Metropolitan City of Venice, Veneto, ItalyIt’s pretty hard to beat the experience of arriving into the Venice Port on a cruise ship via the Giudecca Canal.
Awesome views from the upper deck with the splendor of the city's old buildings built between 1200-1700 on one side and Giudecca Island on the other. Dr Sherry Hutt did a commentary on the city's history as the ship passed key sights. The amazing views and her educational narrative made entering this very special city even more extraspecial!
Awesome views from the upper deck with the splendor of the city's old buildings built between 1200-1700 on one side and Giudecca Island on the other. Dr Sherry Hutt did a commentary on the city's history as the ship passed key sights. The amazing views and her educational narrative made entering this very special city even more extraspecial!
We stayed in Venice on our 2013 trip so we really did not have any sightseeing plans. Took the shuttle up to the water taxi area. It was sooo hot and crowded decided against going anywhere. Made arrangements a few weeks ago with Luggage Free to ship our big bags home since we are spending the next several weeks traveling around by train. (They arrived at home three days later--unbelievable it was that fast!) Located the building we had to take them to tomorrow and talked to the guy to make sure we knew what to do. Spent time getting ready to leave the ship in the morning. The last day of the cruise is when you exchange your winning tickets from activities for "stuff" like t-shirt, baseball cap, etc. Even though we don't need more stuff, it's fun.
Never went to High Tea since we are usually out sightseeing. Today we finally made time. Our favorite French waiter, Matthew, was working and he had us try his favorites--delicious!
Dinner at Jacques specialty restaurant with Nellie & Sam. Best prime rib--ever, as well as lobster with mushroom sauce--yumm. Great time with all the staff who remembered Dessert First for Randy.
Even a nice sunset. Perfect way to end our last day!
Even a nice sunset. Perfect way to end our last day!
August 13:
Up to see sunrise then breakfast with Nellie & Sam. Shared a taxi with them to the train station, dropping off the luggage to ship home. Hired a porter to take the luggage for all four of us up the steps on the bridge to the train station. Sad to say goodbye but will keep in touch with email and hopefully traveling together in the future. Caught the train to Vienna at 10:00.
***OCEANIA CRUISE THOUGHTS***
From historic walled towns to modern cities, beach resorts to ancient archaeological sites, it's mind boggling how much we saw. What better way to start each day than waking up in a new destination, sitting on our balcony watching sunrise, and enjoying delicious food. Sure is an efficient way to see dramatically different destinations without wasting hours packing-unpacking, hauling bags, and finding transportation. One day in each port is only a sampling to determine where to return someday, as well as seeing places we might not have considered. This was our third Oceania Cruise and we thoroughly enjoy the staff that comes from all over the world, which makes for interesting conversations. Of course, their friendliness, detail for service, and even remembering what you like to drink certainly enhances the cruise experience. We were lucky to meet a couple that we"clicked" with and enjoyed sightseeing and spending time together. Highly recommend the itinerary of this "Eternal Glory" cruise; however, NOT during the summer when it's too hot and crowded.
From historic walled towns to modern cities, beach resorts to ancient archaeological sites, it's mind boggling how much we saw. What better way to start each day than waking up in a new destination, sitting on our balcony watching sunrise, and enjoying delicious food. Sure is an efficient way to see dramatically different destinations without wasting hours packing-unpacking, hauling bags, and finding transportation. One day in each port is only a sampling to determine where to return someday, as well as seeing places we might not have considered. This was our third Oceania Cruise and we thoroughly enjoy the staff that comes from all over the world, which makes for interesting conversations. Of course, their friendliness, detail for service, and even remembering what you like to drink certainly enhances the cruise experience. We were lucky to meet a couple that we"clicked" with and enjoyed sightseeing and spending time together. Highly recommend the itinerary of this "Eternal Glory" cruise; however, NOT during the summer when it's too hot and crowded.
2025-05-22