The Cruise Day 13

Day 13 - La  Spezia and MSC

We actually had a wake up call this morning to make sure we didn't miss our train. We had time for breakfast and packed ready to go, the hotel called us a cab. Yes, the train station was about a 7 minute walk (and we saw an old couple pulling luggage and going by our hotel on their way to the station), but it is already hot and the train station is uphill. Cab. One minute ride. 10 Euro. Worth it to not be a hot mess before 9am.

We rode three different trains today. No problems with connections. Pretty easy. None of the trains were anything fancy, in fact some were sorta yucky commuter trains covered in graffiti. The trip was uneventful, with lack-luster scenery, the train cars were hot inside and all pretty full. But still a better choice than renting a car as there was not a good drop off close to the port and we didn't have to try to navigate the busy interstate around Milan again.

When we got to the MSC port the process was easy, but they kept our passports. Never a big fan of that. Guy asked about going off ship into France tomorrow and they said just to take our cruise cards. I'm sure it will be fine, but boarding the ship we saw others with their passports, but they were European. Oh well.

Once on the ship we got to our cabin where I wiped everything down with my nine remaining lysol wipes. Not the spray job I prefer, but better than nothing. The remote control, light switches, hangers, drawers. The works! LOL! While everything was drying, we went to find a bite to eat and looked around the ship. For obvious reasons, we are not big fans of buffets. Case in point - today there was a shirtless man reaching his body under the sneeze guard into the food area. One worker told him he needed a shirt on, but he paid no attention. It was gross. I know it's a hot day, but there are a lot of stinky people on this ship. Looking forward to us pulling out of the dock and blowing some fresh air around.

The mandatory safety drill is always a treat, but today was extra fun with it being so hot, they had a smooshed together like sardines. Someone in front of me was ... how do I say it ... "less than fresh smelling" and they had us nearly touching each other front to back. We get the point. I think their drill was a bit excessive on this hot day, but 15 minutes then done and done. As I put my lifejacket away, I hoped I didn't have to touch it again...if you know what I mean.

My SIM card has finally run out after a call to my mom and to buy Internet on the ship is pretty ridiculous. The guy at the counter was honest and said it is slower than internet on the land and it is usually free at the ports in a cafe. For convenience and so I didn't feel completely cut off from the world, I did buy 5 hours of internet at a bit over $10 per hour. We'll see what it gets us - probably just Viber calls to home and posting some blogs. But I will try not to be too crazy when I can't post my blogs on a regular basis anymore. My type A - OCD has kicked in and I'm grumpy, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'll just type the blog in my notepad and copy and paste when I can. You'll have to forgive the typos as I probably won't be trying to make it perfect. I don't like being separated from my technology! I'm so spoiled...

We've been on this ship before when we cruised the Greek Islands. It's just ok - nothing fancy - and last time we gave both the ship and the food a B-, but we are on the ship for the itinerary, not the amenities and I'll just have to take a few breaths and count to 10 when naked man is at the buffet. To make my life easier, Guy did buy me the coffee drink package. I can have two coffees a day and that includes frozen cappuccinos and other fancy coffee drinks. YAY! He knows how to make a girl happy. I'm sure the guy making my cappuccino will have a shirt on.

With that said, our cabin is really nice, big and has a full balcony. We have what you'd almost call a walk in closet and we both put our things away and put our suit cases up. So that is nice. Very comfortable space.  We both feel pretty gross from our train rides, so Guy has taken a shower (we even have a bathtub) and is checking out the quality of the bed. FINALLY a soft bed he says. A few things that european hotels lack: 1. wash cloths...I forgot to bring any and it's not a good thing. 2. conditioner. Europeans must not have tangles in their hair. 3. soft beds - where is the Westin Heavenly Bed when you need it?

Guy has it arranged so that we can eat dinner whenever we want and it will always be a table for two. Not that we aren't social, but sometimes we just like to be alone and hate making small talk with strangers all night, every night. But tonight we've both showered and are feeling a bit tired. Guy ate a cheeseburger around 4pm and it has made his stomach a bit grumpy, So I just went up and got something from the buffet (naked guy not around) and brought it back to the room. I've got my PJs on and Guy has his eyes glued to the Champions League Final (soccer). He says we have movies on our TV but we have to watch them at certain times...not like Amazon Prime when you just start it when you want. :)

Our cabin guy is from India and is exceptionally nice. I like him already! When I was up getting food, Guy told him our remote wasn't working. So he went to the room next door and got theirs. He said "now yours works and theirs doesn't". Funny. Funny. Funny. It should be a good week with him.

We get into Marseille, France tomorrow around 11am and can go ashore from noon to 5:30pm. Not sure if we are going to do an excursion or not. May just take a ride into the town and explore. Depending on when I get up, I may go up and run the track or go to the gym. I'll see how much energy I have and how hot it is. No alarms. No schedule. No worries.

Will post a few pics tomorrow that I took today. They are nothing fancy and not worthy of burning precious ship wifi minutes. I'm sure I'll find wifi in Marseille.