Vision of the Seas Review

First Cruise was Great!

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Vision of the Seas
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AnneOttawa
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Oct 2015
Cabin: Large Ocean View Stateroom

Was not sure what to expect on our first cruise but we were very happy with the experience. Loved the size of the ship. Our cabin attendant was great. We were very happy with the food, did My Time Dining and felt the meals were excellent. Loved the portion size as it was just enough and well prepared, good variety. Used the dining room for breakfast when we were at sea and had more time. Usually hit Park Cafe for a light lunch and we were impressed with the selection of fresh fruit and vegetables at the Cafe and Windjammer. We did not get the drink package but instead enjoyed a glass of wine while on our excursions.

The Ports were excellent, we did 2 ship excursions (Cinque Terre with Andrea as guide who was excellent and Express Train to Rome) and were worth it with exception of return from Rome where we were packed in very tight on local train since the express train broke down.

In VIllefranche we went to Eze by train and bus (very easy, followed Tom's Port Guide and we were there and back no problem), then spent time in Villefranche sur Mer which was lovely. Take the time to go up a block from the water to scan the shops and restaurants.

Cabin Review

Large Ocean View Stateroom

Cabin G

Cabin was surprisingly large with plenty of storage, I brought extra hangers but didn't need them. On suggestions from Cruise Critic, I brought an over the door shoe organizer which was very handy for odds and ends, brought plastic clothes pins and pinned to bottom of shower curtain to keep it from blowing out and getting water on floor, all good suggestions.

Port Reviews

Barcelona

We stayed in Barcelona for 4 nights prior to cruise and 3 nights after as our daughter is living there. LOVE this city, it was a favourite from the whole tour. Suggest taking the Hop on Hop off Tour, great way to see the city if you have limited time. Make the trip if possible to Plaza Espanya, Park Guell (you can see a fair bit from outside the park if you don't want to pay), Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter, Parc Ciutadella and so much more. We walked many miles in this city and love it.

Nice

We did this on our own. Took the train from Villefranche-sur-mer to Eze-Sur_mer (3rd stop) and then took the 83 up to Eze. Train comes frequently and bus once an hour so download the bus schedule before you leave. I downloaded all the schedules on my iPad mini into ibooks, very handy. Eze was very pretty to walk through, wish we would have stayed for a lunch as it was so picturesque.

Positano (Amalfi)

We got off the ship, took the ships free shuttle out of the port, turned back towards the dock and walked to Manfredi Port (about 5 min). The ticket booth was on the right as we approached the marina, purchased our 8 euro ticket to Amalfi Town and took the 30 min ride on the Jet boat. Passed the smaller one which carried the ships excursion passengers who left 10 min earlier :). I had been very worried about the logistics but it was easy. We purchased the return ticket when we arrived in Amalfi and the return trip was just as easy. We did walk along the long sidewalk in Salerno when we returned. Was a nice long walk by the water but not a lot to see, should have just stayed longer in Amalfi.

Venice

We had an onboard credit so used it for the ship's shuttle to and from San Marco Square on both days (there from 3 pm to 3 pm so was an overnight), it was $50 per person for round trip on both days. For us it was worth it as we had the credit and got there quickly to enjoy this amazing city. Was nice to see it at night and during the day. When we arrived about 4:30 at St. Mark's Square, we decided to get tickets right there for the Doges Palace. No regrets, it was amazing and no crowds at all at that time, saw a big line up the next morning when we arrived. Had fun getting lost. Just look for signs on the wall for Rialto (the famous bridge) or San Marco, you will get there eventually. Keep some euro change with you for washrooms.

Kotor

This is an easy town to do on your own. There is a modern small shopping centre to the left when you get out of the port, or go straight ahead into this walled city. There is a long set of steps up to a castle high on the hill behind the village (you have to pay to go up), not as easy trek fyi. Make sure to be on deck for at least an hour prior to arriving at the port as the sail in is beautiful, surrounded by mountains in a fjord like setting.

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