A Tour of Genoa

It is nice to wake and slowly get ready.  Federico makes us a wonderful breakfast and we relax sipping our drinks - of course mine is a Cappuchino.

Today Federico is going to show us around Genoa.  How lucky are we to have a tour of a city by a local.

We are excited because we get to take the bus!  Yes I know kind of weird, but hey that is just what us bus drivers like to do when on vacation - take the bus.  Buses here are very clean and new.  

We notice a woman get on with a dog on a leash. Apparently here it is okay to do this.  As I mention to Federico that at home all pets must be in a closed carrier to prevent accidents/bites etc.  I notice the dog is throwing up!  Yup he is sick.  Well of course this can happen.  

Then to my shock the woman actually got napkins and cleaned it up.  Well that was a relief.  I am sure if this happened at home and someone did not clean it up someone would slip and then sue transit.  Anyways it is cute to see this dog on board.

We get off at Piazza Verdi right at the train station and large bus loop.

We walk up to Piazza Della Victtoria (Victory Square).  It use to be called Piazza della France but it was changed after the 2nd World War.

Walking along the main street called 22 sept.  The street is lined with shops, business and lots of people.  If you stay on this street you end up at the Piazza de Ferrari where you find a beautiful fountain, Metro Station, Tourist Information and Church.

At this main Piazza you also find a stop for the hop on hop off bus.  Here is a link to their webpage. 

We stop at Christopher Columbus' House.  Well this is where he was born and raised and the people of Genoa are very proud of this.  Although Spain lays claim to him.  I guess because they funded so many of his voyages.

We stroll towards the large city gates to the old city - which feels amazing.  Reminds me quite a bit of Naples.  We walk thru the old city toward the port.

At the port there are a few cruise ships in today.  This is a regular stop for a few lines, especially MSC Cruise Lines.  

Looking towards the port from the Old City

Once down at the water there are a lot of things to see. Pirate Ship, Aquarium, walk way, and shops and cafes.

Aquarium

a Metro stop is very close to the port

Many of the buildings in Genoa are painted with amazing pieces of art and many are trump d'oeil meaning they trick your eye.  So sometimes you think you are looking at a real statue when actually it is a painted statue.

Federico takes us to a restaurant/store called Eat Italy (we did see another one in Florence later in the trip - here is their website).  Here they see local foods that are in season.  But upstairs is a restaurant.  You order at the counter and then deliver the food to you.  The views are amazing, and the company even better.

I get spaghetti prosciutto with piccoroni cheese - yum 

There is a train that shuttles visitors around - pick up is right near the pier

We stroll back uphill which I must add is much more difficult after a lunch of pasta that included wine and is uphill.  Time to reward myself!

Federico takes us to his favorite gelato place - I try the fig chocolate.  I want to try local foods, attempt something I normally wouldn't.  

We walk so much today, but I am loving it.  Note if you come to Genoa be prepared to walk.  Most streets are easy to get around, but they are often uneven and since the city is on the side of a mountain be prepared to climb.  But if you don't have mobility problems you should have no issues.  If you do, look at taking a shuttle or hop on hop off bus or look at hiring a guide for the day.

Andrea is a work and is just finishing up and arranges to pick us up on the way home.  We get the chance to meet his Mom Barbara as he is driving her home too.

The evening was rather quiet.  Federico made a lovely roast chicken, served with wine, cheese and lots of laughs.

This was my view as we returned to the apartment

First Evening in Genoa

We wake refreshed and a bit confused - where are we?  Ah yes we are on vacation and we are in Genoa!

Andrea and Federico take us to a restaurant they love that is known for their seafood.

Great food, fabulous atmosphere, amazing friends.  We are very blessed.

A short drive away we stroll along the waterfront.  Truly a magical city at night.  Oh but wait till the daytime

Flying to Genoa Italy

When we first started planning this trip we knew we had to go visit a friend who now calls Genoa home.  

Federico Castro use to work for Princess - most recently as Captain Circle Host.  We become friends with him a few years ago and have had the pleasure of sailing with him a few times.  Our friendship is one that is like family.  I know many of you cruise people will totally understand when I say the crew are like family.  Our Princess family.

So when Federico moved from Buenos Aires to Italy - for love of course we both were happy for him but then thought we may never see him again.  But circumstances put us on the path to reunite with him and Andrea (his new love).

Federico wanted us to come visit and stay for a bit and offered up his home to us.  Well that is a gift we can't refuse.

So our morning begins with us packing back up our carry on, heading downstairs from the hotel for a complimentary breakfast - which was quite good.

Oh I forgot to add that before turning in last night we were able to take our suitcases down to the British Airways check in counter and check our bags the night prior.  A great perk that you should check to see if your airline allows.  This way we got to sleep in a bit more this am.

After going thru security (no priority line here for us) here at Gatwick.  Note the UK has security clearance down to an art form.  North America can learn a few things here.  The whole process was very streamlined and efficient with lots of stations and place to regroup.  Bins automatically come up for you to place your stuff in.  After clearing you take your bin to a cubby where you can regroup and gather your stuff.  Much more civilized if I do say so.

One other great thing they do here is once you clear security you enter a large area with shops, restaurants, bathrooms, currency exchanges and well you name it.  You watch the main board for your gate.  The gate only appears just before boarding.

This means no hanging out at your gate forever and a day. Once our gate is announced we start the trek to the gate and we can start boarding right away.  Because we don't all arrive at the same time they can board more fluidly.

Once on the plane - Bernie and I are across the aisle from each other, our preference.  I am sat with two ladies who are heading with another to Genoa for a weekend away - aka Girl's weekend.  They just don't shut up.... hmmm maybe I am still a little tired and cranky.  Okay settle down Vickie it is a short flight.

Wow British Airways serves us a little meal - yoghurt, juice, croissant.  I am in shock.  Even though it is not the best meal I have ever had it was free and certainly more than a 9 hour flight on Westjet gave us.  

We land in Genoa and the airport is small - and so authentic Italian.  Not crazy like Vancouver or Gatwick.  As soon as we get off we are led to EU passport control - two booths where the agents show up only when a plane lands.  There are two lines - one for EU citizens and one for non EU citizens.  The lines move fast and we are cleared in no time.  

Baggage collection is right passed the booths and there are only two carousels.  I like this.  After collecting our bags we have to pass another agent but not really a big deal, we are cleared.

Andrea and Federico are there to meet us!  Big hugs and kisses.  So nice to see them.

Right out the door and Andrea has parked right at the ramp to the airport where there is free parking - again another wow.

A drive thru Genoa we are both in awe and have to pinch ourselves we are in Genoa.  

this tan building is their building

After about a half hour we arrive at their lovely apartment. This apartment use to be Andrea's parents home.  It is where he grew up and it is very comfortable. 

We settle in and catch up with Federico and enjoy getting to know Andrea more.  

They make us a lovely lunch of an authentic Genoa meal - Pesto sauce with Triumph pasta.

After lunch we have a nap, we need it.

Booking Flights to Europe and Home from Fort Lauderdale

As many of you know I am not a huge fan of flying. Not that I am nervous or afraid - it is just BORING and not comfortable.  Remember my blog Joys of Flying.  Well not much has changed.

This time this are a little different.  We are wanting to see a dear friend - Federico Castro and his partner Andrea who live in Genoa. Some of you may know Federico he use to be a Captain Circle Host with Princess.  

We first met Federico on the Caribbean three years ago where we started a great friendship.  Then last year the relationship really developed when we were on the Royal for a month. 

You know how you meet someone and you instantly connect and know you will be friends forever, well that is how we felt.  

We were saddened to hear he was leaving Princess but happy he was settling down and was very happy with Andrea in Genoa.

Okay sorry back to the theme of the blog.

So we had to look at flights to Genoa. So many options but what was the most economical and the most convenient.

Thankfully the two charter companies are still flying to Europe in early October. This helped with options and keeping the price down.

The best option was either a flight to London (with Westjet) then flight to Rome, then to Genoa.  Or a flight to Rome direct from Vancouver (with Air Transat) then flight to Genoa.  The second option was the best but it only flew out on a Friday afternoon.

So after some discussion we ended up on the second option with Air Transat.  

This will be the longest single flight we have ever taken - 11 hours and 15 min! 

We searched and booked thru my newest favorite booking site Kiwi.com for a price of $500 US each. 

One issue we encountered was when we searched for one person we had no problems, but when we increased the search to two people they said it wasn't available.  We thought that can't be. So we did a little research. We opened an incognito window and searched on two different tabs for the same flight and we had no problem getting it at the great price.  So we ended up booking two separate bookings, one for each of us. Which should not be a problem as we can easily book seats close to each other. And even if we can't, the money saved makes is well worth it.

So now we fly out on a Friday at 15:40 and arrive in Genoa on Saturday at 14:20 (almost 24 hours later, but there is a 9 hour time change).

For the flight home we know this routing the best of all since we often fly to and from Fort Lauderdale.

We did toss around the idea of booking first class tickets for $710 (Canadian) each.  I was really wanting to and Bernie was hesitant. After suggesting this could be my birthday present he said sure! But as I pondered it and the cost (see what I think about when I am driving the bus) I really couldn't go forward with it and ended up booking economy seats with American Airlines.  

The cost of economy seats was $230 (Canadian) each.  So for almost $1,000 we can fly economy and use that $1,000 somewhere else.  Somehow I don't think I will have a problem spending that somewhere on this trip.

Antigua – February 13, 2015

We dock early (8 am) and I must be getting use to the docking feel cause I sleep right thru the thrusters pushing the ship against the dock.  But I wake in time to hear the announcement that we have received clearance to go ashore. 

Remember that even though we dock at 8 am the ship still needs to get clearance from the authorities before allowing people to go ashore.  Similar to when you arrive in a foreign country via a plane.  You need to clear customs for that country.  Now for most of these Caribbean ports clearance is quick and easy, but some people have been upset when they can’t get off right away.

I take my time getting ready, our plans are not till later.  In fact not until 10:30.  So I shower and lather on the sunscreen and bathing suit and all the gear that we need for a day at the beach.

We meet up with our friend Federico and we walk off and grab a taxi outside the pier area.  We are heading back to Fort James Beach and we specifically ask for Candy Land Restaurant cause the beach is right across from it.  The bar and facilities we use are those of Beach Bar Limerz. 

But as soon as the taxi pulls up in front of the restaurant we are shocked to see water on the road.  The waves are crashing high!  So high that they are taking parts of the beach.  Needless to say there were no lounge chairs on the beach where we laid out a few weeks ago.  So we take higher ground and sit in some chairs under an umbrella. 

Federico and Bernie head into the water but they are cautious, these are strong waves and a big undertow.  They don’t go in far but even these guys are falling.  I laugh my head off watching them. 

I go beside them to chat, we are only knee high in the water and while talking this wave comes in and crashes and the water flies up and smacks us all in the face.  Oh my we are laughing cause of it, it is like God said, “hey pay attention”.

you can see me n Federico's glasses

Picture Federico took with his Polaroid

We relax under the umbrella, we get a few showers and then the sun comes out, but we are great.  We are sipping our first rum punches (Bernie is smart he sticks to local beer).  It is lovely getting to catch up with Federico away from the ship.

A woman approaches who we met the last time we were here.  She is from Sweeden and is here for a few months to celebrate her retirement.  She recognized us and we are happy she came by.  She sits with us and we catch up.

We all head up to the restaurant/bar to get a meal and a second (then third) drink.  The restaurant is lovely and has wooden tables/chairs and it is all undercover.  The washrooms are clean and they also have free wifi. 

We each order a chicken curry Roti and we share a plate of fries.  Prices are reasonable and the food was good.

When we are ready to go the staff call us a taxi and Kenny (the driver) shows up and we head back to the pier ($4 per person).  Traffic is heavy cause of the rain but it is also a Friday afternoon.

short rain shower when we get back to the pier,
 but they have umbrellas for us if we need them

Once back at the pier we say goodbye to Federico who has desk hours in an hour and he needs to shower and get ready.  We wander over to the shops and peak inside and buy a few little things.  We really haven’t bought much of anything this voyage.

Back on the ship and we go thru the ritual of rinsing bathing suits, hanging them, drying beach ring, showering, moisturizing (that salt/sun is drying), cleaning sand from well everywhere, especially today.

After three rum punches I am in need of a nap desperately!  An hour and a half nap and I feel much better, but gee at my age you think I would know better!  NOT, but I did have fun.

So the day at the beach was not exactly as we had planned but it was better!  One thing we have learned thru all our travels is that things may not always work out the way we had them planned, but they still work out.

Tonight is our Captain Circle party.  There are three parties, tonight there is just one at 7:30 – 8:00 and two more tomorrow.  Of course if you can’t make the one you have been assigned just see the Captain Circle Host to see the dates/hours for another one and if it suits you better.

We take a seat right at the back of the venue.  We prefer to be in the back where we can sit and relax and have our drink and talk without disturbing others.

Captain Oliver is at the door shaking hands with everyone, we welcome him on board.  We get our drinks and enjoy the event.  Federico (Captain Circle Host) starts the evening, I am not sure where the Cruise Director Peter is, normally he does the introduction.  But Federico and Mathew (Future Cruise Consultant) do a great job.  The Captain talks for a bit and he is so funny, very personable too.  See even the Captain makes you feel like you are part of the Princess Family.

We head to the Symphony dining room for dinner.  It is Italian night and we finish off the wine from the other night (Spellbound).  The dining room for second seating is quieter tonight, I think all these port days are catching up with people.

you can find the Hot Latin Nights video here 

After dinner we are up on the top deck to enjoy the Hot Latin Nights.  The deck is all lit up and New Deal is playing.  DJ Shea is also spinning the tunes.  The dance floor is the water fountain stage which needs to be dried continually. 

I really enjoyed the evening.  Having participated in many an Island Deck Party and White Hot Deck Party I enjoy a change.  Bernie and I dance the night away up on deck 17 and don’t head back to the cabin until almost midnight.

We watch the Wake Show and we get a kick out of Toby/Shea and Peter discussing the lips we gave him.  I did video it and will put up here on the blog when I get 
home. You can find the Wake Show Video here.