue Jays have been left in his wake for a great many years now.)

 

Oh yea…..Rome! Sorry. Just a taste for all of my loyal followers of what it might be like to be in my Grade 7 class. lol.

 

Our first stop was the Colliseum (spelling incorrect, I’m sure). I have seen many pictures of this sight over the years, and guess what…..it looks just like the pictures. Rita offered some interesting insight into the areas as we moved through it, but I didn’t find it all that impressive. (Kim enjoyed it more than I). I am starting to realize just how spoiled we have been thus far, as if this was one of the first sights of the trip, I’m sure it would have been more impactful. As I now reflect on the day, I fear I am becoming a bit of a pompous ass. Again….I digress.

 

My main advice for Rome would be to make sure you have tickets ahead of time for anything you want to see. We skipped the lines all day, as the lines to buy tickets were absolutely huge. It was great touring with a smaller group, as well, as moving around with 20 people is sooooo much easier than moving around with 40.

 

From here, we walked through town a little bit, following Rita with her red scarf on a stick, waving it high over her 5 foot stature. We arrived at Trevi Fountain. The amazing thing about this fountain is how new it looks. Honestly, it looks as if it were build last year. Other than that, it was a big wall that had a fountain coming out of it. I realize there are traditions, and history with the fountain, but again, the pompous ass in me reared its little head.

 

Fringe benefit number three of the Elite Tour……Lunch! We walked to the Hotel Majestic, which was a beautiful hotel right in the heart of Ancient Rome. We were one of two groups eating at the hotel, which made it much more intimate. The lunch was great, with wine and beer included. We enjoyed the food and the dining experience.

 

After lunch it was back into the hot sun (35 degrees all day!) as we headed to the Vatican. Although we were excited that we had the entire afternoon to explore and experience the Vatican, we quickly realized that an afternoon was not nearly enough. We followed Rita and her red scarf as we walked right by a huge line of people, and walked right in to the Vatican. After clearing the security checkpoint we proceeded into the Vatican museum. We moved quite quickly through treasure after treasure….sculpture after sculpture….homage to both Clergy and Royalty through the ages of Rome and Italy. It was very overwhelming. Every entrance into another wing brought a new visual and historical experience. The Vatican’s display of the treasures is simply incredible. Many of the treasures have been so well preserved, it was easy to forget that we were looking at Art that was hundreds…even thousands of years old. I particularly loved the tapestry section, which displayed massive tapestries depicting biblical stories in rich color. Incredible. The Museum left me wondering what other treasures lie within the walls of the Vatican, that are not displayed, or even truly known about by the public.

 

As we exited the museum, and entered what Rita referred to as the Courtyard of the big Pine Cone, which was a reference to the main sculpture of the square, we found our way to one of the big displays of the art of the Sistine Chapel. It was very busy, and most of the stations that depicted the art inside were being used by other groups. There was one station being used by an unlicensed guide with only two members of his tour. Well Rita had enough of that, and got into quite an argument with this guy, going so far as to find a security guard. I was waiting for her to pull a taser gun out of her pocket, but all was eventually resolved.

 

Now, as a Catholic who studies Art History in University, the Sistine Chapel has a lot of meaning to me. I had studied the art of the chapel at length back when I pretended to be an academic. It was one sight that I was very excited to see (for another example of this, please read about the Hagia Sophia, back on Istanbul day). It certainly didn’t disappoint. Michealangelo’s work was simply breathtaking in every way. We could have spent a whole afternoon looking at this treasure. Seeing the size, and detail, and understanding the extent of the work put into creating something so beautiful and significant was an incredible experience.

 

There are only a couple of rules in the Sistine Chapel……no pictures (it was the only place in the Vatican that asked you not to take pictures), please be quiet, as it is a church. It was so very frustrating to watch so very many people flagrantly break these rules. With staff everywhere monitoring these two rules, all I saw around me were people taking pictures, and talking to their hearts content. I now better understand why many Muslim’s frown on non-Muslim’s going into Mosques. Ninety percent of the people in the Sistine Chapel showed no respect for the rules, or for what they were viewing. I don’t expect every visitor to be as impacted both aesthetically and spiritually as myself. That is not the point. The point is that there are two simple requests, and most people couldn’t respect these simple requests. Our experience certainly wasn’t enhanced by this, although we thoroughly cherished our 2o minutes we spent in the presence of such beauty.

 

From here we headed out to see St. Peter’s Basilica, which was similarly impressive. Its vastness and serenity were simply humbling in every way. I only wish we could have been there to celebrate a mass there.

 

Our final stop for the day was a walk through St. Peter’s square, which I was excited to see after seeing it in so many movies over the years. Kim and I imagined being present for the selection of the new Pope. Speaking with Rita, she spoke of being present in the square for the last three presentations of the new Pope. Amazing.

 

We walked back to our bus, and had a pretty quick ride back to the ship. It was a tough day temperature-wise, as the outside heat combined with the freezing cold air conditioned bus, keeping our bodies in a constant state of flux. I also fear that, although I slept for much of the drive back to the boat, the people around me may have had to put up with my amply voluminous snoring. I fear the worst…..

 

After a much needed shower we headed straight down for a nice dinner at Da Vinci’s. I love to play mix and match with my order each time, and the staff there are always very accommodating to my whims. I must say that my family back home would be quite proud of my pasta consumption these last two days, as I have tried and liked much more than I ever have. I see a trip down to La Bruchetta on St. Clair St. (in Toronto) being a lot less embarrassing in the future. lol.

 

I will not speak of our time in the casino after dinner. Yes……it was that bad. I will find an empty piano tomorrow and play for nickels tomorrow in Florence. (side note to family…..it wasn’t really that bad….worry not). If you happen to be in Florence tomorrow, and see a lost soul playing songs by U2, The Cure or Spirit of the West songs tomorrow….be kind. It’s all for a good cause.

 

We now retire looking forward to no more herding from here on in. Our day in Florence tomorrow will be at our own pace. I expect to spend a great part of our day taking in works of art, and soaking in the city as are prone to do. New adventures await. Ciao from the most important city in the world (not really….but you have to admire the pride).

 

(SIDE NOTE: I will try and find out the name of the restaurant in Positano.....Vittorio would know)

 

Great observations. Thanks so much for posting.....:):):)

 

Bob

[mtaylor04]

After your wonderful review, I am going to add this trip to my bucket list :D

[Lovincruisin1321]

Kimmer17:

 

Wow! I just started reading all your posts and they are fantastic. For being a first time cruiser, I would say you are officially seasoned in the journaling department.

 

My cousin just finished this trip on July 3 or 4 from the Ruby and I have been scanning the threads to find reviews.

 

Please do this for all your future cruises.

 

Where are you cruising to next?

 

Also, you have to travel back to Naples and tour Pompeii. It is beyond comprehension how advanced that society was.

[tigragirl]

Thank you so much for your "live from" posts. They have been well written, informative and funny. I can't wait to join the ship 2 weeks today and the excitement is starting to build thanks to your posts.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday and have a good flight home.

I look forward to your next "live from" - I'm sure you are hooked:D

[Kimmer17]

Day 11 – Livorno/Florence

My good friends in Cruise Critic-Land, you have been witness to a transformation; a Renaissance, of sorts. It is fitting that I write of this after spending a day in beautiful Florence, Italy….the home of Renaissance Art and Culture. My understanding of the term Renaissance is change, more or less. It is out with the old, and in with the new. It is seeing things from a more informed and educated perspective. It is represented in Art through the works of the Renaissance Masters, many of which we saw today. Historically, it was a time of change from the Classical to something more informed….more applicable.

Kim and I are also experiencing a Renaissance of sorts. Over the last 10 days, we have certainly had our eyes opened in so very many ways. From the ruins of Ephesus and the Acropolis, to the carefree attitude of Mykonos, to the beautiful and varied country of Italy, we have seen the world from a different perspective. We, too, are changing. From the fearful travelers, to the confident explorer, we are more in tune with what we seek, and we bring with us a sense of direction and self-reliance that will send us home as better people.

Oh yea….and a little bit fatter. lol.

Our day began with that damn phone calling me to wake up. I wish Princess offered a service where, on the last day of the cruise, you could throw the phone over your balcony and watch it sink into the sea. (Sorry, but on this trip, waking up is hard to do.) Oh how I miss my snooze button. We, yet again, had some tea, coffee, croissants and fruit brought up to the room for us, and were down with the rest of the cattle in the Explorer’s Lounge. This time, though, it would be different. Muahahaha! Today we were going to be free from the little headset thingies….free from the waving signs….free from the lunch seating for 40. Kim had booked ticket’s for the Uffizi Gallery at 10:30 AM, and the Academie to see David at 3:30PM.

I slept the way into Florence, which is about a 90 minute drive by bus. We arrived in town at around 10:00. Our guide (AKA the crappiest guide in the history of guiding) then took us for a walk to where we would meet later on. By the way, we had signed up for Florence on Your Own, which, to us, meant that we would get a drive into Florence, and explore on our own. As we walked into the main shopping square, she took us all into a leather store. We asked where we would meet later, as we had to get going to the Art Gallery for our allotted entry time. She told us she would tell us all in a minute. As we walked into this leather store, a lady there was all ready with a leather demonstration! Now to me, a proper leather demonstration would certainly begin with a live cow, but apparently she wanted to demonstrate something. We finally got it out of the guide that we would, again, meet back as a group in this leather store. It was then we decided that, although we were planning to buy some leather today, we were certainly not going to buy it here. She also told us, now that it was 10:20, that we would be leaving at 3:15 PM. Now, when Kim booked our tickets, all that we knew was that we would be docking at 7 AM and departing the port at 7 PM. When asked why we were leaving at 3:15, she just told us that was how long the tour was. It was very disappointing, as it meant that we wouldn’t be able to go see the Statue of David. Oh well.

We left the leather shop and started walking towards the Gallery. It was quite easy to find, and we got in quite quickly. After walking up to the top floor, we began moving through the gallery. Now, to be honest, Renaissance Art is not amongst my favorite. I am more of a fan of art after 1800. Kim, however, really loves this art. We wandered through the gallery, which was really quite impressive, for about 2 hours. The Caravaggio exhibit was very good. We are more or less sculptured out at this point, so we just focused on the painting, which we both love.

After the gallery, we were hungry. We love the challenge of finding the perfect meal, and have had great success thus far, when we’ve been on our own. We wandered around for awhile, crossing over the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, which was absolutely packed. We headed off the beaten path and found what looked like a great spot for lunch. We walked down a couple flights of stairs, and took a seat. As we looked through the menu, in came the tour group. There had to be 40 teenagers in the group. Now the restaurant itself was very small. Not for us. We apologized to the waiter, and resumed our search.

We eventually found an outside patio restaurant, overlooking a small square. We sat and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Kim had a pasta that was stuffed with fresh pear in a cream sauce that was incredible. We sat and watched the people passing through the square for a couple hours. We were able to give our tickets to the Academie away, as we asked a nice couple from China if they could use them. They told us they had tried to make a reservation there and failed, and would love the tickets. We were happy to see they would be used.

After lunch, we continued to walk around the streets of Florence, slowly making our way back to the meeting point, as it was now 2:30. Kim ended up buying a beautiful leather coat from one of the hundreds of leather stores we saw.

Florence is a beautiful city….clean and warm. It reminded me of Venice, somewhat, minus the canals. While it is wonderful to walk, there certainly is some separation of the many things to see. If we were interested in seeing more of the sights, rather than soaking up the city, I think we would have opted for the double decker bus pass (30 Euro each), and moved around at our leisure as well. The only way I would choose a Princess Full Tour here is if we wanted to include Pisa as well, which was not high on our list.

As we returned to the leather shop at 3:10, the tour guide angrily told us she was waiting for us to arrive! WHAT WAS THE RUSH!!!!!! She then proceeded to wave her sign and start walking briskly to the bus. Now, none of us knew where the bus was going to be, yet she seemed to be practicing for her power walking race. About ten of us couldn’t keep up, including one lady who was probably around 80, who was walking with the great assistance of a cane. The bus was parked about a kilometer away, but she was gone while Kim and I and a few other good people walked with the woman with the cane. We tried to keep an eye on where she was going, but she turned a corner way up ahead. It was brutal that she had to take us to her Leather Store to meet, while many of the other groups were just told where the bus would be. We finally found the bus, with our fearless guide waving her little sign in the distance, at around 3:40. She, again, laid into us for being slow, while we tried to explain to her that we were trying to help the old lady with the cane. It is safe to say that idiocy can be universal.

I slept again on the way back, and we arrived back at the boat at 5:15. To give you an idea, we have just put out to sea as I write this, sitting on my balcony in the sun, at 7:12 PM. All in all a wonderful day in Florence, minus the guide. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I don’t like to worry about things I can’t control, so it is easy to put her out of mind. We wanted to see some art, eat some food, and shop for some leather, and we were successful in every way. There does seem to be a correlation between how much your Princess Tour costs, and how good your guide is. Keep that in mind.

We have no plans tonight, but hope to have a late dinner, and go see our friends in the casino. I was unable to find an open piano today, so the word of the day in the casino tonight is parlay. lol. We are planning a nice dinner with all of our friends (Hillbillies, BT’s and NY’s) tomorrow night after Monte Carlo to say our goodbyes, and exchange our information. I must say that it will be sad leaving the ship, as we have managed to make some good friends over this short time. We are blessed for having met many of the crew, but we know that when we leave the ship, our times together will end for good. Cruising is somewhat of an escape from reality. While I love my reality back home, I do wish I could take some of these friends home with me.

The greatest aspect of our day today is our feeling of freedom. We are no longer nervous in the least about exploring foreign lands on our own. We are cautious, which is simply prudent, but certainly not afraid in the least. We have transformed in so many ways over these last 10 days. In the back of my head, though, I am cautious…..I never want to become a seasoned traveler. I have met a great many on this ship, and find that a lot of what they seek is going to different places for the sake of going there. What is the point if, at the end of the day, your goal is simply saying you’ve been there? One traveler we have met has been just about everywhere you can think of. This is his 8th Mediterranean Cruise, and he has been to Rome ten times. Yet, I think we got more out of our 8 hours there than he has gotten out of his 10 visits. He seems to have seen it all, but experienced nothing. It is difficult to explain, and I certainly don’t intend on painting everyone with the same brush. I’m simply saying I don’t understand why people travel for the sake of travelling. I like greeting each new experience with open arms…..smelling the roses, so to speak. While I would love to, one day, be in a position where we can travel more extensively, I wouldn’t want that privilege without the same perspective I have managed to keep on this wonderful Adventure.

One last port tomorrow, and then we are off the boat. While we are looking forward to our five nights in Paris after the cruise, we are trying to savor every last minute of what we have left. Kim is rested, and it time to enjoy our night. Ciao from Florence.

[spingal]

Wow! This continues to be an AMAZING thread!!! :D:D:D:D

[sammatt]

That was beautiful, Kimmer, a great reflection on what it means to experience a destination.

[California Native]

I feel like I'm witnessing two little birdies learning not only to fly, but to soar!

[caribill]

Kim had booked ticket’s for the Uffizi Gallery at 10:30 AM, and the Academie to see David at 3:30PM.

 

She also told us, now that it was 10:20, that we would be leaving at 3:15 PM. Now, when Kim booked our tickets, all that we knew was that we would be docking at 7 AM and departing the port at 7 PM.

 

As with other Princess tours, the information about the "Florence On Your Own" would say both when it would start and when it would have you back at the ship.

 

To avoid disappointment on similar tours in the future, be sure to check what time the tour will be returning to the ship.

 

So sorry you had to miss the original David. Hopefully you saw the full size replica that is outside in a square near the Uffizi.

[ojaidenny]

Have been reading in interest as I am taking this cruise next year and have just started my planning. I plan on beginning our vacation in Paris so would really appreciate reading about that part of your trip also. Your story has been fun to read and very informative. Thanks.

[margord]

Still enjoying.

[scottsgal]

Fantastic journal - thanks for taking us on this journey with you and to watch your "travel transformation".

[mycruz]

Nice job continues! This is probably one of the top 5 Live From treads I've read! Thanks for taking me along on your great cruise.

 

I agree with your perspective on experiencing the place you're traveling versus having been there.

[bobpatj]

Our cruise isn't until Fall, and our itinerary is the reverse of yours, but your posts have been so valuable! Thank you so much for so much well written information. :)

[J&Jtravelcouple]

If you prepurchase individual tickets, you do not have to wait in the long line to purchase tickets. Just go straight to the front of the line and there should be a separate place for you to check in with your confirmation (I can't remember if it is to the right or left of the long line.) It is very quick and painless.

 

Cheers, thanks! :)

[J&Jtravelcouple]

,

 

Another outstanding post, thank you!

 

 

I was unable to find an open piano today,

 

so the word in the casino tonight is parlay.

 

 

And now you are not only a great writer, but a poet too! (With small metric assist...) ;)

 

 

,

[Podgieree]

Have been reading in interest as I am taking this cruise next year and have just started my planning. I plan on beginning our vacation in Paris so would really appreciate reading about that part of your trip also. Your story has been fun to read and very informative. Thanks.

 

I too love reading your posts and hope that you will continue them as you tour Paris!

[somogirl]

"you had me from Hello" - I mean Venice. I was hooked on your thread when I read the first night walking through Venice. Like a good book we are going to hate for it to end. THANK YOU

[Rauwe-bonk]

> He seems to have seen it all, but experienced nothing.

 

Wise words from wise people. :-)

 

Thank you for your very enjoyable journal.

[jkocpa]

Kimmer, I loved your description of moving from fearful travelers to confident explorers. Our trip last year from Venice to Rome, through the Greek Isles, did that for us also. Now, we don't do the ship excursions, unless absolutely necessary, and instead go it on our own. We have rented cars in foreign countries, hired cab drivers, taken commuter trains and city buses. We may not have gone to as many stops as the ship tours go to, but we have eliminated the visits to the leather shops, the carpet demonstrations, the cameo factories, etc. Instead, we have met locals, gotten lost, had many laughs, soaked up the atmosphere, and developed a much better appreciation for various cultures and peoples. And, we have developed a real love of travel. Looking forward to trips to England, France, and the Caribbean in the coming months, and will do it all on our own. Once your eyes are open, you really can see more!