The 9th May was a good day to be leaving Venice.
Time to leave the luxurious Hotel Bauer
Over breakfast,with most guests huddled in the main dining room instead of the balcony, we looked out at grey skies and choppy water in the canal, feeling a little sad because our chances of a future trip to Venice were slim. At the same time we were excited about the next chapter in our holiday – the cruise down the Dalmatian coast and parts of Italy.
Gondolas busy despite the cold and rain.
The private water taxi for our departure from the hotel was disappointing after that initial trip but we were glad of another opportunity to photograph gondolas and the buildings that could not belong anywhere else in the world.
Celebrity Constellation was moored in what looked like an industrial harbour, away from the glamourous part of Venice. We arrived by car (arranged again through the very helpful concierge) and told to leave our cases with hundreds of others, which was a bit disconcerting as anyone could walk in and help themselves.
With passports and tickets in hand, we were then directed to one of several lines for guests who were booked in the suite categories. Getting through customs is usually a slow business, but three women decided that they were more important than the rest of us and pushed to the front of the queue. Susanne and I, along with everyone else standing in line, almost cheered the young woman who had to ask them, politely but firmly, to go back to the end of the line and wait their turn. Three times she had to repeat the request. We sincerely hoped that they would not be our neighbours and that we would not have to see them again during the voyage.
Eventually we were welcomed on board, offered drinks and after some delay, taken to Sky Suite 6121. A chilled bottle of champagne and two glasses greeted us, along with a selection of fruit and biscuits.
Champagne to celebrate the start of our cruise
While waiting for our cases, we checked out our cabin – probably one of the best I’ve been in, especially the full sized bathroom, with a bath and a spacious balcony as well, which was the perfect spot for champers.
Cocktails and canapes would be served on the flight deck (helicopter pad) and as special guests (meaning we paid for a suite rather than an ordinary cabin) we were
On the helipad for cocktails, canapes and photos.
invited to join the officers and other ‘special’ guests to watch our departure from Venice.
Looking back on the city
Panorama leaving Venice
We took loads of photos and from the deck of this very large ship, most other vessels looked small, but one wealthy person had his own mini-ship.
Who owns a yacht like this?
Off on our next adventure
The private butler turned out to be the best part of the cruise. We returned to our cabin to find our cases waiting and a booking for the Ocean Liners Restaurant which became our favourite dining venue. The staff went out of their way to be helpful and over the next few nights we made new friends there.
Our first meal in the Ocean Liners Restaurant
Reflections in the window