Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| We've just returned from a cruise to Greece and Croatia aboard Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas. Having sailed on this ship in Europe a couple of years ago, we're happy to report that she's still a great ship with a very attentive crew. Our trip began with a 2 night pre-cruise stay in Venice, which is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. This unique city is a maze of waterways and walkways, approximately 117 islets, 177 canals and 400 bridges. We were amazed to learn that the buildings are supported by millions of poles driven into the marshy sediment. Canals serve the functions of roads in the main city, so all form of transport is by foot or boat. St. Mark's Square is a popular meeting place where you can listen to musicians outside the coffee houses, shop, or feed the large number of pigeons that gather there. Hopefully you'll have one person in your party who is willing "take one for the team", pay the 1-euro for bird food, and have birds landing on his arms and head (thanks Don). You'll laugh out loud and get some great photos. Stop at the Rialto Bridge, which is lined with great shops and is a terrific vantage point to view the Grand Canal. Dine al fresco at one of the many restaurants along the canals, and top off your lunch or dinner with a delicious gelato (Italian ice cream). Take the requisite gondola ride -yes it's touristy, but how can you visit Venice and not do it? Be sure you stroll away from the touristy areas, through the mazes of back alleyways and discover the "real Venice". We had pre-arranged to be picked up at the airport by a private water taxi company, which I highly recommend. You can take a vaporetto (water bus), but after that long overnight flight, it's nice to have your own private boat waiting for you. And if you're lucky enough to have a hotel with it's own dock, you won't have to drag your luggage along cobblestone streets and up and over bridges. Our hotel was the brand new Molino Stucky Hilton located on Guidecca Island. The hotel is stunning; offering deluxe accommodations, open-air patios with lagoon views, complimentary water shuttle to and from St. Mark's Square and a rooftop pool on the 8th floor with panoramic views of the city. Story to continue next column. The Cruise Store now buys and sells foreign currency, don't leave home without it. Call us at 1-413-525-9001. Visit CruiseStore.Com |