The cruise we chose left out of Civitavecchia, the port just outside of Rome, on August 28th. The days leading up to the cruise, I was super excited and looking at everything I could to prepare for the adventure. We were on the Royal Caribbean Cruise line and on the Navigator of the Seas ship. We also booked all our excursions through Royal Caribbean, that way we didn't have to worry about anything and could just relax and enjoy the week.
On Sunday Aug 28th, one of our friends agreed to drive the 3 hours one way to take us to the port. We were very thankful that she agreed that way we didn't have to figure out an alternative way of getting there, or having to leave our vehicle at the port and pay for parking for a week. Once we got to Civitavecchia, she dropped us off and headed on her way back home. John and I had a little while before we could even go down to the boat so we just relaxed and grabbed some food for lunch.
We were able to start boarding the boat at 1 so around 12:45 we got the shuttle that took us to the check-in area for our cruise. John and I had checked in on-line before even heading to the port so we didn't have to worry about any of the paper work once we were there. Once we got to the check-in area there were signs everywhere telling us what and where to go. First off we were able to drop off all of our luggage except what we wanted to keep with us, this was nice, we didn't have to worry about getting it on the boat or to our room. We then went over to the other side of the check-in area and got our Sea-Pass cards, so we could get on board. With as many people that were boarding the boat, Royal Caribbean had this process down. I think John and I were only in line for about 20 min and after that we were on the boat. I was very impressed at how well they had it all moving.
Once John and I got on board we were pretty much in awe of what all we saw. From here on I will let the pictures tell what we saw.
Our first view of the boat as we were in line to board!
Getting a pic of John right before we got on the ship
Taken from the elevator on our way up to our room. This was our first view of the inside of the ship.
We made it to our room, we booked a room with a balcony and loved it. This was our view while sitting in port.
We were on the 9th deck, so it was a pretty far drop down...
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
Haha.... This was one of the first things John found in the room and HAD to try it on. He also assured me that he could get in on in 30 seconds.
Our room...for being on a ship I was impressed it was a pretty good size. This was looking towards the bed and balcony doors.
Looking in the other direction, the living area and the bathroom is back in the corner.
Once we got through getting our luggage put away (after it was delivered to our room), we decided to walk around the ship and see what all there was. This was the Solarium, it was the adults only pool, and the bar is behind the pool.
One of the two hot tubs in the solarium.
The family pool area, there were two pools in this area and four hot tubs. Behind the pool a couple decks higher were three more bars. The Cosmopolitan Bar, the Seven Hearts Bar (there they had cards and other games you could play, the 19th Hole Bar (sports bar) was also up there.
The rock climbing wall, this was located outside on the 13th deck. So by the time you got to the top you were pretty high up.
The sports court, also located on the 13th deck. The court was used for basketball, soccer and volleyball. The hind the court was the putt-putt area and the inline skating area.
The on board chapel
Inside the Cosmopolitan Bar, they would have live music at night.
The 19th Hole, Sports Bar
The jogging track, this was located outside on the 12th deck.
The Ixtapa Lounge, this area was used mostly for bingo and some other activities, it also turned into a dance club some of the nights.
The Metropolis Theater, this is where all the nightly shows took place.
Cafe Promendade, this little cafe was open 24/7 and they always had small desserts, snacks and sandwiches available.
The Royal Promenade. This was inside on the 5th deck. This is where you could do all your shopping, they had about 6 different stores that sold anything from necessities you may have forgot, to clothing and even jewelry.
An old antique car sitting in the Royal Promenade
Some of the decorations around the boat.
The Champagne Bar
More decorations
Some glass decorations
Headed into the Casino
Slot Machines
Some decorations through out the Casino
The Dining Room
We went to one of the top decks to watch us pull away from the port. One of the workers getting ready to un-tie us.
Leaving Civitavecchia
So excited for our vacation
There was one place we saw, while looking around were you could actually see into the bridge and watch what they were doing.
Some artwork that was at the entrance to the hallway to our room, so we saw it everyday.
About an hour after leaving Italy they crew had a sail away parade for everyone.
Sail Away Parade
Our dining room for the week was The Nutcracker
Wine with dinner
Once we finished dinner we ended up walking around some more before the show, somehow we ended up at the sports deck, so we played a round of putt-putt.
Yes, I was playing in a dress and 4 1/2 inch wedges!!
The first night on board they had a Welcome aboard variety show. This was bits and pieces of some of the shows we were going to get to see through out the week.
After the show..We very much enjoyed our first day on board the Navitgator of the Seas!!
No comments:
Post a Comment