Italy 2025 Venice

Nana and the family are embarking on a Jubilee vacation to Italy, commemorating a promise made 25 years ago during a previous trip. The journey starts in Venice, a historical city known for its canals and art, where 26 family members gather. They enjoy sightseeing, dinner, and a gondola ride before heading to Assisi.

2nd Half Test for the World Cruise

The blog invites readers to take a quiz about the World Cruise, testing knowledge on destinations visited. Answers can be found through research or previous posts. Topics include unique wildlife, historical sites, and cultural events. Participants are encouraged to submit their answers for grading, aiming for an engaging experience.

Lisbon, Portugal 4/28/25

Today, we met our son-in-law’s parents in Portugal while on a cruise. After navigating a city-wide power outage during lunch, we enjoyed city exploration and gifts exchanged. Despite delays due to the outage, we returned to the ship before departure. Tomorrow, we arrive in Tangiers with time constraints.

Alicante, Spain 4/26/25

Alicante, rich in history spanning over 7,000 years, transitioned from prehistoric settlements to a vibrant Mediterranean port under various civilizations. Today’s excursion revealed the charming Old Town, Baroque Cathedral, and storied Castle of Santa Barbara. Experiencing local culture, including Las Hogueras de San Juan, enriched our visit before heading to Lisbon.

Barcelona, Spain 4/24-25 2025

Yesterday, we arrived in Barcelona, enjoying a castle dinner and a significant Mass at Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s iconic basilica, still under construction since 1882. After exploring the bustling city on electric bikes, we experienced a lively party with our sister ship, featuring a spectacular drone show. Tomorrow, we travel to Alicante.

Sardinia, Italy 4/23/25

Today, we arrived on Sardinia, Italy, known for its beaches and culture. We visited the Mancini Estate for wine tasting, enjoying three signature wines in a scenic vineyard. Nana negotiated a wine deal, purchasing 16 bottles. Tonight features a formal dinner before heading to Barcelona for a special dinner at a castle.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy 4/22/25

Today, we visited Rome from Civitavecchia. After Pope Francis’s passing, we explored independently, using technology for planning. Nana sought restaurant reservations for our family’s July trip, navigating challenges. Despite obstacles, she secured four reservations while enjoying iconic sights and good food. Tired but satisfied, we returned to the ship for rest.

Naples (Sorrento), Italy 4/21/25

Today in Naples, Italy, we visited Sorrento, known for its stunning views and vibrant lemon groves. We explored churches, Piazza Tasso, and enjoyed local cuisine. We learned of Pope Francis’s death while visiting a wood carving workshop and a craft center specializing in cameos. Tomorrow, we head to Rome, reflecting on this event.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece 4/19/25

Today, we arrived in Piraeus, Athens’ main port with a history dating back to the 5th century BC. After avoiding tours, we visited a Greek Orthodox church for Good Saturday, which Nana enjoyed. We also took a hop-on-hop-off bus to explore Athens, a city rich in history and modernity. четыре дня морских и шесть портов.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey4/18/25

On Good Friday, the author reflects on their visit to Kuşadası, Turkey, a lively resort known for its beaches and proximity to Ephesus. Recalling a past cruise experience in 2007, they discuss the challenges of finding a church in a predominantly Muslim region and the aggressive local vendors. They conclude with plans to visit Athens next.