Today in Ephesus, Turkey, tomorrow in Mykonos, Greece.  But first I return to our call in Split, Croatia, a city whose name has fascinated me since I first saw it as the end-of-the-line railway station on many express trains in Europe, when I was travelling in earlier decades.  

Thursday, 23 April 2015
Split, Croatia

Unfortunately, my mood is still sour after being flooded out of my stateroom in the middle of last night and getting no help at all from the administrative crew on board the Zuiderdam.  But you will need to go back to my earlier entry, entitled, "HAL Tries to Drown Complaining Passenger in Flooded Cabin," to get some of the details.  I will not bore my readers with everything that has gone wrong on this cruise so far--let's just say that while the ports have been wonderful, everything else about the Zuiderdam is cursed!  I will give more details when I return home to Tucson, but I no longer have any trust or faith in Holland America.  After 14 cruises, it is disappointing to report this, but I think it's time to try another cruise line and I recommend that anyone thinking abou sailing with HAL should talk with me first.

I have asked the Seattle home office to fly me home from Venice when the first 11 days of the cruise conclude, but of course no on board the Zuiderdam has made the slightest move to make this happen. I have been put in a veranda cabin on deck five (although they have been telling me since day 1 that there are no veranda cabins avilable) that I will have to vacate in Venice.  Where they will try to put me after that I have no idea, nor do I know what cabin I will be staying in for the rest of the cruise.  My luggage (fortunately empty) has been completely ruined.  And I have to waste my time moving from one cabin to another.

But the medieval Old City of Split still stands entirely within the walls (at least what remains of them) of the palace of the Roman Emporer Diocletian.  Imagine the size of this palace, if an entire small city can grow up within its precincts.  The Zuiderdam docks within walking distance of the palace entrance, and I spend a pleasant few hours exploring the narrow streets, old architecture, and excellent bakeries.

 

I spent today at the spectacular Acropolis Museum in Athens, just a short Metro ride from the pier in Piraeus, although it was a bit of a walk from the ship to the Metro station.  The ship's "desinations director," KK, advised us that taxis at the pier were interested only in taking patrons to Athens at much-inflated prices, and would not accept local fares.  She also advised us that the 80E Express Bus was a better option than the Metro.  She didn't bother to check with local sources, however, to learn that the Express Bus would not start service for the season until 30 April--tomorrow (although passengers on her sister ship ms Prinsendam were quite aware of the schedule.)

Wednesday, 22 April 2015
Korcula, Croatia

But I return now to the more pleasant memories of a visit to Korcula, an island off the coast of Croatia, about halfway between Dubrovnik and Split.  After leaving Kotor yesterday, the late afternoon-early evening cruise up the Croatian coastline was delightful, revealing islands of various sizes on the starboard side and small towns with large churches on the port side.  The weather has been unvaryingly spectacular, with clear blue skies and pleasant tempuratures during the day, and lovely sunsets as night falls.

The town of Korcula (also the name of the island) isn't much different than Kotor, and I need to look at my photos to remember what is which in each town.  Both towns have well-preserved medieval centers, but Korula is more open to the sea on three sides.  We tender into the port and enter the city through its eastern gate.  The two major sides of the city have very different weather, the landward side is quite windy, while the leeward side is sunny and warm.  A wide boulevard stretches along this side of the town and is lined with restaurants and cafes, interrupted by short staircases that take you down to small rocky beaches.

The town itself has all the usual photo oportunities:  cathedral, churches, architectural details, and vistas of the Croatian coastline and other islands.  I offer a small selection here.

Cruising the Croatian Coast

Korcula:  Old Town

Korcula:  Steps to Rocky Beach

***
Korcula:  Old Town

Since the wifi seems to be working well tonight, I will do another blog entry before retiring for sleep.  The Zuiderdam is sailing from Nafplion to Pireaus at a fairly slow rate of 7.8 knots (nautical miles per hour).  I am looking forward to visiting the new (ish) Acropolis Museum tomorrow, one of the sites in the city that I didn't have time for during my last visit in 2010.

Tuesday, 21 April 2015
Kotor, Montenegro

We have taken a slight detour south from Dubrovnik, before heading north to other ports in Croatia, in order to visit the delightful city of Kotor, Montenegro (another new country for my list).  Like Dubrovnik, but smaller, Kotor is a walled city that faces the sea on one side and is backed by mountains on the other.  The Zuiderdam docks right in front of one of the city gates, and I can literally fall from the ship into the city.  This is a place that calls for a relaxed walk through narrow streets and alleyways, unless you wish to climb up into the hills for the views from the upper fortresses (which I myself do not desire to do).  The town square has an interesting clock tower and the cathedral has a museum on the upper floor with an open terrace that allows one to look down over the central city.  The walls are not complete, but I can walk along several major parts, allowing fine views of the Adriatic as well as the city.  Otherwise, there are lots of opportunities for dining and shopping.

I spend several hours in the morning touring the city and then return again after lunch when the light is much better for photographs (the advantage of docking so close to the city).

Sailing away from the small city of Nafplion, on the coast of Sparta, almost directly across the large peninsula from Katakolon, yesterday's port.  I spent an overnight here in Spring 1993 and the town looks much the same, although there seems to be more cars and luxury watch stores.  But I return now to one of the highlights of the first half of the cruise.

Monday, 20 July 2015
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Zuiderdam docks under the Dubrovnik suspension bridge at 10am (it's nice to have the chance for a late wake-up).  But since Will and I visited in 2010, I elect for an all-day tour that takes me up the magnificent Croatian and Bosnian coasts, then turns inland into Herzegovina (the southern part of Bosnia-Herzogovina), heading toward Mostar, which has many claims to fame.  First, it is the most historic city in the Balkans, although it was brutally bombed during the war 23 years ago.  Second, it is beautifully situated along the Mostar River, under snow-capped mountains.  Third, during the summer it often records the highest temperature in Europe.  But today the sun is shining and the weather is moderate and although the drive is long, we pass a dizzying array of different landscapes.  From Croatia we pass the border into Bosnia for seven km of coastline, then pass back into Croatia and turn inland, later again passing into Bosnia--where the bus is held up for 30 minutes while the small town petty beaureaucrats check every passport.  Since there are only 23 of us, the guide tells us we are lucky.  Sometimes it takes up to 90 minutes at this particular crossing.

Shortly after the border checkpoint, we make a brief stop for coffee and restrooms in Numm, Bosnia.  We stop in Bosnia rather than Croatia, because Bosnians will accept all kinds of currencies.  Because Croatia is a member of the EU, but not yet using Euros, it is strictly forbidden to using anything other than Kunas, the official Croatian currency (dont ask me to explain the reasons).  We next stop for a short visit to a village just north of Metkovic, in Herzegovena province, a place that exists solely for tourists to take pictures.  But it is indeed quite authentic and quite photogenic.  

It's a long drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar--almost four hours--but we pass thruogh such an incredible variety of landscapes that it is never boring.  The Dalmatian Coast is magnificent and serene.  The highway curves around low mountains and each turn revelas new islands in the Adriatic and bays and beaches carved tinto the shore.  When we turn inland toward Bosnia-H, we are greeted by a high range of snow-capped mountains, with heavily irrigated farmlands in the valleys--this area is known as California Croatia.  We finally reach Mostar at 2pm, incredibly one hour ahead of schedule, and begin our one-hour guided tour (although a stop for lunch at this point would be nice).

Mostar has been faithfully restored to its late Roman and early Medieval appearance.  There is only one street that runs through the Old City and crosses the river on the famous reconstructed Old Bridge.  The streets are cobblestones and the walk is slippery but the atmosphere is convincing, especially as we visit a small mosque (with magnificent backyard views of the Old Bridge) and the two-story home of a well-to-do Turkish family.  I am too famished by now to hang on for the tour farewell, so I quickly duck out and backtrack to a restaurant I spied on the way for a terrace lunch of mixed salad and veal brochettes with rice pilaf and french fries.  Like most of the off-ship restaurants I have visited the portions are huge and the food quite tasty and the prices very moderate.

The return bus ride covers the same route, with the same border crossings, six in all.  We arrive back at the pier shortly before 8pm. Several passengers choose to go into the city of Dubrovnik for several hours (the Zuiderdam doesn't depart until midnight), but I head for the dining room on the ship.

Croatia:  Dubrovnik Suspension Bridge

Croatia:  Dalmatian Coastline

Bosnia-H: Snow-Capped Mountains on Drive to Mostar

Bosnia-H:  Photogenic Village

Bosnia-H:  Mostar

Bosnia-H:  Mostar Lunch

Bosnia-H:  Mostar Old Bridge

Bosnia-H:  Mostar Old Bridge

Nearly an entire week has passed since I last posted anything interesting about my travels.  Today, as we sail from Venice to Katalokon, Greece, I hope to begin catching up.  I will fill you in on more details about this ill-fated ship when I return to Tucson on 6 May, but for the rest of my time at sea I hope to be bringing only happy and positive news.

Sunday, 19 April 2015
Corfu, Ionian Sea, Greece
Although Corfu (Kerkira in Greek) has much more of historical interest it is rather dissapointing after the peaceful, laid-back, spotlessly clean center of Argostoli, our previous port.  Corfu is framed by its two monumental fortresses, one on each side of the Old City.  The shuttle bus from the port ($12. rt), too far to walk comfortably, drops us at the Old Fortress, which surprisingly honors senior tickets, even for non-Europeans (other places we visit on the cruise will offer senior price tickets; this is a welcome new development).   The Old Fortress provides views over the harbor and gives a real sense of the vulnerability of Corfu to attcks seom the sea.  A large expanse of greenery, the Esplanade, provides a welcome entryway into the pedestrians-only Old Town.  

I explore a warren of sreets and alleways that make no geographic sense (helps keep pirates out), but provide a variety of domestic and business facades.  Of course, shopping is one of the key activities of Corfu, and I am greeted by all the familiar logos from around the world.  Even with many detours and much back-tracking my walk through the city to the New Fortress takes hardly any time at all. There are some small churches and shops that seem interesting, and even a reconstructed synogogue, but as a whole, Corfu doesn't seem much different than many other Greek towns.  There are probably many hidden treasures outside the city, but I don't have time to seek them out today.

Before catching the shuttle back to the Zuiderdam, I admire the Neo-Classic facade of the Asian Art Museum, but decide not to venture in.

HAL Tries to Drown Complaining Passengers in Flooded Cabins

I wake up close to midnight (having taken a sleeping pill) to a strange, sweetly sickening smell in Stateroom 1094.  I step down into several inches of water rising fast throughout the entire cabin--except in the bathroom.  Neighboring cabins were in the same condition.  

HAL sends one mechanic and one pump to deal with the problem, and no one from higher management is anywhere in sight except for one female from the Front Desk who assigns new rooms (on a ship on which I was told there were no available cabins).

I ask for slippers so I can get a few essentials from the still-flooding room--medication, camera, and electronics.  But I am sure much else of my personal property is being ruined by the water.

I shall try to get some sleep in this temporary cabin on deck five, but tomorrow is looking like a very bad day indeed.

Today the Zuiderdam is docked off the harbor of Korcula (kor-chu'la), an island off the Dalmatian coastline of Croatia.  This is the first port that requires tendering, which goes fine until about 2pm, when the waters alongside the dock become too rough for passengers. Luckily, I have reboarded the ship just before tendering is suspended. As promised, I now return to a more chronological report of the cruise, beginning with our one sea day and a delightful day in Argostoli, on the Greek Island of Cephalonia, in the Adriatic.

Friday, 19 April 2015
Sailing from Malta to Argostoli   

Today's sea day is welcomely restful and the only major news is that during the early hours of the morning we sailed back to Malta to allow a very sick passenger to be removed from the ship.  Since we are travelling relatively short distances between ports we will still be able to dock in Argostoli at the scheduled time of 8am on Saturday.  The Mariner's award ceremony and brunch fill the midday and I opt for dinner in the Pinnacle Grill on this first formal night (hardly a tuxedo in sight, most men wear sport jackets and ties, as I do).  The steak dinner in the Pinnacle is very good, as usual, although I am disappointed that they no longer serve the tri-color creme brulee for dessert.

Saturday, 18 April 2015
Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece

Argostoli is one of those perfect ports where there are no important historical monuments or major churches to see.  I spend the morning walking the pedestrians-only streets of the "not-very-old" town and alongside the harbor.  My major activity is sitting in a small cafe in the central square enjoying a cappuccino and free wi-fi.  I visit several small churches and the picturesque, but closed, causeway connecting Argostoli to the village on the other side of the port.  On the way back to the Zuiderdam I opt for lunch at a small seaside restaurant and enjoy a Greek salad and a platter of grilled chicken brochettes with French fries.

Holland America Sinks Its Reputation Off the Italian Coast

Sorry I have been silent for so long, but HAL allowed the Zuiderdam to sail out of drydock without completing repairs, construction, and renovations.  And I have been trying to get honest answers out of them for days.  I have always been a keen supporter of the cruise line, but that support has been ended and my trust in the company eroded.  I will give the specifics at the end of the cruise.

In spite of the difficulties with large sections of the ship being closed to passengers, the sailing and the ports have been wonderful, so I will get back to blogging and focus on the positive as we continue to sail up the beautiful coast of Croatia toward Venice.  So far I have visited 5 countries:  Italy, Malta, Greece, Croatia, and Bosnia.

I will be back shortly to continue where I left off after departing from Malta.  Please be patient.

Thursday, 16 April 2015
Valletta, Malta

The Zuiderdam is docked at the port below the city of Valletta, capital of Malta.  Will and I were here in October 2010 and took an all-day excursion from Cunard's Queen Victoria, so we didn't need to figure out how to get up the cliff to the city itself. Fortunately, not far from the cruise port, is a new elevator that takes me up to the gardens at the top, from where there are wonderful views over the harbor and city.  

I decide to test my old exploration skills and spend the morning in the city of Mdina, on the other side of the island.  The public bus ride takes about 30 minutes and I am lucky to find a seat on a very crowded vehicle.  But the cost is miniscule compared to what the ship and the tourist agencies charge, and I have the advantage of freedom to explore "The Silent City" on my own. Under the bright blue sky the sandstone colored buildings provide a vivid contrast. One narrow alleyway leads to another and the views from the city walls encompass both coasts of the island.  Even with many tourists around, there are streets and squares where I can be the only person in view.  For those who wish to visit Malta, while Valletta itself is an interesting city to explore, Mdina is certainly the highlight.

After a couple of hours strolling, I take a thankfully-uncrowded bus back to the capital.  The new gateway to the city designed by Renzo Piano has been completed and provides a welcoming vista down the pedestrian-only main street.  Lined with shops and restaurants and crowded with locals and tourists, this street leads to the Prime Minister's Palace and to the Co-Cathedral of St John, whose baroque interior created with the money provided by the Knights of Malta, is a dazzling display. The small museum inside the cathedral contains several large Caravaggio canvases (he lived on Malta for a short time between jail terms).  

After enjoying the delights of Valletta, I take the elevator back down to the port and the ship.  Tomorrow is a sea day and I am looking forward to that.

I am enjoying a cappuccino and free fast wifi at a lovely cafe near the central square of Agostoli on the Greek island of Cephalonia (one of many spellings).  What a difference from the wifi on the ship! So I shall try to resume my travels from Messina, Italy, our first port.

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Sailing to Messina

After breakfast in the Lido--not terribly crowded today--I return to find that no one has been to check out the plumbing--so back I go with another complaint.

This morning's itinerary takes the Zuiderdam cruising down the west coast of Italy's boot heading for the Straits of Messina.  This is where European trains are loaded on boats for the short crossing between the mainland and Sicily.  Will and I shared this crossing twice in 1990, once in the daylight and another time asleep in our sleeper car.  We pass two or three islands as we approach the Straits, and get great views of Stromboli--the famous volcano that chooses to erupt unexpectedly every hundred years or so--and shoots sandwiches wrapped in lava.

I appreciate the wonderful views of both shores as we dock right in the center of Messina.  After a pizza lunch in the Lido I head ashore to explore the town.  Although Messina rates only "interesting" in the guide books, there is much to enjoy in the small central area:  the Cathedral with the largest astronomical clock in Europe and a wildly baroque interior, a smaller church built under Moorish influence, and the Modern waterfront, rebuilt after the massive bombing of WWII.  Most tourists head for Taormina, which is quite beautiful, but having spent three days there with Will in 1990 I don't see the need to return, especially for just a few hours.  But for those passengers who have not seen Taormina, it is certainly a highlight of Sicily.

I know it has taken me longer than usual to get this blog going, but I hope you are still with me because I will be visiting many beautiful ports, having already been to Messina and Malta. I am enjoying a sea day at last to catch my breath and catch up on all the usual travel chores.  It has been a messy start to the cruise and my opinion of Holland America has sunk quite a bit--but more of that later.

Tuesday, 14 April
Fiumincino to Civitivecchia

After an ample buffet breakfast at the Golden Tulip Hotel, the shuttle bus takes me quickly back to the airport.  The trouble begins when there are no HAL personnel to meet me at the airport. I was told they would be at the arrivals hall from 6:30am, but there is none in sight when I arrive at 8:15.  And no one at 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00am, and I start to get a little concerned about getting to the port, which is a good 45 minutes away.  So even though I prepaid HAL for the shuttle, I decide to move forward on my own.  A private car is the only last-minute option available, although it costs more Euros than I spent for last night's hotel.  I will admit that the ride is quite smooth and takes me right to the cruiseport door.  But as you can imagine, I am not in very good spirits, and the more than one hour delay in boarding the Zuiderdam doesn't lighten my mood.

Once on board I head for the Mariner's welcome lunch in the main dining room: fresh fruit salad with yogurt-vinaigrette dressing, warm cream of broccoli soup (great taste, but too much salt), angel hair pasta with roasted vegetables and plump cherry tomatoes. Unlike in the Lido Buffet, the Dining Room does not observe special health rules during the first 48 hours.  Passengers are informed that there have been reports of both the flu and the infamous gastrointestinal virus floating around the ports we are visiting, but so far not on this ship.

Tuesday Afternoon

After lunch I begin the arduous task of unpacking.  The cabin is quite adequate for one person, but there is certainly not enough storage to carry four passengers, for which the cabin is advertised. And the standard rule certainly applies here:  the larger the ship, the smaller the cabins.  I'm used to sailing on HAL's smaller ships, holding from 800-1400 passengers.  The Zuiderdam carries 1900. 

At 3:00 the required safety and lifeboat drill, now with electronic attendance recording, goes very quickly.  The sail-away at 4:30 includes FREE drinks and snacks, which is a nice change back to earlier cruises, but, strangely, there is no live music.

Tuesday Evening

I plan to attend the LGBT social at 7pm, but my nap lasts a littler longer than planned, so at 7:15 it is time to spruce up for dinner at 8.  I have my requisite table for one on the second level of the dining room, next to the glass railing that looks down upon the first floor.  The head table steward, Dana, an amiable and unmarried young man from Bali, and his assistant, look very promising. I set up my usual dinner ritual that begins with a chilled bottle of Pellegrino on the table.  I will probably order a wine package (since I get a 50% discount), but tonight I start off with a glass of Chandon Moët Dry California Champagne.  Dinner is excellent: prosciutto with cantaloupe and arugula in a balsamic drip; Caesar salad; and prime rib--perfectly prepared--with baked potato and al dente vegetables.  Dessert is simple but satisfying vanilla ice cream.

But then the troubles begin:  My television has a large crack crossing the screen, the safe in the closet is locked and can't be opened and the newly-installed toilet is broken.  All this on a ship that has just come out of a $5 million upgrade!  Someone needs to get a better inspection team.

But enough for my troubles; hopefully they will be resolved quickly. If not, they will be publicized widely and loudly.  But as I end my day I would rather hope that tomorrow will be better as we sail to our first port, Messina, on the island of Sicily.

Golden Tulip Hotel, Rome Airport

14 April 2015
Fiumicino to Civitavecchia 

Today is the first day of the cruise and as usual, I have much to catch up on.  Perhaps by the end of the 22 days I will be up to date.

I am waiting for the hotel shuttle to take me back to the airport(a very short ride) where I wll meet the HAL shuttle to take me to the pier in Civitevecchia--hereafter called "Citti" (c as in chew) as the locals do.  But first a recap of the past two days.

From Toronto to Rome
12 April 2015
The Air Canada flight to Rome is most relaxing. Business class consists of 24 sleeping pods in three separated rows (there is no first class). Each private pod turns into a full-length flat bed, with a firm pillow and a warm duvet.  If you decide not to sleep, you lie back and use the multi-channel entertainment system at your command. A 3-course dinner is served on cloth mats with silverware and real glasses.  There is lots of free alcohol on offer, but I stick to Perrier.  Menu includes a seafood appetizer, salad, roll, butter, filet mignon in spicy sauce with mashed potatoes mixed with crab (I jettisoned the crabs) and fresh fruit for dessert. The excellent infotainment system at each seat allows me to watch "The Imitation Game."   It was quite well done, although I wished for a fuller explanation of how "Christopher" works; that is, how electronic circuits become letter and words. I turn my seat into a full-length bed while watching the film and then sleep for about five hours.

Breakfast is by choice, about 75 minutes prior to landing. You fill out a card with food preference (the usual continental stuff) or you can indicate you do not wish to be awakened. The interactive map on the info screen shows that we are just about to fly over the south coast of England near Brighton, after first crossing central Ireland and then cutting southeastward over Britain.  The sky started to lighten about an hour ago, but there is a thick carpet of clouds below us blocking out the views.

Things change quickly at 550 mph and we are alreadyhalfway across the Channel toward Rouen and Paris. The sky has cleared as we sail across the Southern Alps toward the Ligutian Sea and the northwestern coast of Italy, between Genoa and Rapallo.

Rome Arrival

13 April 2015

I go through immigration and customs very quickly; no paperwork required and speak briefly with a HAL person about tomorrow morning's shuttle from the airport to the ship.  

A taxi driver inside the terminal wants €60 (almost $70.) to take me to my hotel (which is very close to the airport).  But outside and a very few steps across the street are local Fiumicino taxis that charge a flat €15 to the hotel--much more appropriate.  The Golden Tulip Airport Hotel, part of a Dutch chain, is very nice.  I'm upgraded to a superior room with a balcony overlooking the pool and gardens--very nice, since the rate includes breakfast and unlimited wifi..  I've arranged to take the free shuttle (that's even better than €15) to take me back to the airport at 8am tomorrow, where I have arranged (which means "paid for") the HAL shuttle for the 45 minute drive to the port.  Then I shall be able to unpack at last.  No upgrades on this cruise, since the ship has been completely sold out.  

Afternoon

To avoid the call of the bed for a nap, I opt to take a walk.  This hotel is not very close to the center of Fiominuci, but there is a pleasant walk along an inlet with a series of small-boat yards lined up one after the other.  The walk back to the hotel goes through a residential area with fine homes and estates.  No slouches here.  I have seen the center of town on an earlier visit in 2011, so feel no need to taxi to the center.  I just enjoy a lovely day of sunshine and warmth for my first day in Italy.

Dinner

IT Restaurant in the hotel overlooks the pool and garden.  I enjoy German Licher beer, insalata mista with excellent cherry tomatoes, rocket, etc, followed by cheese ravioli with Marinara sauce, focaccia bread (like very thin pizza without anything on it), and a bottle of sparkling water.  No dessert tonight since I had dessert as a light lunch this afternoon (not "with" but "as").

I hope to start posting photos tomorrow.

Toronto, Ontario
Sunday 12 April 2015

I am spending several pleasant hours in the Maple Leaf Lounge (for Business and First Class passengers), awaiting the call for boarding my overnight flight to Rome.  Of course, first I spent several hours waiting for check-in to open, since I have been here since noon when I checked out of my Toronto Hotel.

Yesterday afternoon (Saturday) Will drove me to TUS airport for my flight to Minneapolis (MSP) and then Toronto (YYZ).  How civiled to leave at 1:20 in the afternoon rather than the 6am flights I usually catch.  Of course there has to be a snafu.  When I checed in at Delta they said I had to pay $35 for my second suitcase, even though my wifi check-in said both bags were free.  I would not give in, although several Delta reps kept insisting that I had to pay the fee.  Finally someone thought to refresh the booking on their computer and lo! both bags were indeed free.  As we left the counter, the young lady pushing my wheelchair congratulated me for standing up for my rights -- she never saw anyone do that before.  Everything else went well, including TSA pre-check approval; did not have to take my shoes off or take my laptop out of my bag.

It was a full flight, but I enjoyed some great views of the desert and mountains for the first 20 minutes of the flight

We arrived at MSP on time, and I caught a motorized cart to my next gate, which was about as far as it could possibly be.  I never could have made it in a regular wheelchair or on foot.  The flight was delayed a few minutes waiting for late luggage (probably mine).

Toronto Airport is very efficient, but very large--glad I had help.  The BW airport hotel has free shuttle pickup; a short wait but very cold.   

After a good night's rest I'm enjoying free food and drinks the Lounge and there isn't too long until my flight.  So more later from Rome.

Welcome Back to LFLatSea

I am ready to sail again--not to Norway in July as I indicated at the end of my cruise to Southeast Asia--but to the Mediterranean in April and May.  In fact I leave from Tucson one week from today. This is the first time I have travelled on such short notice, but Holland America made an offer that I simply could not refuse.

I was able to arrange complicated but amazingly low-cost transportation as well.  On Sunday morning I fly free from Tucson to Minneapolis to Toronto on Delta (using frequent flyer mileage ).  Then on Sunday evening I fly business class overnight, non-stop Toronto to Rome on Air Canada, arriving on Monday morning.  My return flights take the same route in reverse.  I sail on the ms Zuiderdam from the port of Rome on Tuesday, 14 April, and return to Rome (and Tucson) on 6 May.  

The Zuiderdam carries about 1900 passengers and was christened in 2002.  I have not sailed on her previously, but she is sister ship to the Oosterdam on which Will and I sailed to Alaska in 2008.  Since she is fully booked I won't be getting any upgrades from my current oceanview stateroom.  But the stateroom is well-located midship--and I probably won't spend much time in it anyway.




I have travelled to some of these ports previously, back in the 1990s and on a Cunard cruise in 2010, but there are still many new adventures awaiting me.

As usual, I will try to post as often as possible and with as many photos as possible, but every cruise and every ship has different wifi availability. It was very fast on the Volendam in Asia, but that is no guarantee for the Zuiderdam in Europe.

                                               

Day	Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
0	14 Apr 2015	Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy		04:00 PM
1	15 Apr 2015	Cruising Strait of Messina
		Messina, Italy	Noon	08:00 PM
2	16 Apr 2015	Valletta, Malta	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
3	17 Apr 2015	At Sea
4	18 Apr 2015	Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
5	19 Apr 2015	Kerkira, Nisos Kerkira (Corfu), Greece	08:00 AM	04:00 PM
6	20 Apr 2015	Dubrovnik, Croatia	10:00 AM	11:59 PM
7	21 Apr 2015	Kotor, Montenegro	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
8	22 Apr 2015	Korcula, Croatia	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
9	23 Apr 2015	Split, Croatia	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
10	24 Apr 2015	Venice, Italy	Noon
11	25 Apr 2015	Venice, Italy		04:00 PM
12	26 Apr 2015	At Sea
13	27 Apr 2015	Katakolon (Olympia), Greece	10:00 AM	06:00 PM
14	28 Apr 2015	Nafplion, Greece	08:00 AM	04:00 PM
15	29 Apr 2015	Piraeus (Athens), Greece	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
16	30 Apr 2015	Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey	07:00 AM	07:00 PM
17	01 May 2015	Mykonos, Greece	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
18	02 May 2015	Rhodes, Greece	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
19	03 May 2015	Thira (Santorini), Greece	08:00 AM	05:00 PM
20	04 May 2015	At Sea
21	05 May 2015	Naples (Pompeii), Italy	08:00 AM	06:00 PM
22	06 May 2015	Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy	07:00 AM