ZEBRA CRASHES HONEYMOON ON CARNIVAL VISTA August 26-Sept 3 Review

[LaCal]

Loving your review. We'll be on the Vista Oct 1st. Can't Wait 😜🍹🍹

[bluenoser2]

ah ha! I see the Canadians are starting to come out of the woodwork, instead of lurking in the background! Yarmouth! I haven't been there in a long time - we're in Springhill. And Manitoba - I used to live in Saskatchewan, but didn't make it out to your neck of the woods very often, except on those cross country trips my DH is fond of doing every now and again!

 

 

Onward.

[bluenoser2]

 

 

 

Ah. Ooh. Happy sigh. Those are the sounds you would have heard that Saturday morning as I completed my first totally refreshing sleep of our vacation. Yup. It’s a cruise bed. Nothing like it. Mr. MacGeever returned from his 6:00 a.m. walk looking slightly disgruntled because apparently there were OTHERS out and about at that hour of the morning. Imagine.

 

 

I'm not seeing the "others". I think he was pretty much alone up there.

 

After stealthily retrieving Cubby’s formal shirts, he discovered that while people may be doing whatever it is people do at that ungodly hour of the day on lido deck, there are no such problems in the laundry room. I know…I know….. A return visit in less than 12 hours. Trepid Travellers a.k.a. Laundry Junkies.

 

 

BY THE WAY.....my toenail polish matched the bathroom floor EXACTLY.

I Know. That was important. To all of you.

 

 

 

Having accomplished his valet duties for our young groom, we gathered the honeymooners and visited the restaurant for Sea Day brunch. We discovered we liked deck 3’s layout much better than the upper level. And then, lo and behold, there was Boris, our man again for this morning! We were happy to see him again in a different locale. Eggs Benny was my choice – with smoked salmon because I’ve never had it that way before. I’ll not be having it that way again – it was just ok. My favourite part was the fruit platter, and Boris making sure my teapot was alright. (They served me cream…not milk…..fail.)

 

(Food porn? On my watch? Never. This is healthy food.)

 

 

Having become fast fans of CD Matt the previous day, we became his groupies today. We scurried off to Liquid Lounge to watch the taping of the morning show. Along with nine other people. OK, so all the rest of the ship just watches it from their lounge chairs on lido. We hadn’t been up at the crack of dawn to reserve said chairs, so we languished in the air conditioned comfort of the theatre. Matt is no slouch, and pegged Bubby and Cubby as honeymooners as soon as he saw them in the back of the theatre. (It was probably the red floaty hearts and Hall and Oates theme that surrounds them eternally.)

 

Knowing I was in for an arduous day of eating, I headed up to the walking track to do my 7 laps equalling one mile. Later, I found a spot at the Alchemy Bar (it wasn’t open) to do some writing, and sniffing. (Mint leaves…..what did you think I’d be sniffing?) The cooking demo was taking place at the Steakhouse nearby and the kids met me there for that.

 

“Cookie” was the consummate host (oops, did I just make a reference to another cruise line? My bad) for the event, and it was certainly a pleasant and tasty diversion. Florence particularly liked the Florence-sized portions we were all served. All of us but her. When she realized this, she tried the pretty pout, to no avail – she stayed in the purse.

 

 

 

 

 

[Beverley792]

See, now that's what I love about the CC board. I'm learning things all the time! Who knew I would learn about egg storage in the middle of my review! Thank you for the enlightenment. Sooooo, does that mean if I buy eggs (fresh) from the farmer down the road, I could actually just keep them on the counter? Wow. This could be a game changer. Stay tuned...I've got the next installment almost ready. Man, this reality really bites into my important review time.

 

Here in Canada (North America in general) we also wash all of the "good stuff" off of the eggs before packaging. In Europe they don't.

[kim.elniski]

I am loving your review and how you write! I have read every one of your days. Haven't done anything else, just sat here and read. We too are Canadians, but a little further west (Edmonton).

Love the idea of a mascot. I make photo books from all our trips and I think having a mascot in the pictures makes it more interesting. I found myself scouring your pictures for Florence.

We have only sailed on Princess so it is fun reading your reviews of another ship.

I eagerly await your next post.

Thanks for making my day,

Kim

[kissmeyoufool]

ah ha! I see the Canadians are starting to come out of the woodwork, instead of lurking in the background! Yarmouth! I haven't been there in a long time - we're in Springhill. And Manitoba - I used to live in Saskatchewan, but didn't make it out to your neck of the woods very often, except on those cross country trips my DH is fond of doing every now and again!

 

 

Onward.

 

I have been to Springhill a few times its a lovely place. I was born in Yarmouth so was my husband and of course our 3 children they are all grown up now but still live in Yarmouth and I have one Grand Daughter also. Love ur review get on Cruise Critic daily just to see whats happening. I post lots when I am planning a cruise looking to book med cruise for the fall of 2018 when they are available for booking.:)

[Dave & Mel]

I not from Canada, but my parents were both from Buffalo, NY. Close enough? Loving your review, we are cruising on October 11th, Athens to Barcelona, followed by the Trans-Atlantic to New York. I'm taking notes for our time on the Vista!

[bluenoser2]

Dave, or is it Mel...of course - you may be an honourary Canadian in my books. Thanks for your input!

 

 

Onward then!

 

I had every intention of being the super cool, suave cruise guest who stays on their balcony to do some quiet reading, while the rest of the barbarians head to the lido deck to watch the Hairy Chest competition…..er…….ice carving demonstration….yes, ice carving. That was it.

 

(Picture of ice carving demonstration for proof.)

 

 

Suffice to say, I caved. I got lonely. I went to find the family. Were they on Lido deck 10? Of course not. Were they on 11? Nope. I headed right for them on 12 – like I knew where they’d be. We did not stay to see the winner, we did enjoy Matt and the DJ, but we had to leave with at least a little dignity, and so we went to try Cucina del Capitano for lunch and the pasta bar.

 

 

We got in right away, and checked off our heart’s desires on the list given to each of us, Bubby and I tried to be exemplary by ordering half portions. Upon their arrival, I think it is safe to say they were NOT half portions – they were the same size as the guys’ bowls. But we ORDERED half portions, so they must have the nutrition value of half portions right? OK. I’ll walk some more. We LEFT almost half of them. That should count for something.

 

 

 

BY THE WAY…..the pasta restaurant is a whole lot easier to find if you happen upon the staircase in the Marketplace buffet. Or you could do as we did, fight your way against the wind on deck 12, making several wrong turns, and only THEN entering, and frightening small children with your Medusa locks.

 

 

Mr. MacGeever, finally conceding defeat over my watch battery, hauled me down to the shops where he purchased one of the less expensive, but still cute watches. Generous to a fault isn’t he? I personally think he was just tired of me constantly asking him what time it was. (If you’re a late entry, you may have missed that my very precious watch died not 2 hours into our trip in the Toronto Airport. A sure sign that I was meant to be on vacation mode.)

 

 

Since it had been at least half an hour since last grazing somewhere, Bubby, Cubby and I headed off to experience Teatime in the dining room. This is one of Bubby’s favourite occasions on a cruise ship, so she wanted Cubby to experience it as well. We left Mr. MacGeever slumbering….er…reading…on the balcony.

 

 

(Mr. MacGeever "reading" on the balcony)

 

 

Lovely live violin music greeted us as we were shown a table. I noticed Bubby giggling at something behind me, and that’s when she enlightened me that a family that had just come in – two little girls all excited for teatime, their mom, and their dad – clutching his Guy’s burger plate. The family that teatimes together stays together. With a little assistance from Guy. (Tea Test….fail…brought milk only after I begged for it….albeit, in a nice little pitcher and not a little box with straw. Alas, it was cream.)

 

 

And so it was time for a little resting and relaxing before summoning up the courage and strength for elegant night. I know. Many of you do not participate. This was Bubby’s chance to wear her wedding shoes one more time. Cubby’s chance to wear his suit again. “We NEED to be ready by 4:30 to do pictures” said the perpetually angst-ridden bride. We negotiated for 5:15 and scored a wee bit more balcony time.

 

 

After receiving instructions on what we were allowed to wear (as Mr. MacGeever tells me “it’s easier to just agree”, we proceeded to get all jacked up and dodge bathing suit donned cruisers, to be the first at most of the photo op places. Keep in mind, we are not big purchasers of cruise photos, but we find the posing for, and listening to the photographers some of the most entertaining times on elegant night. I mean, picture the game of Twister. Now add formal wear. And a photographer. Yup. That’s about it. Where do they come up with these poses?

 

 

BY THE WAY…..we were lovin’ the new “Preview your pics on your device instead of searching high and low for them in the photo shop” idea. Those pics were up on the Hub app so fast, we weren’t sure if we had even finished sitting for them! (Mind you….Bubby and Cubby were feeling pretty bad for the family whose photos they kept getting on their app. They were a really fine looking family, and Bubby almost bought one until she found out how much it would be. For people she never met. )

 

 

We were 5:20 getting to the Check-in desk on 5. This was, apparently, too early. We were instructed to go straight to the dining room and just wait in line with the other commoners. Obediently, we did just that, mustering all our Trepid courage that we could to request (ever so politely) level 3. Score! We were rewarded for our bravery with a table for 4 by the window and we liked our servers and the tablecloths were on the tables and the food was wonderful and it was just a perfect evening.

 

(note the formal wear for Florence.....)

 

And so it was, that we met Nenad and Carolina, our servers for the rest of the week. They were so wonderful. We loved our appetizers. We loved our lobster and orzo. Well, 2 of us did…the others subscribe to the view that “fish are friends, not food” (apparently Lobster falls into that area. When convenient.) Dessert time….yes, I know. You’re all on the edge of your seats wondering…waiting. THE TEST. Would Nenad and Carolina suffer the same consequences as their predecessor? Would they rise to the occasion? What would happen? Cliff hanger indeed! (This is where we would go to commercial, but I’m not like that and you can’t hear the apprehensive crescendo of the musical interlude. So. Onward.)

 

 

A wee Happy Honeymoon cake was produced for Bubby and Cubby by our waitstaff, and four waiters performed the most endearing and out of tune rendition of Happy Honeymoon to You…totally embarrassing the kids.

 

 

Not that there were many around to see their embarrassment – the room was pretty empty since we eat so crazy early. Nenad proclaimed “Enjoy your extremely LARGE cake!” (Add Serbian accent and it sounds better) and was off to find the rest of our desserts. Cubby and I had the underwhelming crème brulee which neither of us cared for much, and I usually really like. We gazed longingly at Bubby and Mr. MacGeever’s dessert of chocolate hazelnut cake with warm chocolate sauce. There were no free samples offered, just murmurs and groans of delight from the other two. I did procure a taste, but I had to ASK for it. At the end of our journey, this was declared the winner of desserts. Sniff. Cubby was out of luck since he had a Honeymoon cake nearby, and another in the room.

 

 

 

 

Oh, yes... THE TEST. You thought I forgot. A goblet of milk, skim milk, appeared (still with foam from squeezing it out of its little box). The “tea with milk” was ordered, and…..tea arrived but no milk. Mr. MacGeever offered some of his ice cream, but it just wasn’t the same. (Partial pass. Sigh. At least the tea stayed in the pot tonight.)

 

Getting OUT of the restaurant was a challenge! It was now after 7:00, the witching hour…or something, and there were mobs of people fighting over tables. We just wanted to get out, and finally managed to do so, but lost one of our party in the process. I thought…now what! This can’t be the end. Mr. MacGeever will surely find a way to fight off the hungry formally dressed people. With all that worry, it seemed the best thing to do was visit a washroom. When in doubt, you know. Eventually we located the missing husband, and all was well. We checked out the Captain’s Toast but discovered that again, Carnival’s time of 7:15 in the Funtimes meant 7:45, so we went to Punchilners instead and sat in on two shows.

 

 

The comedians were pretty funny and once seated, we saw no reason to move until we had to, and so the production show was missed tonight. We ended our day with a Walk and Gawk…admiring all the attire of our fellow passengers. A lovely sea day. Our only sea day. Time to rest. Tomorrow begins the marathon of tours! What? We have to get off the ship? Really? Sicily here we come.

 

 

 

[bluenoser2]

Sicily. Land of Mr. MacGeever’s forefathers. Well, one forefather. Not all of them. It’s the day he’s been waiting for, longing for, and dreaming of forever. Well, not forever. But he certainly has been looking at EVERY ship’s itinerary to see when a NEW ship, a BIG NEW ship, would make it there. Today was the day.

 

 

 

 

We viewed the approach into Messina as we ate in The Marketplace. (I think this is where the ominous sounding music should begin to play very quietly…foreshadowing and all.) We had ditched the kids, and did our breakfasts separately. My made-to-order omelette hit the spot just right. We were impressed with Bubby and Cubby's ability to be on time and ready to go when they promised, and off we went. Carnival Godfather tour here we come. I know, I know….we could have saved oodles of money doing a private tour. We would have had a smaller vehicle, less people, more hours. Frankly, we were just looking for a 4 hour tour (Gilligan’s Island fans can stop humming now) and well, I’ve already mentioned Bubby’s issues. We were trying to keep her anxiety levels hovering around normal if possible.

 

 

So, about me. About me and The Motor Coach. About me, The Motor Coach, and being in a spectacular place I’ve never been before. About me, The Motor Coach, the Spectacular, and Two Hours of Sleep (what happened? I thought the cruise bed was the answer!). Oh. And a tour guide, talking in sultry gentle tones in her beautiful Italian accent. Yeah. Doze City. And me with the window seat. What a waste. Mr. MacGeever gently and reassuringly saying “don’t worry, I’ll wake you if there’s anything important.” Anything important? We were in Sicily for heaven’s sake!

 

 

OK, so maybe the sleep was a good thing because by the time I was half-awake and trying to focus on the views from the switchback roads, I was getting a tad queezy. That was one awesome bus driver though. I was impressed. His skill was reassuring. The heat and my stomach not so much. However, we leapt out of the bus at the first opportunity gulping in big breaths of fresh, if not cool air, and gazed at the scenery around us in the tiny village of Forza d’Agro.

 

 

It was like stepping back in time. Bubby would tell you more about stepping back if she could regale you with her tales of the washroom she had to visit whilst there. I, with my Bladder of Steel, missed out on that one.

 

 

 

 

We noted some of the places featured in the Godfather trilogy. Just a note about us, the younger members of our group barely knew of the existence of the Godfather movies, and for the rest of us, well, when did the Godfather come out? That’s about how long it’s been. We did not do our homework and re-watch the films before the trip. We will do so now. Except that horse head thing. Don’t like that.

 

 

 

 

 

[Sturmin]

Following along. Not from Canada, but sometimes it seems few people from the US realize that😄. Congratulation to you and the happy couple.

P.S. It is called "pop" in the northern tier of the US as well.

[maryann2]

I hear you with the milk for tea. I always bring my own teabags and ask straight away for a jug of cold milk and occasionally do get it. I will be on board 23 days next month so hopefully by the end they will get it right.

[bluenoser2]

After our time in Forza d/Agro, we made the descent from the mountain top. Alternately trying to stay awake, and not feel woozy, we were glad it was not us driving the bus, as our driver had to back up and make more than one attempt on most of the curves. So, for those of you keeping count, no one in our group wants to be either a flight attendant OR a bus driver when we grow up.

 

Next stop, Savoca! We really liked this village, and we got to walk a bit here. Up the windy (curvy, not breezy) narrow roads of the village to the church at the peak. Just as we turned a corner, the door of a home opened, and there was Apollonia’s mother. I don’t remember her real name, but she does look just like an older version of the woman who plays the mother in the movie (No, that wasn’t from my long term memory storehouse - I watched a YouTube clip, not the whole movie, to check). After we applauded her, and she waved at us, we went on our merry way. This would have been a grand time for us all to begin quietly humming the love theme from the Godfather, but there were no takers.

 

(the taxi for non-walkers up to the church)

 

 

This may have been the hottest I have ever been while on excursion. I couldn’t even tell where hot flashes began and natural heat stayed. Thankfully, Mr. MacGeever (bless him – no really, not that Southern kind of “bless him” but really really bless him) toted bottles of water for us all – we helped him by emptying them rapidly. That may have been why I didn’t need washroom breaks – I believe I glowed it all out. We climbed the ascent to the church where more happened in The Godfather. Look, we weren’t really worried about the Godfather – it was just a great way to see the beauty of Sicily.

 

 

 

We made our way back into the town centre, to the bar where something else took place in the movie, and were led out back to a shady spot with tables where we gratefully received our lemon granitas. Like a slushy, but in a goblet so it felt more classy. We were given a “cookie” (as our lovely guide with her sultry Italian voice said) to go with it. The server was patiently trying to tell us that the breadsticks, for that is more what they resembled, were to be dipped in the granita and eaten that way. Very few must have heard that, but I enjoyed them that way, and felt all Italian and proper. (Says the Ukranian descended Canadian.)

 

 

There was just enough time for Mr. MacGeever to purchase a Godfather apron after I showed it to him, at the souvenir shop and we were back on the bus.

 

Back at the ship by 1:30. Being Sunday, there was nothing open in the city, so we just bought our obligatory magnet from a vendor through the fence (!) on the way back into the ship. We were looking forward to air conditioning and showers at this point anyway. We ALL had Guy Fieri hamburgers for lunch – no desire to be virtuous today.

 

This afternoon gave me a chance to explore more of the ship. I inspected Serenity Deck, and while possibly “serene”, it was also the messiest and most crowded place I encountered. No serenity for me there. My OCD would have kicked in and I would have been straightening everyone and everything up and removing towels right and left. Left and right?

 

Promenade deck chairs are far more serene. We found the “secret” deck on our deck 9 at the front, which was also very serene. Maybe not if the ship was moving, but in dock – very serene indeed. Mr. MacGeever attempted the pool, but it was so crowded and the water so warm (THAT is scary) it wasn’t refreshing.

 

We were a little concerned about Cubby’s appetite at dinner that evening. Yes, Mr. MacGeever persisted, and won our spot at our favourite table – the computer had us down for a totally different table on the other level, so it does pay to REMEMBER your table number. Anyway, here was Cubby, not eating very much, choosing the lightest dishes on the menu. When we asked if he was alright (I being all ready with motion sickness tablets, tums or whatever else he might need from our day) he looked a wee embarrassed, and then admitted that he had a piece of pizza for lunch at 1:45. And then a hamburger. And then another hamburger. WHERE DOES HE PUT ALL THAT FOOD? We had a good laugh, those of us who COULD laugh, and explained his predicament to Nenad and Carolina, as they were also looking concerned.

 

 

 

I had the Oysters Rockefeller which were fine, and stuffed Portobello Mushrooms for dinner. Mr. MacGeever, throwing caution to the wind, ordered the Indian Vegetarian Meal, necessitating worried glances from Nenad. “It’s very hot” said he. ”Not a problem” said I. A scornful “phht” was all Mr. MacGeever would grant, he of the “very hot” option on any menu. Heh, heh……it was an experience all right. But I’ll just move right along shall I. My mushrooms were yummy. We finished off the meal with Chocolate Melting Cake (except for dear Cubby who took the diet version Lime Coconut Cake).

 

Ah yes, THE TEST. You will all be able to settle back and relax, for it was on this night, that skim milk was received in a goblet, and tea, with milk in the cute little pitcher was also received after asking. SCORE.

 

This evening, we took in the Amora Cuba production show. Great band, great sets and costumes, but you want to watch where you sit if bright lights being shot into the audience suddenly bother you. We learned pretty much when to avert or close our eyes. Did I say close? Mr. MacGeever actually only drifted off twice. That’s a pretty stellar compliment coming from him. Being in the Liquid Lounge. In the dark. After a full day. You get the picture.

 

BY THE WAY, the acoustic duo “Me and My Cousin” were possibly our favourite musicians of the cruise. Excellent. That’s all I have to say about that. Bubby was entranced. Just her style of music. We made sure we got to listen to them whenever we could during the cruise.

 

So after all that, you’re probably asking “WHAT ABOUT MESSINA AND THE VISTA?” Indeed. I did not neglect to mention it in my epistle of the day. We had absolutely NO idea. I don’t even know where we were at the time. Surely we would have noticed from our window at dinner, since it was on that side. Or not! I was surprised as all get-out to find out about it later in the cruise, and then watch the video of it at home! Who knew? Everyone else except for us Trepids apparently. And if you don’t know what I’m talking about….there’s lots more information on The Incident in Messina on the boards!

 

[bluenoser2]

 

 

5:30 a.m. is much more feasible after a great night’s sleep, and we hit the floor running. Jogging. Ok, maybe just ambling…. to The Marketplace. The buffet was very manageable at this time of day. First- timers, upon entering the buffet from the poolside, might be tempted to join the bleary-eyed lineup as they first come in. Do not be deceived! There is more food beyond the first line! We learned to bypass that first line, and go on, yes, on, yes, more walking before caffeine, and hit the second area, where there was all that had been at the first, plus fruit and more pastries, muffins and the like. And less people. It was too early for a Breakfast burrito at Blue Iguana, so I settled for a hodgepodge of items from the buffet, which is essentially exactly the same every day. Not exciting, but predictable. Not delicious, but filling.

 

After eating, we ran into Bubby and Cubby. 4000 passengers, and every time we went somewhere they found us with their offspring radar. Everyone was raring to go, which was a good thing because a long day was upon us. Sunscreen – check. Mr. MacGeever’s water supply for the rest of us – check. Bathroom stop – check. Final bathroom stop – check. Just one more bathroom stop – alright already – just let’s get to the dining room before another stop!

 

So, let’s talk about busses. Yesterday, we had a bus. We did not complain. It was fine. It was o.k. Today, after waiting in Reflections, we went out to our coach and met our guide Gialuca. The only thing nicer than an Italian women’s sultry accent, is the gentle tones of Gialuca. And his smile. He had a smile that lit up the room and just made you want to make the day easy for him. (Yes I know, ANOTHER Carnival tour day. We caved. Big time.) He had us at “Buongiorno”. But the bus! Leg room! We had forgotten about leg room. And Air conditioning! We thought the other bus was chugging out all that was possible. But no! This was luxury. We are not even tall people, and we luxuriated in the stretching of our legs, and the wafting cool breezes in our faces. Ahhhh……yep, you guessed it, there was some resting of the eyes in spite of my good night’s sleep.

 

Our lovely bus took us to Salerno, where, since we were the first of the 3 or 4 groups using the sea-faring boat/ferry, we were able to nab seats up on the top level to get the views. Luca did cajole us into promising we would let the other groups have first crack at those prime seats on the return trip. We solemnly agreed. What could we do? He smiled ever so gently and we were putty in his hands.

 

 

 

Somewhat trepidly, Mr. MacGeever and I settled in for the trip, remembering The Boat to Portofino (from an earlier review of our first visit to Italy). Fortunately, for our nerves, and sadly for a great story to tell, the boat ride was as calm as could be, and we breathed in the fresh sea air, and snapped picture after picture of the beautiful coastline.

 

 

Amalfi was our destination, and we oohed and ahhed our way into dock before heading into the town.

 

 

 

Small lanes shared by pedestrians, scooters, small cars, large vans…you name it. We had an hour to shop and explore and evade the Carnival photographer who kept popping up when we least expected it, snapping photos and saying “Room number please!”

 

 

 

(sign in my favourite store in Amalfi!)

 

 

[bluenoser2]

 

 

 

Our happy group gathered around Luca after a successful hour of spending in Amalfi. After watching him perform a head count several times, Mr. MacGeever asked “Are we close?” (as if that would matter – you know, close enough! Let’s go!), to which Luca replied gravely, “No. We are FAR.” He patiently and respectfully declined advice from other tour members on how best to count, and in minutes we were on our way back to the boat. Clever. His counting. His managing to have our group be the LAST group back to the boat. VERY clever. We submissively took seats inside on the lower deck, and after a few minutes Luca arrived to say we could actually sit wherever we liked as the other groups had indeed had their chance. We chose to remain where we were. Close to the washroom. Not FAR. The ride back was as gloriously uneventful as the first and we were back to our lovely bus to get to Pompeii.

 

 

Mr. MacGeever and I had climbed Vesuvius and visited Pompeii on our previous trip, so we assured Bubby and Cubby that they would get excellent views of Vesuvius and not have to climb it.

 

We had been travelling for just a short time when poof! The air conditioning became ominiously quiet. Soon an alarm sounded (and kept sounding) from the vicinity of the driver. And soon we pulled over into one of those pullouts for emergencies. I KNEW it was too good to last. One of the “important belts” had broken. And so it was that we sat and waited for 25 minutes in the bus for help to arrive. (It was still cooler than our bus the previous day!) Luca gave us reassuring reports at intervals so we would know we had not been abandoned. True to his word, one of the other busses soon pulled up and we transferred all our belongings and selves into the other bus and made it to Pompeii without much delay. Mind you, our substitute bus was not as lovely, but it did the trick.

 

We were all very hungry by the time we got to Pompeii, but had to endure the obligatory Cameo Factory 15 minute tour before being led into a beautiful banquet room, where we were wined and dined. It was a filling and well cooked meal. A roving Guitar player strolled amongst the tables, and when he returned, hat in hand, we realized that to get him to stop, money would exchange hands and we could eat in peace.

 

 

Cannelloni for a first course, chicken with yummy roasted potatoes for a second, and a light chocolate chip ice-cream for dessert. There was wine enough for those who wanted it, and the washrooms here! The washrooms were divine!

 

 

The tour of Pompeii followed, and Luca was an interesting and fact-filled guide. Yes, it was hot, but there were breezes and shade. When we began our tour of the ruins, we noticed giant artwork scattered amongst the ruins. At times this was…er…interesting. At times it just got in the way. I am still undecided as to whether I liked this art exhibition within the ruins. Anyone who has seen the same, please chime in! I’d love to hear your thoughts. I know what historian Luca’s thoughts were.

 

 

 

 

(I suppose I'll never get my photos of this trip mixed up with the other trip this way)

 

[CougarMom]

Our traveling companion is Otis the Beanie Baby Corgi. He is anxiously awaiting his next adventure on his first cruise.

[nybumpkin]

We were all very hungry by the time we got to Pompeii, but had to endure the obligatory Cameo Factory 15 minute tour before being led into a beautiful banquet room, where we were wined and dined. It was a filling and well cooked meal. A roving Guitar player strolled amongst the tables, and when he returned, hat in hand, we realized that to get him to stop, money would exchange hands and we could eat in peace.

 

 

Cannelloni for a first course, chicken with yummy roasted potatoes for a second, and a light chocolate chip ice-cream for dessert. There was wine enough for those who wanted it, and the washrooms here! The washrooms were divine!

 

 

The tour of Pompeii followed, and Luca was an interesting and fact-filled guide. Yes, it was hot, but there were breezes and shade. When we began our tour of the ruins, we noticed giant artwork scattered amongst the ruins. At times this was…er…interesting. At times it just got in the way. I am still undecided as to whether I liked this art exhibition within the ruins. Anyone who has seen the same, please chime in! I’d love to hear your thoughts. I know what historian Luca’s thoughts were.

 

We took the Amalfi and Pompeii excursion in July. I'm very glad we did this tour by boat. Loved Amalfi. We enjoyed our meal before visiting Pompeii - same menu you had. Same entertainer, I think. As for the statues in Pompeii - what our guide explained is that the art is all original to the site, but was moved around for display purposes. There was one in particular that moved me:

 

340 Pompeii by baxted, on Flickr

This is looking toward Vesuvius. I just pictured a man looking toward the volcano, despairing as it erupted.

[cocacola86]

Hey Beverly I see your from Kingston, love that city used to live there but my parents do .

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[bluenoser2]

Thanks for everyone's input! Florence has decided you're all honourary Canadians, but only if you want to be, because that's the way we roll. Tea drinkers unite! We'll get those Carnival servers trained one day.

 

 

ONWARD.

 

 

 

This was the day. This was the day that the Trepids would attempt to become Intrepid Travellers. After copious amounts of research done online, we decided we could do this. We could do Rome on our own. We bravely maintained masks of calm when in Bubby’s company. Again, read on – and if you ever wondered whether you could do this yourself, know that we are the least adventurous people you’re likely to meet. And we did. It. We did it all by ourselves.

 

We chose to NOT leave the ship early, to avoid any major congestion on the train for the masses attempting the same. This happily meant that I could have my breakfast burrito from the Blue Iguana. (If someone had said hashbrowns would be a welcome addition to a burrito I would have laughed…but they were yummy!) And the watermelon salsa is something I must try to make at home. I went back on other days just for that. It WAS a very large burrito. I admitted defeat and did not finish.

 

To watch the “fun ashore” presentation given on our room TV by CD Matt, one would almost regret having made the decision to go it alone. For the reluctant adventurer, it sounds like the most foolish of foolish things to attempt this day without Carnival’s help. We laughed nervously in the face of such talk. The free shuttle is said to be unreliable. We had no such problems. So here is our experience. I’m sure others have had problems, but we did not.

 

When we exited the ship around 8:30 a.m., someone was there to direct us – Carnival tours this way to the right, and everyone else that way to the left. So far so good. Easy peasy. Right at the end of that very short route, was the shuttle bus. A big motor coach, that filled quickly, and we were on our way in minutes. (We noted another was just pulling up ready to fill up.) Walking this stretch would have been difficult, as the Vista was the farthest ship away from the port entry and with the hot day of walking we had planned, not necessary to prove anything. I saw no sidewalks and it looked like that could have given some of our group major palpitations if we had considered that. No matter, we were on the bus. We were dropped off at the shuttle parking area outside the dock area, and chose to walk to the train station. There is a bus as well, but we chose to walk. Because that’s what we do. Walk. It was an easy 15 minute walk – we had gotten a map of Civi on the shuttle busto make sure, but basically the best advice was the CC person who said “keep the sea to your right and you’ll find it” (those are directions even I can deal with). As well, one can simply follow all the others. It would be a really nasty prank to take the lead and just go the totally wrong way. I wonder how many would follow.

 

We did see one little store that advertised selling BIRG tickets, but kept walking. Sure enough, at the station there was a hefty line-up for tickets, and a smaller but still considerable mob of people at the Information office just before. Mr. MacGeever was ready to go back to the Information centre when I (summoning all my memories of CC reviews I had stored in my brain) said “Wait!” and saw the newsstand in the station, where we went in (not a soul there except the man behind the counter) and got our BIRG tickets. He reminded us to validate them in the little green machine back out in the other room (which was easily found) and we proceeded from the little station to the tracks to find where our train would be coming and going. It was early, but it was already VERY hot, and we found the area, along with all the rest of humanity. The train arrived shortly after we found the track (easily) and we were able to get on and find seats and wait in the relative cooler comfort. The train left promptly at 9:45 and we were happily on our way.

 

(happiliy on our way...)

 

Other than the washroom having no toilet paper (dang! That was what I forgot – the little emergency packets of toilet paper still in my room at home), it was a lovely, quiet, smooth ride to Rome. We knew to get off at San Pietro (seeing the huge dome out our window was a not so subtle hint) and keeping the dome of St. Peters in sight helped us to find our way to the square. Following others was not an option since we had stopped after getting out into the street to consult maps, and drink water, losing track position. We had a lot of area to cover this day, to let Bubby and Cubby see as much as possible of this beautiful city, and a lot of walking to be done!

 

 

 

After seeing St. Peter’s from the outside, we walked away from that area, ambling at our own pace (nice after the days of organized tours) along the river.

 

 

Eventually we stopped at a local restaurant at 11:30 for something to eat, not wanting to go longer without washrooms or food. That was an experience! “You go first” said Bubby as we clutched each other. I did, mustering all my courage and Lysol wipes, and together we managed to survive the experience (it wasn’t really THAT bad, but it was an interesting little washroom. “THAT bad” would be the first washroom we saw in Russia years before…but that’s another review from another day.) The guys gave thumbs up to their Italian spaghetti and lasagna dishes. Bubby and I were less hungry and shared a Nutella pastry and tasted their dishes. When we ordered Cokes there, we didn’t realize they would be the larger 500 ml cans – so Mr. MacGeever ended up with a little more weight in his pack because we couldn’t finish them all right then.

 

(oooh...product placement.)

 

 

[JaniceB]

Loving the pictures and the toe nail polish was perfect.

[Froufie]

Enjoying your review very very much - and happy to see Florence is able to keep up with all of you :D (I especially like that she is still sporting her 'formal wear' attire' while touring Rome - how chic!)

[bluenoser2]

Haha! Florence ditched the formal drop earrings though. She just kept the bridal veil on. She ditched it later. It was a little cumbersome in my purse.

[Froufie]

Haha! Florence ditched the formal drop earrings though. She just kept the bridal veil on. She ditched it later. It was a little cumbersome in my purse.

 

Well of course as her 'designated' fashion consultant I assume you would know which accessories and outfits would be most suitable for her various outings. Kudos to you for taking care of all the finer details of her attire! (and making sure she can fit into your purse so she can join in on all the adventures and obligatory modeling/picture taking!):p;)

[bluenoser2]

Back out into the heat we trod, and made our way to the Spanish Steps, with a quick stop along the way for re-funding at an ATM.

 

 

 

Then, on to the Trevi Fountain and some souvenir shopping. We did the “ta da!” thing for Bubby at the fountain and looked at her underwhelmed face. What? She didn’t like our favourite fountain? How could this be? For the rest of the day we were reminded that we had assured her we would be seeing the fountain from the movie “When in Rome” and that was NOT it! Sigh. I don’t remember that promise. Cubby liked it. So did Florence.

 

 

 

Marcus Aurelius Column, the Pantheon (where the REAL horses standing quietly in front of carriages scared Bubby because she hadn’t realized they were real),

 

 

an overview (literally) of the Roman Forum,

 

the Capitol Museum where flags were at half-mast (presumably for the earthquake victims?)

 

 

 

and after Piazzas aplenty, and not too much wasted-because-we-were-a-tad-lost steps, we arrived at the Coliseum. This is how hot and tired we were. Remember that scene from Vacation, when the family gets to the Grand Canyon and does “the look”? That was almost, but not quite, us.

 

[bluenoser2]

When we suggested walking to the other side for a different view, we were greeted with vacant stares. Or maybe that was dehydration and heat stroke. Not sure. All I know is that there was a Metro stop right across the street from where we stood, and Bubby was hot and tired enough to allow us to use it rather than walking to our final destination the Termini strain station. Mr. MacGeever and I nodded secretly to each other. This would bring our number of “Subways We Have Been On In the World” to…uh……er….one more than it was before.

 

 

(Did I mention I LOVE these trees? Yes? Sorry.)

 

Our BIRG tickets came in handy and we happily boarded the subway to the train station we desired. Wow. When people on these boards said it’s a LONG walk to the track for the right train, they were spot on. We were certainly not going to make the train that was leaving 5 minutes after we got to the station, so we didn’t have to hoof it too fast to track 28. Though, we weren’t all that early for the next one either! An enjoyable time was spent by the others (not Bladder of Steel me) using the high tech fascinating restroom on this train (which DID have toilet paper) and we settled in for another quiet ride back to Civi. The inside temperature of 24 degrees Celsius felt like springtime and freshness after the heat of the day we had experienced. I thought I had never been so hot in Sicily? THIS was the sweatiest spot I had ever been (forget glowing or perspiring, this was just plain sweaty today).

 

 

Upon arrival back in Civi, we bypassed taxi drivers offering trips to the ship for 5 Euros per person, and walked back to the shuttle parking place. Again, a bus was waiting, we got on and were off right away. And that is how you do Rome in a day for 12 Euros per person, plus food. Yes, it was a lot of walking, but we wouldn’t have done it any other way to see as much as we could. Had it just been the two of us old geezers, we would have chosen different sites, and had a leisurely lunch of pizza near the Coliseum, but in order to give the kids their possibly once in a lifetime glimpse of this great city, we did it our way (Frank Sinatra fans, your turn – hum away to your heart’s delight.)

 

We were back at the ship by 5:00 for showers and to the dining room by 5:30. There were some very hungry patrons at our table that night! Cubby felt totally justified in getting 3 appetizers tonight – lunchtime was a long time ago! I love being on a cruise and seeing my normally picky daughter try things she wouldn’t dream of eating at home – like vichyssoise and … meat. We learned that when Carnival says in the description of the seafood pasta “scallops” - that really means one scallop, and numerous calamari. This wasn’t a stellar experience tonight – I had salmon and didn’t finish it. (It didn’t help that Mr. MacGeever passed me HIS salmon from his pasta.) The kids had lasagna – huge piece! Dessert time was cheesecake time for me, and………Carolina brought us milk for Mr. MacGeever and tea WITH milk for me without us asking for it. First Class Honours. Dean’s List. Score!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Showtime tonight was a juggler/comedian who was entertaining enough to not only keep Mr. MacGeever awake, but keep us tired travellers laughing. A walk in the surprise light rain outside on lido deck, and a wee bit of soft serve (which apparently I cannot swirl properly….Mr. MacGeever delightedly reminding me with his “Rookie…” comment) and let’s get those feet into bed time.

 

 

 

[WpgCruise]

Really enjoying your review, and finding your pics and writing style to be outstanding.

 

Can't wait for more.