Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Princess Cruise aboard the Royal Princess



Me and the Royal - Princess that is!  

Best Place ever - Piazza!

My favorite place on the entire ship is definitely the Piazza...it is where all the important stuff is, besides my bed!
Here you can find the select wines (with real wine glasses) at Vines, bakery and coffee at The International CafĂ©, Alfredo's for calzone and pizza, great music and dancing, sushi...the list goes on.  I could have just put a bed here and never left!

Alfredo's - yummy!


Vines Wine Bar
International Cafe - Open 24 hrs.
 

Can I just stay here?

Nice Touch for those celebrating

This was a little gesture that was appreciated!
We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and this was waiting for us at our cabin door when we boarded.  It was there for anyone with a anniversary, birthday, etc.  Make sure your special occasion is listed on your reservation!

Photos from our cabin:
     
Cool, open closet without doors

Loved the Skywalk too!




Casino...of course I had to try it out

Had to try our Wine Tasting too







Elevator mats with great messages


 










WE LOVED THIS CRUISE!
  

Monday, July 16, 2018

Best Excursion Ever: Marcampo Winery in Volterra, Italy (Horizon Cruise)

Our visit to Volterra on our Carnival Horizon Cruise had a very pleasant surprise!


 I have been to several wineries..this was the BEST and not just because it was Italy.....it was the family!  The sommelier, Claudia, is the daughter of the Marcampo family, a family whose father had a dream 



 The house's property sits on a peak between the vineyards.  It is absolutely breath-taking!  They allow guests to stay here.






You are literally standing in the middle of everything and as we look up the hill on the right, the father was tilling the fields all by himself.  It is truly a passion and very personal.





Claudia even explains why other elements are grown where the vines are grown.  What components the grapes take on due to the surroundings.  Even what we would consider weeds flavor the wine!



 Our wine tasting was done on the porch.  The father, Podere, had made us cured meats, mother made us homemade bread and a neighbor, fresh cheese. 
It was so awesome!



Even members of our group who had never experienced a winery before were in love with the experience.  They had come with us only for the early part of the tour...to see where parts of "Twilight" were filmed.  Forced to tag along to the second part...they were pleasantly surprised!


Here I am with "the man", Podere Marcampo.  I can never thank you enough for sharing your daughter, your winery and your home with us!

If you ever plan a trip to this area,
this is a must:
http://www.agriturismo-marcampo.com/agriturismo-products.htm




I will never forget the in depth explanations received from Claudia.  Her passion is unbelievable and her "gift" even more so. 
I hope to visit this family again!
Claudia Marcampo and Me

Carnival Horizon!


John Heald and Me

Carnival's Newest Ship - Horizon - and Europe Itinerary

In April this year I had the pleasure of cruising on Carnival's newest ship, the Horizon.  Because this was mostly an itinerary of Italy from Barcelona, I also had the unpleasant experience of having to fly long distance.  No disasters this time, thankfully...I just hate being on a plane for that long.  Even if I could have afforded the "bed type" seats I still would not like it.
Segrada Familia

We flew overnight and arrived a day before sailing.  Luckily, as Barcelona was beautiful. We spent all day Saturday on the Hop on, Hop off bus and saw a lot of places including the Church of Segrada Familia...which is breathtaking and huge.  I learned two things taking this bus system:  It is a long loop....don't miss anything or you have to start all over again.  And, remember, the loop only goes in one direction!  Plan your timing before you start.


Programmed Elevators
On Sunday we boarded the Horizon nice and early.  The very first things we encountered is the new Atrium and Elevator system.  Both very modern and very cool :)  The new elevator system is my favorite once I got used to it.  Each elevator will be programmed to stop only at certain floors....it makes it much more efficient.  But remember, don't just get on "any" elevator...it may not be stopping at the floor you want to get off one.
The new ship is beautiful and very much like the Vista...just a few changes. Finally...the Dining Room is not gaudy at all...a vast improvement. 

Things not to miss:
  • The Chef's table was amazing...if you are a "foodie" just do it.   Even the wine glasses hanging overhead 
   
  

  • Guys Pig and Anchor...free at lunch on Sea Days.  We went there as soon as we were set after boarding and enjoyed again on Sea Days....yummy!
  • The Alchemy Bar.....a must on any Carnival Ship  
  • The SKY Bike thingy...worth the line - it was fun.  Remember to wear closed shoes, not flip flops.
  • The new photo facial recognition system
  • The waterslides
  • The new shows, the Escape Room and the Comedy shows
  • Zumba in the Atrium 

Pool & Movie Area
    Diningroom
    Travel Agent pose with Adolfo
    Atrium changing art
           



    Disappointments:
    The Thermal Suite for Spa Cabins (super bummed)
    The Teppannaki (not any different that one at home)


    Some pics from our ports:


      



      






    SEE my Blog about our excursion in Volterra, near Pisa, of Marcampo Vineyards!