Solstice Live/First-Timer Reports/Pix’s: Italy/Croatian June 7-19

[TLCOhio]

On the Italy board this week, questions came up on shopping in Venice. Below are some of the added pictures that I posted and and had not previously shown on this blog. Lots and lots of interesting places in Venice. Try to get away from the main tourist areas around San Marco Square. Venice is a large diverse city with so many interesting things to see and places to explore. Just walking around is one of the "secrets" to enjoying this historic and super charming city.

 

One year ago, we were on this day having dinner in Murano on the Solstice for our 39th wedding anniversary. Last night in Columbus, we had table and dinner with friends outdoors enjoying the Temptations in concert with our local symphony orchestra. It was a fun, fun way to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary with "My Girl".

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

In 1999, I bought a couple of ties at this shop right on San Marco Square. Then, the prices were lots and lots of lira, but only $8.50 in our money We stopped back last June. They still had the designs for the two ties I wear now, but the prices in euro are much higher, but not too bad for the quality offered. Lots of silk items in Venice to consider.:

 

 

 

Here are people in our group checking out one of the small shops off of the main areas. There are many potentials to consider as gifts for others and/or our use.:

 

 

 

Here was a sampling in a unique shop that specialized in many different types of chocolate. These items were very special and I am sure tasted wonderful. Lots of unique art and design here.:

 

 

 

Here is a shop window in Venice featuring unique designs in fabric.:

 

 

 

Here are two more visuals from the mask shop somewhat hidden on the back-streets of Venice. As noted earlier, we had discovered this great place in 1999 and were lucky to find it again as we explored a little off of the typical tourist streets of Venice. They have such delightful and creative designs serving more of a professional customer base. The shop is called Tragi comica. Their web address is http://www.tragicomica.it.. Lots of unique art and design here.:

 

 

 

[cruise47]

Thanks for an outstanding review; and your pictures are worth a million dollars.

 

Wishing you and your spouse a Happy 40Th Wedding Anniversary this year.

[drarill]

Terry:

Thanks for such a wonderful review and beautiful pictures!!! This is what I love about CC!! We are cruising on the Silhouette in a couple of weeks and will be visiting some of your ports of call!!!:)

[TLCOhio]

Thanks for an outstanding review; and your pictures are worth a million dollars. Wishing you and your spouse a Happy 40Th Wedding Anniversary this year.

 

drarill: Terry: Thanks for such a wonderful review and beautiful pictures!!! This is what I love about CC!! We are cruising on the Silhouette in a couple of weeks and will be visiting some of your ports of call!!!

 

Appreciate the added and nice comments and wishes for our anniversary. Where can I collect that "million dollars" you kindly mentioned?? That would help pay for a few future cruises!! This live/blog is now over 88' date='000 views and it is great to get these types of kind comments. Yes, had yesterday a nice COMBO of both Father's Day and our 40th wedding anniversary.

 

For drarill, good luck on your cruising on the Silhouette in a couple of weeks and as you are visiting some of our ports of call. Great history and many scenic options in the Med.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio[/font']

[TLCOhio]

Am catching up today after not being able to be as active on these boards. Sorry!! During the past week, I've been going through two unique "soap operas".

 

First, Wednesday of last week my MacBook Pro went "funky", took it in to the Apple store, they needed to have the laptop overnight, replaced the hard drive, upgrading to the new 750 gig optical memory, all at no added cost. BUT, then there was the added effort and time getting things moved/restored from the back-up memory hard drive, restoring settings, etc., etc. About six months of recent pictures were discovered to be lost (including many with our now 20-month-old grandson), got those found after a number of phone calls with top Apple staff, then getting some other software issues fixed, etc., etc. Not easy, but it seems we are now all 100%. Makes an important point on having a frequent and good back-up plan and proper hardware to make you "stuff" protected at home and off-site.

 

Second, our electric in Ohio went out late Friday afternoon and did not come back on until later last night. That was five days plus without power during one of the super hottest periods of the summer. Spent lots of time at the air conditioned Apple store getting computer things fixed, backed-up, etc. BUT, we're surviving with power, cool air, food, etc., today and hopefully for the coming days and weeks. It's been a tough weather period for many in the midwest and eastern states.

 

This posting is now nearly to 91,000 views. Happy with those who have tuned-in, made comments, asked questions, etc., during the past year. Keep it coming!!! Happy to share more and answer any added needs.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 75,111 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[drfter]

Thank you so much for the wealth of info! You have answered so many questions for us.

 

-Mario

[TLCOhio]

Thank you so much for the wealth of info! You have answered so many questions for us. -Mario

 

Appreciate the nice comments from our friend in the San Francisco east bay area. It's been fun sharing!! Good luck on your cruise next year in Alaska. That's on our future, to-do list. We've done the Norway fjords and plan on early 2014 for the New Zealand dramatic settings, plus Australia. Want to see Alaska, plus southern South America. Got to compare all of those unique setting.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 76,005 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[new2cruiser]

Sorry to hear about your hot spell and electrical problems.Thank you for your great photos of your cruise thus prompting us to book this year's similar Solstice cruise on 2 Oct .Please can you tell us when are the 3 formal nights held ? We did the Med & Greek isles last Sept and loved it, formal nights were on sea days. This Oct, 1st sea day is on 6th day and the next 2 sea days are 11 & 12 ! Only 3 sea days for the whole cruise.

Many thanks,

ec

[TLCOhio]

Sorry to hear about your hot spell and electrical problems.Thank you for your great photos of your cruise thus prompting us to book this year's similar Solstice cruise on 2 Oct .Please can you tell us when are the 3 formal nights held ? We did the Med & Greek isles last Sept and loved it, formal nights were on sea days. This Oct, 1st sea day is on 6th day and the next 2 sea days are 11 & 12 ! Only 3 sea days for the whole cruise. Many thanks, ec

 

Appreciate the nice comments and good follow-up question from our CC Board friend from Singapore. Your city/area and SE Asia are on my future "to-do" list for after we do Australia and New Zealand in early 2014.

 

For your Oct. 2 Solstice cruise from Barcelona, your schedule is exactly the same as ours was. To do the three formal nights is a little challenging as you start out with four intense port days and have only three sea days. Even though that first full cruise day does not leave scenic Villefranche until 8 pm, that will be a formal night on the schedule based on past practices. Then Oct. 7 on your first sea day as you sail from Naples to Kotor will probably be formal night number two. Then, the night after Dubrovnik, Oct. 12, would be the third and final formal night. They do not do formal nights on the last day of sailing as people are needing to be packing up that evening to get ready to depart the ship upon docking early that next morning in Barcelona It's not an ideal scheduling, but it will work out fine.

 

This live/blog is now over 93,000 views on the way to going over 100K views in a couple months or so. Glad so many have tuned-in, made comments, asked questions, etc. Keep it comin'!!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[new2cruiser]

Your city/area and SE Asia are on my future "to-do" list for after we do Australia and New Zealand in early 2014.

 

Thanks Terry,

If you have any queries would be most happy to help for our area. We're doing Australia & New Zealand in

March 2013, there is a price reduction on certain cabin cat for seniors so we grab it to go on Solstice again !

Member on our roll call told us of the price drop. Lovely group that did a lot of research so we're almost

completely booked for tours .

:D ec

[TLCOhio]

Thanks Terry, If you have any queries would be most happy to help for our area. We're doing Australia & New Zealand in

March 2013, there is a price reduction on certain cabin cat for seniors so we grab it to go on Solstice again ! Member on our roll call told us of the price drop. Lovely group that did a lot of research so we're almost completely booked for tours. :D ec[/font][/size][/size][/font]

 

Great info and background, ec, with your upcoming Aust.-NZ March 2013 cruise. What are your specific dates for your cruise? I might check out your roll call to gain some other, helpful tips, insights, etc. Hope you do a posting after your March 2013 cruise on what you loved most, etc.

 

THANKS for the Singapore, etc., offering of future help! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[new2cruiser]

Hi Terry,

 

Cruise date is 16 March, awesome group & roll call . Enjoy your perusal with a fortified drink !

ec

[h20cruzer]

Terry, sorry I havent read every post. However was wondering if you could answer a couple of questions. What hotel did you stay at and do you by chance know the name and address of where you has the Tapas. The picture has really peaked my interest.

I am going to read the entire thread as I am very interested in this cruise.

Thanks Norma

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry, Cruise date is 16 March, awesome group & roll call . Enjoy your perusal with a fortified drink ! ec

 

h20cruzer: Terry' date=' sorry I havent read every post. However was wondering if you could answer a couple of questions. What hotel did you stay at and do you by chance know the name and address of where you has the Tapas. The picture has really peaked my interest. I am going to read the entire thread as I am very interested in this cruise.

Thanks Norma[/quote']

 

WOW! Yes, ec, that's a big, big roll call with lots of posts and interests to consider for Australia and New Zealand. I will glance through it, but, now is not the best time to grab that suggested "fortified drink" and focus that much time and attention. Will mark it for doing later. Your schedule is close to ours, but in the opposite direction. Ours does Hobart in place of your stop in Melbourne, plus ours (over 14 days) has stops in Bay of Islands north of Auckland and visits Napier/Hawke's Bay. Will look forward from you and/or others to getting a post March 2013 report on the status of the Solstice and the these various exciting locations.

 

Appreciate Norma's good questions on Barcelona. With all of the posts, pictures and comments, it is a little hard to skim through it quickly. As you check more, feel free to ask any other questions. Here's the key Barcelona info you requested:

 

HOTELS: We had been in Barcelona in 1998 and stayed at the Hotel Regincia Colon that is super convenient and is right around the corner from the famed, 700-year-old-plus Cathedral in this hip and historic town. Before our last June cruise, we stayed there again and it worked out super well. Its location is also very handy to La Rambla, other key attractions, catching the hop-on, hop-off bus, etc. This hotel website:

http://www.hotelregenciacolon.com

After our cruise, we wanted to sample a little different area and flavor for this charming town. I did some searching with Hotels.com and a couple of these other search site. We wanted both nice and at a good price. We got the four-star rated Hotel Onix Liceo. It is a botique hotel in a wonderfully restored old townhouse at Nou De La Rambla, 36 Barcelona, 08001. Their website is:

http://www.hotelonixliceo.com/en

This hotel was right up the street from the recently re-opened and restored Gaudi's Palau Guell (wonderful to tour and see!!) and 300 metres from Liceo Metro Station on Barcelona's Ramblas. This stylish hotel offers a sun terrace, lots of nice design features that blend traditional with modern art in its public spaces. Below are a couple pictures. One of their front and the other for one of its nice interior areas that opens to its open courtyard, lap pool, etc.

 

DINING: Before our cruise near our first hotel we did the Barcelona Tapas place named Neyras that we enjoyed so much. They are in the neighborhood of Sant Pere Santa Caterina i la Ribera with an address of Laietana, 41, 08003 Barcelona, Spain and their phone is +34 933024647. You can see more detailed reviews at:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d751585-Reviews-Neyras-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

 

After our cruise in Barcelona on a Sunday night we did dining out at Les Quinze Nity in the La Place Reial just off of the La Rambla. Great meal and value at this place. This location is a popular square that is a social focal point especially at night. It was filled, even on a Sunday night, with Barcelonian's and tourists soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying some food or drinks at one of the many restaurants or bars that surround this interesting square.

 

There is also the famed Mercat La Boqueria. We had breakfast there before starting our cruise. WOW!!! It is easy to see why this popular Boqueria Market is not to be missed. It has a wide range of fresh meats, cheeses, produce and delicious food options to enjoy. They had beautifully-stocked fruit stands, busy breakfast stands and other places to sit down and eat.

 

Keep those good questions and comments rolling!! It's fun sharing.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 76,765 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[TLCOhio]

Great pictures! Does it ever get too crowded on the deck to make it hard to get a good viewing spot? What was the price range at the mask shop? How much are the masks around Venice that are intended as souvenirs for tourists?

 

On the Italy boards, I had the above good questions about Venice that we experienced on our Solstice cruise from a New York City resident. It's always nice to get good comments on my Venice pictures. On the top deck of the Solstice, it was busy, but not too overly crowded. Given that half of the people could be watching the sail-in from their balconies and rooms on that side, plus all of the various space on the several top decks, I didn't sense any major problems to get good views in different directions. Also, some people are a little lazy. Taking that small effort to go up on top of the ship is a must-do, super-great experience. Well-worth it. Would not have missed it for the world!!

 

On the mask shop, I had not been planning to buy there, so I was not looking or focusing on those costs. They had very good quality items and many were used professionally. So, I'm sure they were not cheap. BUT, sorry, I have not a single clue on the price ranges there. Or, on the cheaper places offering the lesser-quality items aimed toward tourists. Sorry! When I'm doing pictures and not needing to buy such "things", my mind is kept wonderfully clear of such financial questions/worries. There are so, so many different shops in Venice selling things that it hard to soak up those kind of "details" in my small brain.

 

Since Venice one of the key cruise stops, you might look at this earlier posting that I did on the Italy board that shows many options and visual potentials for this city that is so great for "walking around", personally sampling the great history and architecture. This posting has now had over 12,580 views and I appreciate those who have dropped by and tuned in. Don’t be shy in sharing any questions or comments.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Our second grandson was born in late July in Charlottesville, Va. He's a biggie! Nine pounds, four oz. All doing well there. Two grandsons in 21.5 months!! Very blessed!!

 

This posting is now over 96,000 views. Appreciate those who have tuned-in, made comments, etc.

 

Looking forward to our Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Celebrity Solstice sailing. We have a nice and active roll call going at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1614754

Welcome to any who want to join us for this trip and/or travel along via the web as we get prepared for that "adventure".

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 78,131 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Just the two of us]

With the super wonderful Brigitte as our host, we went east via the local bus, learning lots about the area, seeing her Monaco, then to Menton. We super enjoyed her help and fun adventure for our group of four from Central Ohio.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

In Monaco, which has been building and booming big time, they just completed the Grand Prix race here and we went by the scenic Casino with the gardens and fountains in front over top of a large parking garage. They are getting ready for the big wedding event with their ruling Prince.:

 

 

 

Menton is to the east of Monaco and right next to the Italy border. It is a charming seaside town without the crowds and congestion.:

 

 

 

Menton is known for its citrus products and here’s a example of those wonderful products.:

 

 

I am not sure if I am doing this correctly. We would like to know please what bus you took to Monaco and how you got to Menton. Sounds like a lovely day. How long did it take you? Would it be difficult to do without a guide? Thanks in advance for any information.

[TLCOhio]

I am not sure if I am doing this correctly. We would like to know please what bus you took to Monaco and how you got to Menton. Sounds like a lovely day. How long did it take you? Would it be difficult to do without a guide? Thanks in advance for any information.

 

YES, we had a lovely day, for sunshine, temperature and company. You did very well with your good follow-up question. As I re-call, it was the number one bus that goes east (and back west, too) along the coastline from and returning to Villefranche. It is fairly easy to ride and do. As I re-call, it was one euro for the fare to ride. That same bus will take you into Nice in the other direction.

 

One important trick (or secret) thanks to wonderful Brigitte is that we got on this east-bound bus at the stop to the west of where you might normally board in the central town. That way we saw more of Villefranche and avoided boarding at a point where the bus was more full and had a larger crowd waiting to get on. This bus gave us a nice sampling of Monaco as we headed to Menton, had lunch there, seeing the coastal sights, etc.

 

Any other questions? Info or picture needs?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 78,238 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Just the two of us]

YES, we had a lovely day, for sunshine, temperature and company. You did very well with your good follow-up question. As I re-call, it was the number one bus that goes east (and back west, too) along the coastline from and returning to Villefranche. It is fairly easy to ride and do. As I re-call, it was one euro for the fare to ride. That same bus will take you into Nice in the other direction.

 

One important trick (or secret) thanks to wonderful Brigitte is that we got on this east-bound bus at the stop to the west of where you might normally board in the central town. That way we saw more of Villefranche and avoided boarding at a point where the bus was more full and had a larger crowd waiting to get on. This bus gave us a nice sampling of Monaco as we headed to Menton, had lunch there, seeing the coastal sights, etc.

 

Any other questions? Info or picture needs?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 78,238 views.

www.boards .cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Thank you for your quick reply. We are going to give it a try. We would like to see the Palace. Do you remember how difficult it was to get to the Palace from the bus. How long did you spend in both places? Was it an all day adventure? How far west did you walk to avoid the crowds getting on the bus. I have been reading Rick Steeves and he says to take the #100 bus. Could this perhaps be the bus you took? Many thanks

[TLCOhio]

Thank you for your quick reply. We are going to give it a try. We would like to see the Palace. Do you remember how difficult it was to get to the Palace from the bus. How long did you spend in both places? Was it an all day adventure? How far west did you walk to avoid the crowds getting on the bus. I have been reading Rick Steeves and he says to take the #100 bus. Could this perhaps be the bus you took? Many thanks

 

Yes, that bus route #100 sounds exactly right. I knew it had a one in it as the number. Only off by 99!!?? Since we had been to Eze and Monaco on an earlier land trip to this part of southern France, we wanted to do something a little different from just seeing Monaco again. As shown in that picture, the bus routing goes right by where the park is in front of the main casino. The palace is a little farther away from the casino. Overall, Monaco is not that large and that main bus route goes within a couple block for where the place is located. Just look at a map to get your direction. Or, you can use Google map to see the palace location compared to where the bus ran on the main roadway into and through this town. Given its challenging mountain/sea location, things do twist and turn a good bit. Below are a couple of Monaco pictures from our earlier trip to this high-density urban area.

 

It was only about three or so blocks to the west that we walked. Not too far. It allowed us to get this scenic view of our ship sitting out there in the harbor. See below.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

In Monaco, the Casino might be the most famous building:

 

 

 

Here is one of the parks in Monaco with the scenic mountains in the background:

 

 

 

Here is another view of Monaco with famed hotel and part of the Casino with the scenic mountains also shown:

 

 

 

The Solstice is positioned in the Villefranche harbor with this beautiful setting surrounding the ship.:

 

[Just the two of us]

Thank you so much for the information. Your pictures are great makes me want to go even more.

[TLCOhio]

Thank you so much for the information. Your pictures are great makes me want to go even more.

 

Glad to know that our Toronto friend is so excited about your upcoming Med cruise. No trick photos. It's a great area we have experienced from both this cruise and early land visits in the area. What other ports will you be visiting? Let me know any other questions.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[Just the two of us]

We have taken this cruise before going to all the same ports. Last time we took tours. This cruise we want to explore on our own. There is so much to see at every port of call. Your information in Villefranche was of great help to us. Last cruise I followed your trip step by step and it added to our enjoyment. The ports we love are Rome Naples Venice and Dubrovnik. Thanks again

[TLCOhio]

We have taken this cruise before going to all the same ports. Last time we took tours. This cruise we want to explore on our own. There is so much to see at every port of call. Your information in Villefranche was of great help to us. Last cruise I followed your trip step by step and it added to our enjoyment. The ports we love are Rome Naples Venice and Dubrovnik. Thanks again

 

Appreciate the added information and comments. Tours versus on-your-own?? Good questions and challenge. There are pluses to do things on your own, but it does require more advance planning and research. Another plus for tours is having someone to which you can ask questions, learn more on site, etc. With tours, especially the private one, your logistics can be easier and/or solved. Trade-offs??!! It's fun in some areas to explore and discover on your own. Either way can work. There are a number of factors to weigh and consider.

 

Good luck in your upcoming travels. Let me know any added questions.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[TLCOhio]

Venice was one of our top, best stops on this Solstice cruise. From the Seattle Times newspaper earlier this month, they have this headline: "Life in Venice: Tourist overload and old charm" on a detailed column by noted travel expert Rick Steves with this billing that he: "looks at the good, bad and beautiful of Venice, one of Europe's most romantic and distinctive destinations."

 

Among the column/story highlights are: "I've been traveling to Venice for more than 30 years. On my most recent trip to film two television shows and research my guidebook, the city felt different. While still one of Europe's most romantic and distinctive destinations, globalization and modern life are changing Venice — for better or worse. As I wandered Venice's meandering streets and canal-side walkways, it became obvious just how much the city is changing. A solitary local waved his hands while pacing back and forth across a bridge and talking on his cellphone. Litter grew out of the tops of garbage cans like bums with bushy heads of hair. More multilingual menus featured Russian, thanks to a huge increase in visitors from that part of the world. Tourism continues to keep Venice afloat — but it's no longer as lucrative. When I commented to locals that, despite the slow economy, I'd noticed no decrease in crowds, they responded, 'Yes, but spending habits are much different.' Many tourists blitz in for the day from cruise ships and cheap mainland hotels — meaning fewer overnights in Venetian hotels and fewer dinnertime customers at restaurants."

 

This is a very interesting and insightful column on Venice, how things are changing and evolving there. Well worth the read if you are planning to go there and/or are a big Venice fan like me. Rick Steves also offer other tips on what to do, see, etc., in Venice.

 

He also notes: "Venice is two cities: one garishly touristic and the other so romantic and tranquil that it makes you go fortissimo in describing it. Despite all the changes, Venice still awes me with its ethereal beauty and lovely views — which can hit you from any direction."

 

Full story/column at:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/ricksteveseurope/2018815629_websteves31.html

 

If you love Venice and its visual "eye candy", you might look at this earlier posting and pictures that I did on the Italy board that shows many options and visual potentials for this city that is so great for "walking around", personally sampling the great history and architecture. This posting has now had over 13,770 views and I appreciate those who have dropped by and tuned in. Don’t be shy in sharing any questions or comments.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 79,292 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[TLCOhio]

Yesterday this posting went over the 100,000 number for views on this thread. WOW!! Appreciate those who have tuned in, the various questions and comments, etc. It's good to have gotten others to view some of my vacation pictures and the details. Doubt that things will go to the 200,000 level, but we'll keep plowing ahead.

 

Now, just focused on getting ready for our Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Celebrity Solstice sailing, departing Sydney, doing 14 days on this nice ship, finishing in Auckland. Plus, doing some pre-cruise options for Kangaroo Island and the Great Barrier Reef. And, probably post-cruise in Queenstown and stopping in Tahiti on the way home. We have a nice and active roll call going at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1614754

Welcome to any who want to join us for this trip and/or travel along via the web as we get prepared for that "adventure". If you travel with us to "down under", I am happy to make you one of the co-stars, along the great scenery and sights in these two countries.

 

Off to see our second grandson that was born in Charlottesville, Va., in late July. Two grandchildren in 21 and a half months. Fun and exciting!! Plus, Charlottesville is always a great and interesting place to visit and hang out.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 79,742 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923