Mediterranian Cruise 2008

Zuiderdam at port in Venice.

Day 1 was really two days; we left Huntsville at 3:00 in the afternoon and after having over an hours delay in Atlanta (go figure) we finally left for Venice around 9:00 pm.  The flight crew somehow adjusted the flight plan and we still arrived in Venice roughly on schedule at about 11:45 the next morning.  Using the Holland America transfers, getting to the port and checking in on the ship was a breeze.  After going to the room for a quick dropping of carry-on luggage and an opportunity to wash the face and hands, it was time for a buffet lunch.  By the time we made it back to the staterooms, the checked luggage was arriving. 

All we did today from a sight-seeing standpoint was make a quick trip away from the port and into the city of Venice.  I’ve always heard love-it or hate-it comments from others who have been here, I think I would fall into the love-it category; but you have to take the time to relax and enjoy the ambience of the city.  Find the restaurant with the band of choice and linger for a while over a meal.  This is, of course after a day of shopping the MANY local merchants.