Emerald Princess Rome to Barcelona September 26 -October 3 2015 in photos and video

[AlbertaAnnie]

Thank you so much for giving us this wonderful view of cities many of us will never see.

We spent a month in Europe 35 years ago (honeymoon).

I was hunting for pictures of SF to show you the difference 30+ years made but I can't put my hands on them.

We were there when there were bombings in both Paris and Spain. We had no idea why the planes were all in the field in Madrid when we left; there had been bomb threats the day before.

Our parents were frantic...before cell phones and internet.

Thanks again, Annie

[rdsqrl]

"Giant Anchovy of Reality" -- *triple snort*!

 

This was a delicious review. I've literally marked 26 January on my calendar for your Celebrity review, where I'm looking forward to seeing new and different food porn.

 

My final thoughts: you didn't change my mind about Florence, still meh, but I now do want to go back to Barcelona, a city I liked but didn't love.

 

Signed,

rdsqrl, who spent most of 2nd Grade standing out in the hall . . .

[Bimmer09]

Norris,

 

I have been following along and posted a couple times, can't believe this review is almost over. I knew Barcelona would be a great post cruise stay for two days, but after seeing all your pictures, we can hardly wait. But then I'm wishing our cruise away and it hasn't started!

 

We want to see Gaudi's houses, but wasn't planning to go inside, now think maybe we will at least one. Did you book the tickets online? Your hotel in Barcelona was beautiful and what a great view. We plan to do some walking there and also Las Ramblas. Our hotel has a rooftop deck and bar and hopefully we have the wonderful views you had.

 

 

My last post #920 or so (?) you asked about ship tours in St. Maarten. We have been twice and loved it both times. Anxious to hear about St. Kitts in your X review as it is one pace we would like to go.

 

You are about finished with your wonderful comments on this trip and I really enjoyed reading them. Look forward to reading your X review in January and how you enjoy their ship.

 

Ruth

 

Ruth, thanks so much for following along this epic trail. That takes guts!

 

All bookings for Gaudi were done online except Sagrada. Our guide got the tickets for that on the day. The Gaudi house to see in detail is Casa Mila. Trust me!

 

A rooftop bar is now a must for us! I could live on the roof of the Majestic!

 

I hope to see you when I write the X review on Jan 26!!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Norris,

 

Just catching up after several days away. Each review that you do surpasses the one before. Superb pix and your writing style is the best. You are up there with Sailor Jack but different style.

 

I'm sorry that this review is ending but I will be watching for your next one.

 

regards,

 

Judy

 

Judy, I'm not quite finished.

 

Sailor Jack is funny but he thinks of the joke first and then writes towards it.

I don't have any jokes until I start writing-that's the difference.

 

I really hope to see you when I write the X review-sincerely. It means a lot to have the same people visit each review and I thank you for it, Judy.

 

See you January 26th....but I am not done with this yet!

 

Norris

[cormike1]

Thank you so much Norris for that wonderful review and those amazing pictures. I am so looking forward to seeing Barcelona now and my husband is looking forward to seeing things through the eyes of a 70+ year old and knows it will be different from a 19+ eyes that saw it way back then lol. I have fallen in love with Gaudi, with a little help from a guy called Norris and look forward to seeing all of his places, in person. I will try and remember to look for your review of X and see how you like that cruise company. Again thanks a lot and keep writing reviews please. Love them!

[Bimmer09]

Thank you so much for giving us this wonderful view of cities many of us will never see.

We spent a month in Europe 35 years ago (honeymoon).

I was hunting for pictures of SF to show you the difference 30+ years made but I can't put my hands on them.

We were there when there were bombings in both Paris and Spain. We had no idea why the planes were all in the field in Madrid when we left; there had been bomb threats the day before.

Our parents were frantic...before cell phones and internet.

Thanks again, Annie

 

Annie it gives me great pleasure to welcome you. I see you don't have many posts so I am doubly thrilled to see that this review meant enough to you to post.

 

Have you not been back to Europe since those 35 years ago??

 

Please join me again in late January when I experience Celebrity for the first time.

 

Thanks for following this epic tale!!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

"Giant Anchovy of Reality" -- *triple snort*!

 

This was a delicious review. I've literally marked 26 January on my calendar for your Celebrity review, where I'm looking forward to seeing new and different food porn.

 

My final thoughts: you didn't change my mind about Florence, still meh, but I now do want to go back to Barcelona, a city I liked but didn't love.

 

Signed,

rdsqrl, who spent most of 2nd Grade standing out in the hall . . .

 

Girl... (best Isaac hayes/Curvoisier voice)...no review would be complete without a Red Squirrel. Been wondering where you are.

 

The food porn on the Silhouette will be off the charts/off the chain/Dyno-mite as they have more eclectic menus than Princess. 3 sea days so we may be bored into eating ourselves to death. LOL

 

Barcelona is the bomb! (maybe not the best metaphore these days). Tapas, Annie is YOU.

 

Please visit me when I write the X review- I will be alone among stranglers (er, strangers) and will need a friend who tells it like it is. And that is definitely you.

 

That standing out in the hall thing was fine until the Headmaster was seen on the horizon- I hid in the toilets and also climbed through their windows. Halycon days!

 

Norris

 

[Bimmer09]

Annie-wondering why the anchovies in oil and vinegar didn't set you off?

 

Tapas porn not your thing?

 

Norris

[cherrybear]

Norris,

I know I've not said much ok very little but I followed along faithfully from the beginning. Your reviews make me feel as though my sister and I are traveling right with you. My grandmothers maiden name and my fathers middle name was Adair. We can trace our Adair roots to Scotland 1745 through Joseph Adair. He married a Sarah Lowe in Scotland.

 

Anyway I have thoroughly enjoyed your review. Thank you for taking time to do it.

 

Cherry I

[p0240]

Hi Norris, can't let you finish without saying hi and bye, thanks for sharing your holiday with everyone. Enjoy being home.

 

I always laugh when I read American travel reports, and your 'long' flights, coming from Australia we fly for approx. 24 hours total travel time, often via 2 or 3 airports to reach Europe, and yes, it is a very long flight, but I always enjoy the stroll through the airports to keep the blood moving around the body! One day I will do it business class!

 

We are going to Scandinavia for 3 weeks followed by a HAL cruise Amsterdam to Rome 21 days, in August/Sept 2016, so looking forward to that.

 

Take care always

Pat

[LC1950]

I'm very sad that this current adventure is coming to an end. Norris I would like to thank you and Carol so very much for your wonderful, detailed report. Oh I feel like I've 'almost' been there with you both, travelling along and enjoying not just your cruise but your dining and wining ... along with the occasional ciggie ;) as you go along.

 

Many, many thanks for your tireless effort and hard work on this review. Yep, this review is the best you've offered. And by crikey, you've given us some rippers over the years. 'See you' in Feb on Celebrity and best wishes from Oz. You're a STAR! :)

 

P.S. Why don't you try Oz and also Asia - talk about wonders of the world??? ;)

[Bimmer09]

Well my intended BIG FINISH is not going to happen and where I normally like to respond to all the fine people who contribute I am just going to say a heartfelt THANK YOU ALL

 

In the middle of the night our sanctuary-our beloved home in Michigan- was invaded by burglars and I got my face beat-up. Carol was in Chicago. I had my hands tied behind my back and made to lay face down while they took all our electronics-TVs, speakers, computers including my Mac with all the programs I can't live without. 4 no longer used camcorders. Their car wasn't big enough for the swag so they stole our VW station wagon too.

 

The house was ransacked and every drawer emptied and 6 phones smashed to stop me calling the police when they left. My winter coats were taken and my wallet with credit cards/green card/driving lisence and cash. iPhone of course.

 

They dropped me off a quarter mile from my home with many threats if I called the police, after I gave them the pin number to my ATM card ( I gave them a bad number). I ran to a neighbor's house to use their phone and the rain helped me get free from the phone cords that held my hands behind my back.

 

I was interviewed by the Police for some hours and had to wait a couple more for the Forensic Team to do their work. I haven't had much sleep.

 

My face was a bloody mess but nothing is broken and I have a limp. The house is gutted, the car is gone but I am alive-just not in the kind of jolly mood I hoped to be in to write an End Piece.

 

I hope to see you all on my Celebrity review!!!

 

Thanks again and bye for now

 

Love, Norris

[sajlm045]

OMG! Norris, I 'm just a lurker and have always loved your reviews. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you! This is just horrible but you are alive and I'm sure wanting to do some kicking. My best to you and Carol. James

[Bimmer09]

OMG! Norris, I 'm just a lurker and have always loved your reviews. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you! This is just horrible but you are alive and I'm sure wanting to do some kicking. My best to you and Carol. James

 

James thank you for your kind wishes.

 

Much appreciated!

 

Norris

[MGnut]

Norris, when I first started reading your post, I was waiting for the punchline. After a few lines I realized it must be real.

 

Thank God that you are OK, and that Carol wasn't there when you were attacked. I wish you quick healing. Hopefully, the police will find and return the important things.

 

I wish you good luck, and thank you again for taking us along on your Mediterranean journey .

 

Howard

[DJVKN]

Norris, so sorry to hear about the burglary but so very thankful that you and Carol are ok. You are in my thoughts and sending good wishes that you recover from your injuries soon. Will check in with you when you sail Celebrity in January.

 

Take care and God Bless!

Diana

[Gabrielle R.]

Norris, I am so sorry. So sad. I am glad you are ok. But my heart aches for you and your dear wife Carol. May you have a full and speedy recovery. May justice win. My words escape me. Sorry doesn't do it justice. Please know you are loved and appreciated.

Gabrielle

[Pmorton3360]

Norris,

I am so sad for you. I have loved your review and your fabulous pictures. I thank you and Carol. I can only hope you heal and can someday put this behind you. Real life is sometimes so cruel. Just remember all the enjoyment you have given us all these weeks. We are all cheering you on. Pam

[Bimmer09]

To those who have posted best wishes thank you. I'm very moved that I have made so many friends here.

 

I am using something called a PC (Yikes!) and am packing for a weekend in New York-normally a cause for rejoicing. I'll see how it goes with only my British Passport as I.D.

 

Sorry I won't have time to say a personal thank you to each of you.

 

So thank you all.

 

Sincerely,

 

Norris

[cherrybear]

Thank goodness you weren't hurt any worse. Hope they catch the monsters quickly.

[LC1950]

OMG {{{{{ Norris}}}}}, so very sorry about what has happened to you and your home. Sending healing vibes and lots of cyber hugs to you and Carol. :(

[goofy559]

Norris - how awful! Thank goodness Carol wasnt home to share the experience. At least you are safe. Posessions can be replaced - you cannot. Enjoy nyc. I must say I am impressed by your resiliance. Hugs and prayers from North of the border.

 

Lisa

 

Sent from my SGP312 using Forums mobile app

[jsm4730]

Norris, What a terrible ordeal you have had! I am so, so sorry to hear your news. People who would beat your face, tie your hands and leave you in the cold without a winter coat could have also done much worse, so I am very happy for Carol and for you that they stopped there. I hope you are able to put it somewhat behind you and enjoy your New York weekend.

 

I have loved your review; also a big fan of Gaudi and I can see progress on the inside of the Cathedral since we were there in 2012 (and a HUGE amount of progress since I was in Spain as a student in 1973!!!) Feel better, my cyber-friend. Janet

[tigerbeth]

Norris, so glad you're ok .

No words to describe the filth that did this to you,lucky Carol was safely away.

Hope that life gets back on track real soon & the police catch the scumbags .

At first I thought you had written a movie script ! But was so sad to realise it was indeed fact.

Best wishes to both of you and enjoy your next adventure .xx

Beth

[jlf1]

Norris,

 

I'm so sorry to hear of your terrible ordeal.

 

I wish you a speedy recovery and hope that the culprits are caught quickly to receive their just desserts.

 

Best wishes to you and Carol.

 

Judy