back from the Med: Voyager June 1-18

Am really y appreciating your posts, Poss, and finding myself agreeing with many of them especially the service at the pool.

Am so glad the two of you are traveling and enjoying despite challenges.

Hi again poss, maybe this will help your memory (I forget names very easily as well - I don't know most last names:-)

Massimo

Andreas

Michael Coghlin (misspelled)

Hmmmm, there is a female G.M. and I love her - she is so nice -- cannot recall her name at the moment

Do these ring a bell?

I won't get into the onboard amenities vs amenities offered off of the ship (air, hotel and excursions) except to say that you can opt out of air and hotel but not excursions. Onboard amenities are a different issue.

After thinking about it, I want to share one thing about alcoholic drinks. As I think you know, we have sailed Oceania twice and purchased the alcohol package @ $59.00/person/day. If you were to each have two glasses of wine with the 18% added gratuity, you might accept Regent's all-inclusive policy a bit more. Without the beverage package, Oceania's alcohol pours have been said to be "thimble size".

Although we do not drink non-stop, a certain poster on CC who we adore encouraged me to have drinks at the pool bar with other CC'ers after lunch when I already had two glasses of wine or two Mexican Butterfly's. This ended up with me taking a long nap afterwards. Generally, aside from the 2 drinks at lunch, I have a glass of champagne before dinner and wine with dinner. On Oceania, this would add up to the $59/person/day (which includes gratuities).

Patiently waiting for your excursion reviews:D :halo: :wine-glass:

Just wanted to thank you for posting, I'm enjoying your writing-looking forward to more.

Rick

Thanks, ronrick1943 (Is that your birth date? It's mine.)

Tc: I thought I'd recognize the GM's name if I saw it, but none of those rings a bell. He's kind of a short guy, fair hair and skin I think. And I believe his wife and young daughter were on board. Can't even remember where he's from.

What you say about the difference bet. on-board and off-board amenities makes sense. Not sure what you mean about accepting Regent's all-inclusive policy a bit more: We love it! One of the big reasons we chose and stay with Regent.

PORTS AND EXCURSIONS:

I forget what Regent named this 18-day itinerary, but it could have been something like "If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium." It was almost embarrassing to tell friends and family about all the skipping around, made it sound as if things were very superficial, but we much enjoyed the variety. Didn't feel whiplash at all, even though we'd be in say Italy one day, hop to another country, then swing back into Italy. All interesting to us. Embarked Venice.

RAVENNA, ITALY: One of the places we'd not ever visited. We thought of choosing the Bologna trip from there, since we like that city very much and haven't been in a couple of decades. (We tend to like university towns, as we're both academics.) But we decided on staying in Ravenna instead, in large part because we think that Dante is such an important figure in Western literature (had re-read all 3 parts of Divine Comedy in the months before the trip), so were interested in seeing Dante's tomb and paying homage. Really enjoyed doing that (though we'd probably fall down and kiss the ground if we ever get to Kafka's tomb in Prague). Of course I'd much looked forward to seeing the famous mosaics as well. Somehow we weren't as bowled over by the mosaics as we've been seeing a lot of other art and architecture over the years. Not to say they weren't impressive-- as indeed they were-- but we weren't moved deeply or wowed in the way we knew we'd never forget the experience-- as we certainly have been numerous other times in churches, museums and such. So: a pleasant outing, but not among the best.

ZADAR, CROATIA: Had visited Dubrovnik several times on past cruises, but first time in Zadar. Absolutely loved our excursion: Krka National Park and River Cruise. We love natural beauty, sometimes even more than great art. Krka was a glorious place: endless waterfalls and stunning woods, with marvelous trees and other vegetation. Could have spent days wandering around that lushness. Enjoyed the short river trip too (we love being on water); the little town of Skradin, where we had lunch, was pleasant enough, if not memorable. (Krka very definitely was memorable.) A fine day. I wouldn't mind retuning one bit.

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO: 3rd or 4th time we've been there (all on cruises), and I'd be happy visiting any number of more times. Never manage to be up in the morning for the full sail in, only saw about an hour of that majestical journey, but wow and wow again. Who doesn't love a fjord! On past visits we've visited Budva, a little town we find interesting, and especially enjoy the stroll around around the curve of the waterfront through the trees. This time we did the Town of Kotor and Bay of Kotor. Just being surrounded by the handsome scenery was wonderful, and of course I envied the people who were able to climb the path up the mountain. Back in the day, that would have been our first choice of activity. Still, having such handsome surrounds was a joy. We liked the visit by boat to Gospa Islet as well. Kotor is an all-around splendid place.

CORFU, GREECE: Yup, yet another country. The excursion we'd chosen was cancelled, and we'd been to the area a couple of times (Achilleon Palace, etc), so we stayed on board and luxuriated in just hanging out and resting. We've never been in love with Corfu, and we greatly enjoyed our "lay day."

More anon.

Poss thanks so much for taking the time to give us such a thorough review of your cruise. Really enjoying all your posts.

Loved reading about your experiences onshore - especially Kotor, Montenegro - it is such a lovely place. I could "see" the area through your description. Thank you!

We haven't been to the other ports (except Corfu, Greece). We tend to like everything about Greece (especially their food).

I'm not sure what I meant either about accepting Regent's inclusive policy.......... I was trying to to make a point about how expensive it is to purchase alcohol and was using Oceania as an example (where you pay around $10 plus 18% gratuity for a tiny martini) and why it is better to have alcohol all-inclusive. I did a poor job of making that point - sorry.

Did you book anything while you were onboard? Also, do you happen to know if the ship was full? I'm curious because some of the itineraries in the Med. have not been selling well!

Poss, yes it is----maybe that's why I relate to your post so much, I feel the same way about most things you feel on your cruise. Thanks again for posting. We pick tours most of the time my the time they leave and how long it is. Once we hired a car for the day. after 5 hours he told - "What you still have 3 hours yet". We told him it must be his lucky day because the next stop is the ship and do what ever you want after that. Rick

Ronrick: Ha, that's a funny story (I get it!) about your car hire. My dear husband was born in 1930, so the marathon excursions are even tougher for him.

Tc: I'd booked the Copenhagen-Oslo trip for next summer (yup, Explorer) a couple of months ago. Did get the onboard booking credit. I had intended to stop in to future cruise desk, but our good TA was on top it. Speaking of TA's, I learned from another couple on board that their TA actually gives 12-15% rebate: not bad!

CONTINUATION OF PORTS/EXCURSIONS:

TAORMINA, SICILY: Another port we've visited several times and that we like a lot. Didn't do the town on our last visit, so decided to explore that handsome place again. It was raining very, very lightly, and we enjoyed sitting in the handsome garden for quite a while. I love gardens! (This was mostly trees rather than flowers, which was just fine; trees are about my favorite thing on earth.) Very much enjoyed a very leisurely stroll of the town as well: nice to be back. I believe I've mentioned many times in the past that we're not at all into shopping, but the lanes and buildings are so lovely. A nice day.

AMALFI/POSITANO: We chose "Scenic Ravello" because I'd long heard that it was one of the most stunning places on that coast. The Villa Rufolo with its gardens was handsome and fairly interesting, but we didn't find Ravello as ravishing as I'd expected. The views were fabulous (though not as as much so as from Capri imo), and there was a nice municipal garden in another part of town, but mainly it was shops and more shops: not our kind of thing. The most fun part of the day was the steep and windy ride up from the port of Amalfi and back down again: Such traffic on such narrow roads! Buses and other vehicles were practically kissing.

ROME: We like Rome a lot, have enjoyed a couple of extended stays (The Forum is my favorite part of that excellent city) but of course going in to Rome (or Orvieto) from Civitavecchia wasn't possible (10-11 hour excursions, no thanks). Since we'd never been to Lake Bracciano, and since we're water babies, we chose the Lake and Wine Tasting tour (4 hours). Found it pleasant, but nothing to write home about.

PORTOFERRAIO, ELBA: Had never been. Chose one of the around the island tours (with visit to Napolean's summer residence, which was not uninteresting). Handsome island, nice relaxing day. Not sorry we were there, but no great desire to visit again.

More anon. (I wouldn't mind one bit still being aboard! My husband happy to be home, though we both very much enjoyed the trip.)

Bravo Poss, your excursion descriptions are outstanding--the best I have read on CC that focuses on excursions--thanks for sharing your keen eye & excellent writing skills with us.

And your fellow guest found a TA that is exceptional generous with rebates considering Regent pays their TA's 17% of the cruise fare.

We can imagine that Tree infused Taormina park you so wonderfully describe--believe we were in the same park a just two years ago.

And concur the views from Capri are simple stunning except for the damn Capri Watch I had to buy for my DW cost some coin during our Capri visit.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi, Poss, just catching back up on your trip report as I was in Chicago for the weekend with Jenny and two of my office girls.

Thanks for your kind words. You are so sweet.

I am glad you enjoyed Krka as much as we did. That definitely was one of our favorite ever tours. And I have to agree with you about Ravello. It was ok, but nothing spectacular IMO.

The laundry thing at night was just weird. Why would anyone call that late, even if there was a huge hole?

Having spent a couple of nights in Ravello a few years ago, the town is wonderful at night when the families are out and the view at night is special indeed. Also they do concerts in the town that aren't to be missed. So if you aren't on a cruise, a night here is very nice. Mind you I agree about the drive up to it - my husband actually drove, it was scary and beautiful at the same time!

Poss, love reading the review - thank you.

Thanks for the new posts.

PORTOFINO: Another port we'd not been to before. Our tour was "Portofino and Santa Margherita" (the next little town around the bend by boat). Both quite handsome places (looked the way you think they're going to look) especially the approach by tender, but also beyond the port. There was an hour or so walk uphill in Portofino (to a lighthouse, which was unremarkable): a not unhandsome trek (nice trees, nice views), but a bit too much for many of us. A number of people were pretty sore during and after. We probably should have turned around halfway or so. In fact, views from very top weren't better than views on way up. Somewhere the excursion was marked with 3 walkers (most difficult), but somewhere else with two (which we have no trouble with, and sometimes not much trouble with 3). But this one really needed to have spelled out what the uphill walk was like. Anyway, no permanent damage. Santa Margherita was even more pleasant, we thought, especially the imposing Villa Durazzo with its lovely gardens. To get there was more uphill climbing (like what other sort of climbing is there!), but nowhere near as long as the Portofino surprise. There was to be a wedding on the grounds in a few hours, so it was fun seeing all the handsome set-ups, though that did make visiting the inside of the villa not possible. In short, we enjoyed this excursion a lot, despite the challenge in Portofino. More interesting and more impressive than Ravello, though as Irishwitchy noted, I imagine that Ravello in the evening is lovely. (Would so love someday to be in places like Ravello, Capri, Eze, Santorini, etc. overnight: ain't gonna happen....)

Back very soon.

MONTE CARLO: This port was disembarkation for the 10-day cruise and embarkation for the next 7-day itinerary. Oh, I was so happy to be staying on! The excursion that I'd chosen among the four offered was cancelled (not enough people we were told), so we hopped on the Monte Carlo/Monaco tour. We've been to the area a number of times, visiting St Paul de Vence, Eze, etc. but would have enjoyed the opportunity to get up into some of the hill towns we'd not visited. The town of Nice we love and have spent 3-4 days on several occasions. I'd been thinking that this time in Monaco we'd finally visit the famous aquarium (we're big-time aquarium lovers), but we were both pretty tired and thought it best to not do a lot of walking. We enjoyed the little bus tour, then while others in the group walked the town, visited the casino, palace, etc, we plopped ourselves down in the Japanese Garden (which we'd not visited in the past), and in the "Exotic Gardens," which we always enjoy. A pleasant, relaxing day.

LIVORNO: I'd've loved to do the Siena/San Gimignano excursion. Had spent a couple of days in each many moons ago on land vacations, and remember loving both. Too far to go though. Would have loved to visit Florence again of course (one of our all-time favorite cities) as we'd not been there either in a long, long time. Too far. Since we've never been to Pisa, I'd first signed up for that tour, as it was a nice short one-- but decided at the last minute to go back to old dependable standby Lucca (where two times ago, on the bike tour, I got hit by a bus, no kidding, scraped knee, but not seriously hurt, though was required to spend an hour or so in the police station filing report). We always find Lucca charming: the fine buildings, the light, the handsome countryside, the splendid, peaceful walls. The fact that Puccini was born there doesn't hurt one bit. I wonder if we'll ever see Pisa.

ROME (yup again): Since I'd badly wanted to visit Pompeii when we were in Amalfi, but suspected it'd be too strenuous and iffy with the uneven walking, I'd signed on for Ostia Antica, where, like Pompeii, we'd never visited. A couple of people convinced me that Ostia was fairly strenuous as well, and, if I'm remembering correctly, it was a longish excursion, so we stayed on the boat again. We enjoyed having all that time to read and just hang out, but I was kind of sorry we didn't do Tarquinia again (Etruscan stuff), as we'd greatly appreciated that tour in the past. Next time, if there is one.

SORRENTO/CAPRI: Made a mistake on this one. Every other time, we'd done Capri, which has to be one of the world's loveliest places. Never had any interest in the shopping aspect, but loved the stunning surroundings and views, and always enjoyed Anacapri and the chair lift up to that mountain top (Solaro?) The most special part for us was-- surprise!!-- the gardens. But we'd been to Capri so many times that I felt we should probably try something new. (I keep saying "I" because my husband isn't interested in thinking about or choosing the tours; always says, "I enjoy everything." And indeed he does!) In Sorrento, too, the tour I'd chosen was cancelled (I forget what it was), so I substituted Scenic Riviera and Taste of Sorrento. Never uninteresting to drive along the Amalfi coast for a bit, but the farmhouse visit wasn't anything all that great (not bad, just not memorable). Since we'd never actually walked around Sorrento, we did an hour or so of that after the tour. Somewhat interesting, but mostly shops and more shops. Was happy to get back to the ship. What I SHOULD have chosen from Sorrento was the tour called Positano and lunch at Ristorante Quattro Passi. I can't believe that we were in the area twice on this itinerary and never visited Positano! I think I avoided that tour because I had the feeling we'd be inundated by shops, but mostly because I suspected that my husband would have gotten a little antsy sitting around at lunch for a couple of hours. I know that the scenery had to be marvelous, and I do regret not having made that choice, especially as my sweet husband is pretty good at adapting.

More in a while.

Poss just love your style of writing and apt descriptions. Also how you give us a segment at a time makes it all the better in anticipating the next instalment. Thanks, Jean.

Poss, I would take Lucca over Pisa any day. The Leaning tower is in Pisa of course, but not all that much else. So Lucca is way more interesting to me. Have done the bike tour there twice, though fortunately never got hit by a truck.

Can't believe you have not been to Positano. But it is ALL hills, so if the walk in Portofino was a bit strenuous, Positano would have worn you out for sure. It is way hillier, and very much uphill.

Things I forgot to respond to:

Wes: Thanks for your appreciation of my posts. When the other passenger mentioned the quite large rebate from their TA (for a Regent cruise in 2019, I believe), I said wow, I remember Wes once mentioning that his TA offered significant rebates, but I assumed that was because he and Ida are frequent cruisers. (In my next life!) The fellow said that in fact the TA alluded to was same one you use. So I guess I must be misremembering the percentage I noted?

Tc: You'd asked whether the ship was full capacity. Don't know.

liptastic: Thanks for ringing in.

Rachel: I remember well your affection for Lucca. I actually thought of you when we were there. Curious thing: The Positano/Quattro Passi excursion was marked with only one walker. I guess that people were taken up to the restaurant by some sort of vehicle? I knew that Positano was very hilly, but this tour seemed to be a way to see it without all the climbing. Darn-- I wish we'd done that tour! (Since we can't do the long flight thing anymore, I imagine that it's not impossible--- if health holds-- that we'll find ourselves on another Med cruise sometime. Positano look out!)

By the way-- and off the subject-- I sure wish that I could find a land tour that doesn't start so bloody early virtually every morning. Wish someone would design some tours for sleepy-head geezers. Come to think of it, I think we'd not enjoy all the packing/unpacking either. Not sure why river cruising doesn't have a whole lot of appeal. I think because it seems too close-quarters.

Poss I too have greatly enjoyed hearing about your cruise. 18 is a delightful number of days and you had some fine excursions. I do need to congratulate you on the Krka excursion. If you managed those steps you are in great condition. I didn't think I was going to make it back up.

We, too, like to sleep in so we have been known to check out the departure times. You are not alone after all it is a vacation.

Poss, I really get the sleep in part and tours being later in the day. Really 2-3 hour tour is great with me. Talking about being older----someone said to me, I hate seeing these older people on the cruise tours, specially once I realize I went to high school with them. Have a great year and happy cruising for a long time ahead. Rick

Ah, yes, Eager, I appreciated the 18 days on board, but I think I'd enjoy a week or so more (or more cruises than one a year). However, I ain't complaining! Feel very, very fortunate.

Only two more port days to report on since the day after Sorrento/Capri was a sea day. (I was pretty sad at that point, watching the cruise wind down.) We always enjoy sea days, and it was great not having to spend part of it doing laundry anymore. Mostly we read, myself often on the pool deck, my husband almost always in the suite.

MARSEILLE: Hadn't been to Provence since apres college (a looong time ago), and Provence ports were part of the reason I chose this particular itinerary. I didn't remember ever having visited St Remy, and I remember liking Arles, so I chose that excursion (the two together), all 8 hours of it. Interestingly, neither of us found it very tiring. In fact, I don't understand why the description mentioned "moderate to strenuous walking." Piece of cake compared to Portofino.

I was surprised to find that neither of us was crazy about either of the towns. They were not unhandsome or uninteresting (and of course the Van Gogh ambience was engaging), but I've not much desire to return. We were, however, quite moved to visit Van Gogh's room, etc. in the sanatorium where he suffered so much and painted many of his best works. But while one couldn't but be impressed by the Roman amphitheater, we were somehow more wowed by the amphitheater in Taormina than the one Arles. Makes me wonder what we missed, since I know that many people adore Arles and St Remy.

A funny part of that day was the fact that our bus driver got terrifically lost-- several times-- mainly on the way from Arles to St Remy. I kept wondering why we were seeing signs for any number of other towns, but not a single sign for St Remy: simply none anywhere. He was so lost that we wound up driving through a little town for 10 minutes or so-- one in which no buses were allowed! I mean how fun is that! Also fun was my self-indulgent trying to exercise my French (such that it is, which it isn't much) with the very nice and patient guide. She let me stumble along and she always responded in French to my questions and comments. I really appreciated that. (The guide the next day was not as kind.)

SANARY SUR MER: a hop, skip and jump from Marseilles, and a sweet little port, with colorful small boats bobbing in the pretty harbor. I'd remembered liking Aix very much back in the day, so that was the tour I chose. Kind of wanted to do the Marseilles/Aix combination, but it was the day before disembarkation, so I was afraid to be out all day: too much to do. Someone we'd met the day before asked what we were doing the Sanary day, and when we said Aix, he said that he and his wife were there the day before (from Marseille) and found it a bore. Huh? Well, chacun a son gout.

It happened to be market day when we were in Aix, and that no doubt added to the appeal of the place. I wasn't awfully interested in the flea market aspect, but sure loved the produce part, and the flowers of course (which were fairly wilted in the 92+ degree heat, a good deal higher than usual for that time of year, but with a pleasant breeze). It was wonderful to see all the old buildings again, the fine old trees, the very handsome cathedral, the interesting small lanes and larger avenues. Aix has real elegance, for sure, and the fact that it's a university town added to its charm for us. We also found the drive to Aix more handsome than the drive the previous day, with the great view of Cezanne's Mt St Victoire a highlight.

In all, a wonderful variety of ports and tours, with no long Constellation theater waits, easy tendering, not very crowded buses, and quite ok guides. I'm grateful for these included excursions, and, as I said, wish that we'd done that one upgrade in Portofino, especially as we had a whole bunch of OBC's.

When I catch my breath a bit, I'll be back with some comments on dining.

Ronrick: I just saw your recent post. The thing about high school is so funny--thanks for that!

Sorry to break into this Thread way-late. But, Voyager's voyage in many respects mirrored one my wife and I completed during the second segment (Barcelona-Venice) of Explorer's Miami-Venice 25th Anniversary "celebration". Boarded at Miami. Top service throughout that 24-day voyage.

Regarding CC's sponsored "Meet and Greet" (MG) event aboard Voyager: I guess it depends on the ship. We just returned from a 25-day Navigator Miami-Amazon River-Miami cruise. That MG was held on the third night--so no conflict with a Captain's Reception, or coming off a Lifeboat Drill. On route to the greatest river in the world.

Our MG was well-orchestrated, in advance. It was attended by top Navigator Officers, which I regard as a plus. Convivial conversations. We received written confirmation in our suite upon embarkation at Miami as to time and place. No surprises. Were able to interact with numerous CC folks at that venue, which was specifically marked in one of the lounges. Very-pleasant.

Have reviewed other aspects of passengers' reflections as to Voyagers ports-of-call. Our greatest memory when aboard Explorer was at Kotor, on a Sunday afternoon, attending a flute quartet concert at a church which required a boat ride. Well worth the trip.

Happy sailings.

Go Army!

Poss, I have thoroughly enjoyed your review. Paula

DINING: Not a whole lot to say (which does not mean that I didn't eat a whole lot!) Speaking of that (eating a whole lot): I was so sure that we both had gained a good deal of weight, because we didn't stint on the excellent food at all, plus I really pigged out on desserts and ice cream. When we got on the scale the day we arrived home, we both weighed exactly the same as before the trip. Made no sense at all, so I assumed the scale wasn't working and went over to a friend's house to weigh myself. Wonder of wonders, our scale had been accurate: Neither of us had gained a single pound! We were much more active during our 3 weeks away, lots and lots of walking, so I assume that's the key. Now if I could only learn from that!

We enjoyed all 3 restaurants, and didn't really have a preference among them. I didn't remember exactly what the rooms looked like before the re-do, but we found all three venues pleasing. As I mentioned earlier, the service wasn't always stellar (this holds for all of the restaurants). Too many of the wait staff seemed scarcely engaged; interaction and attention were perfunctory. But more than not were fine.

Chartreuse often had empty tables (Prime 7 never did). In fact, the maitre d' (the one whom I never saw smile) urged us (and others, I heard) to come back for a second reservation. We liked the food, so we actually dined there 4 times over the 18 days. The artichoke soup was good (though not as outstanding as Signature's mushroom soup). In fact, I think we liked Signatures a bit better than Chartreuse. For one thing, the escargots in Chartreuse were pretty awful: some really heavy and drowning sauce; seemed all wrong. (But what do I know?) Come to think of it, we didn't enjoy the escargots in Compass Rose either: too greasy-- and in both restaurants very much over-cooked. We enjoyed all of our entrees and veggies in Chartreuse and also several of the desserts. My husband almost always orders the cheese plate for dessert, and I almost always order something chocolate. Forgot to say that we liked the duck terrine very much, and I liked the steak tartare. (in the other restaurants as well: liked them about equally) And the salads were good.

I can't remember what we ordered in our several visits to Prime 7, but we were mostly very pleased. I think the veggies and salads in Prime 7 and Chartreuse are better than the ones in CR, except for some special salads in CR that were excellent.

Compass Rose was fine. As others have noted, there were seemingly endless choices. I guess we prefer eating in the smaller spaces of the other restaurants, but CR is certainly a pleasant place to be as well. The miso-glazed sea bass was my favorite entree, so I ordered it three times. And foie gras is one of my guilty pleasures, so I had it in each of the restaurants fairly often; bad thing to do, but so, so good. (My husband doesn't indulge.)

The pool deck barbecue one night was great. Very impressive, very delicious. Jolly fun.

The one BIG disappointment in the food was the lobster. It was completely over-cooked every single time I ordered it, both the tail and the whole lobster (which I much prefer). This was curious, since a number of other fish and shellfish dishes were prepared very well. Shrimp were nice and crunchy, scallops perfect, sea bass and Dover sole excellent as well. I remember that TB had lobster virtually every day of their cruise, and am glad that she was able to enjoy her favorite dish. Not sure what happened, but the lobster I was served was not good. Not in CR, not in Prime 7, and not in CR the second time I tried. Those poor ducks did not die in vain (though certainly died unfairly), but my lobsters did. Actually one night (I think in Chartreuse), I had a dish that included scallops and I think shrimp, and lobster-- and this was the one time that the lobster was properly cooked, i.e., just barely.

What am I forgetting? Oh, I forgot to mention that we thought all the table settings, etc. were very handsome. Real elegance.

What else?

poss, thank you for the most interesting review of the food. While I don't eat duck, we do enjoy escargot, foes gras and lobster. We find that having the lobster steamed rather than prepared other ways worked for us. Our favorite lobster is on the Explorer (tempura style - fried with choices of dipping sauces - definitely fattening).

We will be on the Voyager for the first time in about 3 years in 2018 (2 cruises booked) so your descriptions are even more interesting than usual. I understand that our experience will depend upon the Executive Chef, the General Manager and F&B Director but we will keep our fingers crossed that we will have good experiences. After the Explorer, the Voyager is our favorite ship so we are definitely looking forward to it.

Right now I am extremely jealous of the fact that you didn't gain the 10 pounds that I seem to gain on a cruise. I'll try to do more walking on our Mariner cruise net month!

Poss, could you share a bit of the details about the Port in Sorrento/Capri?

I ask because I'm on the Explorer in October and am foolishly trying to squeeze in both a tour to Pompeii and a self led excursion to Capri. This is only really feasible if the ship docks in a port near the ferries to Capri. Do you recall how close the ship docked to the ferries from Capri?

Thanks so much for your detailed write up!

Oh, gee, furs, I wish I could answer your question with confidence, but I can't. My memory, btw, is that Sorrento is a tender port, that the ship doesn't "dock." I do believe, though, that it'd be awfully difficult to do both those areas in the same day. For one thing, the ferry over to Capri (and back) takes a while. And then Capri itself is so wonderful (imo) that it'd be a shame to be there and miss all the interesting and handsome places. The ship's excursion is usually about 7 hours, and we've never felt that we had too much time. We don't shop, but Anacapri and the little cable chair up even higher are both very interesting, as are the gardens and plenty of other things. The views everywhere of course are splendid. With Pompeii being a good 5 hour tour (I believe), I just can't imagine trying to accomplish both, especially as you'd be spending a fair amount of time traveling from one to the other and then back to ship.

Have a wonderful cruise!