No Grandi Navi!

Here we are on the Norwegian Jade about to set off on our Mediterranean cruise. As with the start of many holidays it has been a long day! We got up at 4.30 a.m. to get to the airport nice and early because we reckoned that this Saturday of the schools' October holiday week would be busy. And so it was; there was a big queue at check in, although security hustled us through very efficiently. I napped a bit on the plane and then there was a bit more queueing to collect our cases in Venice, get on a bus, and check into the ship.

But by about 2 p.m. we had explored the ship, had a pleasant lunch and were relaxing on sun loungers on the deck. I had a good swim and hope to do so every day of the cruise. And now we are moving slowly down Giudecca Canal in Venice about to pass St Mark's Basin. This is the last year that cruise ships will be allowed to do this because of the erosion that their bow waves cause to the ancient buildings, and quite right too - but I have to say it is an amazing view!

Update half an hour later - James just said "Well that was one of life's rich experiences!" and I thought he meant the  wonderful views we have just seen. In fact he meant this first ever Aperol Spritz which I bought him at the deck bar as a tribute to Heather and Ewan!