Rome to Barcelona Travel Notes
JULY 1, 2024 – ROME, ITALY (Day 204)
We have “Town Hall” meetings for the World Cruisers in the Tropical Theater whenever they need to pass along information on the World Wonder tours, Visas, or anything else that impacts us as a group. At the Town Hall for the Rome trip, RCCL got a lot of feedback that a good portion of the cruisers wanted to go to Rome several hours earlier than the planned lunch and tour of the Roman Forum and Coliseum. Responding to the comments, RCCL decided to add some early buses to go into Rome. We took advantage of the early bus as we had never been to Rome before and wanted to explore the city. Doug and Margaret opted for the later bus since they had been to Rome multiple times.
We were dropped off in The People’s Square, where we walked to the Spanish Steps. I almost always have the urge to run up steps if my knees aren’t hurting. The Spanish Steps were a challenge but I made it without stopping. We then ventured further to the basilica church, Sant’ Andrea dell Fratte. We were hoping to get to explore the church, which is filled with 17th century art and 2 beautiful angel sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. We did get to see the inside but were unable to explore as much as we wanted because they were having a service.
We walked on to Trevi fountain and we’re a little disappointed that there were renovations and cleanup being done. As we progressed on our self-guided tour, we found many statues and fountains being renovated. We were only able to see some of the fountains through windows in the plywood barriers as they were working. Rome is preparing for their jubilee year in 2025.
We stopped in a church dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, best known for being a soldier turned priest that founded the Jesuits. The church was beautiful, with the ceiling covered with artwork. Though it was a beautiful church, it was sad to see the line of people queued up to take a selfie with the ceiling art. It is just hard to understand why the church would pander to an activity that puts such emphasis on us rather than on the message of Christ in the church. Every time I see something like this, I am reminded of Romans Chapter One.
We saw the Pantheon from the outside, but the crowds were too great to go in. There was a line to get tickets and also a line to get in after you had tickets. We moved on to the Plaza Navona, which contains fountains and an obelisk in a large open area. This area was originally developed in 80 AD as an arena for chariot racing and was the Stadium of Domitian. We have been surprised to see obelisks everywhere in Rome. We got quite an education on obelisks while in Egypt and didn’t realize that Rome has 13 of Egypt’s obelisks featured in the city.
We walked on to the river and back to People’s Square to meet our group. We had a little extra time, so we stopped at a small cafe and drank a Limoncello Spritz. RCCL started our Rome Tour with lunch in an unbelievable venue! We were taken to the Palazzo Brancaccio where costumed Roman guards lined the entrance to our dinner hall. Italian musicians and dancers came by our table during the meal to entertain us. After lunch we were taken to the Roman Forum, where we had a wonderful guide, Eleanora to share the history of the area. She told us so many different stories and a lot of interesting information. She even kept our attention with engaging conversation. one’s attention which is sometimes hard to do said she focuses on taking pictures. We really enjoyed her tour and her willingness to answer our many questions. It reinforced our mindset that there are many places we go that require a good guide to get the most out of a site. Both the Roman Forum and the Colosseum were very interesting. Everything is so big in Rome! It was a long and tiring tour of the sites, but we had a great day!
JULY 2, 2024 – CARRARA/CINQUE TERRE, ITALY (Day 205)
We decided to revisit Cinque Terre, specifically to see Corniglia, the one town we missed during our 2017 trip. With Florence and Pisa being more popular but longer excursions, we opted for the shorter journey. John and Susan joined us for this port, and we all set out to explore together.
When we disembarked from the ship, we quickly realized that our transport options were limited. A tourist information representative informed us, “There are only two taxis in town,” and since there were no Ubers available, we decided to catch a bus to the train station instead. We later figured out she must have meant only two taxi companies as we saw multiple taxis.
We had to catch two different trains to reach Cinque Terre. The second train was quite crowded, as there is only one local line that takes you to the towns of Cinque Terre. There were a lot of younger travelers who seemed oblivious to the older passengers standing throughout the ride. We have noticed this trend more and more in the world as they sit with their phones oblivious to any needs of older passengers that need a seat. It was a small, disheartening reminder of how some aspects of courtesy and culture have changed for the worse over time.
After disembarking from the train in Corniglia, we found ourselves faced with a choice: wait for the shuttle bus that runs from the train station up the steep hill to the town center, or tackle the climb on foot. The line for the shuttle seemed long, with no guarantee of getting on the first bus, so Gwen decided she couldn’t wait. Naturally, I followed her, and we started our ascent up the hundreds of steps carved into the cliffside.
I counted 386 steps—not including the steep pathways between them—and while it was a bit of a workout, the climb was well worth it. We reached the town before the rest of our group and immediately began scouting for a good spot to have lunch. By the time the others joined us, we had already found the perfect place: Il Buongustaio.
The restaurant was an excellent choice, offering delicious pasta and stunning views of the surrounding countryside from its back porch. The open windows allowed a gentle breeze to flow through as we enjoyed good food and even better conversation with friends. It was one of those satisfying meals that felt like the perfect reward after a bit of adventure, and the setting couldn’t have been more idyllic.
We all enjoyed walking in this small, picturesque coastal town. The streets were incredibly narrow, which added to its charm. Compared to the towns we visited back in 2017, this one felt even smaller and more intimate. Observing the locals go about their daily routines, was like stepping back in time to a simpler, quieter way of life.
We wandered into a couple of beautifully preserved churches, as we always seem to do, but these are much simpler. After exploring the streets and absorbing the town’s character, we decided to head back, this time with all six of us walking down the many steps that led us down to the sea. Our effort was rewarded with stunning views—clear, blue waters stretching out to meet the horizon, as the train ran along the coastline. It was one of those moments where you can’t help but pause and take it all in.
By now, catching the trains and buses back to the ship has become second nature. What once might have been a bit of an adventure now felt familiar, and we ended the day feeling we had quite a workout.
After a day of exploring, we settled in for a unique show onboard—a folk performance featuring Italian men spinning and tossing flags, each representing a different region from the Middle Ages. It was fascinating to watch the skill and precision involved in keeping the flags from touching the ground, as this symbolized defeat in battle. This tradition, rooted in history, has evolved into a modern-day festival showcasing the talents of flag throwers, accompanied by lively music.
The show was a refreshing change from the usual folkloric performances Royal Caribbean offers, and we were so entertained that we completely missed our scheduled dinner time. Instead, we headed to the Windjammer buffet, where we decided to sit at the back of the ship. The weather was perfect, and as we enjoyed our meal, we watched the sun slowly set over the horizon—a truly peaceful and beautiful moment.
Doug and Margaret joined us at the Windjammer, and after dinner, we decided to play a few rounds of Euchre. The girls finally broke their long losing streak, making it a triumphant night for Gwen and Margaret. It was a perfect way to wrap up what turned out to be a fun and memorable day.
JULY 3, 2024 – PORTOFINO, ITALY (Day 206)
Today, Gwen and I ventured ashore by tender to explore the charming town of Portofino on our own. Portofino is a small, picturesque coastal village with narrow streets lined with vibrant shops and cafés, many of which offer outdoor seating that lets you soak in the beautiful surroundings. As luck would have it, we ran into Brian and Sherry Knowles, fellow travelers we’ve gotten to know, so we decided to spend the day together exploring the town.
We had initially considered climbing up to the famous church on the hill for a panoramic view, but once we saw the steep climb, we changed our minds. Instead, we opted for a more manageable hill and set off up the main street, where Gwen found a little shop to buy postcards for the grandkids, which has now become a real quest in many ports.
The hillside paths we took were well-maintained, winding through switchbacks that offered increasingly better views of Portofino below. While the foliage and trees sometimes blocked our sightlines, the occasional break gave us glimpses of the stunning landscape. We laughed when we realized we’d climbed higher than if we’d taken the original path to the church, but it was all part of the adventure. The path itself was lovely, shaded by flowers and vines, which kept us cool and added a touch of beauty to our walk.
After exploring the hills, we wandered back into town, ready for lunch. We sat down at a restaurant, but the service was so slow and unwelcoming that we decided to leave. Fast food in Portofino isn’t your typical burger and fries—instead, we found delicious pizza by the slice, which was the perfect quick bite before heading back to the ship.
Once back on board, we hit the Windjammer for a little more lunch (because, why not?) and spent the afternoon relaxing in our room. It was a quiet, easy time, working on the website and enjoying the view from our cabin.
Later, after the ship set sail from Portofino, we headed to the casino. As Royal Caribbean loyalty members, we get a free $6 every cruise, so we spent it as we always do—just having a little fun with the slot machines. Afterward, we stopped by the pub next door to enjoy some live music by Daniel. His music was the perfect end to another enjoyable day—relaxed, with just the right amount of adventure.
JULY 4, 2024 – AJACCIO/CORSICA, FRANCE (Day 207)
Today was one of the hardest days of our cruise yet. Though we’ve been having an incredible time exploring new places and making memories, I couldn’t help but miss home—our family gatherings, grilling out in the backyard, and swimming with the grandkids. It was the 4th of July, a day that holds so many traditions for us. I know Gwen would have loved to catch some fireworks. Even though the cruise is an adventure, it hit us that we were missing those special moments back home. While I stayed on board the ship, taking it easy, Gwen, Doug, and Margaret decided to venture out for a beach day.
Gwen’s Beach Adventure:
Our original plan was to head to Marinella Beach via Uber, but we quickly found out it wasn’t going to be that simple. After waiting around, we couldn’t get an Uber to pick us up, so we ended up walking quite a bit until we found a taxi. But the walk wasn’t a waste! We passed through the Town Center, which gave us a chance to take in some local sights, including the impressive statue of Napoleon Bonaparte. This part of the trip was especially interesting because Napoleon was actually born in the town we were visiting—Ajaccio, Corsica. His legacy is felt throughout the town, with several landmarks dedicated to his life and achievements.
Once we made it to Marinella Beach, we rented a few chairs and settled in to enjoy the sunny weather. Though we waded into the water, swimming wasn’t really an option because of the large number of jellyfish. One person nearby even got stung, so we decided to play it safe and just relax on the shore. Interestingly, the beachgoers were mostly tourists from different parts of the world, which made for a diverse and lively atmosphere.
Back on the ship, the evening entertainment was unlike anything we’d ever seen before. Simona and Carlo Truzzi put on an incredible show, using just their hands to cast detailed shadow figures onto a screen. They started with animal shapes, but their real highlight was recreating the faces of famous celebrities and historical figures. It was amazing to see how precise and lifelike their hand shadows were—it was clear that this act had taken a lot of practice to perfect.
To mark the 4th of July, Royal Caribbean brought a little taste of home to the dining room. We enjoyed a delicious meal of brisket, corn on the cob, and other classic American favorites. The night concluded with an Independence Day celebration in the ship’s Centrum, complete with a balloon drop. As people popped the balloons, it sounded just like firecrackers, giving us a fun, festive end to the day—even if it wasn’t quite the same as watching fireworks back home.
Though we missed our family and our traditional 4th of July festivities, the day still had its highlights. Sometimes, even when you’re far from home, new experiences can add their own special kind of magic to familiar celebrations. Happy 4th of July!
JULY 5, 2024 – CANNES, FRANCE (Day 208)
We started the day with a walking tour of Cannes that was a delightful journey through the town’s most iconic spots, blending history, culture, and a touch of modern flair. We began our adventure in the old quarter, known as Le Souquet, a charming area perched on a hill that offered breathtaking views and a glimpse into the town’s rich past. Walking through the cobbled streets of Le Souquet was like stepping back in time. This area is so much different that the surrounding modern city.
One of the highlights of this area was the ancient wall next to the Notre Dame church. From here, the view of the town below was stunning. Notre Dame church was beautiful with unique architecture. Afterwards, we made our way to Marché Forville, the bustling local market. It was such an interesting stop—bursting with vibrant colors, fresh produce, and a mix of both locals and tourists. We found it to be very interesting. The next stop on our walk took us to the old port area, known as Port de Cannes. As we strolled along, we passed many chic shops and quaint cafés, this area was buzzing with activity.
Our next destination was one that Cannes is globally famous for: the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the home of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. It was amazing to stand in front of the venue where so many stars have walked the red carpet! We took many pictures and even though we are not star struck, we had a lot of fun looking through the gift shop and the many pictures of stars that have been here.
After a full morning of exploring, we headed back to the Rue Saint Antoine for a well-deserved lunch at Le 24 restaurant. The meal was refreshing as we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant and did some people watching. We took an easy stroll back to the ship, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
Back onboard, Gwen was treated to a performance by a local folklore group called “Enchanted Dream.” With two singers and four dancers, the show was charming and cute, though not the best we had seen from other countries.
Dinner at the Windjammer was the perfect way to unwind, followed by movie night where we watched “Wonka”.
JULY 6, 2024 – VILLEFRANCHE/MONACO, FRANCE (Day 209)
Today, we embarked on an exciting journey from Villefranche, France, to the glamorous city of Monaco. Margaret decided to sit this one out, so it was just the three of us ready to explore. Our first stop was the palace atop the hill, where we took a tour and saw some of Princess Grace’s belongings. One of the highlights was seeing the room where she first met Prince Rainier—such a significant moment in Monaco’s royal history. From there, we visited the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried, a solemn and moving experience.
We then walked over to the famous Monte Carlo casino, strolling along the same roads used for the F1 Grand Prix. Although the casino wasn’t open yet, just being there felt like stepping into a piece of racing history. We decided to take a break for lunch and found a restaurant with outdoor seating on the street. The meal was excellent, though it turned out to be one of the most expensive lunches we’ve had!
After lunch, we made our way down to the serene Japanese garden, created in honor of Princess Grace. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful design made it a wonderful place to relax for a bit. Once the casino opened, we headed back, making a small “donation” to support its cause. The inside of the casino was stunningly elaborate, though photos weren’t allowed, so we had to leave the beauty of the place to our memories.
Next on the agenda was Prince Rainier’s car museum, located by the waterfront. Getting to the car museum was a little bit of a challenge as horse trailers lined the road for a horse jumping competition going on just above the street by the harbor. It turns out the car museum was worth the effort to find. Even Gwen, who isn’t typically a car enthusiast, found it fascinating because of the many unique and rare vehicles on display. It was a fun way to end our tour of Monaco.
We took the train back to Villefranche and took a short walk around the picturesque town. Its quaint streets lined with bougainvillea gave it such a charming and inviting feel.
Once back on the ship, we headed to the Diamond Lounge for some appetizers before enjoying a seafood dinner at the Windjammer. To cap off the evening, we played a few rounds of Euchre. It was a close match, but the guys managed to win two games to one. All in all, it was a day filled with history, elegance, and a bit of friendly competition!
JULY 7, 2024 – TOULON, FRANCE (Day 210)
Today was all about relaxation. We decided to stay onboard and take it easy. Gwen made the most of the beautiful weather by walking laps on the deck, while I enjoyed some quiet time on the balcony. We both worked on organizing our photos and updating our website, making good use of the peaceful day. The weather was perfect, making it a pleasure to just sit outside and unwind.
For dinner, we headed to the dining room, where we had a nice meal. Afterwards, we went to the pub to listen to Daniel perform. His music has become a highlight of our evenings. Dominic joined our table, and we spent the evening in great conversation. It was the perfect way to end such a restful day—exactly what we needed.
JULY 8, 2024 – PALMA de MALLORCA, SPAIN (Day 211)
Our first day in Palma de Mallorca was fantastic. The city is beautiful, and we decided to start our adventure at the iconic Mallorca Cathedral of Santa Maria. This impressive structure, ordered to be built by James I of Aragon in 1224 AD, took nearly 400 years to complete. Its grandeur is breathtaking, which included beautiful stained glass windows and interesting art pieces that tell the story of its rich history.
After soaking in the history of the cathedral, we wandered to Plaza de la Reina, a charming square surrounded by large trees. It was there that Gwen unknowingly lost her Sea Pass card. Fortunately, our neighbors from the ship, Mark and Jane Sweetwater, discovered it on the ground near a museum where Gwen had pulled money from her purse. We were grateful to reconnect with them at an outdoor café in Old Town where they were having lunch.
We decided that we also would patronize one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating and indulged in some delicious tapas and sangria, although the sangria turned out to be quite strong! After our leisurely lunch, we strolled around a bit more, taking in the sights and atmosphere before heading back to the ship.
Once aboard, we spent the afternoon relaxing on our balcony, enjoying the lovely weather. Dinner that night was a lively affair with a full table. Gustav and Ami joined us, along with Ale, Andrew, and Andrew’s parents. It was delightful getting to know Andrew’s parents and hearing stories about their travels. We discovered that Ami had a deep passion for horses and show jumping when she was younger, which made her experience at the horse show in Monaco particularly captivating. It was a wonderful day filled with history, good food, and great company—exactly what we love about traveling!
JULY 9, 2024 – BARCELONA, SPAIN (Day 212)
Today, we arrived in Barcelona, Spain, for our first of two days at this vibrant turnaround port. Gwen and I woke up early, excited for our small group tour of the iconic Sagrada Familia. Doug and Margaret opted out since they had already experienced this architectural wonder, but we were ready to explore.
We were to meet our guide at a local travel office, conveniently located next to a delightful pastry shop. We enjoyed some coffee and pastries while we waited for our tour to begin.
Despite having seen countless photos of Sagrada Familia, nothing could prepare us for the sheer beauty of the basilica in person. The intricate details sculpted into the outside walls are truly breathtaking, and the stunning stained glass windows fill the interior with vibrant colors that transform the atmosphere. Our guide shared fascinating insights about the church’s design, explaining the symbolism behind almost every detail. One side of the church illustrates the birth of Christ, while the opposite side depicts the Passion of Christ. The realization of how long this magnificent structure has been under construction and the amount of work that remains is simply mind-boggling.
After our tour, we strolled down the street and stumbled upon an outdoor Italian sports café. The owner’s energetic attempts to attract customers intrigued us, and we couldn’t resist stopping for some authentic Italian cuisine. We ordered Napoli pizza, which was absolutely delicious and hit the spot after our morning of exploration.
We continued our day by wandering through Della Park, the Gothic Quarter, a bustling market, and La Rambla. The weather was beautiful, and we definitely got in our steps taking in the streets of the city.
Later that evening, we had lobster for dinner, which is always a great meal. Gwen attended the Flamenco Passion folkloric show, while I relaxed in the pub, enjoying the music and ambiance.
JULY 10, 2024 – BARCELONA, SPAIN (Day 213)
Our 13th of 17 legs completed. See Leg 14 Notes for comments! Turnaround Day
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