Wind Surf Rome to Barcelona Review

[Flyingirl]

Just got back from the Oct 29th cruise and thought I would post a quick review before I forget.

 

In Rome we stayed at the Waldorf Cavalleri. (on points because I am a diamond member and you can't beat the amenities!) love it there! Our second time. Used Rome Cabs for the airport transfer and for the post transfer a few days later. There was a small glitch with the Italy time change and my folks got forgotten at the airport the day they arrived. Once they found a phone to call, the owner, Stephano, made it all right. We would use them in a heartbeat again.

 

On Elba we rented a car from Happy Rental. I know it sounds hokey but they were great. He was the only one I could get a response from via Internet. Drove the Wine Road and got some homemade olive oil and wine at a vineyard. Ate and walked around at Rio' nell Elba. That was worth it! Driving was simple but it was off season. Went to Napoleans summer residence and it was a not miss site.

 

In Portovenerre it was too windy for the public boats to be running to Cinque Terre. We walked around the church, castle, graveyard (one day prior to the Day of Saints so it was all decorated with flowers). Didn't get a bit bored and loved it.

 

Monaco we did a tour with Catherine Coppex. All 6 of us loved her and thought it was a great tour. But, since we had never been there we would have been fine walking around on our own. We went to Eze and Nice. I could have skipped Nice and spent more time in Eze or downtown Monaco. But glad we saw as much as we did! The Costeau museum looked awesome! Next time! Went into town late for coffee across from the casino. That was fun!

 

Cannes- walked around on our own and shopped. The market was great! The walk was great but there was shuttles available. Too short there in my opinion.

 

San Tropez- got in about 7pm. Off season and dark but a charming town. Restaurants and bars were open but that was it. Walked around a little over an hour.

 

Barcelona- we did a private tour for 4 wit Barcelona Day Tours. Our driver was Georgi. He is a public defender for his day job so he was very informative to listen to. He picked us up at the port with our bags and we toured the city, hit a small outdoor market and spent most the day at Monserrat. Then, he dropped us and our bags at the hotel H10. Loved that place! Great location right off Las Ramblas. And, driver stayed with the van at all times to make sure the bags were safe.

 

As far as the ship. Laundry was a great deal and showed up pressed to. I was worried it was washed and folded. The crew was the best of any line we have been on. (5). Best service we have ever had. The ship was a little outdated but once we started off we really didn't notice. The hot tubs were always hot and open very late. The dinner on the back of the ship at Candles was very tasty. Ate once in the Veranda and none of us liked the food. Ate the other nights in the main restaurant and it was great! The night at Monaco is the bar b que. almost skipped it and stayed in town as we are not huge bar b que fans but it was well worth it! Grilled lobster and filet!

 

We found all of the ports walk able on your own with was a pleasant surprise from the big shops. Loved being able to just walk off and have things right there.

 

We aren't big entertainment fans but there was singers on board.

 

Have fun!

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the review!

[Flyingirl]

Forgot to mention that on the tour out of Monaco we went to Fragonard. The perfume factory. I am not a perfume person in the slightest and it was a highlight. Loved it and wish I had bought more face cream. Now that I am home and using it it is the best I have ever used. And, I have tried a lot of different creams since I am getting older and my job pays a big toll on my skin too. I have looked on line and it is almost double the price and not the same selection. There was a place next door where the guys could drive Ferrari's for about 50€. If we had known that ahead of time my husband would have been there.

 

Also, FYI- the odd numbered cabins on the Windsurf are on the right side of the ship (starboard) and the even numbers are left (port). We accidentally had an odd number which was perfect. No early sunrise in the windows and land out our window the whole time.