Ocean Princess

Well, we are well & truly onboard and really enjoying a small ship.  However, first things first.  Going back to Assisi, Tuesday broke with a cool and threatening morning.  Down for s lovely breakfast, made fresh by the receptionist/housekeeper/cook, all rolled into one.  Surprisingly there were 6 Australian's also in residence (only 8 rooms).  After breakfast we walked through town again, including the church/basicilca next door, which was built over the home of St Francis' family - have a photo of the original door, dating back to 1200AD.  Yes, the buildings are absolutely fantastic.

Too soon it was time to check out, as we had to catch a local bus down to the railway station and they only ran at 30 minute intervals from the far end of town.  Luckily we made it and the bus came along 10 minutes later.  Before that however, I had to take our bags down the 48 stairs - the guy from yesterday was not there!

About 5 minutes after arriving at the station, the heavens opened!  Boy we were really lucky.  Train was on time and we had an uneventful trip to Rome Termini.  As fate  far end of Platform 2 and as we walked, about 1 km, to the main part of the station, found that our onward journey to the port left from Platform 29 (which is the last and furthest away), with 19 minutes to get there.  Of course we made it with at least 90 seconds to spare.  Seems like a feature of this trip.

The trip to the port is just on an hour and when we arrived, were quite happy to pay EUR15 to be taken to the ship - some folk walked them 2-3km, but we thought that we had earned a break.  Quite funny that there were no queues, so embarkation was simple and were in our cabin in no time.  Only had time to unpack 1 bag before it was emergency drill.  As we are on early dinner, had to ready by 6.00! 

We are at a table for 8, which includes 2 Aussies & 2 Canadians who joined at Dover, so are on leg 2.  The other seat was taken by a Russian lady, who spoke not one word of English.  By sign language, pen & paper we established that she is a History Professor from Moscow.  It was quite hard work.  As an update, she has subsequently met a Hungarian woman and the ship has found a Russian waitress, so she seems to now be dining elsewhere.

A small ship seems a bit strange after the Royal - everything is within a couple of decks and it is not far from one end to the other.  A couple of times Vivian has taken off down the passageway, past the stairwell, which is only 5 cabins away.  Great food & company and I know that we are going to have a great time.