This was our 2nd cruise on Splendour and we had a wonderful time. The ship is in good condition for its age. We had an inside cabin on deck 7. We were a bit worried about the motion as it was right at the front of the ship but we had no problems. We felt that the food had improved since last year but could still do with being a bit warmer. Pancakes and Waffles are a particular favorite for breakfast but not when stone cold. We didn't try the dining room for breakfast or lunch, but most of the offerings in the Windjammer were good. The weather was good for the entire week. We had 2nd serving for dinner with our waitress Juzette who was great. The food at dinner was good. Would love to see lobster brought back but that's a minor point. The entertainment varied from quite good to excellent with a magician and an outstanding 4 tops and motown tribute band. Venice
We took advantage of a 1 night pre cruise deal at the Courtyard Marriott. It included a good buffet breakfast and transport to the ship. We were taken by minivan to the port at 11am which was excellent. Boarding was very quick and easy as we had completed all the online forms and printed our setsail passes so we were in the Windjammer before noon. Our luggage was already in our cabin when we got there about 2pm.
The Sailaway from Venice was chilly and windy but its spectacular and not to be missed. Dubrovnik We had been here over 20 years ago and loved it then so were looking forward to seeing how it survived the war. We took the ship shuttle from Gruz harbor to the town gate and then walked the walls down as far as the harbor. There were fantastic views of the town (with mostly new roofs) then we took a short glass bottom boat trip. We saw quite a lot of fish but the main attraction was seeing the town from the boat. The town has lots of shops and restaurants now and we really enjoyed our day there.
Ephesus We took the tour from the ship and were not disappointed. It was fantastic and we would recommend going there. We didn't particularly enjoy the House of The Virgin Mary but others did. The tour of the carpet shop was included and was quite interesting although they are far too expensive for us.
Kusadasi was OK but much like other Turkish towns where the shopkeepers keep hassling you to come in and look. We would rather wander and look in shop windows without the constant hassle.
Corfu Took the ships shuttle again and just wandered the town. We have been to Corfu a few times before and didn't have any plans to see anything in particular.
Venice Debarking was easy. Our flights weren't until 9.30pm so we took the shuttle to the bus station and took advantage of the left luggage place there. We then walked to the Rialto Bridge (about 30 mins) Then it was onto water bus number 1 which will take you all along the grand canal. We hopped on and off at different stops, once to see a market and then for lunch. Then we took the No 1 to St Marks square and just wandered around. The view of a Princess Cruise Ship leaving port was amazing. The Water bus took us back to the bus station for our luggage and the bus back to the airport.
