Sensational Serenade 12 night Med with Venice overnight and Montenegro Review.

[Irish Cath]

Hello Catherine, thank you for your review and pictures! I'll be on Serenade in Sept and very interested in your Kotor and Venice segments of your review

 

Lucky you, both are fabulous places. Thanks for following along.

[Irish Cath]

Thanks for the review Catherine! Hoping to sail on the Serenade next year.

 

Great ship and if I'm correct Serenade will be in Northern Europe next year which is an itinerary I am very interested in. Maybe i'l see you on board :D

[Irish Cath]

A writer after my own heart! I just love the use of alliteration :D

 

OK, I had to comment on that before I forgot.... now, back to reading the rest of the review....

 

Melissa :cool:

 

well thank you for admiring my awesome and abundant alliteration :p

 

Warning - we are off to a family bbq now as it is a bank holiday here in Ireland, my alliteration may be less impressive if I post later tonight ;-)

[Irish Cath]

Stephane gave us lots of information about the local area explaining how the bay of Villefranche is one of the deepest natural harbours of any port in the Mediterranean. We drove along the lower of the three ‘corniches’ or main roads which link Nice with Italy. The topic was the ridiculous cost of real estate in the area and Stephane pointed out some villa’s belonging to international dignitaries, royalty and celebrities including Bono and Julian Lennon.

 

We arrived in Monaco and parked up in an underground car park careful not to scratch the Maserati beside us we hot footed it towards the Prince’s palace of Monaco. Hordes of spectators were gathering for the changing of the guards and tellingly most of my photos include a head or two. Being rather vertically challenged I missed most of the fun, next time I’m in the the area I must remember to get there earlier!

 

Changing of the guard ( Ger's view, i'm not that tall :mad:)

 

 

The palace, which has been home to the Grimaldi family for over 700 years, is set within a very beautiful square and we enjoyed some wonderful views including the Monte Carlo harbour and grand prix track from here. Next stop was Saint Nicholas Cathedral final resting place of Princess Grace, her husband Rainer iii and many other members of the Grimaldi family.

 

 

 

This view shows some of the stand which was still left from the Grand Prix a week or two previous to our visit.

 

Saint Nicholas Cathedral

 

 

 

Princess Grace's burial place.

[Thetrail]

well thank you for admiring my awesome and abundant alliteration :p

 

Warning - we are off to a family bbq now as it is a bank holiday here in Ireland, my alliteration may be less impressive if I post later tonight ;-)

Love the pics and the review! Am sailing Serenade out of New Orleans for a B2B next year, the photos will hold me over until then!...K.O....:)

[critterchick]

Hi Critterchick,

 

May I start off by thanking you (especially on DH's behalf) for your link to the winelist. Pre cruise while I was spending hours researching ports he was spending hours researching restaurants and winelists and of course immediately when he found your link he saved it on his phone for quick reference :rolleyes: :D

For me as long as chops keep up the great quality of tasty offerings i'm happy to keep the old menu. But do let us know what your opinion of the new menu is in September.

 

Thanks for reading along

 

Catherine :)

 

You are more than welcome! Funny, I almost deleted it from my signature yesterday. Guess I'll keep it for awhile. I'll see if there are any updates in September.

 

I am trying to learn to post pics so I can do a proper review - it seems that text alone isn't enough any more!

[crvng4mr]

Will we? Won’t we? Will we? We won’t. Or so the discussion went around a potential cruise for summer 2014. It was decided that this year we would holiday in sunny Portugal, an old favourite of ours. So why am I here you might ask, because as lovely and all as Portugal sounds this is a cruising forum. Well, here’s how we got here. My birthday arrived on April 8th and DH (Ger) arrived home with an excellent gift of a Sony QX10 – an ad on lens for Android and iOS smartphones. He also made the flippant remark that it would take great pictures on a cruise. Well of course that flippant remark was like a red rag to a bull. That night I tossed and turned thinking of the magnificent images that could be captured, moments we could reminisce about when we’ve been married for 70 years, places we could discover together and hold the images of in our hearts forever. Oh yes, this convenient little compact lens had not only given me a sleepless night but had turned my world upside down … well our vacation plans anyway! By the following week we had changed our mind numerous times, arm wrestled over itineraries and finally settled on a plan. What seemed to us to be a holiday of a lifetime was booked. I immediately joined our roll call and signed us up for the meet and mingle. We were to sail Serenade of the Seas on June 4th from Barcelona and our itinerary would be –

 

DAY DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART TYPE

Wednesday June 04 Barcelona 5:00 PM Docked

Thursday June 05 Villefranche 10:00 AM 7:00 PM Tendered

Friday June 06 La Spezia 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

Saturday June 07 Civitavecchia 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

Sunday June 08 Naples/Salerno 7:00 AM 6:30 PM Docked

Monday June 09 CRUISING

Tuesday June 10 Venice 2:30 PM Docked

Wednesday June 11 Venice 8:30 PM Docked

Thursday June 12 Ravenna 7:00 AM 5:30 PM Docked

Friday June 13 Kotor 1:00 PM 9:00 PM Tendered

Saturday June 14 CRUISING

Sunday June 15 CRUISING

Monday June 16 Barcelona 6:00 AM Docked

 

Long hours of very enjoyable planning followed and one of cruisecritics best reviews was almost memorised word for word. I of course am referring to Stef’s http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1890431.

For those of you lucky people who intend on taking this sailing they should also check on the ongoing reviews by Kirian http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2065892 and Ayesha http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2067096 , all excellent reads.

I hope that my review will be of some benefit to someone somewhere! I’l try not to keep you waiting too long between posts, won’t upload any boring pictures and will try not to offend or insult anyone along the way. These are my intentions so let’s all hope I can stick to them :D. I’d also like to mention that I had no ambition to write a review and so made no notes. This will be written from memory with the aid of the cruise compasses that I have. So please feel free to ask questions as they may help jog my memory. Indeed if you happened to be on this sailing and I get some detail wrong or miss out some important information I’d be delighted for you to chime in.

 

Imagine my surprise as I was scrolling through post and see a review by Irish Cath!!!!!:D Yay!:D:D:D

 

Then she gives Melissa and I a shout out as well! this is already awesome and I haven't gotten past one post! Now how am I supposed to catch up on mine today when I have yours to read.:D

 

A camera would definitely do that to you. well, I know it does it to me. The reason I travel where ever I do. It's all my camera's fault.

[crvng4mr]

Great ship and if I'm correct Serenade will be in Northern Europe next year which is an itinerary I am very interested in. Maybe i'l see you on board :D

 

You were actually getting off the ship as we were getting on June 16th.;)

[crvng4mr]

Awesome pictures!!!!

[Irish Cath]

 

Then she gives Melissa and I a shout out as well! this is already awesome and I haven't gotten past one post! Now how am I supposed to catch up on mine today when I have yours to read.:D

 

Hey you Ayesha and yes you too Melissa, stop wasting valuable time reading my review and get back to writing your own. Go on, move along now, nothing to see here. :D:D

[kirian]

Hey you Ayesha and yes you too Melissa, stop wasting valuable time reading my review and get back to writing your own. Go on, move along now, nothing to see here. :D:D

 

"These aren't the droids you're looking for" (sorry, I thought of Star Wars when I read that last line)

 

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

 

OK, OK, I know.... I need to get working on Day 6 of my cruise (day 7 of the review). It was out first sea day... those are "supposed" to be relaxing, but we ended up having a jam-packed day (just thought I would post a little teaser here to try to entice some more newbies to my thread... when they are all caught up on yours, of course :D)

 

 

Melissa:cool:

[Irish Cath]

Located in Monaco - Ville, this is the national cathedral of Principality of Monaco and was consecrated in 1875. Unfortunately because of the lighting my pictures inside the cathedral did not turn out so good but the bishops throne and the great alter are constructed of a very impressive white marble. But then I guess most things are impressive in Monaco. Outside there is a plaque dedicated to Pope John Paul II actually make that Saint John Paul II.

 

Opposite the Cathedral is a rather posh looking courthouse. Luckily I didn't get any pictures in their either.

 

By now I needed a ladies rest room. Well I found one close to the Cathedral situated in the most gorgeous green area which was full of flowers and a sea view. Definitely a toilet where you want to 'just try' to go!

 

We continued on our little walking tour stopping in some shops along the way and picking up some souvenirs. Back at the car park we further discussed our plans and then started, at break neck speed, on a lap of the grand prix circuit. Okay maybe it wasn’t that fast but it sure was fun to see the tyre marks as we rounded bends and made our way through the tunnel. An awesome experience and I’m not even a Formula 1 fan!

 

Zzooom

Edited August 4, 2014 by Irish Cath

[crvng4mr]

"These aren't the droids you're looking for" (sorry, I thought of Star Wars when I read that last line)

 

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

 

OK, OK, I know.... I need to get working on Day 6 of my cruise (day 7 of the review). It was out first sea day... those are "supposed" to be relaxing, but we ended up having a jam-packed day (just thought I would post a little teaser here to try to entice some more newbies to my thread... when they are all caught up on yours, of course :D)

 

 

Melissa:cool:

Get to it Melissa!!! I am going through withdrawal. [emoji6]

[powelweb]

Hi Catherine,

 

Loving your review- can't wait for more!!!

 

We're booked on the same itinerary on the Vision for next year, so anxiously awaiting the rest of your report with more pictures.

 

We're also doing a side trip to Ireland pre-cruise, flying into Dublin and making our way to Galway to visit family before heading back to Dublin for the short flight to BCN. Very excited as I haven't been back in over 10 years and my DD hasn't been yet, so she preferred to see Galway and Dublin to BCN.

 

Cheers,

Wendy

[Irish Cath]

Our final stop in Monaco was at probably the world’s most famous casino. The obligatory pictures were taken around the place du casino and DH was most interested in the 3 michelin starred restaurant of Alain Ducasse in the Hotel de Paris. Yeah, not quite what we had budgeted for lunch today, maybe next time when I’m back for a better view of the changing of the guard!!!

 

 

 

 

Caught on camera trying to sneak off to the 3 michelin starred restaurant

 

 

With no sign of James Bond we jumped back into our minivan and made our way out of Monaco. Within minutes we were back on French soil and making our way towards Eze. Enroute, Stephane took us to a fabulous viewing area overlooking Monaco with Italy to the East and Monaco and France to the West.

 

Italy to the left of me

 

Monaco to the right

 

Here I am stuck in the middle with you!

 

Can anyone name that tune!

[Irish Cath]

Hi Catherine,

 

Loving your review- can't wait for more!!!

 

We're booked on the same itinerary on the Vision for next year, so anxiously awaiting the rest of your report with more pictures.

 

We're also doing a side trip to Ireland pre-cruise, flying into Dublin and making our way to Galway to visit family before heading back to Dublin for the short flight to BCN. Very excited as I haven't been back in over 10 years and my DD hasn't been yet, so she preferred to see Galway and Dublin to BCN.

 

Cheers,

Wendy

 

Well now, may I just take a moment to compliment you on clearly raising an exceptionally smart girl. Of course Dublin and Galway are better than Barcelona heehee.

 

Sounds like one hell of a trip you have planned there. Hope this review is of help to you and thanks for reading along. :)

[grab007]

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am! "Stuck in the middle with you."

 

Stealers Wheel.

[windjamming]

Ah Windjamming, there you are ! You are definitely one of the other people who's review I wanted to link to but could not find at the time.

So here goes - people of CC for another really great Serenade review with Venice please see http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1904134 , its another invaluable resource for anyone planning a similar itinerary. Beautiful pics and a lovely family.

 

Thanks for the kind words, the pressure is on me now :eek: arrggghh, have i created a monster :D

 

Aww, thanks Irish Cath! No pressure at all - you are a natural at this!

 

Loving the account of Monaco. (I don't know what Stephane looked like in real life, but in my mind he is tall, dark, and pure French Riviera.)

 

Looking forward to more!!

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Hi Catherine,

 

:DWhoohoo! Great start! I guess you're buying your ticket for the "female reviewer's cruise" with this -- as long as you promise to finish it. (You better -- or I'll personally come over to Ireland and kick you:))

 

Thanks for the mention -- I've created a monster as well I guess.....hope I can live up to the expectations in the new review. Gulp...this has gotten quite huge.

 

Can't wait for the next installment! Thanks for writing this! We all know how much work flows into the making.

 

Stef

[Irish Cath]

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am! "Stuck in the middle with you."

 

Stealers Wheel.

 

Top prize to you, well done. Thanks for reading :)

[Irish Cath]

Aww, thanks Irish Cath! No pressure at all - you are a natural at this!

 

Loving the account of Monaco. (I don't know what Stephane looked like in real life, but in my mind he is tall, dark, and pure French Riviera.)

 

Looking forward to more!!

 

You got it in one lady, why oh why did i not get a photo, rage.

[Irish Cath]

Hi Catherine,

 

:DWhoohoo! Great start! I guess you're buying your ticket for the "female reviewer's cruise" with this -- as long as you promise to finish it. (You better -- or I'll personally come over to Ireland and kick you:))

 

Thanks for the mention -- I've created a monster as well I guess.....hope I can live up to the expectations in the new review. Gulp...this has gotten quite huge.

 

Can't wait for the next installment! Thanks for writing this! We all know how much work flows into the making.

 

Stef

 

Well its not like your going to be in Ireland anytime ...... oh ship hang on....

 

We here on CC have no fear that your next review will be as entertaining, informative and addictive as the other 2 have been. Only 7 more days, you lucky lucky lady. Oh and the weather looks to be quite promising for when you will be here !

[Irish Cath]

We then continued past the Roman monument the Trophy of Augustus in La Turbie. It was close to here that Princess Grace had the car crash and Stephane pointed out this spot to us.

 

Road to Eze. And obviously other places, depending on what direction your going in. :p

 

Starving, we finally arrived in Eze and after we had made a group decision that we did not want to spend an hour or more sitting in a restaurant, we grabbed a quick sandwich from a little place by the car park which Stephane recommended. It certainly wasn’t gourmet dining but I made a great choice with a nicoise type baguette. Tummies full we started our assent up through the village.

 

Spices for sale at the bottom of the village.

 

Word of warning here there are many steps and the smooth stone is very slippery in parts. This quaint little place is like stepping into a different world. Car free, this medieval village is carved out of a mountain. We gently made our way up past boutiques, Michelin starred restaurants, art galleries and flower laden alley ways.

 

 

[Irish Cath]

A ten minute walk or so in the intense afternoon sun and we reached the entrance of the exotic gardens way up the top of the village. We each paid an entrance fee of 5 or 6 euro. The garden is full of beautiful plants including many cacti and various sculptures but what makes the garden is the spectacular view. Perched high above the glistening azure Mediterranean we could see the Serenade in the distance and it really was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Spot the Serenade!

 

Inland view.

 

 

 

 

 

All too soon we had to make our descent back down and were making our way to the Fragonard perfume factory. I have to admit I really wasn’t bothered either way about visiting a perfume factory (and DH certainly wasn’t). But it was free and would be a new experience so we approached it with an open mind. Our small group of 6 were given a guided tour which lasted maybe 20 minutes. This was informative and interesting and to my real surprise very enjoyable. We learned about making perfumes and lotions and soaps and viewed the various production stages of many items. At the end of the tour we tried some samples and had the opportunity to make some purchases. There was absolutely no pressure put on anyone to buy and because of our limited luggage space it was never going to be my day to spend anyway. I was really envious of my travel companions who treated themselves to some gorgeous lotions, hair products and soap. Next time, when I’m back to see the changing of the guard at Palais de Monaco and dine in the 3 Michelin starred restaurant in Hotel de Paris, I’ll be sure to bring a spare bag for cosmetics and nice smelling goodies.

[Irish Cath]

Our 5 hour tour was fast approaching its deadline but we decided we simply were not ready to say goodbye to the French Riviera just yet. We employed Stephane’s services for one more hour and he took us on a drive towards and then through Nice. We stopped at yet another jaw dropping scenic point and caught another glimpse of the Serenade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little further along the road we made a final stop at a viewpoint this time with Nice harbour and Nice airport in the distance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Driving past the sea front he pointed out the Monument des Morts – a large monument dedicated to France’s war dead. I was in the middle of reading Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo and all the horrors of WW1 were fresh in my mind. This is really a book for children but DH told me I would enjoy it and I agree it is a fantastic book but I really can’t say I can recommend it for holiday reading unless you have no problem sitting by the pool sniffling and blubbering into your pina colada. Is anyone familiar with this book?

 

We made our way back towards Villefranche and took the road toward Saint-Jean- Cap-Ferrat home to the Villa Rothschild museum and a plethora of celebrities. Stephane spends much of his working life ferrying famous pop stars and football players around the Riviera and told us some top secret tales about some of the less than friendly rich folk he has encountered. Some of the stories about some of the celebs really were not that surprising. Pity its top secret and that I can’t share it with you! As traffic was almost at a standstill Stephane made the decision to turn us around and face us towards the Serenade. So I guess, when I’m back to see the changing of the guard at Palais de Monaco and dine in the 3 Michelin starred restaurant in Hotel de Paris spare bag for cosmetics and nice smelling goodies in tow I better make time to stop off at the Villa Rothschild also.

 

So it was time to bid farewell to the very lovely French riviera and (the even lovelier) Stephane. Both the tour and the countless beautiful vistas had far surpassed what I had expected from the day.

We were back on board well before the 6.30p.m all aboard. Tonight would be the first formal night (what already) so we spruced ourselves up for our ‘my time dining’ reservation at 6.45p.m.

Before dinner we made a quick visit out onto an almost deserted deck for sail away and enjoyed one last look at the exquisite beauty of Villefranche sur Mer and its surrounding area.