Naples, Italy

            Weather forecast: 50% chance of rain, cloudy, 70 degrees. The rain did not materialize but the clouds did, from time to time, reflect gray instead of blue off of the sea. Breakfast in the reserved Diamond passenger area was again outstanding. This time our tablemates were from Houston, Texas; a delightful couple we hope to meet again.

            We arrive at the ferry boats too late to catch a ride the Isle of Capri and still make it back in time for the departure of the ship; thus, the decision was easy – Debbie and I would serve as tour guides for Ray and Monica in the central downtown area of Naples.

            We stop at the medieval castle guarding the harbor; a stunning structure complete with moat, drawbridge, high walls, towers, and more. We pass beside it and stroll to the famous Plazza Gamberito, a huge, ancient building with a spectacular dome and sculptures that now serves as a modern Mall.  

            The Piazza Poblesita, a short distance away, is a large plaza with a gigantic cathedral on one side, the Royal Palace on the other – we arrive just in time for the raising of the Italian and (Ray believes) European Union flags. The ceremony was accompanied by what appeared to be units of the various military forces of Italy (at least 10 of them with approximately 30 men each), and a military band. They marched into the square to the music of the band and were led in orders from a microphone in the center of the plaza. It was colorful and fun to watch. It reminded me of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

            The church opened its doors soon after the flags were at the top of their poles and we enjoyed the architecture and paintings there. The pews were, however, a blessing as our feet and backs were tired from standing in the plaza. From the church we located an outdoor coffee bar above a beautiful downtown park overlooking the Mediterranean. Several members of the Italian military band were enjoying a morning coffee and pastry there. We joined them and along with coffee and juice, I bought a very large Italian donut covered in sugar; it was so big I used it to serve “communion” so to speak at our table. All enjoyed it.

            Ray spots stairs and an elevator that serve as an exit to a park about 100 meters below. We take the latter and find in the colorful and very green park “Birds of Paradise.” I take a number of pictures, especially for our friend Susan, and I believe Debbie will post one with this entry. This flower was the largest “Bird of Paradise” that I have ever seen. The park is in close juxtaposition to the sea and a marina full of sailing vessels. We walk to the boardwalk (I should say concrete walk) along the sea to find our way back to our ship. It was a glorious morning and the clouds gathering in the sky suggested that the Isle of Capri alternative would not have been a good one.

            On the return Debbie searched and searched for the Murrina jewelry store (Marano Glass from the island of Marano in the Venice harbor) that she has visited and made purchases previously. I tried to tell her she was going the wrong way, and very reluctantly (“we stood at the turning point”) she said, “OK, you’re so smart, we will follow you.” I backtracked, crossed to another row of vendors, and there, at the end, as predicted, was the destination. Debbie was thrilled to find it; we purchased presents for Michelle and Megan Oliver whose birthdays had been in October, a special gift for Christina, and two more pieces.

Mystery tree- where is Brian?

            The spa in the ship’s Solarium was very relaxing after our long morning walk, but the naps that followed were even more so. Before reclining, however, Debbie and I peered through our binoculars at the ships just outside the harbor – both American naval vessels; one was an aircraft carrier full of airplanes, and the other a small destroyer type ship that seemed to be an appendage (guard-like) boat providing some sort of protection for the large carrier. I suppose the military ships are “on the ready” for anything that may surface in the Middle East. We live on a fragile planet not just because of global warming but competing values may be more threatening.

            Just before dinner we get a disturbing announcement in our cabin from the Captain. It is unusual for such a message to come directly into the cabin. It turns out there is a severe weather disturbance in the Mediterranean in the direction we would be sailing after leaving Naples. And instead of proceeding to Malta, we would go to Messina – thus for 200 people who were on the previous cruise (including us), it would be the second time to visit this port. We are very sorry to miss Malta; we had studied its history and were excited about the things to do there. Instead we will miss it. I suppose safety should come first. We will make the most of it.

            Dinner is delightful and when the Head Waiter arrives to check on how our voyage is going (he obviously means in relation to the dining room and food), I tell him about the number of cruises we have been on and how we love the Radiance of the Seas. Several times he asks about our current ship, Navigator of the Seas, and instead I tell him about the great service we received on the oldest Royal Caribbean vessel, Monarch of the Seas before it was retired. Finally, he says, please tell me what is wrong here. I respond, “It is really nothing, I don’t want to get any crew member in trouble” – after much urging to spill the beans, I tell him how our waiter wanted to know (two evenings in a row) our exact cabin numbers. And when I question him why he needs this information he just walks away. Further, when I ask him how to pronounce his name, he repeatedly says “whatever.” This evening when it happens still again, we simply started calling him “Whatever.” Although I told the Head Waiter this was not going to ruin our cruise, he was flabbergasted about the need to have our cabin numbers, and disturbed that the waiter’s attitude about his name was less than excellent. We shall see how the service changes, I was promised to get a response.

            Now and on the first cruise as well, the food was and is excellent, and tonight is no exception. After a brief “break even” experience in the casino we turn in for the evening. Tomorrow we are back in Messina.