Traveler Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Only three days before our second Greek cruise , Seating in Milan airport to go back home , do some laundry, last minutes arrangement and back to the airport to land, yes back to Milan . Yes , I know it require some explanation why I am doing that but I promise later to explain this. We are going again on the Rhapsody of the seas for 7 night cruise from Venice (until Venice will not allow any big ships anymore) , we thought last year that although we like big ships we can survive with the small once also as long it is interesting route. So were we are going : DUBROVNIK – Never been there but this is kings landing from game of thrones – we took a tour as it’s a tendering port , it will take us by the cable car to a nice view of the city and the bay post a tour in the old city CROATIA KOTOR – We will take our time and just take one of the tender boats after the rush hours, we will than do a tour in the old city which we thought we did not had enough time last year CRUISING SANTORINI, GREECE – We took a tour to AIO and some wine tasting KATAKOLON, GREECE – did not figure this one yet. CRUISING (and celebrating my birthday) VENICE, ITALY - Cry and catch our flight back. The plan is to land in Milan , stay for two nights and take the morning train from Milan to Venice , from the train station we will take the people mover to the port, plan B if train will have some issue will be to rent a car and drop it in Venice airport. My spouse never visit Milan before so she asked to stay there and not in Venice this time , After all the last supper it there and the Domo. Its should be a nice cruise , we both need to rest , it was a crazy month for me running from one end of the world to the other one. We did not order any special restaurant nor a drinking package but for sure we will try again the chef table and use our voucher for some evening drinks. As you can see , after I so RCL are not removing cats from Oasis post the dry dock I started to train my own cast , some already know how to give high five when they want food . well our own stray cats soup kitchen , which mean we need to find someone to keep feeding them when we are not there, maybe will try to convince our own cat to arrange it. Well , my flight is being called , so I will continue to update later. Lovetocruise2002, ellcee, WAAAYTOOO and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 @Traveler I Will Be Following. I Hope You Safe Travels. ANGELA ROMAN and Traveler 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Ok , so I boarded the aircraft , I should mark it to check if it's going to be the same one I will board tommorow doing my way back to Milan actually going to seat in the same exact seat. So why I am doing this crazy Milan home Milan in less than 24 houre ? Well few months ago when we booked the cruise we booked also flight for the cruise in a very cheap fare , so cheap that canceling it would mean to lose the full fare. Last week I was request to come to Milan for a business trip which was not planned (I just returned from another trip) I tried to see what I can do but staying in Milan would mean my spouse will need to travel alone , add money for the suitcase (I can take two without fee) , not able to use the lounge and need to navigate alone in Milan airport which is not that frendly. It would also mean I would need to take the cruise suitcase with me , mixing my cruise outfits with my business one. So here I am going back home for 12 hours , hey at least I will have time to print my sell pasess. For now enjoy a Greek sunset The Cruise Junkie, Sweety, ellcee and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 I always love @Traveler blogs because I get to see pics of another side of the world that I wish I could go back to! You bet I'll be following! ellcee, ANGELA ROMAN, WAAAYTOOO and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 First par of the journey ended successfully ,landed , 14 more hours until going back , consider to ask them if I can leave my laptop on board and pick it on the next flight Anyway talking about different places, here is were I was 10 days ago , hint it's not Paris And no, I was not in Nevada eather JohnK6404, Skigoofy, JLMoran and 3 others 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 Although not par of a cruise (but in the list) I was lucky enough to get a chance to visit this part of the world two weeks ago. Sure got me thinking how to expedite a cruise from there JohnK6404, Skigoofy, JLMoran and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted August 22, 2019 Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 Following! Have a safe flight back to Milan, a smooth transfer to Venice, and a great cruise! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 So I am back to the airport this time with my spouse which is now enjoying a massage at the lounge spa (it's free as long as you register enough time ahead). Was quit hectic day , I got 3 hours sleep as I had some meeting at the morning , yet gain another crises somewhere. I did you d time to pick my shirts (folded and ready for cruise) and even a quick lunch deal in one of our favorite restaurants (while still in a conference call) Soon we will board , Milan here we come (again) JohnK6404, JLMoran, Lovetocruise2002 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted August 22, 2019 Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 Ok, whatever you ate for lunch looks delicious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 40 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Ok, whatever you ate for lunch looks delicious! The middle one is the one I like most , it's a pumpkin dumpling that come with green pea foam with cream , very good , the second last one is the dessert which is very interesting , that's just for preparation for our October Spectrum cruise ellcee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 Ok , we boarded , now I needed to decide if to see again the avengers end game or to try and catch some sleep JLMoran 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted August 22, 2019 Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 2 minutes ago, Traveler said: green pee foam with cream Sorry, I can't help it on this typo. That sounds gross. I'm guessing you meant "pea". lol JLMoran 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 22 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Sorry, I can't help it on this typo. That sounds gross. I'm guessing you meant "pea". lol Yes let me fix it , it's not post St Patrick's day mom2mybugs, Lovetocruise2002 and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 We are back to Italy , othof us got three seat for themselves which was a bless as we got take few hours of required nap . Few minutes of confuse imigration person who did not know what to do with my 20 hours gap of exit and entery but it's Italy so she found a way. Now on the bus to the city . Our hotel is near the main train station were we will take on Saturday morning the train to Venice. Lovetocruise2002, JLMoran, WAAAYTOOO and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 Our home for the next two days : In preparation for the cruise : Nice all you need charging box with all kinds of cables, good if you forgotten yours at home One big king bad Huge TV And another important feature All in all its not the biggest room I saw but everything is new so it's nice Lovetocruise2002, JLMoran and The Cruise Junkie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 It's all about timing JohnK6404, ellcee, The Cruise Junkie and 4 others 4 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 Day -1 Milan. We arrived Milan around 11 PM , quick walk from the bus stop and we arrived the hotel , check in was slow as only one person answered the phone in parallel trying to check us in . Finally we got in the room and just went to sleep as we both were very tired. On the way to the hotel we also lost one of the suitcase wheel , lucky for us it was quite near to the hotel so we managed it. At morning we struggled to catch breakfast around 9:45 (breakfast was only until 10 am) , breakfast was good ,it even included vegetables (you see RCL its possible to server vegetables at breakfast). We bought daily ticket for the subway (7 $ for the full day) and did our way to the Duomo, the subway station brings you just outside from the Duomo , if there is one thing you must see in Milan its this Cathedral, its very impressive , all cover with marble. There is quite a big line to get into the Cathedral but there is a way to bypass it . All you need to do is to buy combo tickets to get onto the rooftop of the cathedral which is a must and from there you can get down directly into the cathedral. That is exactly what we have done , we bought the tickets, went on the rooftop (very pretty) and went down to the cathedral, there we also went under it to see the old church remains (from around 450 AC) . Post the cathedral we went to eat our second breakfast of frozen pistachio ice cream and went to the Aperol terrace to drink our first travel drink , and no the drinking package is not working there. The next station was castle Seforza , we took our lunch near by . I stopped in a sport shop to buy some roller blades wheel so I can fix the suitcase (I had to replace at least two wheel as they were not the same size but it did the trick for now , I guess its time to replace this suitcase which my spouse using for the last 14 years. It was time for dinner , real this time , Pizza and a salad near the cathedral Near the cathedral there is the oldest mall in Europe , in one place were a new tradition started , on the floor there are some mosaics of animals , now it consider a good luck if you go over the bull mosaic private part and turn three time using you shoe heel , do not know who came with it but its sure funny to watch. . Tomorrow we have early train to catch so time to catch some sleep , its cruise day soon. Lovetocruise2002, Skigoofy, JohnK6404 and 4 others 4 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRebecca Posted August 23, 2019 Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 Fantastic, looking forward to following along! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted August 23, 2019 Report Share Posted August 23, 2019 Poor bull.... Traveler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2019 As usual , cruise early morning and I woke up up much too early. So here some more pictures from yesterday : Now, I am sure such a child labor would not be approved today Inside the cathedral: It's hard to understand the size from the picture but it is a huge church , 40000 people can be inside and to think they started to build it 700 years ago (and complete it 60 years ago , talking about delays , almost like RCL IT upgrade projects). Here are the remains of the old church under the cathedral And I can't visit Italy without drinking espresso or two ellcee, Sweety, JLMoran and 2 others 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2019 Good morning , on our way to the port , 200 MPH from Milan to Venice ellcee, Lovetocruise2002 and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2019 We maid it JLMoran, ellcee, The Cruise Junkie and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2019 We successfuly negotiate Chef table with 30% Its started with 20 and when we said we will think about it it went to 30 while we were eating in WJ. Love Chef table so we are happy JLMoran, Sweety and Lovetocruise2002 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2019 DL They had food even around 1 PM Sweety and Lovetocruise2002 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2019 MDR for first night WJ recon : Mexican station One big bird And red velvet cake are here to Stay Red bananas (I still do not like bananas bit they looked nice) Lovetocruise2002, Sweety and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted August 24, 2019 Report Share Posted August 24, 2019 Magnificent photos of the Cathedral. Thank you ! Traveler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 Day 1 - the short version. As always on the cruise day I had hard time to sleep (well maybe the fact I still recovering from Australian time did not help eather) so I update the blog , surfed the internet and waited for the alarm to wake up my spouse. Around 7 we went down to eat , breakfast is very good at this hotel (four points Milan center if anyone ask), quick last minute packing and we started our journey to the train station (8 minutes walk) good that I fixed the suitcase wheels. It was not too hot so it's Ok. Milan central station is luggage friendly and all the tracks are on the same level and near to each other (not like Milan Garibaldi which can be a nightmare , believe me I tried it once). The train cost us 30$ and I booked it ahead of time. The train is quite fast (can get up to 200 Mph) only issue there is not much space for luggage but we managed to find. Our train tickets also included drinks and snacks which was nice. The journey took around 2.5 hours with some stops in places like Verona (did not had time to say hello to Romeo nor to Juliet). We arrived around 10:45 to Venice station and started to walk to the main transport square . One issue is that you have to cross a bridge which as some flat stairs but not something too bad , alternative you can take a porter that will take the luggage for you over the bridge. Our plan was to take the people mover which bring you to the port in 5 minutes and cost around 2 $ . You can find it inside the white building in currner of the square . I guess that was also the plan of many other people and the line was huge (well if you can call it a line, it was more like 20 different lines were everyone tries to get in , in Italy the call it casino , which mean one big mess) , We decided to skip it and just walk to the port . The way to the port is quite easy but it was quite hot , it took us about 12 minutes to walk to the port gate were the people mover drops you , another 10 minutes from the gate to the terminal. I'd it doable , I guess yes , we have just done it but I wish it was less hot. Another option is to get off the train at Mestre and take a cab to the port (around 50$). Finally we got to terminal (around 11:15) few minutes after we boarded the ship. As usual we went first to the WJ which had allot of empty tables , post lunch we went to the diamond club for a coffee, they also served some finger food. At that time the rooms were ready and our luggage appear around 1:30 Pm . We unpacked and went to get some rest following the muster drill. After the drill we went back to the diamond club for some drinks The ship starred to move so we went up to see Venice from deck 10 and 5. There are some rummers as if soon such big ship will not allow in Venice anymore. With some help from friends And there is another cruise line Time to get some rest, will continue tommorow Skigoofy, Lovetocruise2002, JLMoran and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 8 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Magnificent photos of the Cathedral. Thank you ! Thanks , the cathedral is really amazing , the amount of statues and details you can see on the rooftop are stunning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 Second day of the cruise, we are in Dubrovnik , still smiling JLMoran, Skigoofy, Sweety and 4 others 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted August 25, 2019 Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 I love Dubrovnik. I still remember we had zero expectations for it and it turned out to be one of our most favourite ports. It's such a little gem of a place! Loving the pictures too @Traveler. Traveler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: I love Dubrovnik. I still remember we had zero expectations for it and it turned out to be one of our most favourite ports. It's such a little gem of a place! Loving the pictures too @Traveler. We are now on our way back to the port , we love Dubrovnik but it was very warm day , I am sure we could have enjoyed it more with better weather. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 We are seating in the diamond club now (wonderful service by the way) following the Dollar per drink role , running out of singles , do you think it will be rude of me to ask the waiter if he can bring me back the singles in return to a larger bill ? What you would do ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted August 25, 2019 Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 3 hours ago, Traveler said: We are seating in the diamond club now (wonderful service by the way) following the Dollar per drink role , running out of singles , do you think it will be rude of me to ask the waiter if he can bring me back the singles in return to a larger bill ? What you would do ? Exchange for dollar bills at guest services. I would not ask the waiter for change lol. Traveler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2019 Day 1 - leftovers. So we finished taking the photos of Venice from the ship , no doubt it's one of the nicer port to sail from . We went to get organized for dinner (walking in Venice sun has cost to it) I took a shower , in Rhapsody they still using the old curtain system , as much as I tried to avoid it the curtain kept clung to me and I felt I need to wash again . Now I might be OK with such affection but hey at least by me a dinner at chef table first. We went to the MDR for dinner (late shift) and we faced the first night MDR curse , everything was so slow , it took us around two hours to finish. Food was Ok. Post dinner we went to see the band in the centrum which was nice Also it was a good opportunity to take some theater photos Love the way they designed it Visit in the Casino and off we went to sleep , more about Dubrovnik tommorow. Lovetocruise2002, ellcee and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2019 Days 2 - Dubrovnik. We docked at Dubrovnik at 12:00 PM which allow us to sleep until 9 am . Breakfast at WJ , as usual , same things and I still complainig about lack of vegetables , come on you are in the Mediterranean , vegetables are important (and no , cheese nor Salmon are vegetables even if you put one cucumber near for decoration. I went to the port lecture (AKA we have some shops we want you to visit) , I know it mostly commercial lecture but still you get good info so I am Ok with it . Did you know that the neck tie was invented in Croatia ? Not sure if to thank them or hate them for it also dalmatian dogs came from Croatia . From the port RCL offer a shuttle (five minutes ride) to the old city , it cost 15 $ for return trip) . We had a tour of small group (15-20 people) which took us to the cable car for a very nice view over the bay followed by a city walking tour. Here are some pictures from the top of the hill From the cable car And the usual iconic Dubrovnik picture Down near the cable car station The city itself is full with charm and if you watch Game of the thrones it's nice to try and find some of the location of Kings landing , they have some shops that sell GOT memorability stuff but it's so expensive! For example 30$ for a mag - hey , I am a fan but there are some limits. It was a very warm day that limits us to places with shade , we sure want to go back and visit during better weather. Hey a ship from the free city of Braavos is entering the port We had some free time so we went to eat late lunch in one of the old port resturants , we took some oysters , octopus salad ( which came in a very interesting presentation) and calamari which was very fresh and good. For dessert we took the local flan . Next we done our way to the ship . WAAAYTOOO, Lovetocruise2002, JLMoran and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2019 And that's why we took ocean view room. The Cruise Junkie, Skigoofy, Lovetocruise2002 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted August 26, 2019 Report Share Posted August 26, 2019 Red Velvet forever. Traveler, Lovetocruise2002 and ellcee 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted August 26, 2019 Report Share Posted August 26, 2019 Following. Traveler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FManke Posted August 26, 2019 Report Share Posted August 26, 2019 Great pictures so far! @Traveler just curious about your opinion about Rhapsody? We will be on here next Oct. What kind of shape is she in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted August 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2019 Now , what is totally wrong with this picture ? firebuck 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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