Good morning,
We are having a problem with the wifi, so we will have to post our log and pictures when we get closer to home. We are still having a great time.
By for now.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Barcelona
Arrived in port just as the sun peaked out above the horizon. We quickly dressed and went for a quick breakfast before going to see the city. We decided to just walk through the shopping areas and see the large market. The sun was out in fun force as were all the folks. After walking through the food market with all the candies, meats, and vegetables we headed to the old section of town to see the old cathedrel and locate a place for lunch. We stopped at a tappas restauranrt and order three tappas, sardines, squid, and shrimp and of course a small bottle of wine. It was excellent! then it was off for a stroll back to the ship stopping along the way to see the street sights. The mimes were set up along the street, some dressed so well it was hard to believe they were people. We got back to the shuttle pickup spot about 30 minutes prior to departure, just in time for Ed. don't like cutting it close. Then it was sailing of to Lisbon and to the great north atlantic. The cruise is moving faster now as the number of days remaining decrease. We'll be seeing you all soon. We have not been able to get our computer on line, that's why no pictures are attached.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday 25 October
The captain had warned us the night before that the weather was not going to be on our side today. Sure enough he was correct as we boarded the tenders in the dark, rainy, and windy morning at 0700. We were first off the ship as the rain pelted down. Unfortunately our guide was no where to be seen as we waited in the rain. She did arrive at approximately 0800. We all piled into the van just to escape the continuing rain. Fun, fun! We drove along the coast line from Cannes to Antibes and to the hill top ancient village Biot. The rain didn’t stop, but we did. Our guide took us to a gass factory, so we could have an espresso. And watch the glass blowing.
We all climbed out of the van and walked up the stone walkway into the town. The streets were very small walkways dotted occasionally with wide steps.
Partway up into the village we spotted a shop selling umbrellas. Big umbrellas! That was for us. Cindy found a beautiful rainbow colored one, just perfect for the remainder of the day’s travel. After walking through the village we returned to a restaurant at the village gate, it had a big bocce court, right in front. Reminded us of the movie, a Year in Province. We wished the weather had been nice, and the men were playing. They were serving a veal reargue’ with peas and carrots for the special. So it was the special for us with a bottle of wine and French bread and we were warm and dry again.
Not much to do in the pouring rain but slowly return to the ship, we would like to return here some day. Once again safely on board to depart for the warmed sunnier Barcelona!
The captain had warned us the night before that the weather was not going to be on our side today. Sure enough he was correct as we boarded the tenders in the dark, rainy, and windy morning at 0700. We were first off the ship as the rain pelted down. Unfortunately our guide was no where to be seen as we waited in the rain. She did arrive at approximately 0800. We all piled into the van just to escape the continuing rain. Fun, fun! We drove along the coast line from Cannes to Antibes and to the hill top ancient village Biot. The rain didn’t stop, but we did. Our guide took us to a gass factory, so we could have an espresso. And watch the glass blowing.
Partway up into the village we spotted a shop selling umbrellas. Big umbrellas! That was for us. Cindy found a beautiful rainbow colored one, just perfect for the remainder of the day’s travel. After walking through the village we returned to a restaurant at the village gate, it had a big bocce court, right in front. Reminded us of the movie, a Year in Province. We wished the weather had been nice, and the men were playing. They were serving a veal reargue’ with peas and carrots for the special. So it was the special for us with a bottle of wine and French bread and we were warm and dry again.
Monday 24 October
We arrived in Livorno at 0730, just prior to sun rise. We were greeted by our guide for the tour of Siena. This was one of our longest van ride across the Italian country side, over an hour and a half. Siena is a very interesting place, not just the ride to get there.
They have a very famous horse race here. They put sand on the street in the center square, and all the people from the area, have the competition.
There is also a magnificent cathedral, here. The whole floor is mosaics, it was really unbelievable.
After leaving Sienna, we went for wine tasting and lunch, it was very good and we bought, some wine, to ship home. Cha ching!
We arrived in Livorno at 0730, just prior to sun rise. We were greeted by our guide for the tour of Siena. This was one of our longest van ride across the Italian country side, over an hour and a half. Siena is a very interesting place, not just the ride to get there.
They have a very famous horse race here. They put sand on the street in the center square, and all the people from the area, have the competition.
I is really hrd to see, but this squair, is a big dome.
TUSCANIA
Sunday 23 October
We arrived in Civitavecchia (Port for Rome) at 0730 after a short cruise up the Italian west coast. Marco Tavola was our tour guide, he is a very animated Italian, with 7 children, all under 12! Great guide, for a visit to Toscana, the Odescalchi Bracciano Castle, and San Gimignano. We learned about the Etruscan’s and how they influenced, Italy. We finished our tour with lunch in the village nestled in the high hill top it was wonderful. Marco took us to a place to buy wine and olive oil, and we bought some wine, can't run out ya know. He also intertained, us oon the way back with wonderful stories, all along the way, it was very interning.
It was a long day, but the adventure was worth the effort.
We arrived in Civitavecchia (Port for Rome) at 0730 after a short cruise up the Italian west coast. Marco Tavola was our tour guide, he is a very animated Italian, with 7 children, all under 12! Great guide, for a visit to Toscana, the Odescalchi Bracciano Castle, and San Gimignano. We learned about the Etruscan’s and how they influenced, Italy. We finished our tour with lunch in the village nestled in the high hill top it was wonderful. Marco took us to a place to buy wine and olive oil, and we bought some wine, can't run out ya know. He also intertained, us oon the way back with wonderful stories, all along the way, it was very interning.
It was a long day, but the adventure was worth the effort.
NAPLES
Saturday 22 October
As we arrived in Naples the sun was just peeking over the horizon beside Mt Vesuvius. We were an hour late, but could fit in with the ferry schedule and make a smooth arrival! We all gathered at the dock to form up to catch our tour van for the day! First stop the ancient Herculaneum, buried in 79 A.D.
As we arrived in Naples the sun was just peeking over the horizon beside Mt Vesuvius. We were an hour late, but could fit in with the ferry schedule and make a smooth arrival! We all gathered at the dock to form up to catch our tour van for the day! First stop the ancient Herculaneum, buried in 79 A.D.
While Pompeii was thought of as a working city, Herculaneum was built as a resort community for the upper class. The tour was excellent. After a couple of hours we boarded our van for the sightseeing trip to the Amalfi Coast stopping at Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, and Amalfi.
After an hour of driving along the Amalfi coast cliffs and stopping for pictures we stopped in the town of Positano. Our driver recommended we stop and recommended a restaurant by a little beach just down from the road. We asked if many steps were involved, and he indicated that it was simply and gentle ramp down. Some 1000+ yards down the coble stone path interspersed with steps we arrived at the restaurant by the sea.
Wow was it beautiful! We ordered calamari and a Nicosia salad with wine and beer. Of course after lunch it was back to walking through the streets and up the city hillside to the car for the ride back to the ship! Another wonderful day exploring Italy with friends.
Sea Day
Friday 21 October
We awoke to the sea day in the Mediterranean with clearing skies and softer seas. We attended the Red Hot Rubies Group Meet and Greet event which the Captain attended to welcome us all aboard. He indicated that three ships were not able to enter Venice the night before due to the heavy weather. So we were lucky to be able to leave when we did. Tonight is formal night and we are ready with new items to wear. Fun, fun! We had diner with Anne, Al, Bill, Irene, Gail, and Tom at Michelangelo’s anytime restaurant. We had hoped to see the Straight’s of Medina but because we were 3 hours late leaving Venice we were late at the straight. We did see the straight during the night from our balcony. Cindy woke up from all the bright lights shining from the cities lining the straight they were beautiful. We stood on the balcony watching all the lights go by!
We awoke to the sea day in the Mediterranean with clearing skies and softer seas. We attended the Red Hot Rubies Group Meet and Greet event which the Captain attended to welcome us all aboard. He indicated that three ships were not able to enter Venice the night before due to the heavy weather. So we were lucky to be able to leave when we did. Tonight is formal night and we are ready with new items to wear. Fun, fun! We had diner with Anne, Al, Bill, Irene, Gail, and Tom at Michelangelo’s anytime restaurant. We had hoped to see the Straight’s of Medina but because we were 3 hours late leaving Venice we were late at the straight. We did see the straight during the night from our balcony. Cindy woke up from all the bright lights shining from the cities lining the straight they were beautiful. We stood on the balcony watching all the lights go by!
Venice depart again
Thursday 20 October
The morning began with heavy overcast skies just waiting to rain. We order room service and Ed dressed to go out with Ken to the Ko-op grocery store near the pier. Of course near was about a four block walk to a people mover train which had one stop to a city district. It was another four blocks to the grocery store. While en-route it began to slowly rain. The price of going to purchase a couple of bottles of wine and toothpaste. As we walked back to the ship it started to rain in earnest. By sail away it was raining hard and the wind was over 35 knots. We were going nowhere fast. We delayed departure until the wind subsided. That was about 1530. Then with the help of a tug, we were off in the rain, wind and cloudy skies. Not much to see as we left the beautiful city in the storm. Once we cleared the port into the open sea it was off into the 35+ winds moderate seas and the night ahead.
The morning began with heavy overcast skies just waiting to rain. We order room service and Ed dressed to go out with Ken to the Ko-op grocery store near the pier. Of course near was about a four block walk to a people mover train which had one stop to a city district. It was another four blocks to the grocery store. While en-route it began to slowly rain. The price of going to purchase a couple of bottles of wine and toothpaste. As we walked back to the ship it started to rain in earnest. By sail away it was raining hard and the wind was over 35 knots. We were going nowhere fast. We delayed departure until the wind subsided. That was about 1530. Then with the help of a tug, we were off in the rain, wind and cloudy skies. Not much to see as we left the beautiful city in the storm. Once we cleared the port into the open sea it was off into the 35+ winds moderate seas and the night ahead.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
18 October - Venice Italy
18 October - Venice Italy
We arrived at the entrance to the Venice harbor at sunrise 0732 and we were ready on the balcony to see the sunrise and to watch as we cruised into the city off Venice down the large canal. Gosh it is a beautiful site. We had clear skies and full sunlight with temperatures in the low 60s.
After docking we took a tour of the lace shops on the island of Burano and the glass shops of Murano. The boat ride around Venice was spectacular and the islands were filled with shops. Not enough time to spend money andd see them all but it was fun to look!
We arrived at the entrance to the Venice harbor at sunrise 0732 and we were ready on the balcony to see the sunrise and to watch as we cruised into the city off Venice down the large canal. Gosh it is a beautiful site. We had clear skies and full sunlight with temperatures in the low 60s.
After docking we took a tour of the lace shops on the island of Burano and the glass shops of Murano. The boat ride around Venice was spectacular and the islands were filled with shops. Not enough time to spend money andd see them all but it was fun to look! 
We headed back to the ship for diner tonight on the ship overlooking the city. We will be in a restaurant on the 18th deck which is higher than any place in town. Another great day on the Ruby Princess.
SPLIT
Monday, October17th
It was a beautiful morning as we arrived in Split, Croatia and the weather held for the whole day. This is a beautiful city, not sure what I was expecting, but this far surpassed, expectations.
We were signed up for a tour of Diocletian’s palace & Mestrovic Gallery. And St. Dominius Cathedral and lunch, by the Cetina river. This was a good tour, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day.
We tendered into town.
Then we met our guid and she took us to tthe Place.
From there we took a bus ride to the Mestrovic gallery
It was a beautiful morning as we arrived in Split, Croatia and the weather held for the whole day. This is a beautiful city, not sure what I was expecting, but this far surpassed, expectations.
We were signed up for a tour of Diocletian’s palace & Mestrovic Gallery. And St. Dominius Cathedral and lunch, by the Cetina river. This was a good tour, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day.
We tendered into town.
Then it was on to lunch, what a great day.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
KATAKOLON
Saturday 15 October
We awoke about 0700 to the noise of thunder and opened the drapes to look at the sea and saw lightning all about the ship. We were in heavy seas with thunderstorms all about. The ship captain came on the loud speaker to notify us that we were waiting outside the harbor to determine what we were going to do because the weather was terrible with the wind at over 45 knots. He indicated that we would wait outside the harbor to determine if the weather would pass by. While it did not leave the winds subsided and we entered the port and docked.
We did not plan to leave the ship since we saw Olympia before, with our friends from Athens, it continued to rain thus we just stayed on the ship. After we docked the Greeks notified Princess that they were going to strike. All the tours that had not left, had to be canceled. And the few people that went into town, were stuck, as they later closed, the gang way, leaving the passengers with no place to go. When they were able to get back, on board, the weather reversed itself again and the wind picked up to over 40 knots, leaving us in port with the engines running to keep the ship from breaking its lines. What a mess! We stayed until 3 hours past our original departure time to let the wind subside. It was all very interesting.
So it was off to Corfu!!!
This sailboat was from New Zeland,, and they came through this storm,,,,, wow
CORFU
Sunday 16 October
We awoke at 0600 to see our arrival at Corfu and to be ready for our 0715 tour. It was scheduled for the full day. We got off the ship and were greeted cloudy skies, but a very beautiful island. Our first stop was Elizabeth’s palace, built in the 19th century. It was really beautiful and the gardens surrounding it were filled with plants from all over the world. It was used during the filming of the 007 movie, Live & Let Die.
After visiting we boarded our 50 passenger bus and went to the northern most area of the island taking a one lane road up the side of the mountain some 1750+ feet, this road made the Going to The Sun High Way look like a thoroughfare! And it was not one way… Cindy was really scared! We stopped along the way to visit a monastery midway up the mountainside, this was an Orthodox church, too, and they were having services as it was Sunday. We then re-boarded the bus, and finely reached the top. Where we stopped at a coffee house, best darn coffee and baklava we had in Greece.
After coffee we returned to the bus to proceed down the mountainside, not much better, the views were spectacular, but oh my god, it was scary, then they took us to a resort for lunch. The resort was very pretty and the lunch was enjoyable. We then left for the center of the main city square and had time for shopping. The city square was beautiful in all ways. We did go shopping and found some items we didn’t know we wanted. What fun! Then back to the ship and formal night with the Captains cocktail party. There are over 1000 return Princess passengers on this cruise, so they had to have 4 captains cocktail, parties. On board this cruise the most frequent passenger having over 1500 days aboard Princess ships. WOW, that is four years at sea! They said he had more days then the Captain.
What a day it was. As we finished our dinner our ship began to rock a bit, more then a bit really! Soon the captain told us we were experiencing 60 knot winds and of course the seas and ship were telling us that too. So off to bed for us!! We were both sound asleep within minutes.
Saturday 15 October
We awoke about 0700 to the noise of thunder and opened the drapes to look at the sea and saw lightning all about the ship. We were in heavy seas with thunderstorms all about. The ship captain came on the loud speaker to notify us that we were waiting outside the harbor to determine what we were going to do because the weather was terrible with the wind at over 45 knots. He indicated that we would wait outside the harbor to determine if the weather would pass by. While it did not leave the winds subsided and we entered the port and docked.
We did not plan to leave the ship since we saw Olympia before, with our friends from Athens, it continued to rain thus we just stayed on the ship. After we docked the Greeks notified Princess that they were going to strike. All the tours that had not left, had to be canceled. And the few people that went into town, were stuck, as they later closed, the gang way, leaving the passengers with no place to go. When they were able to get back, on board, the weather reversed itself again and the wind picked up to over 40 knots, leaving us in port with the engines running to keep the ship from breaking its lines. What a mess! We stayed until 3 hours past our original departure time to let the wind subside. It was all very interesting.
So it was off to Corfu!!!
CORFU
Sunday 16 October
We awoke at 0600 to see our arrival at Corfu and to be ready for our 0715 tour. It was scheduled for the full day. We got off the ship and were greeted cloudy skies, but a very beautiful island. Our first stop was Elizabeth’s palace, built in the 19th century. It was really beautiful and the gardens surrounding it were filled with plants from all over the world. It was used during the filming of the 007 movie, Live & Let Die.
After visiting we boarded our 50 passenger bus and went to the northern most area of the island taking a one lane road up the side of the mountain some 1750+ feet, this road made the Going to The Sun High Way look like a thoroughfare! And it was not one way… Cindy was really scared! We stopped along the way to visit a monastery midway up the mountainside, this was an Orthodox church, too, and they were having services as it was Sunday. We then re-boarded the bus, and finely reached the top. Where we stopped at a coffee house, best darn coffee and baklava we had in Greece.
After coffee we returned to the bus to proceed down the mountainside, not much better, the views were spectacular, but oh my god, it was scary, then they took us to a resort for lunch. The resort was very pretty and the lunch was enjoyable. We then left for the center of the main city square and had time for shopping. The city square was beautiful in all ways. We did go shopping and found some items we didn’t know we wanted. What fun! Then back to the ship and formal night with the Captains cocktail party. There are over 1000 return Princess passengers on this cruise, so they had to have 4 captains cocktail, parties. On board this cruise the most frequent passenger having over 1500 days aboard Princess ships. WOW, that is four years at sea! They said he had more days then the Captain.
What a day it was. As we finished our dinner our ship began to rock a bit, more then a bit really! Soon the captain told us we were experiencing 60 knot winds and of course the seas and ship were telling us that too. So off to bed for us!! We were both sound asleep within minutes.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Mykonos
Beautiful Athens! Arrived on time, however only to find out that all the historical sites were closed and there were more strikes throughout the city. Many of the tours were either cancelled or modified to what was available. We spent the majority of the day out on our deck sunning and watching the port traffic. It is amazing to see the number and variety of ferries sailing for all the hundreds of Greek islands. We did break for lunch of fish and chips with an ale at the wheelhouse bar. Also did manage to complete the Santorini blog. We sail this evening for Mykonos arriving there at 0100 in the morning. We woke up to see the ship pull into our dock, and see the island at night with the full moon and all the stars! It was so pretty!
We awoke early to a beautiful sun rise over Mykonos! After breakfast, in Sabatini’s, out in the sun, on there deck, it was off to town, had to catch a shuttle bus to drive the short distance to town because the road was very narrow with lots of twists and turns. Too fast, too dangerous! Didn’t enjoy the ride! Once in town we began to walk through the narrow streets, just wide enough for a scooter or a very, very small car. Ed was in pursuit of the local post office and I of course was attempting to at least see what was in the shops. Oh well, he won again and we found the post office. Then it was off to find the famous windmills. Up one hill and down one street and up another, each person we asked said over the next hill. Then I said lets go back down to the waters edge and look up and see if we can locate them. We did to no avail. Noting Ed’s patience I recommended we find a restaurant for some good Greek salad and Gyro. with a beer of course.
We sat down at a table at the waters edge and looked up, there they were, 5 windmills all in a row, right above us on the hill top, what a shot! After an excellent lunch it was off to finally do some shopping which Mykonos is famous for. While on the way I was looking to find the infamous giant white pelican of Mykonos. Sure enough we happened, to walk, directly to him! He is one big bird.
We bought our share of goodies, and I got a great pair of Dr Sholes sandals that I have been searching for a long time, only to find them on Mykonos, go figure. Our bus ride to the ship was much better than the one going into town. When we got on the ship, our wonderful home away from home, we changed and went to the hot tubs to rest our weary bones, from all the walking. It was lovely, sitting in the sun, in the warm water.
Back to the room to change for dinner, tonight is the Crown Grill! YUM
Back to the room to change for dinner, tonight is the Crown Grill! YUM
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Santorini part 2
The alterative to the cable car ride is to ride a donkey down the cliffs, we chose the cable car! Especially, since the donkeys think they are going home when they go down, and that may mean they start to run, eeeek! You could also walk down the 600+ steps.
santorini
We awoke early to see a cloudy morning after a sea day with plenty of high seas. One of our diner table mates indicated that they saw the waves lapping the windows on deck five. We are looking forward to seeing the magical island of Santorini, one of five major islands forming the rim of an undersea volcano which last erupted in 1956. They told us it was chilly, 64 F, but as we boarded the tender to go to go ashore, the clouds let loose and it began to rain. We were not prepared for that!
Wow was it beautiful, Ed had to go in to price it out, but at $1800, it was just out of the budget. Gosh they were pretty and Ed loves cats, but maybe another day!
Next stop was a very ancient church, very charming, and very interesting. By now the sun is beaming and the sights abound.
We left the friendly confines of our tour bus at the most northern town and filled village streets with some 500+ tourists. Off to the shops filled with all types of goodies! Gifts for some, locally made honey for Ed and pistachios for Cindy. We did stop by a jewelry store window and saw a diamond studded panther broche, that could be worn on a necklace too
Wow was it beautiful, Ed had to go in to price it out, but at $1800, it was just out of the budget. Gosh they were pretty and Ed loves cats, but maybe another day!We again boarded the bus and proceeded to see the black sands beach and tour the island winery. Excellent wine, and of coarse we bought some to enjoy on the ship. The grapes are uniquely grown in Santorini. The vines are bent over and laid on the ground and wrapped in a circle forming a wreath like structure for living their life. They do this because of the high temperature, high winds, and dry conditions. Additionally the island has a very heavy dew each morning providing the plants with their needed watering. They do not irrigate because the island does not have natural water.
Next stop was a very ancient church, very charming, and very interesting. By now the sun is beaming and the sights abound.
With growling stomachs we proceeded to a restaurant for a Greek lunch! Fun, fun! Following lunch it was off to the southern rim of the island and then back to the main city of Fira. Here we were to catch a cable car to descend the cliffs back to the dock to board our tender to the ship. 
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
SEA DAY
Today is a sea day, and it is a rough one. We had the meet and great this morning, and got to meet our Captain, again, CaptTony Yeomans. He is a very nice person and a good Captin, I know that as he saw us through some bad seas in 09. Glad he is leading the ship, and will be with us all the way to Florida.
Tonight is formal night, so we are taking it easy so we can do all the activities, as tomorrow is a busy long day in Santorini.
Tonight is formal night, so we are taking it easy so we can do all the activities, as tomorrow is a busy long day in Santorini.
Monday, October 10, 2011
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