Our first night at sea was pretty bumpy. But the beds are very comfortable, and I slept hard. An incredible meal had a lot to do with it, I think. We got up to watch a tugboat maneuver us into position, and how the ship’s crew was able to get the heavy ships lines into position. This is a big ship, and a lot to maneuver.
We had planned to have a stern center cabin on the top deck possible. However, the number system was backwards from what made sense, and our cabin is lower than we expected. But honestly, I like being lower. We’re a couple of decks up from the gangway, and there isn’t so much motion or noise. The views aren’t as great, but I love the view of casting off.
Today we headed into Livorno, in the Tuscan region of Italy. It’s a 16th century harbor town that is an easy 20 minute trip to Pisa and about an hour to Florence. We just meandered around the Livorno city center. We wandered down Grande Ave, a street in existence since the 1500s. It’s filled with shops – some great, some not so much. Sharon found an incredible pair of jeans and a shirt in a designer shop, and I saw lots of lovely things, but passed on them
The town is filled with buildings in the pastel and terra cotta stucco that you’d expect of an Italian town. There is a fortress, the Fortezza Nuova that was built in 1590 that sits right in the middle of town behind it’s moat. It’s built in the traditional star shape that was easily defended. Now the moat is boat moorage. It seems like every space that could hold a boat, does! I’d have like to have seen inside the fortress, but it was more effort than we felt like putting forward.
We got back and explored the ship’s outside decks, as it was warm. I wore my shorts for the first, and I would guess, last time this trip. The weather hasn’t been all that conducive. But there were people in the pool, and lots sunbathing in the area. I guess people wanted to get it in if there was any possibility of sunshine. It was too cool for that in my opinion! When we got up on the pool deck, and walked back towards a pool area, directly in front of us were two occupied lounge chairs. The couple, in their 50’s I would guess, were dead sound asleep, heads back, mouths open. All I could think of was that the shore excursion must have really done them in!
It’s now 10pm, and we’ve just gotten back from seeing ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’, which was a kick. But it was an interesting choice for this demographic. All the information stated clearly that it was not a show for children, yet we had two families of young children behind us. Also, the cruise demographic is clearly middle age to older adults. And many of them were not happy with the show. Several people left in the middle. I enjoyed it, but I can see how others wouldn’t. Drag Queens aren’t for everybody.
The cruise, and the demographic that enjoy it, have been interesting to see. There are some families with children, but most people are older. English is the main language, and prices are quoted in USD. But I hear many other languages spoken. The only other cruise I’ve been on was a cruise to Alaska in 2006. It was a smaller boat, and the scenery was wonderful. We had a wonderful time, and I remember it well. This cruise is fun, but I see some differences. It may be that we are in Europe, or it may be that times have just changed in 12 years.
There is a huge push to drink. The boat sells a $99 per day, all you can drink. And they also sell by the drink. And they push it hard. Most of the bars are down by the casinos, shows and shops. But there are bars literally everywhere. After the shows, the bars were loud and busy. To me, that isn’t fun. I was feeling very claustrophobic, what with the noise, music, and bright lights.
Tonight they had an Invicta Watch event at the shops. And I have a very bad Invicta Watch habit. But I was able to resist. Barely. Tomorrow night will be a fashion watch event. I’d better just stay away completely. I can hear Troy telling me clearly ‘Step away from the watch’. Buy the horse instead, right Troy?
We finished tonight with a light dinner up in the main buffet. It was a lot quieter and more peaceful up on the top deck. We’re midway between Italy and Corsica according to the map right now. It’s black out on the water, and the only thing near us is the lights of another cruise boat or one of the large ferries of our stern. Tomorrow is Cannes, in Southern France. I’m looking forward to seeing it.
Suzanne’s Travels 