Ocean princess venice to rome

[Bimmer09]

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The Ocean is obscured by MSC Lirica and there is another ship behind O.P

 

 

 

There's that big white private yacht again...

 

[laughing husky]

That big white yacht is the one I want to be on.....:) but if I can't, I will take one of the two R ships...:) Could you see what flag the private yacht was flying?

[Bimmer09]

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I was by now (around 1 p.m) needing a snack and a cold beer and as here was a casual outdoor cafe on top of the gardens I summoned Carol from her bench and snagged a table with a view of the harbor and shaded by another Maltese tree.

A British couple gathered their things while I waited for them to leave.

 

Once in place I went up to get some food for myself as Carol wasn't eating.

The specialty grab it and go food in Malta is Pastizzis-hot pies with a rich thick pastry crust and a filling usually featuring ricotta cheese and peas. They had steak or chicken ones too, keeping hot in a glass case. They smelled great and I ordered a pea one (the peas are smashed up inside-mushy peas and very British)

 

The guy behind the counter told me I could sit down and he'd bring the order to me, including a Cisk beer of course. I had to give Carol a bite of my pastizzi as it was hot and yummy, full of flavor. I was a happy camper under that tree-just a perfect temperature. Cold beer-yes. Happy Stomach-yes. Smoke yes.

 

Just then we saw our guide Anthony looking for a table to eat his pastizzi at so we invited him to sit with us and he was great company.

 

While we talked I got some money from my money belt as I thought we'd have to pay to ride the elevator (not the case if going down, only up) and the conversation got on to money belts and pickpockets in Venice. Anthony told a story of his first visit to Venice where he was riding into town on the airport bus and had a bag over his shoulder which he was holding onto where the strap rested on his shoulder. The bag was resting on the seat beside him. When he stood up he noticed there was no weight of the bag and found that the strap had been cut where it met the bag and the bag was gone! All his money and passport was in that bag. There were two other passengers discovering the same thing and they all met up in the Police Station where his visit to Venice began. He got money wired from home.

 

So-be warned. Another tip in crowded situations is to keep your camera bag not on your shoulder but around your neck and over your shoulder. If you sit down at a sidewalk cafe hook the strap from any bag you are carrying around the leg of your chair so that someone walking or riding by on a scooter can't whisk it away.

 

We asked Anthony for his business card and he was happy to comply. Soon it was time for us to go so we bid our goodbyes and took a last look around.

 

 

A long way down but luckily there was the elevator

 

 

Once on the ground it was a 10 minute walk to the ship. There is a duty-free shop on the way if you need it with of course a better selection than the ship.

[Bimmer09]

This is the ship that was berthed behind us-the Zenith-and from her squared funnel I'd guess she was once owned by Celebrity Cruises.

 

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The view from our balcony where we now relaxed

 

 

We were due to leave at 4 p.m for Palermo and so Carol ordered Afternoon tea to be delivered at 4.30 once we were out to sea. She asked if we could just have the tea and scones and skip the cakes, cookies and sandwiches and was told "No" as all those other items come with the tea. I thought I was back in the UK for a moment, circa 1975. Oh,well.

 

My plan for 4 p.m was to be up above the pool deck to film the cannons firing their salute, then to rush down to the cabin balcony to shoot our leaving of this grand harbor. The tripod was already set up....

 

Meantime I wondered-how does this trash end up in the harbor?

 

 

 

Really, people?

[SpinnerCOyyy]

We were on this voyage with you. We were in mini-suite 8060. Love seeing some of the things we didn't see. This was was third cruise for my spouse and I. It was the 7th for my in-laws who joined us for this voyage. It was our first small ship and we loved the intimacy. And not having to walk a mile to dinner was also a bonus. The "international" show they had with the pre-show balloon volleyball played by guests was a silly little surprise. Certainly nothing you would ever see on a bigger ship!

[Deck Chair Queen]

I did follow the guide through the catacombs in Rabat and it was fascinating and eerie. Amazingly there was cool fresh air running through them and the lighting was adequate though the path was uneven and constantly up and down. I further endeared myself to our lovely guide by mentioning how much I love Joseph Calleja, a fabulous lyric tenor from Malta. His eyes lit up with pride. He said Calleja was supposed to sing at the big independence celebration but could not because he was in America. And indeed last week I saw him on a live HD broadcast of Verdi's Macbeth from the Met! When he was interviewed during the intermission he gave a big shoutout to Malta. Suddenly the abstraction of "the Maltese Tenor" was real and palpable for me because I had been there! Travel is indeed broadening.

[Bimmer09]

Here's a video from the tour. It was 4 hours long and cost $60 each and well worth the small spend. Had it started an hour later we would have been among the wave of passengers from the other ships in port. The catacomb section would rule out those with mobility or claustrophobia issues. There are no benches outside the entrance if you planned to "sit it out" nor any shade.

 

At each of the shopping stops (mercifully brief at 20 minutes) there were nearby cafes and souvenir shops. Fridge magnets were purchased for the expanding collection.

 

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

We were on this voyage with you. We were in mini-suite 8060. Love seeing some of the things we didn't see. This was was third cruise for my spouse and I. It was the 7th for my in-laws who joined us for this voyage. It was our first small ship and we loved the intimacy. And not having to walk a mile to dinner was also a bonus. The "international" show they had with the pre-show balloon volleyball played by guests was a silly little surprise. Certainly nothing you would ever see on a bigger ship!

 

Hi Spinner and welcome aboard! Did you do a tour in Malta?

 

The International Crew Show is always fun as you get to enjoy some talented crew members. They do the balloon thing on the big ships too where it is held in the 700 seat Princess Theater. It seems to be a Princess tradition and is good clean child-like fun for adults.

 

I am glad you liked the intimacy of the ship and indeed nothing was far away and waiting for an elevator never took long. I think only once did I have to pass on one as it was full.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

At 4 p.m sharp the ship pushed away from the dock. I didn't witness any 4 p.m cannon salute even though the Lirica was no longer blocking our view with her big ugly stern-no cabins or suites back there (revenue opportunity lost) just sets of stairs leading down to narrow ledges of deck where folks were sitting in loungers or standing at the rail.

 

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[Wandalust725]

We visited the Hypogeum in Malta. They only allow 10 people in per hour and no cameras or bags of any kind...everything was locked up. This was a ship's excursion. We looked into getting tickets on our own but they were sold out for weeks!

 

Enjoying your commentary on the cruise.

 

We found the Trident Grille to be quite awful. :eek: Usually get lunch there often while cruising but after that first time didn't go back. Loved the pizza.

[Bimmer09]

Upper Barrakka Gardens

 

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Like Venice-no matter which way you point the camera you get something fine to look at. Where's the ugly?

 

 

[Bimmer09]

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[Bimmer09]

That big white yacht is the one I want to be on.....:) but if I can't, I will take one of the two R ships...:) Could you see what flag the private yacht was flying?

 

I used iPhoto and zoomed in on the yacht. No name on it anywhere along the profile view and the flag-red and white-was hanging limp at the stern.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

We both stayed on the balcony enjoying every moment of Valetta while we had the chance.

 

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The pilot boat caught up with us as we would soon not need his expertise. Lirica is way ahead of us.

 

 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

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As Valetta was getting smaller by the minute we turned our attention to the newly arrived Afternoon Tea...

 

[Bimmer09]

Zenith was part of Celebrity from 1992 to 2007. She is now part of the Pullmantur fleet. 47 K tonnes.

 

Anyone know which Celebrity ship she was?

 

Norris

[MGnut]

Zenith was part of Celebrity from 1992 to 2007. She is now part of the Pullmantur fleet. 47 K tonnes.

 

Anyone know which Celebrity ship she was?

 

Norris

 

According to Wikipedia, the Zenith was built for Celebrity and delivered in 1992 and was the Zenith, a sister ship to Horizon.

[Bimmer09]

According to Wikipedia, the Zenith was built for Celebrity and delivered in 1992 and was the Zenith, a sister ship to Horizon.

 

Thanks Howard!

 

Norris

[SpinnerCOyyy]

Norris,

Yes, we did a private tour on Malta with Rita Fsadni. She took us first to the fishing village of Marasaxlokk. It was early in the morning and the vendors were not out yet, so the area was quiet and really stunning to see. We then drove back to Vallatta and did a walking tour. St. Catherines, Aurberge de Castille, past the opera center currently under renovation to St. John's Co-Cathedral. Jaw dropping opulence and more gold leaf than I have ever encountered in one place. Long, lingering view of Carravaggio's Beheading of St. John The Baptist. Then to the upper Barrakka Gardens for the wonderful views and cold drinks. We were not there for the Shooting Battery Salute, but snagged some wonderful pics.

 

We did a crypts and catacombs tour in Rome. It included the Capuchin Bone Chapel. It was.... um... unlike anything we had ever seen. Best part of that tour was tour of San Clemente. 12th Century church, built on top of 4th Century church that was built on top of 1st Century apartment.

[Bimmer09]

Norris,

Yes, we did a private tour on Malta with Rita Fsadni. She took us first to the fishing village of Marasaxlokk. It was early in the morning and the vendors were not out yet, so the area was quiet and really stunning to see. We then drove back to Vallatta and did a walking tour. St. Catherines, Aurberge de Castille, past the opera center currently under renovation to St. John's Co-Cathedral. Jaw dropping opulence and more gold leaf than I have ever encountered in one place. Long, lingering view of Carravaggio's Beheading of St. John The Baptist. Then to the upper Barrakka Gardens for the wonderful views and cold drinks. We were not there for the Shooting Battery Salute, but snagged some wonderful pics.

 

We did a crypts and catacombs tour in Rome. It included the Capuchin Bone Chapel. It was.... um... unlike anything we had ever seen. Best part of that tour was tour of San Clemente. 12th Century church, built on top of 4th Century church that was built on top of 1st Century apartment.

 

I had to look up Marasaxlokk harbor on Google Images- looks like I missed a great photo-opportunity there! Sounds like a good easy way to start the day.

 

At the Barrakka Carol wanted to walk over to the Opera House-look I can see it from here! but given the crowded streets and the heat I nixed the idea and she thanked me later. So much to see but sometimes sitting under a shady tree with a beer is the best use of ones's time.

 

We did a Rome In Limo tour when in Rome....and I'll show that when we get there.

 

Thanks for responding so quickly to my question!

 

I was a hoping that people on this cruise would find the review and see things they may not have due to being elsewhere. every little piece of info helps those who may come after on this ship or to these islands.

 

I was surprised at how few people had even heard of Cruisecritic among those I spoke to. Hopefully they followed my written instructions on how to find it and will use it as a resource.

 

Norris

[tequilasunrise]

thanks for taking time to write this review! I have been enjoying reading it and looking at all the great pictures! Looks like a great cruise. :)

[Bimmer09]

thanks for taking time to write this review! I have been enjoying reading it and looking at all the great pictures! Looks like a great cruise. :)

 

Thanks for joining us. The cruise is now more than halfway through and of course we already got our disembarkation papers (boo!).

 

Next up will be a sail away from Valetta video then another MDR dinner (food porn alert!)

 

Then arrival in Palermo and some more ship shots including the amazing library.

 

Norris

[MMDown Under]

That was quite a feast provided for your afternoon tea on your balcony. Was that the afternoon tea you only wanted scones? Did you try one of those bread rolls overflowing with fillings?

[SpinnerCOyyy]

Yes, Marasaxlokk was wonderfully colorful! Rita took us to Marasaxlokk first to avoid the anticipated crowds at St. John's.

I used CC almost exclusively for a cruise we took in the Caribbean in 2012. To find excursion tour companies, as well as the cruise itself. This time around, I found myself using TripAdvisor more. Because this particular OP med cruise had three overlapping cruises, the roll call I thought was a little sparse. Maybe the smaller ship resulted in a smaller pool of CC people.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/128837730@N02/15417510470/

[Bimmer09]

That was quite a feast provided for your afternoon tea on your balcony. Was that the afternoon tea you only wanted scones? Did you try one of those bread rolls overflowing with fillings?

 

Yes scones and tea only please!

 

I think Carol ate a couple of sandwiches and cakes. I had eaten a pastizzi so wan't super hungry.

 

I hope the room steward helped himself when he took away the dishes later (that's his task not Room Service as they are quick to tell you.)

 

Norris, in a Scone mood right now.