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Loading up for the trip south. We left home. Stopping in Bedford for a coffee and a battery charge, we arrived in Camberley to visit family on our way to Heathrow.
After lunch a a garden centre with the family we drove to Heathrow. With British Aiways web site down we couldn't check in on line. We charged the car again so we have a full battery when we return. With a short drive to our hotel for the night, we were soon checked in and settled for the night. Saturday 28th March 2026
Heathrow
Waking up early we dropped down to the lobby for a coffee and a croissant. We have been trying to check in online since one pm yesterday and we tried again whilst sipping our coffee. Still no luck. After paying for overnight parking we left the hotel.
After a short slow drove in traffic we arrived at T5 Longstay car park. Finding an empty spot close to a bus stop we unloaded our bags.
Boarding the carpark shuttle took a while as the extended family before us had what looked like 100 cases. Eventually we made it on board and then we had to stop at one of their cars as one of them had left their carry-on in the car.
At the terminal we tried to check in at a kiosk, but couldn’t. We were directed to the stand by desk, where we were told we had been bumped because the flight was over booked by six passengers. That explains why we couldn't check in online.
Getting through security we had to wait until the flight closed to find out if we would fly. At twelve thirty we were told that there were no seats but go to the gate. At the gate everyone else boarded and six of us were left. Two got on the next flight at three o'clock. We got bumped onto the six twenty flight, with another couple. So with five hours to kill we grabbed some lunch in Witherspoons. While we ate we rearranged our hotel shuttle.
Five hours of people watching on hard seats later our flight was called and we made our way to the gate. On board and after a short delay we were finally airborne. Taking off to the west and turning south, we were treated to a glorious sunset as we passed over Vaginia Waters.
Two and a half hours later we landed at Rome airport and found our way through the new European visa system. Well maybe not. The electronic gates are turned off at 19:00 and its 22:00. So we got a border guard who stamped our passports without looking and said "byebye". We collected our cases and exited the terminal.
Finding our driver we were soon on the very quiet Autoroute to Civitavecchia. 45 minutes later at half eleven local we arrived and checked in using the QR code we had received in our booking email. Finding our room we settled in for the night. Sunday 29th March 2026
Civitavecchia, Italy
Waking up around eight o'clock to find that after putting our clocks forward an hour last night to get on to Italian time, we went into summertime and the clocks had gone forward another hour. So on top of a long two days we lost two hours sleep.
Yawn.
Never mind after a shower and a snack for breakfast we left our room at about eleven o'clock. Paying for our tourist tax, we booked a private transfer by the hotel to the port. We could have walked to the bus stop with our cases and jumped the free port bus, but we were happy to use the hotel shuttle.
Checking in to the cruise went very smoothly and we were on board within 15 minutes. With a cheeky drink to fortify us we completed the safety video and muster station visit.
A pizza for lunch overlooking the gangway. We sat and watched the people arriving. It's one of our favorite pastimes. With our stateroom available we went and unpacked. After a chill on our balcony we dropped down to the Atrium for a salted caramel coffee.
There are a large number of children and teenagers on this cruise. Not a problem, because they are not our problem lol.
Later we popped into the Explorers Lounge for a quiz. Then a vocalist in the theatre. Finally a snack in the Horizon Court before an early night. Monday 30th March 2026
At Sea
The only sea day this week so a relaxed start. Having caught up on our sleep we started the day. Up to the Horizon Court for breakfast. With the sun shining we took our cereal and fruit out onto the Wake bar area to eat. It's our favorite spot for breakfast, out in the fresh air and away from the early morning moaners lol.
Dropping down to the Promenade deck. Happy that this is one of the older ships with a proper promenade deck. We saw the island of Stromboli, one of Italy's three active volcanos.
Then quiz time with a nice Brazilian lady, before listening in on a port guide for Wednesday's visit to Katakolon.
Time to get spruced up for tonights formal dinner. Down to Club Fusion for pre dinner drinks in the Elite Lounge. One quick one and then to the diningroom.
Back to Club Fusion to get seats for tonights "Laugh Lounge" comedian, Josh Daniels. He was good and thinking back we enjoyed him last time we saw him on the Sky Princess. Then back to our cabin to get out of our posh clothes. Tuesday 31st March 2026
Sarande, Albania
We were awake when the anchor was dropped in the bay of Sarande, Albania. This will be country 66 on our visit list. After breakfast we went to catch a water shuttle ashore. Dropping down to the Crown Grill to collect our priority water shuttle tickets. This is one of the perks of being Captain's Circle Elite. With the standard water shuttle queue running at about 45 minutes. We were boarding the tender and heading in towards town within ten minutes.
Walking around town we saw the Baptist Chapel and dropped down to the beach. The forecast rain started so we put on our cagoules and walked back to the harbour. Jumping the next tender we were soon back on board.
Having coffee in the Atrium, the cruise staff set up a challenge - Axe throwing.
We sat and watched people attempting throwing with various degrees of success. Towards the end the staff member persuaded Jackie to have a go and she did quite well. So Martin stepped up, nailed it and won the string bag prize. Sneaky ringer lol.
After lunch we hit another quiz, Flags of all nations. Got pipped by one. Who knew that the Lybian flag used to be just plain green?
Then it was time for cocktails and then dinner. Wednesday 1st April 2026
At Sea
Waking up to the news that owing to the bad weather our stop in Katakolon, Greece has been cancelled. This means another sea day. So no point rushing out of bed so we had a lazy start. Well not that lazy, we put our clocks forward an hour last night to be ready for Greece, so it wasn't as late as it felt.
Our clocks will go back again tonight. Our stop in Malta tomorrow is also cancelled as it is unsafe to enter Valletta Harbour with the bad weather. We are now heading towards Catania in Sicily, where we will spend two days before getting back on schedule.
After breakfast chatting with a group of Aussies we climbed higher up to Skywalkers Nightclub for a nice spot to sit and read. Then an hour in the theatre listening to the destination expert give a briefing about Naples.
We spent the afternoon chilling and watching a movie. Then I the evening we watched the launch of Artemis 2 live on our stateroom TV. Thursday 2nd April 2026
Catania, Sicily
After breakfast with a snowy Mt. Etna over our shoulders we got ready and walked ashore.
We walked through the little streets of Catania and arrived at the Piazza del Duomo and the Cathederal. We knew we were getting close when the bells started, we couldn't hear ourselves talk the bells were that loud. There must have been three or four sets of bells each trying to out-do the others.
We popped into the Cathederal but only for a quick visit as they were celebrating mass. Outside again we looked at the Elephant Fountain and the Fountain of Amenano. Walking on we checked out the Roman Amphitheatre ruin.
Walking up the steep narrow street to the Monestary.
Going into we saw the statues that get paraded around the streets. Then it was time to return to the ship.
The evening's entertainment was an ilusionist who was on "Spain's got talent". He was not as impressive as we had hoped. Then it was off to bed with pain killers as we had overdone the walking in Catania. Friday 3rd April 2026
Catania, Sicily
Second day in Catania today. We are having a relaxing day today. Still aching after yesterday's trudge around town. We have a big day tomorrow with a visit to Pompeii, so we are giving our legs a rest. Only the stairs on board to stretch our muscles.
After breakfast we climbed up to Skywalkers Nightclub for a quiet seat with a veiw over Catania to Mount Etna, which is in the clouds today.
Scrubbing up for the Captain's Cocktail party. We made our way down and got a drink in one of the bars before arriving at the door five minutes early.
Straight in and found a seat. A couple of free drinks and chat with some other guests. Later another comedian. Again quite good, some new material. Then off to bed as we have an early start in the morning. Saturday 4th April 2026
Naples, Italy
Our alarm went off at 06:45 but we were already awake and dressing. We walked out on to our balcony to check the weather and saw sunrise over Mount Vesuvius. Dropping down to the International Cafe for a breakfast of coffee and a glazed Chelsea Bun. At seven thirty we made our way to the Wheelhouse bar to join our tour.
We are going to Pompeii today. Leaving the ship we found our coach and guide. A short twenty minute drive brought us to a Cameo manufacturing company. We were shown how they are made and used the facilities as they are very limited at the Pompeii archaeological site.
Getting off the bus in the carpark we had a short walk to the entrance. We then spent the next three hours touring the site. A fantastic tour, seeing the mosaics and painted wall art was interesting. Even more so the plaster moldings of the people who died all those years ago. As for the house of negotiable affection, the less said the better.
Back on the bus to return to the ship. Getting back at 12:30, with the day heating up we retired to the pool deck for pizza, salad and ice-cream.
Feeling refreshed we sallied forth into Naples once again. Walking past Castle Nuovo to Galleria Umberto I, we wove through the crowds.
Wandering up Via Toledo the crowds got busier so we turned back towards our ship. Back on board I we had time for a shower and drink in the lounge before dinner.
After dinner we took in the variety show in Princess Theatre. Then hit the late night comedy show before bed. Sunday 5th April 2026
Civitavecchia, Italy
Change over day 2000 passengers departing and 2000 arriving. After an easy start we went up to the Horizon Court and grabbed a coffee and some danishes. Taking them up to Skywalkers Nightclub we sat in peace and quiet listening to the departure announcements.
After the majority had departed we dropped back down to the Atrium and got a seat and a nice coffee.
We had been talking to another passenger who had both military and shareholders benefits. This suprised us as we had been told that we couldn't have both. So Martin went to chat at the customer service desk. Turns out we should have it and it should now be credited to our account in the next few days.
Back up to Outrigger bar behind the buffet, for a table in the fresh air. The other tables filled up quickly, although we have been out here on our own most days.
After changing into our smart casual clothes, we went to the Elite lounge for a drink and nibbles before dinner.
After dinner we watched the sunset.
Monday 6th April 2026
At Sea
After breakfast we watched the Stromboli volcano pass again as we streamed towards the Messina Strait on our way to Corfu.
During the morning between coffees we attended two port guide lectures, preparing us for Corfu and Dubrovnik.
Then after a tough morning it was back upstairs for lunch. We steamed past a snow covered Mount Etna whilst eating.
Down stairs for the afternoon, chilling in the Wheelhouse bar. In the evening we took in the stage show "Bravo". We have seen this show before on a different ship. The current cast were very good and gave an excelent performance.
Then with a fast walk to the back of the ship, we got seats in the "Laugh Lounge" for tonights comedian.
Afterwards it was time for bed and another time zone change ready for Greece tomorrow. Tuesday 7th April 2026
Corfu, Greece
Pulling into Corfu port at seven o'clock, we were awakened by the sound of the thrusters pushing the ship onto the jetty. Getting up and ready for the day we were soon up at breakfast.
Walking down to the gangway and off of the ship we had a short walk to the terminal building. We decided not to use the port shuttle to the terminal as it was only three or four hundred yards. Hopping on the shuttle to town we were dropped off in Old Port Square.
We spent the next couple of hours wandering the little lanes and checking out the many little shops. Finding our way to the Old Fortress we decided against climbing it as we did that on our last visit.
Strolling through the public gardens we found eucalyptus trees and bird of paradise flowers. We could almost be back in South Australia.
Jumping the shuttle back to the port and then as our feet ached we took the port shuttle back to the ship. After a coffee we climbed up to the buffet for lunch. Then out onto the Outrigger bar for a couple of cold ones. Taking our second drink with us we went up to the nightclub and watched the action on the jetty.
Calling in at the tour desk, we have decided to book a tour for our time in Dubrovnik tomorrow. The nice young lady cancelled our shuttle bus tickets and booked us on the tour. With that sorted we sat on our balcony and watched as we slipped our lines and sailed out of Corfu.
With an early start in the morning we retired to our room for the evening. Wednesday 8th April 2026
Dubrovnik,
Our alarm went off at 06:00 and we were up and out in half an hour. Down to the International Cafe for breakfast and then up to the Wheelhouse bar to join our tour. Getting off the ship we found our mini-bus tour and boarded.
Driving out of Dubrovnik we continued up the coast for twenty minutes before turning inland. Arriving at the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina, We got stamped out of Europe and in to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Fifteen minutes later we arrived at our destination, Špilja Vjetrenica or The Wind Tunnel. Stopping at a small resteraunt to use the facilities before taking the short walk to the tunnel entrance.
With our helmets on we entered the tunnel. Walking the 700 meters in to the tunnel seeing various stone formations on the way. Being careful not to bump heads on the low roof. We heard the unmistakable sound of others not being so careful.
At the end there is no exit so we had to retrace our steps back to the entrance. Back at the resteraunt we had a lunch of cold cuts and bread washed down with Grappa and wine.
Then back on the minibus, back across the border and into Dubrovnik old town. We had a guided tour followed by time on our own.
Dubrovnik old town is quite small, only about a mile across. We saw the sights including the Spanish Steps. This is where Game of Thrones, Cerci Lanister did the walk of atonement (shame). Then it was a short ride back to our ship. Thursday 9th April 2026
Kotor, Montinegro
We are anchored off, so we're woken by the anchor being dropped. After breakfast we dropped down to the Crown Grill to collect our priority water shuttle tickets. Ten minutes later we were on the tender for the twenty minute trip into Kotor.
Arriving at the jetty, Kotor has changed quite a lot since our last visit. The old town is exactly the same but there has been a lot of work done on the jetty area. Mind you it's nine years since we were here last.
In town we wove through the narrow alleyways to the Cat Park by the North Gate. From there we zigzaged our way around town. After a couple of hours we got a coffee and Kotor Crempie and relaxed for a while.
Then it was time to return to the port and jump a tender back to the ship.
Bavarian night in the buffet, so up for some schnitzel, sauerkraut and several different wurst. Tonight's entertainment is a ventriloquist on in the theatre. Friday 10th April 2026
At Sea
After a lazy start and breakfast we dropped in at the Princess Theatre for a culinary demonstration. The Head Chef and the Maitre'd performed. With the Head Chef taking it seriously and the Maitre'd clowning it up.
Then some of the waiters and waitresses sang and danced. At the end was a tour of the galley but we skipped that part and explored the shops.
After lunch we had a chat from one of the ships Officer cadets about how the ship ran and navigated. Then with time running out and a busy day tomorrow we packed our first suitcase, ready for departure. Then time for a shower before the Captain's Cocktail party. With Mount Etna off our port side we headed in towards the Strait of Messina.
At the end of the party the sun was setting behind Strombili so we popped out to watch.
Then back inside for tonights comedian. Finally to the theatre for the late show "Do you want to dance?". Saturday 11th April 2026
Naples, Italy
Another busy day in Naples. We are on an excursion to Capri, this is an all day trip. Dropping down to the International Cafe for breakfast, we were soon collecting out stickers for the tour.
After waiting in the theatre for a while we disembarked and found our tour guide. With our talking earpiece we left the pier for the short walk to the next pier over for our fast cat ferry to Capri.
In that short, five minute walk two people managed to get lost and two others were moaning that the guide wasn't doing his job. Some people need to wake up and take responsibility for themselves lol. With no time to spare we boarded the ferry and found seats. It's not peak season, so it wasn't too crowded.
On the SNAV Polaris we set off for the 50 minute crossing. The sea was mostly smooth, with a slightly bumpy section as we crossed the open sea section.
Off the ferry we had a short walk to the island shuttle bus. Driving up the narrow roads to Anacapri at the top of the island, crossing the "Mama Mia Bridge". Once in Anacapri we paid the €15 each for the chairlift ride to the peak.
After a visit in a little museum we jumped another bus to Capri Centre. Walking down a steep ramp got us to our lunch stop. Vegetarian caneloni for a starter and then sauted chicken and salad for a main, washed down with local wines. Then Torta Caprese for sweet. This is a traditional Italian flourless chocolate and almond cake.
Then we walked to Piazza Umberto 1. After a few photos we walked down to Giardini di Augusto. Enjoying the view we then returned to the Piazza for a well earned coffee.
With tickets in hand we rode the funicular back down to the harbour and boarded the fast jet back to Naples. An hour later we were back on board. A quick shower and finish packing. Putting our cases out we went up for dinner outside on the wake pool area. The evening was filled with the Farewell Variety Show and the late night comedian. Then bed ready for flying home tomorrow. Sunday 12th April 2026
Civitavecchia, Italy
Disembarking today. Up at seven and out of our cabin so the steward can make it ready for the next guests. Up for breakfast by the pool.
We then dropped down to the atrium for a last frothy coffee. Taking our coffee into the Elite lounge in the Crown Grill we sat for a while. Then we realised that the Elite lounge was actually one deck up in the Pacific Moon Diningroom. Going there we found the staff, coffee and danishes. We sat in comfort until our group (Silver 40) was called.
Beeping off the ship for the last time, we found our cases and walked out of the terminal. Straight on to our transfer to Rome airport. Checking in we had a four hour wait for our flight.
The flight went smoothly and we landed half and hour early. Through immigration and collecting our cases took no time. Walking out of the terminal the carpark shuttle was waiting.
Back in our car and getting out of the carpark, we drove around the M25 and up the M1 to Dunstable. Checking into our hotel for the night we had dinner in the resteraunt before bed. Monday 13th April 2026
Dunstable
After a quick breakfast we got back on the road for the drive home. We stopped in Peterborough to charge the car and shop for food.
We arrived home at one o'clock just in time for lunch.