They say that Venice offers the most spectacular views of any cruise ship sail-in, so we, in line with about half the ship’s passengers rose at 6.30 am to view the scene. Our cabin is on the port side of the ship while all the views especially that of St. Mark’s Square were starboard side, so in order to view a trip to Deck 15 was called for.The sun was just rising on what was to prove a quite magnificent day , we saved our space against the railing. The beautiful sky-line of Venice soon came into view backed by the just visible snow-capped Dolomite mountains.
After a quick breakfast we left the ship to catch the first shuttle of the day that would take us to St. Mark’s Square. It was just before 9.00 when we arrived and the square was comparatively empty which enabled us plenty of photo opportunities.
The queues were already forming for the Cathedral, while we deciding that this would be an outside day with no museum or church visit, followed the signs to the Rialto Bridge.
Along the way we passed shops selling a combination of cheap souvenirs and stylish Italian ware, stopping every now and then to take photos. As we crossed a small bridge, Fabio,the most handsome gondolier in the whole of Venice[Sylvia’s words not mine!!], approached. He enquired whether we wanted a gondola ride, how could we refuse??
The cost was 80 Euro, but where else can you experience this? He punted [not sure if that’s the correct term] us down narrow canals, describing the history and architecture as we went, onto the main arterial route of Venice, the Grand Canal.
Here we felt like celebrities. As it was early and few gondolas were on the canal the tourists all aimed their cameras at us, just like paparazzi. We passed the Post Office, Marco Polo’s house and one of Casanova's dwellings before the ride finally came to a halt. Short but sweet, it was a great experience.
The day had turned into a real scorcher and the narrow street and squares were beginning to fill up. We were the only cruise ship in today, I dread to think what it’s like when there are several, especially in the extreme heat of the summer.
The architecture in the city is stunning and as we turned every corner a new picture postcard appeared in front of us. Thank goodness for digital photography, over a hundred photos taken this morning so far.[Lorna, tell your Dad that I will go through each one with him as I know how much he enjoys them!!!]
As recommended by Helena we sat in Saint Mark’s Square for a coffee and watched the ever increasing crowds pass. In the background music from the small orchestras assembled outside every cafe played, as one finished the next one started.
I could write reams on the history and sights of this city but I will not bore you [presuming it’s not too late]. My advice is simple, if you have not visited Venice do so at your earliest opportunity and if you’ve been here before, return soon.
We went back to the ship for lunch and spent the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck in the glorious Venetian sunshine. As sail-away approached a local gondolier band joined the ship to serenade us as we continued to soak up the rays.
As the sip sailed out of Venice we were treated to the same wonderful views that we had had 12 hours earlier, only this time on our side of the ship. We sat on our balcony waving at the passing boats and taking even more photographs of the picturesque scene.
In the theatre tonight was Cheryl Baker, ex-Bucks Fizz and TV personality, talking about her life. I went to the first show, Sylvia deciding that this one was not for her. It was sparsely attended but quite entertaining. Tomorrow the Croatian island of Korcula, and a trip that starts at 8.30, so Good Night.
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