Day 1 – Arriving in Venice and Check In

Getting to Venice was making me a bit nervous. I know I have driven on the “dark side” before but that was a long time ago. Turns out I still LOVE IT. And love the roads, the speed (130-150kms an hour – and I was being overtaken), the fact everyone knows the rules of driving on the motorway and sticks to them. Who would have thought the Italians could manage it 😛

We made it the 400+ kms in extra good time. Trying to fill up the rental car in Venice was too much hassle so we decided to let Avis gouge us for that. The car was successfully delivered with time to spare. I stole a taxi from a loud American chap, have to say I took pleasure in that a wee bit, and they transported us the 1.5km to the cruise ship (20 euros, thanks very much)!

The embarkment, ‘cause that’s what it’s called, was so damn easy I thought I was dreaming! Take your own booze, no problem, food, easy peasy, lots of bags – meh who cares. “Madam, what you do in your own room is your business” I like these people. Actually I really, really like these people! So friendly and helpful! I know it’s their job, but some of them are really good at it.

We had some food, sorted out our STUNNING room with the beautiful veranda and view of Venice.

Then time for a walk! We went into Venice and did a bit of reconnaissance and orienteering. It all came flooding back to me what a beautiful and amazing place Venice is. Jason loved it. We walked up canals, down rivers, across bridges, and through alleyways! So exciting.

I could have shopped my little heart out but continued to be well behaved (it’s killing me on the inside). We made it back in time to have a rest, change, and head to Jacques’ restaurant, traditional French. Jason was turned away, no more shorts and jandals I am afraid. After a quick change we were all sorted. The food was great, the service lovely (thanks Jovann), and the atmosphere relaxing. We were right by the window. So were able to watch the city.

It had been a long and very busy day, so an early night, all ready for the next day!

Day 2 – Venice Continued and the Sail Off

We had another huge and delicious breakfast, I have managed to find the supplier of all fresh raspberries and get a large bowl of these every morning. YUMMY!

It was yet another warm day at around 24 degrees, blue skies, no wind.

We had a Venice tour booked through the cruise company so off we went at 830. It started with a water taxi ride from the cruise ship, down grand canal, along some side canals and then dropped off at one of the many squares for a bit of free time. We walked around the little streets, there is no logic to how the streets are laid out, thank god for GPS and Google maps.

On with the tour. The guide was lovely and she talked a lot about the history and importance of certain buildings, squares, boats, and traditions. We finished our tour in St Mark’s Square. Holy! That is massive, and crowded, and pretty, and crowded, and thank god we didn’t decide to go during July and August (the busy time) because I don’t think I would be a pleasant person.

It was great seeing Venice from different angles. The smell still strikes you, when you least expect it, but the beauty makes up for it 🙂 It is one thing to walk it and another to see it from the water. Truly fascinating and stunning. LOVE Venice.

Then, I finally caved, I gave into the guilt, and I shopped! And I loved it. Two new pairs of shoes and some jewellery. I felt much better about life and being in Italy. How could I come all this way and NOT buy shoes? Jason nearly fainted at the price, but as I pointed out – my passion, and as he pointed out, my money 🙂 there’s a reason I married this man.

We made it back to the ship with plenty of time to spare, enough time to go to the gym (with all this food, gym is not optional), before we were due to leave port at 500pm.

Apparently setting sail is a big deal, and the captain puts on a little party. Everyone comes up to the top decks and watches as we sail out of Venice. I must say, it was a pretty awesome experience. The music, opera, was blasting, we were drinking Bellinis (which you had to pay for) and taking lots of photos.

We had dinner reservations at the Polo Grill, the steak restaurant on board. Well, as much as I enjoyed Jacques’ the Polo Grill then obtained first place ranking. The food, ambiance, service, wine, view, everything was just excellent. Jason nearly went into a food coma after he attempted to eat the 32oz steak. Did pretty well too, but not quite crossing the finishing line.

Neither of us could squeeze in dessert – amateurs.

We don’t pay for the food on board but we do pay for the alcohol. So the staff are tasked with trying to sell you bottles. We don’t really mind and we don’t feel pressured into buying any more than we want. Plus we have our drinks in our room which is nice on the deck. I think it would be a little too confined if you did not have an outside area easily accessible. 12 days in a small room – could end in divorce or a person missing at sea…

Overnight, as we slept off our food babies, we travelled to Croatia. It’s kind of like teleporting. You just arrive!

So far cruise life is pretty awesome!