Day 29.    Dubai to Brisbane - Homeward bound!

Well no upset tummies after the dinner cruise - I was a bit worried as there was some funny food and the salads weren't stored on ice so I tried to stay with what I thought was okay. Even so I didn't eat brekky today just in case.We finished packing when we got home last night and it is just as well Emirates allows 30kgs on way back as we are definitely over the 23kg now.I really wonder how the baggage handlers manage such weights even tho' they must heave them with abandon by the looks of our cases.

We got a cab to airport  - and only $8 as opposed to $14on arrival??Eric had already done check in online so that was good.Even so, by the time we had walked to our gate - good 20 mins or so, there wasn't a lot of time to spare.I had a look in duty free and decided to buy a couple of Nivea products and then wished I hadn't with the bother of having to take it elsewhere to be packed and sealed etc. Anyway we did the walk down escalators etc (after going through scanners yet again!!!!) and then on buses about another 10-15mins out to plane and boarding. We had missed our slot so had to wait another 30mins for takeoff.Finally on our way!

Although we felt okay on the flight, it is not for everyone as you just feel like cattle being herded and then virtually penned in a small space.There should have to be more seat room and leg room on long haul flts. Strangely neither of us slept at all so it felt very LONG I can tell you. However , apart from a few rough patches, it was uneventful.I sat near a nice lady from Rochedale who does cake decoration.I should have asked her name in case we ever need that service.

The plane touched down at 6.10am, 30 mins early. We thought we'd be smart and make a beeline out as we were just behind First Class ( note not actually IN first class)  and get to Immigration early and that was good but then we were also first to baggage collection and that didn't work out as our bags took some time to appear and one bag had been taken off by someone else and I had to rescue it. Jim and Bev were nearby to meet us and then it was home sweet home, a cuppa and to bed for a few hours. I had another nap pm after doing a few loads of washing etc. Basil and Lorraine called about 4.30. I did another couple of loads of washing and to bed about 9.30 after a few phone calls to catch up.

So that's the end of the Bonwick Travels.

                         Day 28.   Dubai

After a great night's sleep we were ready to face another day in this amazing city. We had a buffet brekky here and then caught the first Red Bus and got off to do the Dhow Cruise for 1 hour.We found the commentary very helpful in explaining the buildings and shipping from the river perspective.I really don't know why they call it a creek.Before oil and tourism took off here it was known for pearling, diving and fishing.Words really can't describe what this city is like with it's courts still practicing Sharia Law and then all the opulence of everything modern.  Our next stop was the Old Souk where we wandered through marveling at the array of splendid fabrics on display.It would be lovely to choose one of these and have a gown made but then where would I wear it?This is the first place where we have been hassled by shop keepers trying to get us to buy. One chap even took Eric,s cap off and did him up in an Arab headdress - as if he would buy that! Then it was off in a cab to the Burjuman shopping mall for lunch and a look around in absolute awe at the shops in there. it sure makes you wonder if they ever sell anything - they are all suited up with nothing to do but dust and look the part. The jewels in the window display are really something but they don't show any prices - I wonder why.Tonight we are booked on a Dhow River Dinner Cruise so that will give us another chance to view the city at might. We have got our boarding passes for tomorrows flight so only have to be at the airport 1.5 hours before flight ( 10.25 am monday ).So all going well , will arrive in Brisbane on Tuesday at 6.40am. Looking forward to catching up with everyone after we get home. It's been a great trip.!!! Hope you have enjoyed the ride with us.

                             Day 26 - Venice to Dubai

Well here we are at Venice airport all checked in and waiting.They say it is quite a small airport but it doesn't look small and you can't check in too early tho' check in opened 3 hours before so that was good for us as our transfer brought us here at that time.Some people have to wait till a midnight flight so a lot of sitting around for them tho' they only have a 2 hour Flt to Gatwick.We had a rest at ship tho' couldn't sleep as all the new arrivals were wandering in and out exploring the ship's ins and outs.There appeared to be more children coming on - maybe because of school holidays.We were a little sad to leave our " home" of the past 2weeks.We met a few people who were staying on the ship and going back to Rome as it stops at a few different ports on the way.Both lots were from Perth and said they got a terrific deal for the return.I wondered why and the lady said she thought these deals are sometimes offered to selected travel agents so you have to be lucky.This particular lady belonged to the Elite Captains Circle with the status of having done more than 16 cruises with Princess Line! 

All aboard on time and there is just a good amount of leg room and we have 2 seats on the window so all looked good.Staff were very efficient and we had a drink and the a lovely meal(?) and dozed off?However about an hour later Eric went to loo and while he was away I started to feel ill and then he came back a lather of sweat and said he was I'll and nearly passed out in the loo. So there we were both holding fiercely to our sick bags and feeling decidedly "off". It was ever so strange to both feel like this at the same time and not be of any help to each other apart from being very sympathetic.We called the flight attendant and enquirer if anyone else was ill as we were blaming the Lamb Medallions we both. Chose for our meal but she assured us no one else was I'll. However, by the time we were descending we were feeling on the improve and, just as well, as when we got to Immigration we had to stand in a queue for 1hour and 10mins.Oh, the frustration! We were not amused.Chap behind us said it was not unusual.It appeared some of the staff just seemed to wander around in their white robes looking important and re arranging their veils or whatever - and these were all males!

However we chose a Lady Taxi to the hotel and , could she motor along.Eric said she was doing 120 at times. Anyway she brought us to the correct hotel and , fortunately for us, our room was ready so we immediately went to bed about 8am and had a couple of hours sleep.Then it was showers and off to catch one of the Hop on and Hop Off tourist buses to see the city ($70) for 24hour pass. For a small extra fee you can get a 48hour one)Firstly we did the Red Route which encompassed more of the older part and then we did the Blue Route which took in the modern Dubai.The first route was very interesting but the second route was really mind blowing in its development in such a short period of time. Some of the structures and projects seem impossible but they have made it happen.The most incredible was the new Atlantis which is part of the Palm Project still being developed.It really is so massive and so over the top and that is just from the outside.One couldn't even begin to describe it. Maybe try Google. Dubai uses something like 250million gallons of water per day with 97 % desalinated.There are some lovely parks but it seems you have to pay a small fee to use them.We did see a lovely beach at Jumeirah from where you can view the tall sail like structure of the Burj Al Arab. By the time we eventually finished these tours (about 5hours,)we were really tired ,though, as the city lights were coming on it was also very pretty and different. However the traffic also increased and it was very slow.Wandered back to hotel and had a simple meal and straight to slumber no trouble at all.A really enlightening day.I didn't mention the heat but it is pretty intense but luckily the bus is air con and provides free water. Oil was only discovered here in 1966 and all this work has been done since then.

                             Day 25 - Venice (cont)

We had a really lovely day in the city today and were so glad we had not joined a tour excursion especially when we saw the humongous crowds queuing for the Doges Palace and the Basilica which we had seen on a visit in 1990. We just wandered up and down the narrow alleyways and over the canals etc just taking our time. Eric thought we might have a gondola ride even though he didn't like the smells in the canals last time, but at €80($100) we gave it a miss.We found a little cafe with free wifi and had a leisurely coffee (make that 2) and a fresh croissant while we read our emails etc.We apologise that we have not been able to send many emails as it is too difficult to negotiate. We are able to send texts on the phone but for some reason can't make calls.At present we are planning to take the water shuttle (25minutes)to StMarks Sq. again tomorrow and have another wander if the weather is good again.

Another top meal tonight with our elderly Scottish ladies.They go off each day and do their own thing and stay up later and see more than we do.Tonight's show we are having a 17 piece Venetian Chamber Orchestra perform a selection From the Old Continent to the New World - sounds interesting. After the show tonight we have to have our suitcases outside our stateroom by 11.00pm and just keep the essentials for tomorrow.

Well what a night!There is a motor for the jacuzzi behind our bed head and for the past few days the on and off noises have been very offputting to say the least?It got really bad last night so we phoned through about 10pm and they sent 2 separate guys up and said the motor is broken but they would try to get the engineer to shut it off but 3hours late still the same so rang through and said they hadn't isolated the problem( we could have told them that) and said no rooms spare though they would try to find another room but that was the lat we heard from them - hence just dozing rest of night and very tired today.We also asked if we could get a room for a couple of hours this Argo but no, so then asked if we could use private Sanctuary area and grudgingly said we could use that privately so, as we will be at airport and flying to Dubai arriving at 5am, we are looking forward to some rest.

                                             Day 23 - Corfu

We berthed at 7.15 and enjoyed brekky up on Deck 15 overlooking the port of Corfu.Once again we have chosen not to do an organized excursion and will do our own thing.We took the local bus to town (€1.50) and just wandered around the labyrinth of very narrow streets.Again it was a real wonder to see cars and motorbikes scurryingthrough amongst the pedestrians.No one seems to worry about who has right of way  etc. as it just all seems to work out.We visited the church of St.Spyridon (his silver coffin is displayed there) and enjoyed a drink at a little cafe while Eric used the free wifi.The proprietors are not at all pushy and very friendly.There are a lot of illegal(?) Africans walking around offering watches for sale and the locals don't seem to mind them wandering in and out of their customers.

It was a surprise to look out today and see greenery again after the barren landscape in Santorini and Mykonos.The old port area is dominated by a huge old fortress and has been governed by different nations.The villa of Mon Repos was built near the ancient necropolis and this is where Prince Phillip was born in 1921.

The swimming pools are very busy in the lovely sunny weather but really I don't know how they can lie out there baking. We haven't bothered to venture into the pools - we have been too busy. Lay around the pool after lunch today.

Tonight we have been invited to the Captain's Cocktail Party (as we are second time cruisers) and then will go to dinner and the theatre show again. The theme is Shake, Rattle and Roll so it sounds good.There are also formal portraits too so we may front up as we didn't previously.The cocktail party was short and sweet with a good selection of drinks to choose from and a little speech from the captain ( he is awfully short of stature so I hope he can see out of the wheel house ) .There were some passengers who had cruised for a total of 930days on Princess ships (all up). Fancy spending that amount of time on  a ship doing nothing but eating and sleeping. At that level (after 16 trips) you get all sorts of privileges like the most popular one of FREE LAUNDRY SERVICE.Apparently that is more popular than the free minibar!

                    Day 24    Split,   Croatia - 

The weather today is much cooler and as we are doing a tour of 4.5 hours we will probably put a jacket in. This will be the first time on this cruise that a jacket will be required. We have been very fortunate with the weather.We enjoyed the show last night with plenty of tunes from our era.Again the costumes were really something and the incredible speed for changes has me bewildered - I really don't know how they don't get something mixed up like black knickers instead of white or black shoes instead of white. It is all just lightning fast.

The population of Croatia is 4.5 million and Split is the second largest city with a population of 450,000 ( I think ). There are some 1,400 islands .The ships tenders ferried us into the city where we joined a tour of 4 - 5 hours.A coach took us 30 mins. to Trogir,a town which sits on a small island of Ciovo. Here is St.Lawrence Cathedral, Trogir's grandest building with an impressive bell tower and an example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The local tour guide was a bit of a character and told us a joke which went like this : -

" Tourists often ask me what Croatia produces. I answer by saying ,Idiots - some of them are in Parliament and the rest of them we export ."

I know some of the residents at Sapphire Gardens will go along with this comment.

We then came back to Split and did a tour through Diocletian's Palace built in 280AD - a long time ago but much of it still standing. There were many shops and very narrow streets here.We left the tour a little early and got the tender back to our ship, as we were all "historied out" you might say and finding it all very confusing.Also the guides were not fitted with a microphone so this made listening quite difficult with such a large group.I am really in awe of how knowledgeable all our guides have been.

Once again a beautiful dinner in our Botticelli Dining Room and then to the theatre to watch a magic show which was quite good .We also listened to some Gershwin music in one of the lounges too. Oh, and decided to buy a photo from our formal night as a memento of the trip. There are so many photos taken that we haven't been too bothered to follow them up. 

                                          Day 25 - Venice

Well the guides all rave on about Venice being the ultimate destination so we were up on deck by 7am to watch our progress through the islands of Venice, past St.Marks Square and Doges Palace and to our berth. You could not have wished for a more perfect morning, all clear and bright after a bumpy night (apparently) between 2 and 3am.Fancy me not feeling it at all - probably thought it was a dream or something.Eric said he got up and felt he was on a downhill slope to the bathroom. They had rain here yesterday so we look to be very lucky today.  We don't have a tour booked so will just get the water shuttle to the city centre and walk around for a bit and have a coffee or ice cream or something amongst the pigeons etc.

Eric will have to see if he can reclaim his knife (the pink one you bought Bev) as it was confiscated coming back from one of our excursions when he had taken it with him to peel an apple.Our cases have to be packed and outside the door tonight even though we are the last group to leave the ship at 6pm tomorrow night. We are free to go into Venice again or just laze around on the ship but have to be out of our stateroom by 8am so it will be a very long day and night tomorrow as our flight is at 8.45pm and then a 5 hour trip to Dubai.

                                       Day. 22.  Katakolon

Today we have decided not to do an organized excursion and will just walk off the ship and on to the pier where I believe we will see cafes and restaurants and souvenir shops (well what else do we expect !) The excursions go to Olympia, the home of the very first Olympics but we feel we have done and heard enough of same and are looking forward to a rest day today as we both have colds etc and are starting on our antibiotics to try and ward it off before it really takes hold.

Our day has been spent wandering around the shops looking at the clothes and souvenirs etc.Luckily we were able to find a suitable suitcase to replace ours (cost €135)which was very convenient as the shops were just at the end of the pier.The weather has been more than perfect with no wind at all and calm seas. It was really special to sit along the beachfront cafe and have a long cool drink and watch the throng as there were a couple of ships in so that could have been 6,000 or so visitors for a pop of some 600 residents.

I thought it would be a good idea to watch our departure from Deck15 but for some reason it made me woosey so then I had to lie down and missed the lovely dinner in the restaurant. Eric had to go on his own and keep our two Scottish ladies company ( and they really are ladies - very proper).Went to the Theatre tonight ( 9.15pm ) and it was another spectacular show with 17 singers and dancers in a full-on show. There were many change of costumes and it all happens so quickly and the stage props and lighting were tremendous. After that we had an early night at 10.30pm???By the way our waiters in the restaurant are Nuno ( Portugal) and Slobadan ( Serbia ) and both are excellent and do everything the way it should be done - very correct and in a very pleasant manner. It is lovely to see the waiters interacting with each other in a happy and jovial  way conveying that they really do enjoy their work.

                              Day 20.  Athens and Acropolis

This morning we awoke in Athens to a forecast of a mild day of a max. Of 30 degrees C and after breakfast had to be at an assembly point by 8.00am for our tour of Acropolis and Athens. On a coach for half an hour through the city to get to Acropolis and we were surprised there was very little traffic . We climbed 80 steep steps of the historic Acropolis through the Propylaea, the monumental marble gateway to these incredible ruins. To think they were built about 2,500 years ago (446BC)and entirely of marble makes ones mind boggle. It was dedicated to the goddess Athena.All the steps and surrounds are marble and very slippery. We would hate to be walking there if it was showery - it would be like black ice. There were crowds everywhere so you had to be careful of your footing.Once at the top you are rewarded with stunning views of Athens on all sides. These forward thinkers sure had grandiose ideas.

We then visited the old Olympic Stadium the site of the Olympic Games of 1896. It too is huge seating many thousands of spectators.Then we had free time in the Plaka (sort of marketplace come square) where we had a light lunch and did some browsing of the souvenir shops (mindful of the pickpockets) before rejoining tour bus back to ship and a delicious afternoon tea (again).

We are lucky we won't be here when there is a general strike on Sept 26 protesting against the economy. Apparently unemployment is 25% in general and 53% for those under 25yrs.

We enquired at a travel agent re free wifi and were offered theirs so that was good.We are still waiting to see what type of suitcase they can offer us as a replacement.There is quite a wind and dark skies just now so hope it doesn't follow us tonight. Everywhere we went today there seemed to be stray dogs and the guide just described them as city dogs. I guess they were abandoned but all looked to be well fed. Other places shown to us were Hadrian's Arch, statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens, the Academy and the University Library.After dinner we went to the Theatre and saw a great show with tremendous costumes and music. We have now been told they have a new policy as regards our damaged suitcase. We now have to purchase the case ourselves and submit our claim when we get home. We could have picked it up in Athens had we known so now will look for one at the next couple of ports.

                         Day 21.     Mykonos, Greece (Sunday )

Woke up this morning anchored in Mykonos and after having breakfast lined up to be taken on the town tour commencing at 9.00am. Got on and off the coach 2 or 3 times before being taken into the main shopping / tourist area where we had free time to look around and have a meal before coming back to the ship about 2.30.At first we were feeling quite disappointed with the area as it just looked ever so barren and dry and dusty though we were taken with the clean lines of the houses all white and trimmed with mainly blue shutters. The whitewash isn't merely for looks but acts as a deterrent to insects as well.I really think we are pretty much tired of hearing the various histories of these ancient places and of their gods and goddessesa and just tune out now as we haven't a hope of remembering any of it.

The pop. Here is 10,000(supposedly) with 1.3mill visitors per year in the summer months.There is a northerly wind blowing 95% of the time and it is rather strong.Very few or no visitors in winter when it is raining etc.However today when there were a few ships in, the place was really pumping and it was difficult to move in the very very narrow alleyways though very small delivery vans and scooters do manage with a lot of difficulty.It really is something to see.It is like a labyrinth with tiny shops and eateries tucked in everywhere with the proprietors just sitting out the front nonchalantly waiting for custom.

We also visited a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There are 1,300churches (chapels) and only 8 priests so I would say not many are used and as the religious don't pay taxes well!

We noticed there are quite a few very sleek boats moored here and I guess these belong to the rich and famous or infamous.Some of those who have homes here rarely visit - I guess it is just for show.

We didn't see any crops growing but did see some lovely veggies being sold outside the church - like cucumbers and capsicum and tomatoes and melons.

We had a look to replace our suitcase but didn't see anything - didn't try Louis Vuitton or Ralph Lauren shops!!!! After dinner we went to the theatre for a show by a Ventriloquist who was one of the finalist in the British show " You Got Talent" which was won by Susan Boyle. He was very good.       

                      Day 19 Santorini

We dropped anchor about 8 am and then gathered in theatre to wait our turn to board the tender to land on Santorini  by 9am for our half day tour.Our first stop was at  the ancient site of Akrotiri (the Greek Pompeii).This was only unveiled in 1967 after being shrouded for over 3,000 years.It is remarkably preserved and offers a great insight into the island's history.Now that funds are tight here it looks like further work will be very sporadic. They have just spent 40million putting a roof over part of it( it's estimated that only one third has been worked on) as the previous one fell down!

Then the bus took the winding road  ( they are all winding) up to Mt.Prophet Elijah 2,000 feet above sea level for a panoramic view of the whole island but there was a bit of smog around and we seemed to be above the clouds.

It's amazing to see all the houses and buildings clinging to the sides of the extinct(?) volcano.On first sight it looked like glaciers spreading down the basalt rock.

Luckily the ship issued passes for us to come down on the cable car as there are 650steps or pay for a donkey ride which no tour operator was recommending ( ?insurance) so we walked through a lot of souvenir shops, purchased an ice cream and caught the cable car back to ship for a late lunch as Rob $ Trish had warned us about leaving it till later as it becomes very busy.So here we are sitting on the deck taking in this most interesting of  panoramas enjoying an iced water and a cool breeze. Ah! Spent the rest of afternoon on outside deck reading and watching the tenders bringing back passengers from Santorini. Then it was off to dinner and the Show in the theatre . As we were sitting down for dinner the ship set sail for Athens where we will be when we wake up in the morning . 

                              Day 16   Livorno - Tuscany - Cinque Terre

Well what a day !!!  Up at 5.30am and showered to get to breakfast at 6.00 as we were leaving for a tour to Cinque Terre at 7.15am. There was a coach trip through Tuscany country for about 90 minutes ,then walking along the " street of love - the Via dell" Amore, the famous and aptly named path linking Manarola with Riomaggiore, another of the villages a short distance away. The hillsides ( mountains ) are terraced with lots and lots of small gardens growing their fruit and vegetables. Any little bit of land has been turned into a garden. Then we walked around a path on the side of steep  hills ( about 1.5km )  to catch a motor boat/ferry for a 45 minute cruise along the coast with spectacular scenery . We arrived at Vernazza for about half an hour so had a quick pizza and Coke . Then we boarded the boat again to take us to Monterossa where we had 1.5 hours of shopping . There were also many many little eateries tucked in the smallest of spaces with many Pizzerias and coffee shops where you could watch the passing parade (as many old men do as they chat with their mates.) Eric managed to get a free wifi site to send off emails etc.The streets were ever so narrow and some places they had to cart supplies in on trolleys.But believe me if there is only the slightest of chances of driving their delivery vans in to the extremely narrow streets, they will have a go and usually manage it.Our coach drivers do a wonderful job too as they pick us up in some odd places.After Monterossa we boarded a train for one stop and then met up with our coach for the 2hour trip back to Livorno and our "home" and a scrumptious dinner.

We passed by Pisa and then saw the huge boulders and slabs of Carrara Marble and then saw the mountains where they extract same.They are Very high alps and from a distance we thought the exposed marble was a glacier.It sure looks like they will have enough product for a long time.There was a haze /smog around all day so not good for photos.I remembered from the previous time when we came south for Switzerland that there was smog the whole way so it hasn't changed.It is so amazing to see all the stucco houses either right on top of mountain peaks or precariously hanging to the side.

                       Day 17.      Naples -  Pompeii

Yesterday Eric came down with a head cold and is feeling somewhat miserable.Woke up this morning as we were arriving in Naples and after breakfast were ready for our tour to Pompeii . After 45 minutes in the coach getting out of Naples we arrived at the site of the Pompeii ruins. Many roads in Pompeii are lined with sidewalks a foot or more above street level.Stepping stones were placed to allow pedestrians to cross in wet weather, but spaces were left toallow wheels and horses to get by easily.There are deep ruts in the pavers where cart wheels have worn away the stone.The discovery and excavations began in 1748 .When Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD 2,000 people lost their lives.It was just as well we booked for the morning tour as it was very hot and would have been worse later in the day. I guess this is because we were surrounded by rock and stone walls with nowhere to shelter out of the sun.The area was surrounded by souvenir stalls but we didn't browse much as I had already purchased a small cameo for myself at the factory where they are made. We also saw an elderly man making them - they are so detailed and I didn't realize that they were made from seashells.The old guy's hands were bent from the pressure needed to hold and chisel the features.The smaller and more intricate the piece the more valuable they are.

We were glad to get back to the boat and cool off.We are very pleased with the ship as everything is only 2years old (since refurbishment).However we don,t really have any sense of direction and this is mainly because we have an inside stateroom without a window. I have to keep looking out at the water to see which way we are traveling so I can tell the back from the front (or aft and stern).

My suitcase has been repaired (we think) so I will pack it up tomorrow and see if the wheels work or fall off! While Eric was taking a nap I had a game of quoits and won myself a bottle of wine!

After another beautiful meal with our 2Scottish ladies, we went to the Rock and Roll session. The band was excellent and lots of people crowded the dance floor - even us for a short spell. There is no shortage of entertainment day and night and the only thing not up to scratch, so to speak, is the toilet paper.When everything else is done to perfection well!

                              Day 18.     Cruising

A nice little sleep in till 7am and then to the Da Vinci silver service restaurant where there were more waiters than guests.When we asked for a banana for our cereal it came on a silver tray and the waiter even peeled and sliced it.Now we don't get that level of service at home.Today is the first day we have felt any movement in the ship and will be hoping it doesn't increase. Packed up our damaged suitcase to try it out with some weight in it but it still keeps falling over. Took it back to Reception and they took the measurements and will try to get a replacement at the next port - Santorini or Athens .

Our day has been spent reading and relaxing and just wandering around the various venues catching some music and demos of vegetable and ice carving - very talented.

The ship is now doing a bit of rocking (hitting a few bumps) but not too bad.We've also been watching salsa, cha cha, and line dancing and even saw a bride and groom having photos taken. 

Once again our dinner in the Michelangelo Restaurant was most enjoyable with the Mango Brûlée to die for.Then it was off to the Princess Theatre for the show featuring Greg Scott - a very talented violinist from Manchester accompanied by the Princess Orchestra with music from films and musical theatre.Then we sat in the Wheelhouse Bar and listened to Men in Black playing dance music. I am surprised at all the different dance styles the guests display. Tomorrow we arrive at Santorini .

                            Day 15.    Cruising

What a lovely day of shipboard life!We spent the day trying to navigate the corridors of the ship and looking over the sales that are there to trap us .So far wonderful smooth sailing -just like a millpond - so are hoping it will stay that way for us.The waters are a gorgeous blue jewel to look at.We are on the 12 th floor so sometimes we take the stairs for some exercise.The meals are a lot bigger portions so we will have to watch it figure wise!Our table has 2ladies from Aberdeen both in their 80s who are very easy to converse with.The others are  a Canadian couple and also very nice.Last night I tried a Quail ( roasted) for dinner while Eric tried a steak.This was the first dress up night so it was lovely to see guests in all their finery.Oh, it is easy to see that black is the "in colour".we decided to forego the photo shoot tho it is good to watch others.After dinner we went to the theatre for the show which was a Motown Theme and was good. After that we went to bed as we are to be up at 5.30 am. for a full day tour .

                            Day 12.       St.Petersburg

Thursday night we went to a Russian Folk Show .( we could have chosen the Ballet)This proved to be a great show with lots of dancing, singing and music. The costumes were really colorful and the agility of the dancers was a pure delight.This was held in yet another palace with sweeping marble staircase etc.The tickets don't show a specific seat preference so talk about push and shove up the stairs! The drive back to the ship looking at all the magnificent buildings lit up to show their assets was special too.It was after midnight to bed so another late night.

Then this morning up bright and early and on the coach for a 30min drive to Peterhof Palace passing Vladamir Putin's well fortified castle on the way, set in beautiful park grounds - and why not I guess.Peterhopf Palace was another sight to behold with lots of blues and whites and gold, gold gold!The Great Palace rises like a golden curtain at the far end of Marine Canal (lots of canals in city )  and from where yachts once entered with important visitors.Leading down from the hill is the Grand Cascade with some of the 176 fountains with a golden Samson as the focal  one shooting water 21meters in the air. It truly is a magnificent sight and especially as all fountains are gravity  fed- what wonderful architects and artists they must have been. It sure makes you wonder why Brisbane can't have at least one fountain.Back to the ship by Hydrofoil (30mins) to escape the ???? Traffic, gobble down our lunch, before taking off to city again to visit Yusupov Palace, the site of death of Rasputin.This was not as opulent as others and very different in design but still another wonder.Unfortunately most,of the significant items are now in The Hermitage Museum but I did enjoy the different style and decor.To escape the horrendous traffic we luckily were able to return to ship by Hydrofoil arriving at 7pm just in time for our last dinner on board with lots of goodbyes to be made and to get busy packing for our 3.30ama wake up to get taxi to the airport for our am flight .Most of the passengers on this Russian cruise are from Australia and New Zealand plus a few English .

                            Day 13  - St.Petersberg - Berlin-Rome

Off in taxi at 4.30am with Bob and Venesia Bailosaw(?) for airport. Well what a schmoozle that place is - terribly small and overcrowded and inefficient.Eventually we found our gate hidden behind a pillar like some afterthought(which I guess it is)  and stood in a queue for nearly an hour then in another queue for customs, ( Eric had to take shoes and belt off )just making it through 5 mins before boarding.But that wasn't the end of it as we  then got wet catching shuttle out to plane and sat on board in very stuffy air for yet another hour as a passenger didn't show and his luggage had to be offloaded! One and half hours later we landed in Berlin and another wet shuttle to terminal and huge slow moving ( dare I mention )queue again before running now half hour after we were supposed to board through another Customs check where I even had to remove a chiffon scarf (?) before another dash to our supposed Gate with Eric trying to replace his belt shoes etc and needing a comfort stop. Then the Gate No had changed and it was a further quick move to get on the tail end of our boarding queue before another wet dash to get yet another shuttle bus out to our flight to Rome where we sat all strapped in for a further 30mins.People used to say Brisbane was backward when we had to walk out onto Tarmac to board, well!

Another smooth flight here to Rome to be met by our cruise hostess and eventually walked the 10mins to our Rome Airport Hilton and check-in.The first thing I did was take a nap while Eric went for a snack and a bit of a look see. We could take a shuttle to city but it all seems a bit tiring just now.

Have I mentioned about queues today? It sure makes you wonder why travel is so difficult. Luckily we weren't with Lufthansa though as they have been on strike for a week or so only returning today.

Note: St.Petersberg has plans for a huge new airport - not before time!!!

Had a short rest this  afternoon then went for a short walk back to the airport and had a light pasta dinner  and Magnum before returning to the Airport Hilton. 

                              Day 14   Rome

Still dark when we woke up so showered and got dressed .We then noticed the mobile phone clock had not changed and was 2 hours ahead of the local time so instead of getting up at 7am it turned out it was only 5am. We then went for a short walk outside the hotel then walked to the airport (10 mins) and watched the coming and goings of passengers. Back to the hotel for a scrumptious buffet brecky and then to the room to read and pack our ports and have them down to the lobby by 10.15am. What a cacophony of sound met us as 400 people are arriving for a national tennis conference . They seem to be all men with very trendy clothes and tans and not a tennis racquet in sight but plenty of loud noisy conversation with much kissing of cheeks etc. The coach arrived at midday to take us to the ship which took just on one hour.

Unlike previous Princess Cruise, the embarkation was very well organized with lots of staff directing us where to go and I guess it only took about 15 minutes to get on board and to our stateroom. The "Crown Princess" is 952 ft. long, 113,000 tons and for this voyage has 3,500 passengers - 1,000of which are Americans, 700 From Canada, 400 from England and the rest from all over the place incl. Australia. I'm guessing but there would have to be at least 1,000 crew- they are absolutely everywhere. Unfortunately our brand new suitcase arrived on board in a somewhat damaged condition so we had to empty everything out of it and take it to the reception counter . They will let us know in a couple of days if it can be repaired on board otherwise we will have to get another before we disembark .Its now 10.30pm and Monica has been in bed asleep for about an hour. I better get to bed now as there is a big day of activities tomorrow. I got the iPad fixed up for Wi-Fi today so hopefully I can send my Blogs off tomorrow. We are sailing all day ( Monday ) so should have time to get this off.

                                 Day  11.  StPetersberg

Forgot to mention the Hermitage Museum has some 30 million people a year go through it and most of those would be in the tourist season of 5 months. Today ( Thursday  )we went to Catherine Palace.Well, talk about OPULANCE - you just wouldn't believe it. There is just so much gold and fancy decoration and statues etc etc. And then there is the Amber Room with walls decorated in amber of three different colors - just awesome.After the tour through the palace we went in to the gardens where 550gardeners are employed (used to be 1,000) and saw the lovely lakes and bath houses and structured gardens.It's all hard to believe.The palace was built 1744 and 1746 and is considered a Baroque masterpiece.We faced the horrendous traffic snarls on the way back but got back for a late lunch. After we went for a walk locally we walked around a large market type shed where they were selling lots of clothes and shoes and jeans galore.Tonight we are going to a Russian Folk Show at the Nikolayevsky Palace for a foot tapping time. We had the choice of the Folk Show or a Ballet Performance but choose the folk show.Not sure if we can leave on Sat as Lufthansa is on strike. We travel on Air Berlin and we do not know if they are an off shoot like Jet Star are for Qantas.

                               Day 10.   Svirstroy to St.Petersburg

Left Svirstroy at 3.00pm in rain and at 7.00pm had the Captain's Champagne Reception ( dress up ) followed by dinner. The whole crew ( 100 ) were introduced to us .Went through the last lock on the Svir River and sailed all night and arrived in St.Petersberg at 6.30am Wednesday. I said earlier Lake Onega was huge but last night we went across Lake Ladoga which is about 3 times larger and is Russia's largest - you would think it was the ocean. Had a big day today starting with a hydrofoil to the Hermitage Museum on the Neva River. This place is absolutely huge spread over about 7 buildings ( Palaces ) and includes many paintings by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Goya, Rembrant, and many many more. The decor in all the rooms is simply too opulent to even comprehend with lots and lots of gold trimmings. I must have taken over 200 photos ( flash not allowed ). After 3.5 hours there a bus then took us to the Academy Restaurant for a 4 course Lunch which Eric enjoyed.We then had a 3hour city tour by coach visiting St.Isaac's Square, Church of our Savior on Spilt Blood and Peter and Paul Fortress - all magnificent old buildings. Traffic here is terrible and took us 1.5 hours by coach to get back to the ship ( less than 30 minutes by hydrofoil ).Population here is 5 million. Fuel is about $1.00 a litre. Everyone is tired after a long day as we didn't get back till 7.00 pm and then another 4 course meal to get through. 

                                Day  9.    Kizhi   to Svirstroy

Once again we travelled all night and arrived in Svirstroy  at 11am and were off the boat for our tour at 11.30.We walked about 500mts to a local home where the hosts provided a light morning tea consisting of pastries biscuits and piroschy(?) - a pastry filled with onion, cabbage and maybe a little meat.They then welcomed our question re their life in the village. They have one daughter and one grand daughter(the birth rate in Russia is 1.7) and have a rather large garden with flowers in the front and veggies in the back. They have lived in their home all their life in this village.The house was built in1947 by the Germans after the war.As in all parts we have seen along the river most houses need repair.We have also seen lots of disused factories along our route just rusting away?The average life span for a male is 68yrs.If in the military,retirement is at45yrs with a pension and 55 otherwise.We then looked over the souvenir stalls on the way back but everyone had to scatter when a heavy shower came.At night we had our farewell Captain's cocktail Party and Dinner followed by a concert with items from the crew and passengers (a good laugh).our evenings end quite late with entertainment starting at 10pm.  The entertainment is not as lavish a on the big liners.

                          Day  8 Goritsy to Kizhi

Today we are cruising most of the day on the Volga - Baltic Waterway and have entered the huge Lake Onega which spans a 10,000 sq. km area with an average depth of 50 meters but can reach 150 meters. So far we have gone thru. 17 locks since leaving Moscow but there has been no delays at all and we get thru. them very quickly. The last few locks have had an average depth of 21 meters.After lunch today they had tour groups to the Captain's Bridge so I will give a few details of the ship " AmaKatarina ". The vessel was built in 1980 in the Czeh Republic and completely refitted in 2010 .Length 135 meters width 16.8m draft 2.7m max.speed 24 knots. Passengers 196 Crew 100 plus.

In talks yesterday we were told at the end of WW2 a total of 27 million Russians were killed ( mainly by Germans ) but during Stalins Regime some 30 million were killed or disappeared . Hard to believe isn't ?.

We have cruised most of the day ( Monday ) heading for Kizhi which is near the end of this huge lake , Lake Onega . Kizhi is an island within the lake and it is the place where there is the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its early introduction to Christianity . In 1714, the Transfiguration Cathedral, with it's towering walls and 22cupolas, was built without the use of a single nail. Half a century later a nine-cupola Intercession Church was added to the complex. When it first comes into view you just think (wow) as it is such an awesome sight against the skyline.We had a walking tour of this small island of Kizhi for 2 hours most interesting.The church has been closed for restoration since 1988 but they hope it may open to the public again in 5 years so we were invited back again then!!!Yesterday was also a demo of Bliny making (crepes) followed by a demo on  different types of vodka and then a tasting session of both.The 40% I didn't like but the cranberry flavor at 20% was a bit like cordial but I got very tired very quickly later!There have been lectures on Russian language and history too - so much to do and so little time.But then we do spend quite a bit of time in the Dining Room I guess.

Only 4 nights left on board and tomorrow is St.Petersberg.

                                     Day  7. Yaroslavl to Goritsy

Well another town and another church (or two or three or four or more) As someone was heard to say "we are all iconed out" and I know how they feel.(an icon is like a painted holy picture either on a wall or in a heavily decorated frame) and they are seemingly everywhere here because of their long history. /Some of them date from the 11th century.You wouldn't believe some of the lochs we have been going through. At present our waterway is actually above the surrounding landscape and we only have a few inches to spare(like a bridge of water). How do they get water to rise  above its surroundings -great engineering I guess.Now the water is emptying out at a very fast rate to bring us down to the next level of the river.At times there has been another river or a road going underneath us.At present we are about halfway on our journey of 2000klms.Today we saw the church of St.Cyril of the White Lake Monastery - such a huge expanse of churches chapels and monastery and convent- but all in very urgent need of repair.There was a walking tour of 2 hours all around.Most places we have been have had market stalls selling furs (hats scarves and stoles) and lots of trinkets but we are always in a rush to reboard and have no time to look around apart from 15-30mins.The stall holders are not pushy at all like in other countries but I feel we are not helping their economy by having so little time to browse.I' d like a fur hat but I hear we may not be able to take it into Australia.As to the age of the passengers(196)I believe,there would be half dozen younger than us and the rest our age or older(I would say most late 70's and 80's).Everywhere in the countryside we have seen has been quite dilapidated and very old  although we do see some nicer buildings at times but very few that are new.Thanks Paul and Dan for your comments and Fathers Day wishes. Last night we had a Ukranian Dinner and the night before a Russian Dinner and the staff dress accordingly .The meals are not the high standard of the Europe cruise but I guess they are still learning about tourism here in Russia. The staff are quite young but can speak English so that is why they employ them instead of the older and experienced people. Only a very small number of people in Russia can speak English.

                                        Day 6. Uglich to Yaroslavl

After another night of travel we arrived from Uglich 9.30am and straight off and on to the buses for the short excursion to the main square of Yaroslavl which is surrounded by government buildings and of course churches and monasteries.Two years ago they celebrated ( wait for it) 1000 years having been settled in 1010! It sure beats our 200 +years.The pop is 610,000 and it was once the capital of Russia in 1598 (The Time of The Troubles) and given back to Moscow in 1613. We first went to the Transfiguration Monastery which was completely restored mainly from a large donation from a millionaire who lived in Moscow. It certainly was beautiful .We visited the Governors Palace and had a tour of same by one of his 6 "daughters" who even chose Eric to be her partner in a Russian dance - real hoot as he seemed to be dipping when he should be rising! The the audience were invited to join in and waltz around the beautiful ballroom and enjoy a glass of champagne.Off for a walk around the markets with a huge array of clothing and shoes - so many stalls but no time (30) minutes to make any purchases.We also saw the largest and most varied of mushrooms - their stalks were about half my palm size and of a golden color.There were also blueberries and dried fish.Today was the first day of school (Saturday) after a 3month break.They go to school 6days a week.The families were accompanying the children and were they all dressed in their best!You would think they were going to a wedding they were so well dressed.Back on board 2pm and boat pulled away immediately.We went to a talk on the Soviet era but I couldn't stay awake and came back for a nap.Then there was the APT Cocktail Party (free drinks) before it was off to the dining room for another three course dinner!I've noticed that the young girls wear the highest heels you could imagine and I don't know how they manage on the cobblestones!