We left Venice Port on time, sailing out past the Grand Canal and San Marco Square, conveniently on the same side of the ship as our balcony. Then it was time to explore the ship and work out the routines so that we could enjoy all that it has to offer.
By dinner time we had completed a life boat drill, found our allocated restaurant and checked out all of the main lounges. We were impressed.
Dinner was any choice from a full 6 course menu. Some would say 7 courses depending on whether you think cheese is a dessert item or additional. What really amazed us is that it is encouraged for you to have as many of the courses as you want. We were to discover that breakfast and lunch is similar and we certainly wouldn’t complain about the quality (although I think there are plenty of veteran “cruisers” on board who do!).
After dinner we investigated the lounge identified as having the entertainment team present, ready for some dancing and games and before we knew it Molly and I were in the thick of it on the dance floor. Dancing, games and having fun are important ingredients to a good cruise apparently……..
Anyway, next day after a few games on the pool deck we were into Dubrovnik and exploring the old city. We opted out of any organized tours as they seemed quite expensive and by all accounts from fellow travellers they are not recommended as good value.
We found that the quick stop into Dubrovnik was a bit of an anti-climax – we were just getting settled on the ship! Our first encounter with a local Croatian was less than appealing – rude and condescending is hardly the tone you should take if your income is derived from foreign tourists – so we were happy to just be on our way again.
That said, we were amazed by the Croatian coast, the scenery approaching Dubrovnik and the incredible fortress that is the old city. It is amazing that as part of the country of Yugoslavia, during the civil war, the ancient and historic town was bombed by what basically amounts to it’s own Army, with many buildings destroyed. Yet it remains one of the most amazing fortress towns we have seen with a beautiful old harbour and all on a coast line of crystal clear waters.