Back to Civitavecchia

After Pompeii it was back to the port of Civitavecchia where many of our passengers disembarked flying home or taking on more land travel.  We were SO glad we didn’t have to pack up and get off.  The crew shared with us that we would have about a 100 less passengers doing the next leg.  We expected even an older crowd to board because we knew that that age group liked the trans Atlantic crossings.  At first we thought we would get off the ship and look around the Piet but we met a few folks that said because it was Sunday not much would be open and that to get to anywhere in this town you would need a taxi.  We were thinking we could walk but that changed our plans. Instead we slept in and had fun having the ship more to ourselves.  We watched later on as folks boarded and noted their excitement as they explored their home for the next two weeks!  

There was a muster drill at 4:00 but surprisingly we didn’t have to attend!  They had a sail away on the Sea View Pool and we attended. The weather was mid 70’s and sunny. That night they showed the movie on the big screen, “The Talented Mr. Ripley” but other than that there was no show. Instead the EXC guide Brett talked about the next port, Cartagena, Spain.  We had no plans for that port but decided we could watch it later in our stateroom.  

We had a nice dinner in the lido with our friends and then entertained ourselves with some card games on the pool deck.  

The next day we were at sea.   Weather cooled to mid 60’s.  The shore excursions folks talked about things to see and do at upcoming ports followed by another EXC talk on Cádiz and Malaga.  This was a Gala night which means fancy dress up clothes if you choose to and formal photos which we always skip. In the afternoon they talked about the Azores and I did attend that talk. 

There was another meet and greet for new folks put on by Cruise Critic.  Betsy and I attended and I passed  out raffle tickets that I brought.  There was a good group of folks and lots of good door prizes were had.  The ship provides coffee, tea, cookies and water.  Folks that had interests in things like pickleball, cards, games, etc met up and talked.  Dan was interested in pickleball so I got info for him and I found out about the tea to discuss the new Downton Abbey movie to be held.  

Entertainment that night was Postmodern Jukebox which is a group that takes new music and performs it like it was back in the 50’s.  It isn’t our cup of tea and we didn’t attend.  

Our next day would be Cartagena from 8-6 so we were off to bed and a movie in our room.   

This is the new look for the theater!!  Pretty sterile 

Some of our sail away photos 

Sunsets are awesome and peaceful 

Nothing like sunset from the ship.