With the Caribbean, I had
There will be more to come about my cruise on Silver Explorer, which ended Friday morning in Panama. For now, however, I am posting this brief “Summing Up” to answer questions that readers asked during my voyage and to give you a few of my impressions.
First, my impressions.
Venice, Italy –
Venice, Italy
Before my voyage began I stayed for three nights at the Hotel Flora. Venice equals romantic – quaint – canals – gondoliers – carnival – palaces – glass – art – fashion – people! Venice is as wonderful today as it was 20 years ago, but it takes a little more work and a little more patience as the crowds today are significant. A pre or post cruise stay allows time to enjoy the city and such sights as an evening concert in St Mark’s Square without all the tumult present during the day. Venice is a city for pedestrians, it’s a city made for wandering – it’s hard to get lost and each turn exposes a charming balcony, a small plaza, a narrow canal.
A busy day in the port of Venice, like most days during the summer months.
We spent a couple of days in Venice, Italy, filming for the new Avid Cruiser travel show.
Venice ranks right up there with Barcelona with regard to the number of ships and cruise passengers it handles. This city of 118 islands, 150 canals and 450 bridges surely woos cruise passengers who set out in search of its charms before or after their cruises. Venice is a living museum.
Rebuilt following severe bombing in World War II, Le Havre, France is a modern-day marvel. © Ralph Grizzle
I spent last week in and around Le Havre, France, and I must say I was impressed with the variety of shore excursions offered in this region in Normandy. During four exceptionally full days, we visited:
Last month I had the wonderful opportunity of sailing aboard Azamara Club Cruises for 11 days
Azamara Journey
to Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. I boarded the 694 guest Azamara Journey in San Diego with great anticipation. I have to say that in almost every way Azamara exceeded my expectations. By the time I disembarked again in San Diego I completely understood why they changed their name to Azamara “Club” Cruises, it really felt like a floating country club.
In December 2010, my husband Bill and I were lucky enough to travel to the Caribbean
Marriott Beach Place Towers
aboard the luxurious, six-star Seven Seas Voyager. Regent Seven Cruises is a spectacular, upscale cruise line with many wonderful included amenities.
Prior to our cruise we had an overnight stay at the Marriott Beach Place Towers in Fort Lauderdale. This beautiful hotel offered wonderful views of the water and beach. We had a nice lanai to sit and have our morning coffee and since we were so close, We walked on the beach and had breakfast at an outdoor restaurant.
Cruise shore excursions can be more difficult for people who have disabilities, especially for those with mobility issues. However, even if getting on and off the ship is a challenge for you, you may still be able to enjoy some time on shore. While there are no official regulations that govern cruise ship or shore excursion accommodations for passengers with disabilities, some cruise lines have taken steps to make things easier for people with mobility challenges. For example, some ships now have special gangway equipment that makes it easier for people who use wheelchairs to get on and off the ship.
