Monaco, DAY 5, June 22, 2009

Monaco: Scenic Overkill. Country of millionaires.


This place is no more than a playground for the idle rich. All of the "real" people commute to work from France or from Italy. Even our tour guide was from Italy. It simply cost too much to live in Monaco. Since the rich don't sweep there own floors, the real people have to come from somewhere. We appreciate their tolerance of folks like us.

A view of the Mediterranean.

Diane checks out the royal family villas.

We took a short tour of the castle. A more modest place than you would expect. Beautiful furnishing, antiques, and grand portraits of Grace Kelly and the royal family.

Prince Albert reviews the changing of the guard. The prince had a guest for lunch on the day that we were there, consequently, the ceremony was delayed until noon. The band played and the small platoon of soldiers marched. I'd give it 3 of 5 stars. Buckingham Palace on a budget.

Prince Albert (out of the can.) He's the one on the right side. Wow! He waved at us. OK, It was pretty cool.

The marching band played three tunes while the guards marched by. The whole ceremony lasted about 15 minutes.

Pick your yacht. You can't believe how big these things are. It was nice to see some 20 foot boats in the marina next to the mega-yachts. I feel grounded by the experience.

Ok, back to the boat, we hear that they're giving Cha-cha lessons in "Club Fusion". Party on....

Civitavecchia, DAY 4, Sunday, June 21, 2009

Arrivederci Roma.

This was boarding day for the cruise. Rome is about 50 miles or 80 kilometers from the port of Civitavecchia. I have no idea how to say Civitavecchia correctly.

There are two basic choices to get there form Rome: Private limo or public train. Since we are loaded with money, we choose the limo at 140 Euro or $210. It' s much like going to Atlantic City from Philadelphia. Going by train required schleping luggage to the local train station and twenty minute walk from the train station to the ship at the other end. At 6 euro per person, a great bargain. This is another reason to bring just one piece of luggage.

The Mercedes was fast and comfortatble so probabaly worth it, I guess?

At the hotel in Rome, we met several couples that were cruising with us. These folks proved to be good company during the entire trip. There they were waiting in line with 3000 other passengers eager to board the ship on the dock.

The ship is beautiful. As the Ruby Princess is only eight months old, everything is sharp in appearance. No nicks or scratches that develop over time were evident. With of 3150 passengers and a crew of 1200, it is one of the biggest out there. On the cabin TV, they were continually playing episodes of “Love Boat”. They made a reference that the LoveBoat served 600 passengers. That was in the 1980’s. (I think.) Things change.


Six thirty, 1830, we pushed off. With one tug boat on the port bow line and bow thrusters surging, we were underway. Once the Ship was away from the dock, the tug dropped off and Ruby was under way. Next port Monte Carlo, Monaco. Prince Albert is waiting.
Tonight, we sail to Monte Carlo, Monaco. Prince Edward is expecing us.
~~~~~~~~~~

Lessons learned:

1. Carry a wardrobe for 6 days. you can always get things washed. The ship had multiple laundryomats. One medium-large(>50 lb.) roller suit case per person will do.
   
2. Don't be afraid to use the trains. It may be wise to avoid the city subway (Metropolitano); but, the train will get you between cities at low cost and quickly. We met several people that enjoyed their train ride from Venice to Rome and other points.


3. Everything in Italy is expensive for tourists. Water bottles can be as much as $3-5 Euro or as little as 50 cents. We ate several meals by filling up on snacks and free drinks at the Hotel's Hilton Honors Courtesy Lounge. The room fee included breakfast which was excellent. A dinner at Harry's Bar on Via Veneto rang-up at $128 Euro.


4. No matter how much you want to absorb from the tours, you will get saturated. Be sure to see the big tourists spots and maybe you will get to the secondary places.