Day Eight–Charming Korcula.

Those who have been following this blog over the last twelve months will remember how disappointed we were at not to being able to visit Korcula last year due to high winds. The announcement last night that the on-deck tropical party would be held indoors gave us cause for concern that the same would happen this year. What a splendid surprise then to be greeted by this sight through the balcony window at five o’clock this morning.

The ship manoeuvred into position and the lifeboats were launched in preparation for the tendering operation ashore, giving views of the dramatic Dalmatian coastline.

After the usual scramble to get on the tenders we made our way ashore giving a chance for some nice photographs of the ship,

and the town.

The town of Korcula itself is compact with small steep street radiating from a central square.

It resembles a Disney film set with many buildings having small turrets or towers.

The small lanes all leading to a circular walled walk giving superb views across the bay to the Croatian coast beyond.

Korcula is famed as being the birthplace of Marco Polo, a claim shared by many towns in this area, and his name and face can be seen in many locations around the town.

A beautiful little town that really lives up to it’s title of “Charming Korcula”, and well worth the 12 month wait.

We were due to leave Korcula at 5 O’clock and the sail away party started as usual on-time interrupted as normal with the announcements regarding the odd missing passengers. The party finished at 6, but the ship was still in the same place, as it was at 7 and 8 o’clock. Apparently there was a problem with the doors which the crew had been unable to shut properly after the tendering operation. Finally a very apologetic captain announced at 9-15 that the problem had been resolved and we were on our way, the delay now meaning we would not be in Venice until 9.45 am tomorrow.

Oliver and I went to see the comic Rudi West [No I’ve never heard of him either!!] in the show lounge and he lived up to his first name, very few of the jokes capable of being printed in a family blog such as this. The only reason I mention it is the late night has caused this posting to be once again delayed until now [Sorry Diarra!!].

A quick quiz question to end today.

“Although the Euro is widely accepted in Croatia, what is the official unit of currency?”

Answer as usual next post, from Venice.