INCIDENTALLY...
an additional charge — there are two speciality restaurants. We chose the Oriental Plaza, which offered excellent Asian fare.
Although this is an Italian ship, with so many different nationalities on board, announcements were deliv- Doge’s Palace in St Mark’s Square, Venice ered in several languages.
The mood in the evening was relaxed as you walk from one room to another dipping into the entertainment.
My wife enjoyed dancing to a live band and there were young chaps on hand from the entertainment team to dance with her while I opted to keep my bottom on my seat, drink in hand.
I did strut my stuff a couple of times but I think Strictly’s John Sergeant has more rhythm than me! And, of course,we had the various stops and excursions to relish.
Having been to Dubrovnik before, we chose to do something a bit different there this time, booking a tour comprising a 30-minute coach drive along the coastal road to an old village in pretty Konavle Valley. We enjoyed local Dalmatian music, song and folk dancing in traditional dress.
Croatia has a couple of thousand Jewish residents, including a sprinkling in delightful Dubrovnik, where we had an hour to wander the charming old town after returning from the village. Strolling along Stradum (themain street) was a real highlight on another memorable day.
Our cruise finished where it began — in Venice, and we did not mind seeing this gem a second time.
Cruising is leaving its peak season right now so price-wise it’s a good time to sail. Pick up some winter cruise information at The Cruise Show at The Village Hotel in Elstree on November 14 and 15.