25 August Friday Cruise Departure

So, last night I had my delicious tepid pizza for dinner and had some leftover snacks and an apple for supper. This is the view from my other window – so beautiful. 

I was up reasonably early and did most of my packing (the suitcase needed re-arranging) Breakfast was in a small but beautifully appointed dining room; a typical continental menu, plus scrambled eggs and sausages. I was glad I was early because later the dining room became full and people were queued up waiting to get in for breakfast.

I decided to do a walk to the public transport interchange to see whether I thought I could manage my bags rather than getting a porter at ϵ5. There was  only one smallish bridge so I decided I could probably manage it; I bought my ticket for the People Mover – the light rail that goes to the cruise ships.

I have a bit of a cold, so I went for a walk on the San Marco side and bought some cold supplies at the chemist, just in case I need them: better than having to buy them on the ship. It’s very hot and a bit humid as well.

Getting back, I finished packing and checked out; the walk wasn’t too bad. I did manage to bump my suitcase up the dozen or so steps on the bridge and then bump it down again. The people mover only took a minute or two and we only had to walk across a compound to get to the terminal. Checking in took probably half an hour and I was on board by about 12.15.

By the time I had sorted my cabin bag and set up things as I wanted, it was time to go to the Mariners’ reception at 1.00; this was my first free champagne, with some lovely canapes, and served as my lunch. So far I have met Archie and Jan from Melbourne; Shannon and Margaret from Vancouver and near Seattle; the Catholic priest, from USA; several more Aussies. My suitcase had arrived just before I went to the reception, so I got that unpacked next. Missing: 1 bottle of hairspray, so I decided I’d see if I could buy some in the ship’s shop. Next was the lifeboat drill, after which I went up to Explorations Deck to take some pictures. Sailaway at 5.00 was fun, because for the first time I went to the stern and watched the tug pull us out of the narrow channel of berths and turn us around to head along the coast of Venice.

Back in my cabin I had an invitation for a free dinner tomorrow night in the special restaurant (used to be $20, now $35). That’s another gift from my travel agent. (She also gave me $100 on board credit and 100 minutes of internet. Want a recommendation? Sally Sturtevant at Cruiseabout – ask me if you’re interested in her details.)

Dinner was 5.45 and very good: Caesar salad, grilled salmon and a yummy creamy hazelnut pastry. My dinner buddies are all ladies travelling alone: Kate, who lost her husband early this year; Chris, her friend, both from NZ; Patsy, can’t remember where she’s from, and Martha from Victoria BC. I found my embarkation picture, asked if they could put it in a folder for me and it turns out you can’t do that anymore without paying up front. The shop didn’t have hairspray but the Spa did: embarrassingly I didn’t ask the price until after she had processed it – the shock of $US34 for a tiny pump bottle helped me conclude I can wait till we hit shore to get this item!! Another price change: at the end of dinner, a fancy coffee now costs extra. Also, the library has gone and is replaced by a small rack of books which are not to be borrowed, just read in the lounge area.

I had one walk around Promenade Deck (1/3 mile) but considered I’ve done enough walking today. When I got back to my room, the boys had turned down the bed and left me 2 chocolates. Nice! A frothy coffee (I brought sachets with me) and a cup of hot water and I hit the sack.