First day in Venice, Stu and I left the ship at around 9:00am because we wanted to go to Burano, the one island we hadnt been to..there was a shuttle bus to the vaporetto ($15 per person) which I heard a lot if complaints about because it wasnt that far..personally it was worth it to Stu and I because it was so warm(translated HOT)..
We took a vaporetto to Murano (about 40 minutes) and changed to go to Burano (another 40 minutes) I was glad I had my kindle with me as it helped with the long hot ride..the best value we had was the 12 hour vaporetto pass which was 32 Euros but really worth every cent to us because we were on so many that day!!
We arrived in Burano about noon..and enjoyed walking through all the small shops and stalls..talked to many people who lived there and did not see anyone from our ship..we were there about 2 hours including our lunch and caught another water bus to San Marco and then yet another one to Rialto Bridge..we shopped for quite a while although we didnt buy anything but a charming Murano clock for my office which was only 8 Euros..but a nice memory for me..after all the walking and all the heat (it was 100 degrees) we had a couple of beers near San Marco and took the water bus back to P Roma where our shuttle back to the ship was..I know it doesnt sound like much but it took us over 10 hours as we returned to the ship at 7pm absolutely exhausted!! Showered, rested and 8:30 we met Brian and Jean from UK at the Buffet and had a late leisurely dinner, I almost fell asleep in my sushi..of course the Pino Grigio really helped..

The next day (yesterday) we were in Venice until 1:30 and we were supposed to go back to Rialto..but truth be told we overslept and didnt get off the ship..
Last night we had dinner with Niyazi and just laughed until I thought I would cry..many of the crew had a soccer game the 1st day in Venice and they were telling us about it..we cracked up..
Stu and I decided the crew on Quest is possibly the friendliest we have ever had..and the most fun!!

I decided to try my luck in the casino and played 3 hands of blackjack last night..I had 3, 20’s and the dealer had 3, 21’s..That was kind of an idea of things to come so I figured tonight is another night..
Today is another very hot day (95 degrees) and we went in to town, Dubrovnik..walked around, met some friends and had a beer and decided to return to the ship..Stu and I decided to try theThalassotherapy pool for the very first time and we LOVED it..so relaxing we were in about 15 minutes and then just flaked out on the deck..interesting we were the only 2 people there..kind of like your own yacht!! We paid $19 for the day (we will go back later this evening) but next time for $99 we will buy the pass for the trip..my aching bones loved the relaxation..but my toe ring turned black..so be careful with jewelery in the pool..
Tonght dinner in Prime C with some new friends and tomorrow actually a day at sea..and we do need it!!
They have some really nice Murano jewey on board and I am seriosly looking at a piece..do I need it NO..do I want it..maybe but the prices are very reasonable..
I dont know who the Art people are on board (not Park West) but they and the photographers are really low key and dont bother anyone!!
Off to change..only a few more days for questions from you..this trip is flying by..

Quote:
Originally Posted by uktog
Jan
As we struggle to shut our cases to go and maybe you struggle to do so to leave can I thank you for all your postings from Quest. Whilst our itineraries differ you’ve given me a great flavour of what life on board is like and confirmed that our fantastic experience on board in January was not a one off. We will wave to you on Sunday

Ann

I am leaving you with the best crew I have ever saied with..
I will be thinking of you!!

I will start where I left off ...with our day at sea..very warm so I did some of the inside activities, magic workshop, trivia, shopping..some great stuff at great prices everything was $10..I bought a cute pair of earrings.
At 3PM we went through the straights of Messina and it was so different as there is less than a mile at that point between Italy and Sicily.. the Captain was telling us a fable that was quite interesting..
About 6PM we passed Stromboli and I tell you just as we were passing it belched smoke and fire like it was a show just for us!! So amazing..
Yesterday was Olbia and as hard as I talked I could not get Stu to go to the beach..so we took a toor with the ship of Madalanna Island..it was a long ride 50 minutes..then 20 minutes on the ferry then a ride around the Island to another Island..30 minutes shopping time and the whole thing again in reverse..I was not impressed with this tour..the only thing I liked about the tour was I stopped to get Gelato Coconut, Mango and Rice..out of this world!! It was 2 euro and worth every cent..The weather has been so hot that it has been difficult for Stu and I to do a lot of what we wanted to..
Today In La Spezia we stayed on the ship. did laundry, read and packed until 5pm when we got on to the tender into town..walked a couple of miles and had made a reservation for dinner at a wonderful little family restaurant that was outstanding..I did get their card so if anyone wants the name I have it..I had Calamari Salad and Pasta with tomato and olive oil and it was heavenly..Only problem was it was close to 90 degrees out at 8pm
I just cant believe we only have one more day on the ship..I feel like we have become a big family and I miss everyone on board already..tomorrow we are in Livorno and we will see what the weather is before we decide what to do..if we stay on the ship I know we will be in the pool all day..
More tomorrow night and I will have one last entry after we arrive home!!