Weary from the “sturm und drang” of will-we-or-won’t-we make the cruise, we opted for the over-priced Celebrity charter bus to Ravenna rather than the train. Sailing on “Constellation” will be a treat—our Deck 2 cabin is comfortable, quiet and stable even on the roughest seas. Oceanview Cafe offers a variety of dishes including copious salad choices, fresh fruit—and ice cream! The Gym is well-furnished and there is even a quiet Library.
A cruise is a poor choice to experience the wonders of Europe. Ports are often 30, 50 or—in the case of Livorno to Florence—even 100 km from the attractions. Shore excursions are expensive and time ashore is limited. With the exception of Messina, we have been to all the stops on this cruise, spending days—sometimes weeks—not hours taking in the sights. We are aboard “Constellation” to see our Australian friend, Tricia. We met her and her late husband a few years ago on a crossing to Australia. At loose ends since Gary’s passing, Trish has signed on as one of Celebrity’s destination presenters and we’re here to offer moral support.
The three of us went ashore in Zadar, Croatia, to stretch our legs and see what we could remember from our previous visits. The €15 taxi ride dropped us at Zadar’s unique wave-powered Sea Organ and the Roman Forum. Then we walked along the Roman walls and wandered into the narrow lanes and cobbled streets. After visiting Five Wells Square with its ornamental wellheads used during the 16th Century Turkish siege of the city we worked our way back to the Forum and another €15 taxi to the ship.
