A Mediterranean Adventure

Hello, and welcome back to our small corner.

D here, and this week, I will tell you about the Mediterranean cruise I went on during the Summer. Although I have been on several cruises alone, this was the first time a friend came with me. It was her first-ever cruise, and it was exciting to show her what it was like.

After an extremely early morning flight, we arrived in Palma de Majorca and breathed a sigh of relief when we spotted our bags coming off the luggage carousel. Not long after, we arrived on the ship and enjoyed our first lunch and drink. We explored and found some lovely places to chill out and relax during our holiday.

Our first port on the cruise was Barcelona. I usually book excursions through the cruise line, but my friend and I opted to do something independently this time. There was a city bus tour that started right outside the port, which meant we could see the city at a relaxed pace, and we took lots of photos.

We even saw a stubborn little dog who refused to move from the middle of the road, no matter how many car horns honked at him. The dog and his owner were both fine, so don’t worry. I can’t help imagining the owner being a bit exasperated with his dog, who probably didn’t care what the fuss was about because the little dog was king of the road.

It was rather appropriate that we found this fellow waiting for us when we returned to our cabin.

Our next port was Corsica, but as we were due to arrive about midday, my friend and I had a spa treatment. I had a hand manicure and massage, and it was lovely and, oh, so relaxing. I would happily do that again!

After lunch, we went on an excursion to Vizzavona in the mountains: the views of the mountains and valleys were spectacular!

We also stopped at a little restaurant in the mountains, where we tried wine and local delicacies before returning to the cruise ship.

During our trip to Naples, my friend and I visited the ancient city of Pompeii. Although I have been to Pompeii several times, this was my friend’s first visit, and she was excited.

Pompeii is a window into how the ancient Romans lived, and it was just as impressive as the first time I went. Walking past a Roman fast-food shop reminded me that Romans' daily lives were not so far removed from our own as we like to imagine.

Mount Vesuvius

 

The weather was scorching and sunny in Pompeii, so we indulged in our first holiday ice cream while we waited for the coach.

My friend and I both had a fantastic time on this cruise. We spent much time between our excursions and city tours relaxing by the indoor pool and chilling out, sitting in the bars while we had drinks. Oh, and having afternoon tea. I can’t forget that! 😄

Although we were sad when our cruise ended at the end of the week, we had a fantastic time full of fun, laughter, and beautiful memories. My friend loved her first cruise, and I have happily converted her to cruise holidays. Truthfully, it only took me about a day and a half to finish convincing her!

We have already booked another cruise holiday for next summer, and I can’t wait!!

Whatever your plans are for this week, I hope you enjoy them.

D x