Monday, April 30 - Venice Embarcation Day

We spent much of the morning packing up, with a last little tour of the local souvenir market to find one last thing we wanted. We checked out of the Bellini, left our luggage there and walked across the bridge, along the Grand Canal to have lunch in the same outdoor restaurant we had visited the first day. We gathered up our bags, hopped on a vaporetto, travelled to Piazza le Roma and rode the People Mover to Marittima, the passenger port. As we set out toward the ships, we met a couple coming the other way. Pacific Princess? they asked. Yes, we said. Well, it's not at this port, it's at San Basilio. Where's that? We thought this was THE port. Not sure. Luckily, a gentleman nearby pointed out that we could see our ship, just not get there from here. So the 4 of us teamed up, went back on the People Mover to P. le Roma, had no success finding a vaporetto going to S. Basilio and finally hired a water taxi (thanks to Larry's initiative). Nice little trip through canals and out into the Lagoon to the landing. From there, the process was simple and we were soon on board. Very nice ship, but showing some signs of age. Our mini-suite is delightfully large and comfortable. We could host a hall party! A "treasure hunt" helped us explore the ship. Before dinner, we had drinks in one of the lounges, tested the bartender with "Harvey Wallbanger" and he produced a perfect one. For a half hour or so we sat in lonely splendour at our table for 8, but then another couple arrived, then another and right at the end, the 2 ladies to complete the group. They are all Americans from Oregon and Colorado, but there are many Canadians on board. In the evening there was a welcome aboard show, starting with a draw for various goods and services on board, and the introduction of the entertainment staff. Some good singing and dancing and a funny comedian. Then we were leaving port, so we went back to our stateroom and out on the balcony. It had been raining so the streets were shining and glittering under the lights. Just beautiful.

Photos 30 April