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.
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Lessons learned:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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