http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/en-EUMokoFeed10http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/e0/c87c01889af84116c296a2f936eba3_160x200.jpghttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-11-alicante-4372663/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-06-27:/2008/06/27/day-11-alicante-4372663/Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:44:34 +0200 <p>Now, I’ll let you into a little secret. When I first met my wife, over 15 years ago, the first real holiday we ever went on was to Benidorm. Now at the time I knew nothing about the place but very quickly got to grips with the place and we ended up going back about half a dozen times. We really enjoyed the place and if we didn’t like cruising then I’m sure we’d still be going there. So when we found out that today we could take a day trip to Benidorm, we jumped at the chance.</p> <p>We set off nice and early from the ship for a 45 min coach ride. We were dropped off right in the centre of Benidorm and had mostly the whole day to explore on our own.</p> <p>We visited all the old haunts, stopping for a beer each time!! – Then we hade some lunch and a little shopping before a few more beers. One thing I could not get over was the number of motorised scooters there were, you know the type used by people with walking difficulties. They were everywhere on the roads, on the pavements in the shops and bars. </p> <p>Nevertheless, we had a great time and were a little sad when it was time to re-board the coach back to the ship.</p> <p>Tomorrow it’s Gibralta.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-11-alicante-4372663/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>venturacruisebenidormukcruiseguyalicantehttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-11-alicante-4372663/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-10-relaxing-day-at-sea-4372629/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-06-27:/2008/06/27/day-10-relaxing-day-at-sea-4372629/Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:37:09 +0200 <p>Not really a lot to report today, other than we had a very lazy and relaxing day at sea. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-10-relaxing-day-at-sea-4372629/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>cruiseukcruiseguyseahttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-10-relaxing-day-at-sea-4372629/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-9-civitavecchia-the-port-for-rome-4372622/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-06-27:/2008/06/27/day-9-civitavecchia-the-port-for-rome-4372622/Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:32:12 +0200 <p>We arrived here nice and early in the morning, around 7.30am, this was so all the tours could get off and into the Italian Traffic. We have been to Rome a couple of times before, so we decided this time to spend the day relaxing on board. This evenings entertainment was very good, a Comedian by the name of Adrian Walsh. Now I do vaguely remember seeing him on TV some years back, but no matter. He was very funny, not rude and did not pick on anyone in the audience, which was good. Up on the main deck there was a production of ‘Plunder’ which involved the singers and dancers in a Pirate themed show around the main pool. We didn’t go up but were told it was quite good. Later in the Exchange they had video horse racing. Amanda won £12 and I won £50 at blackjack, so all in all not a bad day. Tomorrow we have a lazy day at sea, so I’ll check back with you when we get to Alicante.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-9-civitavecchia-the-port-for-rome-4372622/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>civitavecchiablackjackadrian-walshventuraromeplunderukcruiseguycruisehttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/day-9-civitavecchia-the-port-for-rome-4372622/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/18/day-8-santa-margherita-4330533/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-06-18:/2008/06/18/day-8-santa-margherita-4330533/Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:24:35 +0200 <p>Santa Margherita is a tender port, this is because the port itself it a tiny fishing village, however it does have a bay large enough for s hip the size of Ventura to anchor. So we took the tender boats to the shore. Today we are booked on our first excursion, a walking tour of Portofino. To get to the secluded bay of Portofino, it’s just a short ferry ride.<br> Portofino itself is really quite beautiful and should be on anyones list of must see places. In fact Rod Stewart was married at the Castle on the hill (Browns Castle) and Portofino also featured as part of the wedding celebrations of Wayne Rooney.<br> Once ashore, we started our walking tour, which took us up a steep incline away from the port and up past Browns Castle and onto the small church that sits up on the hill. Needless to say, walking back was much easier and after a short ferry and tender back to the ship a glass of wine and lunch were very welcomed.<br> Entertainment varied tonight, your choices, apart from the bands, were a talk by Lord Sebastian Coe, Comedy Club and Test Ventura. We went for the latter and it was indeed very interesting. Each audience member had a small hand held keypad. Questions were then projected up onto the big screen and you pressed your answer on the keypad, A, B, C, D etc. The keypad then acted like a remote control, sending the answers back to a computer, at the end of each round, scores were displayed on the big screen. Then the winner of each of 2 heats would take part in the final later that week, to win a mini cruise later in the year. We came a very close second.</p> <p>Tomorrow we dock in Civitavecchia, which is the port for Rome.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/18/day-8-santa-margherita-4330533/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>ukcruiseguyventurasanta-margheritap-and-ohttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/18/day-8-santa-margherita-4330533/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/17/sorry-for-my-absence-4327113/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-06-17:/2008/06/17/sorry-for-my-absence-4327113/Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:08:29 +0200 <p>Hi Everyone,</p> <p>As some of the more observant amongst you may have noticed, I have been away from my blog for quite a few weeks now.<br> There are any number of reasons why I have not been posting, including having gone on 2 more cruises!<br> In any event, I have returned and will be completing my review of the Ventura Maiden Voyage before starting upon, The Monarch of the Seas from Los Angeles to Enssenada Mexico and a 3 night mini cruise on The Fred Olsen ship, the Boudica from Southampton.<br> Also, I am looking forward to my next cruise which will be with NCL around the UK, with stops in France, Cornwall, Southern Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Holland and Belgium.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/17/sorry-for-my-absence-4327113/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>monarch-of-the-seasnclfred-olsenboudicaukcruiseguyhttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/06/17/sorry-for-my-absence-4327113/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/12/thursday-24th-april-extract-from-captain-4162386/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-12:/2008/05/12/thursday-24th-april-extract-from-captain-4162386/Mon, 12 May 2008 08:02:38 +0200 <p>Ventura Maintained her easterly course throughout the night towards Livorno, passing to the north of the small island of Gorgona. Ventura embarked her two local pilots at 06.33. At 06.55 we entered the harbour, passing the breakwater on our starboard side. At 7.10 we entered the inner basin and commenced turning short round bow to port. By 8.10 Ventura was all secure port side to at Banchino Al Fontala Berth, Livorna.</p> <p>Since departure Villfrance until our arrival in Livorno, Ventura steamed a distance of 129 nautical miles at an average speed of 11.5 knots.</p> <p>With all pre departure checks complete and the local pilot on board, Ventura slipped her lines and commenced thrusting off the berth. At 19.06 we passed the breakwaters leaving the harbour and disembarked the pilot and set course and speed to Santa Margherita </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/12/thursday-24th-april-extract-from-captain-4162386/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/12/thursday-24th-april-extract-from-captain-4162386/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/12/day-7-livorno-ventura-maiden-cruise-4162361/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-12:/2008/05/12/day-7-livorno-ventura-maiden-cruise-4162361/Mon, 12 May 2008 07:55:27 +0200 <p>Today we are in Livorno, the Port for Pisa and Florence. </p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture124.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>As usual, Amanda and I just took the complimentary shuttle bus into the town. As first glance there did not seem much to do, then as if by magic, we rounded a corner and there was the market – Amanda seems to have a nose for it.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010075.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>The fruit market was something else, the fruit was so fresh looking and everything smelly lovely.</p> <p>We found and American lady who ran her own dog rescue shelter, as we are both suckers for a dog, we had to dig deep and let her have a few coins for the dogs, and Amanda had a photo.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010073.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010074.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>We bumped into quite a few passengers from the ship who were also just having a lazy day wandering around the local port.</p> <p>Back on board, we contemplated what to do that evening, we thought perhaps we would eat at “East” the oriental restaurant (with a cover charge) </p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture193.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>but after looking at the menu decided that it was not really what we wanted, so we opted for the main restaurant again.</p> <p>One of tonights acts was a singer called Robbie Allen, we what a vocal range, this guy really could sing everything from falsetto to Barry White. Excellent show. </p> <p>There were still no takers on the electronic poker machine, so Simom, The casino manager set Amanda and I up with a demo game, and guess what, she 'Busted' Me :-(</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010109.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010111.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010110.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010112.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Tomorrow we are in Santa Margherita. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/12/day-7-livorno-ventura-maiden-cruise-4162361/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>italyflorenceventuralivornocruisepisaukcruiseguyhttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/12/day-7-livorno-ventura-maiden-cruise-4162361/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/09/ventura-captains-log-wednesday-23rd-apri-4152680/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-09:/2008/05/09/ventura-captains-log-wednesday-23rd-apri-4152680/Fri, 09 May 2008 16:34:24 +0200 <p>As Ventura made her final approaches to the anchorage, the Captain rang "Standby Below" on the engines. Once in position, the order was given to let go the starboard anchor and commence lowering the boats. At 07.39 the anchor was "brought up" to seven shackles on deck. Once the boats were lowered to the water, pontoons rigged and SHore party established the passenger tendering was commenced.</p> <p>Since departure Barcelona until our arrival in Villefrance, Ventura steamed a distance of 272 nautical miles at an average speed of 22.6 knots.</p> <p>With all bridge and engine room departure checks underway, all tenders were safely hoisted and back onboard by 17.20. At 18.25 the order was given to start heaving the starboard anchor. The Officer in charge reported the anchor "aweigh" and the Captain manouvered the vessel to clear the bay. Once all boats were reported secure for sea and the anchor safely brought home, Ventura disembarked the local pilot and set various easterly courses throught the Ligurian sea towards Livorno. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/09/ventura-captains-log-wednesday-23rd-apri-4152680/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/09/ventura-captains-log-wednesday-23rd-apri-4152680/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/09/day-6-villefrance-ventura-mailden-cruise-4152623/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-09:/2008/05/09/day-6-villefrance-ventura-mailden-cruise-4152623/Fri, 09 May 2008 16:18:18 +0200 <p>Today we arrived in the pretty little fishing village of Villefrance, the ideal port for trips to Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture077.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture069.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture071.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010052.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Ventura anchored out into the bay and the mode of transport to the shore way by tender boat. Now being this was a maiden cruise and this was the first tender port, you could guess that there may be some teething problems?</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture080.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Well you’d be right, we though it best to allow the people on booked excursions to get off first, then we wandered down a little later and go straight onto a tender – Little did we know at the time, but we were supposed to have gotten tender tickets from reception and waited our turn to be called – no one told us!!</p> <p>Anyhow, we ended up on land and had a lovely walk along the narrow seafront where there were shops and restaurants. They even sent out a helicopter from MOnaco to have a look at the ship.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture100.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>One street back from the front are the 14th Century catacomb streets, very picturesque.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture091.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Around lunchtime, we decided to head back to the ship.</p> <p>On board our tender was a delegation from the local mayors office, who were having lunch with the Captain – very nice.</p> <p>We spent some of the afternoon at the pool, but later on it clouded over so we adjourned to the pub instead.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture129.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>That evening we saw the second of the Legends shows, this time it was Kylie Mynoge, Elton John, Robbie Williams and Freddie Mercury (although Freddy did look suspiciously like the George Michael we saw earlier in the week.</p> <p>I would recommend this show every time, great fun.</p> <p>Tomorrow is Livorna, the port for Pisa and Florence. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/09/day-6-villefrance-ventura-mailden-cruise-4152623/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>ukcruiseguyhelicoptervillefranceventuranicecannesmonacohttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/09/day-6-villefrance-ventura-mailden-cruise-4152623/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/22nd-april-extract-from-captains-log-ven-4146392/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-08:/2008/05/08/22nd-april-extract-from-captains-log-ven-4146392/Thu, 08 May 2008 07:48:32 +0200 <p>At 6.30 "Standby BElow" was rung as Ventura approached the Catalonian Coast. At 7.02 the local BArcelona Pilot embarked as we entered Barcelona Harbour. All Bridge and engine room arrival checks were complete and at 7.05 Ventura swung bow to port off berth. At 7.34 the first mooring line was sent ashore and by 8.04 Ventura was all secure alongside Muelle Adosado Terminal B in Barcelona.</p> <p>From noon until our arival in Barcelona, Ventura steamed a distance of 372 nautical miles at an average speed of 21.6 knots and from Southampton to Barcelona Ventura steamed a distance of 1743 nautical miles at an average speed of 21.1 knots</p> <p>At 15.30 2 hours notice was given to the engine room for departure. Clearance was granted from the local authorities for departure and with all pre departure checks complete, the captain gave the order to let go the mooring lines. 17.14 with all the mooring lines clear we commenced thrusting off the berth, and 2 mins later we bagan to move ahead. Once clear of the breakwater, Ventura disembarked the local pilot and set a north easterly course along the Spanish and French coastline. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/22nd-april-extract-from-captains-log-ven-4146392/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/22nd-april-extract-from-captains-log-ven-4146392/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/day-5-barcelona-ventura-maiden-cruise-4146368/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-08:/2008/05/08/day-5-barcelona-ventura-maiden-cruise-4146368/Thu, 08 May 2008 07:41:11 +0200 <p>Day 5 Barcelona</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010044.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>After 3 days at sea, it was really nice to make landfall and where better than Barcelona. As most of you know, the cruise ships offer a huge range of tours that can take you from a couple of hours to all day. Having cruised as many times as we have, we are quite selective about the trips that we do, and often opt to stay around the port area, just having a short walk off to visit the local shops or markets.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010036.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Today we decided to do just that. The ship/port offered a complimentary shuttle bus into the edge of town, so we jumped onto that. I dropped us off just a short walk from the famous Barcelona street of La Rambla.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010037.jpg"></p> <p>We spent the best part of the morning walking down the street and taking in the atmosphere of the souvenir stalls, pet stalls with ferrets, chinchillas and the meat and vegetable market. </p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010038.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>La Rambla has many many street entertainers that dress up and pose with tourists for a couple of coins. I chose a Roman Emperor and Amanda chose an elegant lady.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010042.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>By noon we were back on the ship and relaxing by the pool, where we spent a lazy afternoon.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture127.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Tonights show is Jimmy Carr the comedian and we are also eating in the special restaurant, The White Room, designed by Michelin cheff Marco Pierre White.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture141.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>I had Salami To start and then the Pork, Amanda had Clams Then Lobster with Spaghetti, cheese board and Tiramisu for desert with coffee and for the first time I tried Chocolate wine.</p> <p>Was it worth the extra money? Well for one time I would say try it but I don’t think that when you compare the standard of the food on the rest of the ship that it is worth the extra cost, but I think you should decide for yourself.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture168.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Jimmy Carr was very funny and unusually Amanda enjoyed the comedian which normally she doesn’t Later that evening I played in a Blackjack tournament in the casino and came a disappointing 4th – Oh well you can’t win them all.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture210.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Tomorrow sees us in Villafrance, the port for Nice and Monaco.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010079.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/day-5-barcelona-ventura-maiden-cruise-4146368/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>la-ramblamaiden-voyagecruiseventurabarcelonaukcruiseguyhttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/day-5-barcelona-ventura-maiden-cruise-4146368/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/monday-21-april-day-at-sea-extract-from--4141627/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-07:/2008/05/07/monday-21-april-day-at-sea-extract-from--4141627/Wed, 07 May 2008 07:35:39 +0200 <p>At 04.30 Ventura altered onto an easterly course to enter the traffic separation scheme of the Gibralta straight. She then followed various easterly courses throught the busy waters of the straight, with the lights of Morocco clearly visable on her starboard side and Gibralta and Southern Spain visible to port. Shortly after 6 o'clock the transit of the scheme was complete and courses were set through the Alboran sea passing cabo de Gata shortly after midday.<br> From noon yesterday untill noon today Ventura steamed a total of 526 nautical miles at an average speed of 22 knots. For the remainder of the afternoon and into the night, Ventura continued paralled to the coast of Spain en-route to Barcelona. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/monday-21-april-day-at-sea-extract-from--4141627/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/monday-21-april-day-at-sea-extract-from--4141627/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/day-4-day-at-sea-ventura-maiden-crise-4141609/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-07:/2008/05/07/day-4-day-at-sea-ventura-maiden-crise-4141609/Wed, 07 May 2008 07:30:30 +0200 <p>We were up early this morning (7.30) as it seems the clip clop spa girls upstairs had forgotten the barefoot rule after just a few days. We had to have a word with Sean the Spa manager who again assured us that it would be sorted out.</p> <p>Today we did even less than the day before with a little time in the Gym, some bingo, a quiz, and a nap.</p> <p>The evening was very entertaining, after a 5 course meal in the Cinnamon restaurant, we went into the production show in the Arena theatre.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture167.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>The show was ‘Grande Illusion’ and was a mixture of dance, music, balance and magic. I thought it worked very well and for a ships company the performers were very good. Elsewhere on the ship was another comedian but after such a hectic day it was time for a few drinks in the bar with Phil and Maria before turning in.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/day-4-day-at-sea-ventura-maiden-crise-4141609/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/day-4-day-at-sea-ventura-maiden-crise-4141609/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/day-3-sunday-day-at-sea-ventura-cruise-c-4139476/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-06:/2008/05/06/day-3-sunday-day-at-sea-ventura-cruise-c-4139476/Tue, 06 May 2008 18:25:49 +0200 <p>Extract from Captains Log</p> <p>Shortly after 1 o'clock Ventura entered the Traffic Separation Scheme off Cape Finisterre marking our exit from the Bay of Biscay. Once clear, we set southerly courses as we paralleled the Portugese and Spanish coasts.</p> <p>From Noon yesterday until Noon today Ventura steamed a total of 541 nautical miles at an average speed of 22.5 knots.</p> <p>at 14.30 Ventura passed abeam Of Lisbon before setting a more south easterly course for Cape St Vincent. After rounding Cape St Vincent at 19.37 we entered the gulf of Cadiz, where we set a south easterly course taking us across the gulf and on to Trafalgar. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/day-3-sunday-day-at-sea-ventura-cruise-c-4139476/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/day-3-sunday-day-at-sea-ventura-cruise-c-4139476/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/day-3-sunday-day-at-sea-ventura-cruise-4139455/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-06:/2008/05/06/day-3-sunday-day-at-sea-ventura-cruise-4139455/Tue, 06 May 2008 18:20:57 +0200 <p>Had a lay on this morning until 10am and then a very lazy breakfast after a brief visit to the gym. Later this morning we had a go at Bingo in the exchange pub, a little pricey at £15 for a strip of 6 for 5 games but the payouts were quite good, going up each game until the snowball, each day, unless it was won in 44 numbers, it rolled over so by the end of the cruise it would be worth quite a bit..</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture208.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture059.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Today we me Mr & Mrs Paget, this couple had won the cruise in the free prize draw in the Daily Mail. At least it’s nice to know someone does actually win these things. We also met Ted and his friend and their wives, Ted was a rather sprightly 72 retired RAF officer.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010163.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Tonight we watched 2 shows, we saw the comedian in the Arena theatre and then watched the Legends Show in the Havana bar. Legends is a tribute show and tonight we watched George Michael, Elton John, Abba and Robbie Williams.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture170.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>We had one last drink in the Tamarind Club and went to bed tired and happy.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture187.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/day-3-sunday-day-at-sea-ventura-cruise-4139455/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>arenaventuraukcruiseguycruisehavanatamarindhttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/day-3-sunday-day-at-sea-ventura-cruise-4139455/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/ventura-captains-log-saturday-19th-april-4133066/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-05:/2008/05/05/ventura-captains-log-saturday-19th-april-4133066/Mon, 05 May 2008 10:48:22 +0200 <p>0200 - Ships clocks were advanced 1 hour to GMT+2 (Central European Time) Throughout the night and into the morning, Ventura followed south westerly courses therough the busy English Channel. Shortly after 9am an alteration of course to a more southerly track was made, marking our entry into the Bay of Biscay. We continued to follow these courses for the remainer of the day and into the evening. From departure untill noon today Ventura cruised a total distance of 307 nautical miles at an average speed of 23 knots. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/ventura-captains-log-saturday-19th-april-4133066/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/ventura-captains-log-saturday-19th-april-4133066/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/day-2-saturday-at-sea-4133037/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-05:/2008/05/05/day-2-saturday-at-sea-4133037/Mon, 05 May 2008 10:42:42 +0200 <p>19th April – Day At Sea</p> <p>This was the first of 3 days at sea, a time when you can really explore your ship and get to know her. What I didn’t realise is that on this morning, my explorations were to start a little earlier that I had anticipated. What we did not realise when we booked this cruise is that our cabin is directly underneath the reception desk for the spa.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture113.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>That in itself shouldn’t have been a problem, however, the two girls that worked at this desk start at 7.30am and both were wearing high heels, so from the early hours, we were treated to clip clop, clip clop as they walked backwards and forwards.</p> <p>Combine this with the fact our safe was locked and no one from reception could open it and I started to think things were beginning to go wrong, but to be honest that was about the worst it ever got. The spa manager made the reception girls go barefoot until he could get some carpet laid in the spa reception and a great big Philippine carpenter came and ripped our safe out of the wardrobe and replaced it with one that worked.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture155.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>We went up to breakfast around 9.45am and boy was it busy, we had trouble finding a seat. Then we went up to the White Room and booked for dinner later in the cruise, this speciality restaurant was created by Marco Pierre White and to eat there you have to book and pay a cover charge of £20 per person.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture142.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Then it was time to visit the very well equipped gym, in fact one of the most well equipped gyms that I have seen in a long time. During the day, they run a number of classes here, Pilates etc. You can sign up for these classes but there is a small extra charge for this.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture159.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture157.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture163.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture164.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture165.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Then I found a quiet corner and started to make notes for my blog, the quietest corner I found today was up in the Metropolis bar which is up on deck 18, this bar has a huge floor to ceiling video wall running the whole width of the ship and during the evenings various landscapes are projected such as Sydney Harbour, London, Paris, Las Vegas etc.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010005.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture151.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Just before lunch we went into the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ quiz in the exchange pub, that was fun.</p> <p>After a little more exploring, we found Ramblas, a Spanish Tapas themed bar. Here you could order 3 different Tapas for just £2.50 or you could eat in the Chamber within Ramblas and have a 3 course meal for £5 per person from 11am to 11pm. The menu changes every 4 or so days.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture171.jpg" alt="" title=""><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture175.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture036.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>At 13.10 we passed the Aurora which was returning to Southampton from it’s world cruise, there was plenty of waving as the two ships passed quite close to each other.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture037.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>The rest of the day was spent being quite lazy. In the evening, we watched a singer called Kaye Weston. To be honest she was OK but did not really have the vocal range to be singing some of the powerful ballads that she attempted. She’s on again later in the week, but I don’t think we’ll bother.</p> <p>After that was Karaoke in the Exchange pub which was quite good then up to the Beach house for a late night snack. Now I’m sure most of you will know but the average age of a P&O passenger tends to be a little older than on some other ships and most of these older passengers tend to go to bed early, so as a result, the late night snacks consist mainly of sandwiches and curly fries and not much else! – Compared to other ships that have say 24 pizza etc this is a little disappointing.</p> <p>Tomorrow is another lazy day at sea.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/day-2-saturday-at-sea-4133037/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/05/day-2-saturday-at-sea-4133037/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/ventura-captains-log-friday-18th-april-4129403/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-04:/2008/05/04/ventura-captains-log-friday-18th-april-4129403/Sun, 04 May 2008 13:33:30 +0200 <p>The following is an extract from the Captiains Log:</p> <p>With all pre departure checks complete, clearance was granted and the Captain made his departure broadcast. Ventura let go all her lines and moved off the berth with the band playing. She then proceeded down Southampton Water, slowing down at dock head for the firework display on our port side and again at Fawley Oil terminal before makinf two turns, first at Calshot Split and the other at Brambles Bank. Once complete, an easterly course was set along the eastern solent taking us between the two forts. Ventura disembarked her local pilot at 22:21 and once clear of Nab Tower altered to a south westerly course into the English Channel towards the north western tip of France. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/ventura-captains-log-friday-18th-april-4129403/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/ventura-captains-log-friday-18th-april-4129403/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/embarkation-day-4129383/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-04:/2008/05/04/embarkation-day-4129383/Sun, 04 May 2008 13:25:26 +0200 <p>Friday 18th April – the big day. After a hearty breakfast at the Southampton Hilton and another swim, it was time to take out taxi to the ship. When we arrived at Southampton’s Mayflower Terminal, we had our first look at the ship, the thought that sprang to mind at the time was, isn’t she big?</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/P1010033.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>We queued (in the rain) for about 30 mins and then went through check in and security, then after the obligatory photograph, we were able to get onto Ventura.</p> <p>Our cabin L259 was on deck 15 and we took the lift up with our hand luggage, the cases would be delivered to the cabin later. Needless to say, the lift took us up and upon exiting the lift, we went left, walked for several hundred yards and realised that we should have gone right. Our cabin was on the same level as the Laguna and Beachcomber pools as well as the Waterside and Beach House self service restaurants.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture127.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>We spent the next hour or so exploring and getting lost around this amazing ship, before long it was time for lifeboat drill, and then the sailaway.</p> <p>We were treated to a selection of songs from the Quayside by the band of the Lifeguards and after a blessing ceremony and lots of confetti, we were at last underway.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture010.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture013.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture019.jpg" alt="" title="" /></p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture022.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>As we sailed past the QEII with a police escort, we were treated to a fireworks display out in the bay and free champagne was available for everyone.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture028.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture030.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture026.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Later that night, after a 5 course dinner in the Cinnamon restaurant, we enjoyed entertainment from a mind reader and comedian. The night was rounded off with a little poker in the casino, where we met Phil and Maria, a couple from Cardiff.</p> <p>We now had 3 days at sea to look forward to before we arrive in Barcelona</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/embarkation-day-4129383/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/embarkation-day-4129383/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/ventura-maiden-voyage-4129356/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-04:/2008/05/04/ventura-maiden-voyage-4129356/Sun, 04 May 2008 13:14:43 +0200 <p>The day has finally arrived, well almost, because I get a little anxious about possible traffic hold-ups on the day, we often travel to Southampton the day before and this was no exception. However, our mode of transport sometimes varies. If it’s a short cruise of a week or less, we sometimes take the train as it’s so cheap, around £18 each return from Blackwood to Southampton. On this occasion as this cruise was for 2 weeks, we had 2 cases each and the train would not have been practical. The drive down to Southampton took about two and a half hours and we arrived just after lunchtime. Our room in the Southampton Hilton was ready so we checked in and went for a swim in the hotel pool.</p> <p>After a relaxing day, we spent the evening with some friends of ours who live in Southampton, Simon and Julie, We met them last year on a holiday in India and they are a lovely couple, a few pints and a curry later, it was time to turn in ready for the big day tomorrow.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/ventura-maiden-voyage-4129356/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/04/ventura-maiden-voyage-4129356/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/03/just-a-warm-up-4127245/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-03:/2008/05/03/just-a-warm-up-4127245/Sat, 03 May 2008 20:38:16 +0200 <p>VENTURA</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/VENTURA_CRUISE/Picture075.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Before we start in earnest tomorrow with a blow by blow account on our cruise on the Ventura Maiden Voyage, I thought that I would give you a little taster of what’s to come by giving you a run down of the itinerary for the two weeks.</p> <p>Sailing on 18th April 2008 and returning on 2nd May 2008 </p> <p>Day 01 – Embark Southampton<br> Day 02 – At Sea<br> Day 03 – At Sea<br> Day 04 – At Sea<br> Day 05 – Barcelona<br> Day 06 – Villefrance for Monaco<br> Day 07 – Livorno for Florence and Pisa<br> Day 08 – Santa Margherita for Portofino<br> Day 09 – Civitavecchia for Rome<br> Day 10 – At Sea<br> Day 11 – Alacante for Benidorm<br> Day 12 – Gibralta<br> Day 13 – At Sea<br> Day 14 – At Sea</p> <p>Arrive back Southampton.</p> <p>Each day for the next two weeks, I will tell you about one of the days above, if the day was particularly busy, I may spread it over 2 blog days.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/03/just-a-warm-up-4127245/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/03/just-a-warm-up-4127245/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/03/just-returned-from-ventura-maiden-voyage-4125536/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-05-03:/2008/05/03/just-returned-from-ventura-maiden-voyage-4125536/Sat, 03 May 2008 11:03:21 +0200 <p>Hi Everyone,</p> <p>Amanda and I have just returned from The Maiden Voyage on Ventura, we have had a fab time and I have taken loads of pictures and made plenty of notes, over the next 2-3 weeks, I will be updating my blog every day with a step by step review of the cruise, please keep checking back and if there is anything you would like to know, please feel free to ask.</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>Derek</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/03/just-returned-from-ventura-maiden-voyage-4125536/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>ukcruiseguypocruise-shipmaiden-voyageventurahttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/05/03/just-returned-from-ventura-maiden-voyage-4125536/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/05/ventura-arrives-in-britain-3998769/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-04-05:/2008/04/05/ventura-arrives-in-britain-3998769/Sat, 05 Apr 2008 13:23:06 +0200 <p>Ventura, will sail into Southampton tomorrow (6th April) at around 11am. I am so looking forward to this next cruise on such a new ship, during the 14 day cruise, we will have 7 sea days so there will be plenty of time to enjoy the ship and it's facilities.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/05/ventura-arrives-in-britain-3998769/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/05/ventura-arrives-in-britain-3998769/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/01/working-away-for-a-few-days-3983437/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-04-01:/2008/04/01/working-away-for-a-few-days-3983437/Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:09:12 +0200 <p>Well, this will be my last entry untill the weekend as I will be working away for a few days, but good news arrived with the postman this morning.... I now have my tickets in hand for the Maiden voyage on Ventura.</p> <p>Ventura, the largest cruise ship ever built for Britain, will be sailing into her home port of Southampton for the very first time on 6 April, to begin her inaugural celebrations. Fresh from the Monfalcone Shipyard in Fincantieri, Italy, Ventura will arrive at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal at approximately 11:00am to a traditional fireboat welcome.</p> <p>Ventura’s official naming ceremony will take place on 16 April, when she will be christened by her esteemed godmother Dame Helen Mirren, with help from the Royal Marines.</p> <p>You will be able to watch this prestigious event on the P&O Cruises website, so please check back for details nearer the time. </p> <p>On 18 April, after her sailaway festivities, Ventura will set sail on her Maiden Cruise for the magnificent sites of the Mediterranean. Please note there will be no public access to the dockside, but you will be able to get a good view of Ventura from Mayflower Park and Town Quay.</p> <p><a href="http://www.virtualventura.co.uk/ventura-arrival.html">http://www.virtualventura.co.uk/ventura-arrival.html</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/01/working-away-for-a-few-days-3983437/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>southamptonukcruiseguyventurapandohttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/01/working-away-for-a-few-days-3983437/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/01/home-again-3979281/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-04-01:/2008/04/01/home-again-3979281/Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:33:06 +0200 <p>After a great and short flight home to Cardiff from Palma, it was straight back to work, that very same day.</p> <p>Can't wait for the next cruise which is only in a couple of weeks time.</p> <p>Ventura will sail on it's maiden voyage from Southampton on 18th April after a naming ceremony on 16th April by Helen Miran. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/01/home-again-3979281/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>pandomaiden-voyagesouthamptonventurahttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/04/01/home-again-3979281/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/30/day-8-day-at-sea-3967580/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-03-30:/2008/03/30/day-8-day-at-sea-3967580/Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:39:15 +0200 <p>Well, what can I tell you. My old dad used to say, son you have to take the rough with the smooth. Boy was he right today.</p> <p>Our Captain came over the PA system and said that we were sailing right into a storm.</p> <p>He said that he would try to go around it as best he could, but because we were due in Palma the next morning and we all had flights to catch he would still have to go through part of the storm.</p> <p>By about 11am I thought it was time for a lie down, everyone was dropping like flies and the ship was moving in every direction possible.</p> <p>By the time we got to the evening, it was no better, Amanda, who sails like a true seaman, said, come on, lets go for dinner. All I could manage was a bit of jelly, while she tucked into a hearty meal.</p> <p>About an hour later, we were sitting in the bar, she was having a great time with the 3 or so passengers that were left standing and I was sat there staring at my pint, then it came…. With just enough warning to get to the toilets, I had to say a fond farewell to my jelly.</p> <p>The only option for me in seas as rough as this is to lie down, so about 9pm we took to our bed. Needless to say, Amanda took back a couple of glasses of wine and sat up watching a film.</p> <p>The next Morning, we arrived in Palma to calm seas, thankfully.</p> <p>Now I hear some of you ask, did that put me off cruising, well to you I say a great big no. With over 30 cruises under my belt and some 300+ days at sea, that is only the third time that has ever happened to me, so with that in mind, I’m looking forward to my next cruise on 18th April which is the maiden voyage of P&O’s new super liner, the Ventura, which will sail on a 14 night cruise from Southampton to Rome and back.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/30/day-8-day-at-sea-3967580/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/30/day-8-day-at-sea-3967580/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/29/day-7-naples-italy-8am-6pm-3964316/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-03-29:/2008/03/29/day-7-naples-italy-8am-6pm-3964316/Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:35:44 +0100 <p>Day 7, Naples, Italy – 8am – 6pm</p> <p>If there could be three words that describe Naples to me, it would be traffic, traffic and hmmm….. traffic.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010180.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>I really do love Italy, the people, the food, the architecture the history, the climate, but that damn traffic really gets me down. I watched people crossing the street at pedestrian crossings with their eyes closed! Now that’s something, also a lot of Italian scooter riders must be colour blind, because they thing red is green.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010188.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Amanda did ask me to take her to the shops, but when she saw the traffic, she said we should opt for an open top buss tour instead, see, every cloud has a silver lining.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010170.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>These tours really are good value for money. You can hop on and off as often as you wish and there are three different routes to choose from, we chose the city route, which the guide said should take 1 hour. Guess what, with the traffic, it too just over 2.</p> <p>I think next time we go to Naples we will get off the ship a little earlier and try to do more, I don’t think we did this city justice by sitting on a bus for 2 hours.</p> <p>Tomorrow is another relaxing day at sea, before we reach our final destination. Palma in Majorca.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/Picture041.jpg" alt="" title=""> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/29/day-7-naples-italy-8am-6pm-3964316/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/29/day-7-naples-italy-8am-6pm-3964316/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/28/day-6-messina-sicily-3955801/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-03-28:/2008/03/28/day-6-messina-sicily-3955801/Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:43:04 +0100 <p>Day 6 Messina in Sicily.</p> <p>1pm – 8pm</p> <p>This is one of the most beautiful arrivals of this year. We arrived in Messina around 1pm in the afternoon, which was really nice, because many cruises arrive early in the morning so that the excursions can get away, but as this was a repositioning cruise, things were a little different.</p> <p>During the morning we cruised right passed Mount Etna the active volcano and although it was a glorious sunny day for us you can see that the top of the volcano has snow around it, even though you can also see the steam rising from the volcano’s crater.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/Picture039.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Now, I must explain one thing, I am not stingy by any means, but when we dock on a cruise ship and we find out the shops are to the left, I like to steer my wife to the right! This amuses most people we tell as they assume my wife likes to shop and spend money, we that’s just not true, because mostly we manage to avoid the shops (lol). However on this occasion, the gods were on my side as Messina’s shops closed for some type of Siesta from 1pm until 4pm – so we had to visit the clock tower and church instead.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010154.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>We were going to book an excursion to the “Villages of the Godfathers” but we left it a little late and the trip got sold out – Maybee next time.</p> <p>The Clock tower and church in the town square were really impressive. We were told that at 1pm each day, the clock tower comes to life and all manner of animated gold statues come to life, unfortunately we missed that.</p> <p>Inside the church was really impressive, Amanda and I wandered about and At one point I lost her completely, it turns out she had wandered into a restricted area and found herself behind the main alter (no doubt looking for a shop that was open).</p> <p>One thing that amused me about this church was instead of real candles for you to light, it was all mechanical with false candles with bulbs, when you inserted a euro into the slot a candle came on. Now I didn’t wait to see how long it stayed on for, but whilst I was there I did not see any go out.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010158.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Then it was back onto the ship, a spot of late lunch, a a nap and then back to the bar for another games show, “Name that Tune”, our team came second, and I ended up having to get onto the stage.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010082.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Then after several more hours of a free bar, it was time to dance. Among my dacing partners tonight was the very lovely Joan.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010089.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Tomorrow we arrive in Naples at 8am</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/28/day-6-messina-sicily-3955801/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/28/day-6-messina-sicily-3955801/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/day-5-a-day-at-sea-3948592/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/day-5-a-day-at-sea-3948592/Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:42:05 +0100 <p>The cruise lines like to call these, relaxing days at sea, which I suppose they can be, however the cruise director usually has other ideas with activities starting from as early as 8am.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010131.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>You can join Pilates Classes, Walk a mile around the deck, take a swim in the pool, visit the well equipped gym, or what I prefer to do is have a lie on and a late lazy breakfast!</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/Picture006.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Then it’s time to catch up with what’s happening with the current book that I’m reading, perhaps take a stroll around the decks.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/Picture038.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Before you know it it’s almost lunchtime and not having eaten for at least an hour, we’re famished and head for the lido café for lunch, then after a few cocktails in the sun, it’s time for afternoon nap.</p> <p>After a fabulous 5 course dinner in the main restaurant it’s time for the evenings entertainment. This can sometimes be a full production show, a guest artist or even a gameshow or quiz in one of the alternative lounges. </p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010165.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Then it’s off to bed, ready for Sicily in the morning. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/day-5-a-day-at-sea-3948592/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/day-5-a-day-at-sea-3948592/#commentshttp://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/day-4-sunday-alexandria-egypt-3941946/tag:ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk,2008-03-26:/2008/03/26/day-4-sunday-alexandria-egypt-3941946/Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:29:38 +0100 <p>Day 4, Sunday, Alexandria, Egypt.</p> <p>After a leisurely transit of the Suez Canal, we arrived at Alexandria around 6am and we will leave today at 1pm. Amanda and I were up early and after a quick breakfast, we headed into town.</p> <p>For those of you who have never been to Egypt, let me explain that many Egyptians have difficulty in understanding the word “NO”, in fact they often disregard it totally. As soon as you leave the secure area around the ship you are instantly bombarded with the calls from the stall holders, calls like “Have a Shufty”, “Luverly Jubberley” and “Cheaper than Asda Price”</p> <p>What you need to understand is the hassle you get from these people is simply the way they live their lives, you need never feel intimidated by it, just keep saying no and eventually they will move on to the next tourist.</p> <p>When we eventually got out of the port, we were then presented with 20-30 taxi drivers and buggy drivers all offering us a city tour for “Very Cheap Price” in the end we plumped for a horse and buggy tour for £5 for 1 hour. We even checked and double checked with the guy and each time he confirmed £5 fro 1 hour. Hmmm… I smelt a rat but said nothing at this point.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010112.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>We were introduced to our buggy driver “Abdul” and his son, neither of whom could speak any English, so we settled back for a peaceful ride through the streets of Alexandria.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010129.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Little did we know that Alexandria has a 6 lane coastal highway, open to horses and they even have right of way, so joining in the fast lane and heading across six lanes of traffic to the “Horse” lane was a hair raising experience.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010127.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>After viewing several monuments and taking in the sea air, around an hour after we started we arrived back at the port. I was ready with my £5 note and thust it into Abduls hand as we got out of the buggy. Then here it came, he suddenly spoke some English. “No, No…”, he said, “£5 Each”. I said that was all he was getting and we walked back to the ship. He didn’t follow.</p> <p>I don’t understand why taxi drivers (and horse and buggy) drivers do this to tourists, it just makes us less likely to use their services or recommend them to others.</p> <p>Anyway, back on board, we go ready for the afternoon sailaway, a few drinks in the bar and a nap before another hectic nights entertainment and socialising on the ship.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010086.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>By now we had started to make lots of new friends. – Tomorrow will be a relaxing day at sea before we arrive in Messina in Sicily on Tuesday.</p> <p><img src="http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk109/ukcruiseguy/P1010148.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/day-4-sunday-alexandria-egypt-3941946/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://ukcruiseguy.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/day-4-sunday-alexandria-egypt-3941946/#comments