Author: Mom

We had a tender today to get to shore. Port isn’t big enough for the large ships. The weather looked a bit on the chilly side and a bit overcast. Today we had the Lerici’s Castle and Dinosaurs tour booked. We met our excursion group and took the tender to shore to wait for our bus. We were boarding group 23. Bus 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28 where all waiting. No bus 23??? Huh! We waited a while and then were told that there was an error and we have to tender to our excursion. Everyone groaned.

We had to go back to the dock and thank goodness they brought the tender to the dock and didn’t make us go back to the ship and try again.

We were finally underway…storm clouds were building and it was getting a bit chillier.

We got to the “correct” place and waited for the guide to take us to the castle. It is hike up either “steep steps” or “long windy steps”. She led us through the long windy steps (NOT STROLLER FRIENDLY, DADDY HAD TO CARRY ME!!). We got to the castle and the doors were locked. HUH?? A few minutes later they opened the castle. Even with all our delays we were still there before it opened? It wasn’t all that spectacular. The dinosaurs pictures in the advertisement were pretty much all that was there.

The castle was rather small. It was interesting but just small.


I was the youngest kid on the tour and I suggest that you be at least 4 or a VERY well behaved 3.5 years old. There is a LOT of waiting and sitting.

We did a bit more tour of the castle and then all piled into a classroom of sorts for a lesson on how to make “plaster molds of fossils”. It was VERY drawn out and I got restles so Mommy kept leaving the room with me. Now mind you, the entire time it is rainy and COLD outside.

I had a jacket but it was getting wet. The stroller was wet too. Finally they poured the molds and then gave all of the kids ones that were already dry. It was neat to learn how the molds were made with positives and negatives but it just took SOOOO long for the guide to explain. Even the bigger kids were getting restless. I know a lot of the parents were! I got my cast and didn’t want to stay to paint it with the big kids so Daddy asked when we meet the boat and we took off on our own (so did many others). Apparently we missed a nice light snack but we found our own snacks.

The rain got worse and I started to cough really bad. Mommy wrapped me in her jacket and tried to keep me dry and warm. I was MISERABLE! I finally fell asleep and slept for a good 30 minutes.

Mommy & Daddy were not impressed with the tour at all. The weather was icky and it just wasn’t to what their expectations were. Can we go back to Gallura???? Daddy bought an umbrella to keep us a bit more dry and then a few animals for me to play with later on the ship. We went to the dock to get out of the rain (then it got windy). One of the tenders coming in (not ours) missed its slip and ran right into a little boat, rather entertaining! Our tender finally came and they took us straight back to the ship. I changed into warm clothing, as did Mommy. Daddy went off with G’ma/G’pa to explore the port for a while. Honestly you can get to most of the places pretty easy here. The port is very nice and there are a lot of nice places to eat and get snacks and shops. They had a “flea market” of-sorts set up today (Saturday) that was closing down for the 1-4 siesta! Charming little place and probably way more enjoyable when it isn’t raining and cold.

Mommy and I got some snacks at the pool-side and checked in at Flounders for later. My cough isn’t too bad but it will keep me from the nursery tonight. Mommy said that is okay, tonight was the family night at Palo. She will just stay behind with me if my cough doesn’t improve. Maybe if I take a nap I will feel better. Mommy did buy me some cough medicine at Guest Services (Health center was closed and so were the gift shops since we are in port). I took the medicine and did NOT like the flavor and gagged and spit up. Ugh! Mommy just wants me to take another nap, PLEASE!

Since I was coughing really bad so Mommy couldn’t let me go to the nursery. Daddy/G’ma/G’pa went to Palo for dinner and were totally stuff with food again.
Mommy and I strolled the decks after my bath an that is where my night turned bad. We grabbed a snack and came to sit in the room and relax. I started coughing really bad and couldn’t stop…my body just said…I AM DONE… and I threw up all over the stateroom. Mommy tossed me in the tub and got the room steward to help out (since everyone else was at Palo). Our LOVELy room steward cleaned the floors and changed the sheets and towels. Mommy got me all cleaned up. Shortly Daddy came in to bring Mommy some “to-go” from Palo (he ran down in the middle of the meal!!). Mommy sent Daddy away and said we were all under control but Grandma Jo came shortly after. We snuggled on the bed until I fell asleep at 8:15 watching my animal movie on Mommy’s laptop. I got a good nights rest.

Tomorrow I turn two, hopefully I feel better! 🙂

At sea day today so I was up with the sunshine. Hung out in the room and watched the Tigger Movie while Mommy & Daddy got cleaned up. We went to the Oceaneers Club because they had two fun sounding things on the schedule. “5-4-3-2-1 Blast Off” and “Animal Time”. I made some fun rocket ship crafts and animal crafts. I got to play with a bunch of hard plastic animals… my heaven! 🙂 I really had a good time. Then it was time to go check into the nursery. Apparently Mommy & Daddy had a brainless moment and forgot that we had canceled the nursery for today because we had Palo brunch the other day. Silly parents. It was fine with me because I wanted NOTHING to do with the nursery again. We did stop in so I could play a bit but just a bit…10 min and I was ready to go.

We returned to the room for some down time. Someone from maintenance came in and did work on our squeaky door (the one Daddy shoved paper in the other night to keep quiet… he said he should have brought “shims” with him!). I watched Aladdin again, go figure! 🙂 I was curled up with Mommy watching the movie and Daddy was on the sofa. Suddenly Mommy realized that I feel asleep. It is only 11:30! She put me in the crib and sent Daddy for food for her, which food made her tummy turn. Mommy doesn’t like when the ship moves, even thought it isn’t moving much.

Daddy is now off with G’/ma/G’pa for a sit down lunch while Mommy and I get some more rest in.

Today is Daddy’s birthday. 34!! hehe I can’t wait to urn 2 in two days. June 3! :0 It is PIRATES night on my b-day! 🙂 FUN!
I took a very long nap and then was out of sorts for a few hours afterwards. Mommy said I am acting like I am coming down with a cold, maybe? It is probably just teething and general crankiness due to lack of proper sleep. I enjoyed dinner and dressing semi-formal for the Prince and Princess Gala. I was too tired to make the show and so was everyone else. Daddy had a nice birthday cake at dinner and apparently somehow the ship is confused and thought it was G’ma/G’pa anniversary? They brought them a cake and sang them a song too, strange! 🙂 Their anniversary is in December. Do half anniversaries count? hehe

After dinner Daddy brought me to the room so Mommy could finish her desert. I changed into my jammies and curled up with Mommy and watched the “pig movie” (Charlotte’s Web) while Daddy did some photo editing of the last few days shots. I was asleep by 9:30 and Mommy and Daddy by 10ish. The phone rang at 2am with a call from the alarm company back home. Daddy & Mommy got nervous and called home and Grandma Susie was already on the way to the house. She had just left a bit before. Phew! All was okay, silly cats must have set the motion detectors off! I figure that is what did it since I can set off the glass break sensors while playing with my TOYS! 🙂 Either way Mommy didn’t get much sleep but that’s okay.

Day 6: Civitavecchia- Rome Port

I opted for an early rise with the sun today, mainly because we had nothing to do so it is only fair to keep Mommy on her toes. I sleep in when I have to get up and get up early when I can sleep in! :0 My control in life! We had a quick breakfast at Topsiders (buffet) and then headed into the port. We took a shuttle to the end of the pier (apx 1.5miles) and then wandered around. We walked along the water and enjoyed the cool breeze and spectacular view. then we wandered into town and window shopped (surprisingly a lot of shopping if you are willing to be on foot), bought some pastries (what we do best!) and even visited a market. Think flea market meets fresh fish/veggies/meats/cheeses. Similar to the Ballaro Market from Palermo but quite larger. Mostly locals buying food and necessities. Quite a large number of clothing (discount) tables. We didn’t buy anything but enjoyed the sights and smells. Mommy said she didn’t like the seafood smell, it is apparently now a pregnancy aversion and the thought of seafood makes her tummy turn. UGH! We wandered the streets a bit more and Daddy bought me a LUMPY! He is from the European Disney stores, very soft and cuddly, and ALL MINE! Happy early Birthday to ME! hehe! (Btw: Lumpy was 25e.. sorry Daddy a bit expensive but I must have my Lumpys!!!)

We wandered back towards the water and found a place to sit and eat. I had a Nutella filled and covered crepe. Mommy and Daddy split a small pizza and a foccacia type ham and cheese sandwich. Grandma had a haw and cheese crepe and Grandpa had fresh mozzarella and a salad. The bill came to 39e.. of which soda cost nearly 3e each!!! I suggest bring your sippy cup (or a water bottle if you prefer!) and forgo the CocaCola Light in port. Drink your soda on the ship where it is free!!

I found a neat train to ride and INSISTED that I ride it for a LONG time. Hey, it IS my birthday! Oh wait, no it isn’t!!! hehe

We needed to walk off lunch, so we all took the long walk back to the boat rather than the shuttle. The ship is nearly empty and not much is going on. Back to the room for us for Mommy to help me Blog and then I will take a nap. Daddy has gone up to Deck 9 because his wireless connection doesn’t work well in the room, Mommy’s does though!??

They are showing Pirates again tonight but the times don’t work well for us. We will probably miss it again. G’ma/G’pa have Palo tonight. I am in the nursery for a few hours so Mommy an Daddy can enjoy some down time and a break from me, why they would want that I do not understand! I plan on the Mickey Pool after my nap for a while and then maybe an ice cream or two?

Finished the day out just great.

After my nap I went to Mickey’s Pool again. It was empty. I was the only one there so I had to pool to myself. I enjoyed floating on Mommy’s back and running all around. I even practiced my swimming a bit.

Then we grabbed me some dinner from Goofy’s Galley and headed to the room for a bath and food for me. Mommy & Daddy got cleaned up too and then dropped me at the nursery. I cried when I was dropped off and Mommy was nervous so she came back to check on me and couldn’t find me! I was asleep? I woke up just as she came by so Mommy didn’t worry too much and then Mommy & Daddy went and played some ping-ping and then had dinner. G’ma/G’pa were at Palos tonight and had a wonderful meal! Sylvester (their server, same one Mommy & Daddy had) sent a to-go of steak and roaster garlic and 2 soufflés for Mommy & Daddy! He is so wonderful. Mommy & Daddy enjoyed their food in a nearly empty dining room. Food was great and the service was beyond spectacular again! 🙂 thank goodness for their change in servers/tables. The Rome day is rather interesting in the dining area because they are expecting 1100+ people back on the ship just as their dining starts at 8:30! I am sure there will be tales of a mixed up dinner. Early seating was nearly empty as usual. I guess they had invited some of the late diners that didn’t have excursions to dine early tonight! 🙂 Good idea for traffic control.

After dinner Mommy & Daddy sprung me from the nursery. I spent my entire enlistment hiding under a blanket in a crib in the back of the nursery. I didn’t want ANYTHING to do with ANYONE! They tried to get me to watch a movie but I just hid. Plus I didn’t like the movie they had on and come other kid was sleeping on the remote control! Oh Bother. One of the workers just sat on the floor next to my crib and kept an eye on me. Mommy & Daddy couldn’t have come soon enough. I clung to Mommy the rest of the night. I had a quick cookie (okay, 2 cookies!!!) and got in my jammies and watched Aladdin for the second time today with Mommy. Daddy is off to see the Pirates 3 movie. Mommy wrapped up my movie and is reading tomorrows “Personal Navigator”.

Tomorrow is “Prince and Princess” theme and they are having a show called “Twice Charmed”. Sounds fun! But this means that yet again we managed to miss the SHOW at Animators Palace. Guess we will have to take another cruise soon just for the show!

Night night… I miss my family and friends… and my own bed! 🙁

Today has been my favorite so far. Our tour today was SPECTACULAR.

We were welcomed to port by a band and dancers. I huge tent was set up with all sorts of meat, cheese, wine and breads from the area. Olbia is beautiful. Bill Gates summers here on his yacht! We were all given free hats when we got off the ship and welcomed with open arms. Quite amazing! 🙂

Today we had the “Train to Gallura” tour booked. A bit on the pricey side but worth EVERY penny of it! First we took a beautiful bus ride through the city. I can’t even think of words to describe the beauty. After about an hour on the bus we arrived at the train depot. The train is a classic wooden train. It was only three cars plus the engine. Very quaint. Little leg room because you sit two forward then two backwards. But it was okay! People were complaining that the windows were dirty (Well DUH the train is probably 60+ years old at a minimum!) but if you put them down and let the cool breeze it you could see perfectly! ((BTW: There were people complaining about a lot on this tour but we all felt it was very true to the description. )) Daddy took a lot of great pictures today.

I enjoyed a quick snooze.

Suddenly the train stopped. Everybody off!

There were pavilions with wine, cheese, meat, bread, snacks, juice and water. It was amazing. The view was beyond fantastic.

We were truly on the Emerald Coast! I ran around and munched on bread, picked flowers and threw stones into the water. I had some AMAZING pear juice too! 🙂 No stroller needed yet it was a pretty open space and very kid friendly.

I picked a LOT of flowers for people.

Grandma Jo was happy. She LOVED the view.

I found some rocks to play with too and kept Mommy on her toes while running around a LOT.

Our stop lasted about 30-40 minutes and everyone was stuffed! Back on the train for more views of the beautiful countryside. I tried to nap again but it just wasn’t going to happen.

Soon we were at the end of the train ride. Amazing and magnificent. We boarded the bus (where several people delayed us because they wandered off… they were all found eventually!!). We went a short distance into a little town. This may have been the cleanest place I have seen in Europe so far. We climbed about 30 stairs and were near the center of the town. We all got a coupon for a free gelato! We did a small foot tour and visited a pretty church (it closed at 1pm (as do more things in this area, 1-4pm closed) so some people that went to gelato first missed it… but the city’s charm was not the church anyway!) Then we had gelato… fantastic as always.

Mommy was amazed how quickly they shuffled people in and dished the gelato. The entire town seemed to welcome us. There were balloons tied to all the store-fronts and smiling people all over. We had some free time and enjoyed wandering the streets (stroller friendly, but again lightweight and bumpy) and bought a few pastries. YUMMY! Daddy managed to find another pack of diapers at the grocery store… so I should be set now! 🙂 hehe

We met at the meeting point and all boarded the bus for the hour ride back to the port. I didn’t want to be still. I just wanted to run, so Mommy chased.

and chased…

and chased…

and chased…

and chased…

Finally we all got together and got on the bus.

They played a nice video with information on Rome and Civitechia. It had some cartoons in it too so I qas quite content. The bus got rather chilly onthe way back and a LOT of people took a quick snooze. Not me! I watched the cartoon. Oh yeah, they gave us another snack (olive toast crackers…YUMMY!).

Back at port (clean, beautiful and well-maintained) we stopped for some wine, cheese, bread, meat and snacks (ALL FREE! Thanks Oliba!) They even had little pastries. It wa such a lovely reception. This was a fantastic day! Mommy brought me in the ship so I could try to take a quick nap before dinner (which I am!!!). G’pa come onboard and went for a siesta too. Daddy and G’ma Jo took the free bus to town. that update will come later.

A few other things I have left out:
Our dinner service (except Palo) hasn’t been very smooth. Everything seems hurried and then comes to a grinding halt. Daddy finally complained and tonight we are sitting at another table. Hopefully things are more “Disney”.

The weather has been unseasonably brisk. Very windy, which explains the waves. It is bearable with a light jacket or by standing in the sunshine. I wont complain though, I love the cold! 🙂

After a quick nap after the amazing excursion we all dressed and headed for dinner. Tonight we were at Parrots Cay. Our “new” table awaited with a new service team. Dinner was amazingly better. The service we top notch, what we expect from Disney. The beverage server, Denis, even inquired as to wether I would like to be served before or with the grown-ups. A nice touch! They even cleaned the bread crumbs from the table and Alexander (the head server) made funny jokes and magic tricks! 🙂 I enjoyed strawberries and mickey shaped pasta with alfredo sauce. I behaved like a champ during dinner and danced to the island themed music. I even got to see Mickey Mouse dancing!
After dinner I had a bath and got my jammies on. We went and watched “Art of the Story”, the new cruise show. It was really great. It was a bit on the loud side so next time maybe we should sit further back in the theatre. towards the end I was getting tired and G’ma Jo was holding me and my binki ran away!!! Mommy took me to the top of the theatre (near the exit) to watch the last little bit and then brought me up to go to bed. Daddy followed a short while later with my shoes and my found binki. Thanks Daddy!

I was asleep by 10pm. Goodnight. Calm seas tonight. Almost can’t feel the ship moving. Quite a difference from the last few nights! Tomorrow is Civitvechia (sp?). The Rome port! We have nothing planned other than to wander the port. We have all been to Rome before (well not me, but I don’t have much say in the shore excursions!). Everyone will take advantage of the near empty ship! 🙂

Up early to a disappointing breakfast at Lumiere’s. Today we did the tour called Magnificent Naples. I would like to start by saying it wasn’t all that “magnificent” but we enjoyed parts of it. The bus ride again was VERY crazy. I swear people drive SO differently here. We stopped off at a church (active) and had a small museum tour.

Mommy felt icky all day so that didn’t help her level of enthusiasm.

I got to stretch my legs a bit as Mommy and Grandma Jo chased me. More tours through the city and then a stop to wander a bit in town (bought more diapers). Lunch was interesting.. they escorted about 80 ppl down the the basement of a restaurant and then SLOWLY brought pizza and salads out. It took FOREVER and a day! We were to get “Nutella Mickey shaped pizza” but it got way too hot so we gave up and went back upstairs. Those who stuck around said they enjoyed it. We figured nearly 2 hours for pizza was a bit silly… it kind of ruined the tour for us.

We opted to wander for a bit on our own. Daddy & Grandma bought me a HUGE plastic ball that had a teddy bear inside of it.

Hopefully Disney works out those kinks! then back on the bus for more city tour and then back to the ship. Nothing really stuck out to me today on the tour.

This is how I felt about today!

I think Mommy/Daddy/G’ma/G’pa would have enjoyed walking around the city on their own more. Which is just what everyone has gone to do. Mommy is here in the room with me to relax and try to rest as I do the same. Everyone else left the ship and is off exploring! 🙂 More later… We leave port at 7:30ish and the seas are VErY rough again today. So Mommy way not update for a while…sorrry! 🙁

Here are some photos Daddy took while wandering around.

Finally back on board and headed back to sea. It looks a bit more calm tonight.

Day 4 wrapped up nicely after our horrid tour. I went to the nursery from 5:30-8:30. Mommy and Daddy had a lovely dinner at Palo. So much food…Daddy downed 3…yes 3!!! chocolate soufflés. Mommy talked to the waiter (Sylvester, who they has for brunch before) and told him she missed the garlic they used to have at brunch. Suddenly he appeared with a huge dish of fresh roasted garlic for Mommy. She was SOOO happy! Mommy and Daddy chatted with Sylvester a lot and Daddy told him that Mommy craved red-meat when she was preggers with me. Suddenly, again, out of the kitchen Sylvester appears with a to-go filet mignon dinner plate wrapped in pretty aluminium foil made to look like a flower. It was so lovely. Mommy was stuffed and happily took the steak for later, she never did eat it though. 🙁

Mommy sprung me from the nursery and we went to the room and watched Peter Pan on TV until 9:20 when she said it was defiantly bedtime. I was a snuggle bunny and just laid on the bed with Mommy watching the movie. Daddy/G’ma/g’pa went to see the ships premEAR of Pirates of the Carribean 3. They left because the theatre was so packed and the movie is nearly 3 hours long. They went back to G’ma/G’pa’s room and played mai jon with some cards G’ma brought.

A rocky night at sea again, not what we expected, but it was more up and down than side to side so Mommy did well and got a good nights rest.