Tuesday, May 17, 2005 Marseille

Our tour selection for this day was called “Marseilles Overview” lasting 4 hours primarily via bus with little walking.

Marseille (pronounced, “mar say”) is the 2nd largest city in France (Paris being #1). This city is primarily a petroleum port. Lots of “working” vessels, not luxury ships (as in Monte Carlo), are harbored there.

The city was greatly destroyed in WWII, so many buildings are “newer”.

We boarded the bus and made several short photo stops of landmarks. We toured the famous Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde that is visible from the harbor because it is on the city’s highest hill. By this time, the memories of all the churches, what they looked like on the inside, had begun to meld into one in my mind. In this church, persons offer prayers to the Virgin Mary to protect the mariners.

There is an island off the coast of Marseille that had a famous prison (Chateau d’If) on it and was mentioned in The Count of Monte Cristo (1844). Compare it to our Alcatraz off the California coast.

I did purchase some wonderful very large bars of French soap at a very reasonable price before returning to the ship. I wish now I had purchased more of them.

This might have been a good day to enjoy the many features and activities onboard the Radisson Seven Seas Voyager.

At 7 pm the ship began sailing to Sete, France.

(Slipping this in here. As the days progressed, passengers seemed to be "better dressed" for dinners even after the one "formal" night.)

Following dinner, we couldn’t wait to return to the Constellation Theater to see, once again, Kenny Smiles. The ship’s newspaper said, “Come early for a back seat”. (Because he teases those in the front rows.) He stretches the truth a bit - one does NOT get a hickey the size of a dinner plate on their backsides if they flush the toilets while sitting on them although it SOUNDS like you will!


Wednesday, May 18, 2005 Sete

The town of Sete is pronounced “Set”. It is a “scenic fishing port” giving visitors access to the medieval cities of Carcassonne (where Kevin Costner filmed Robin Hood) and Montpellier (17 miles inland).

Sete has some of the world’s fastest sailboats because it is here that the French train for the America’s Cup.

For this day, we selected the tour, “Montpellier and Flaugergues Chateau” lasting 4 hours. Coach transport, very little walking and “refreshments” (wine tasting) were described in the excursion detail.

Montpellier was founded in the 8th century and has one of France’s largest and Europe’s oldest universities. One-fourth of the population is under 25, so it is a very vibrant city.
It is most famous for its medical school where:

Nostradamus graduated from the medical school at the University of Montpellier and began a private practice where he succeeded at treating bubonic plague victims in Montpellier and the surrounding areas.

Having been a nurse and being interested in prophecy too, I would have enjoyed more time around the University area where we saw many young people visiting at the café-lined squares.

It would have been of interest to me to visit the beautiful Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier.

This herb garden was created in 1593 under Henry IV to help students in medicine.

Montpellier is the capital of Languedoc-Rousillon, the biggest wine region in the WORLD.

Since I also appreciate and enjoy the “healing powers” of a nice glass of red wine… visiting the nearby “suburban” wine country was appealing.

Unfortunately, we did not get much “shopping” or relaxing time at a café in Montpellier and basically stopped briefly for photo opportunities.

A bus took us to the Chateau de Flaugergues which has been the property of the de Colbert family since 1696. The Count and Countess Henry de Colbert live in the 3 story mansion (we met him and his son but not his wife). His “home” is now a French historical monument. Tax advantage? Some of the property was sold off fairly recently because the town basically needed room to grow.

He was an interesting man…longish gray curly hair, rumpled linen sport coat and slacks, lively expression and an obvious love and pride in the history of his family and the possessions. His eyes twinkled with delight as he showed and explained certain items to us.

Irrigation of vineyards in France is not allowed, but this property has its own wells and is irrigated. Basically, wine needs a wet season, then very dry for several months, then wet. If it rains in the summer, the wine is not as good.

Count de Colbert speaks English with a heavy French accent. It was difficult at times to understand him. The tour of his home felt somewhat “rushed”. It is by no means a full tour…select rooms only. However, it is indeed filled with treasures. Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I would love to see this home and gardens completely restored.

After the tour of the home, we were directed to another building where we tasted 3 kinds of wines with crackers/bread provided in between tastings.

Now…we have toured several estates and vineyards in California’s Napa Valley, so in some ways, we have been “spoiled” as far as “expectations” go.

This was our LAST NIGHT on board the Radisson Seven Seas Voyager. While I was looking forward to seeing Barcelona, at the same time, I was sad to have to leave the ship.

At 5:30 pm we left Sete bound for Barcelona, Spain. Meanwhile…there was packing to do. Luggage has to be re-tagged and put outside the cabin door by 11 pm. The tags are color-coded.

At 6:30 pm there was a farewell cocktail party and crew salute in the Constellation Theater. Waiters served appetizers and drinks while music was provided by the Voyager Quintet (band). Many passengers attended this farewell.

Following dinner in the Compass Rose, we enjoyed a final performance by the singers and dancers of the Radisson Seven Seas Voyager. The title was: Lullaby of Broadway. The singing, chorography, costumes, etc. were indeed “Broadway” class.

After losing a few more quarters in the slot machines, we headed off to bed.

Thursday, May 19, 2005 (our anniversary)…Barcelona.

Following breakfast, we went to the reception desk on the ship to retrieve our passports. Carrying only small essential bags and our valuables, we waited in the Constellation Theater for our “color group” (remember the bags were color coded) to be called to disembark.

The port in Barcelona is one of the nicest…esthetically speaking. I was quite surprised. After retrieving our luggage, we grabbed a cab (lined up to take passengers into Barcelona) to go to our hotel – the Atrium Palace. (The cab ride from the port to the hotel was ABOUT 15 Euro, I think. You can ask at the tour desk on the ship what to “expect” to pay.) The room charge was 193.25 Euros (total U.S. = $251.58) for one night. It was a very modern (room décor), exceptionally clean, small hotel. A very nice breakfast buffet was included (we requested it ahead of time at a reduced rate). This hotel even has an indoor pool.

My brother-in-law is an architect and he loves Barcelona. Now I know why! It is an amazing, very big city. We were in AWE of the very, very “decorated” Gothic buildings with elaborate ironwork, concrete designs, etc. We took a LOT of pictures.

Since we had only one day to spend in this city, I chose two buildings “not to miss”, the Picasso museum and the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church which is an amazing work in progress (yes, with money, we still CAN create beautiful buildings). There are many workers and many high cranes visible.

There is a museum adjacent to the church that is very interesting. It explains where the architect, Gaudi, got his “inspirations”…his designs mimic nature…plants, sea life, etc. and today’s computers prove the strength of his peculiar designs (wavy rooflines, etc.). Unfortunately, Gaudi died at an early age (he was struck and killed by a street car), but his legacy remains.

The Picasso museum was somewhat disappointing. I guess I expected to see his most famous works – which are, of course, scattered among several countries of the world. The guards at this museum yell at you if you stick your nose too close. There is a not-so-obvious line on the floor that viewers are not to cross for a closer look.

We spent a lot of time wandering/walking around the old city center, taking pictures and (like every other tourist) strolling down la Rambla with its vendors and street performers.

This is only country where I felt we needed to have a translation dictionary. We had but a very basic one. My general “feeling” was: this is a busy, unfriendly town to tourists. When we tried to procure a cab to take us from the Holy Family church back to the old city center (NW), we were “ignored” by some cab drivers.

Since we are not especially fond of Spanish/Mexican foods, this was obviously not our favorite city for that reason also. We ate at one of the “American” food restaurants that advertised they take Visa/MC, but when the bill came, they said the computer was down and we had to pay in Euros.

I am glad we saw Barcelona, it is a very unusual city architecturally speaking, but I have no desire to ever return.

The next day, following a full breakfast, we took a cab to the airport. Our hotel had called for us. The cab ride to the airport ran about 30 Euros, I believe. It wasn’t terribly far.

After checking in at the Delta desk, we had to go thru a suitcase inspection…completely emptying our neatly packed suitcases, before they were taken to the plane and we were allowed to go to the gate. The security person said, “Blame your President Bush.”

Once we finally boarded the plane (Friday afternoon about 1 pm) the captain came on the intercom and said there would be a delay. It seems that the control tower decided to do some computer programming adjustments and no planes could take off. We sat on the runway for 1-½ hours. This may have been a blessing though, since Atlanta had a bad hail storm one hour before we were to land and other passengers on other planes said the landing in Atlanta then was really rough and they were scared.

The flight back to the states was as pleasant as possible in coach class. Watching the movie, National Treasure helped to pass some of the time.

In Atlanta we went thru customs and then to our gate where we had to wait (backup due to the storms) for our continuing flight to Tampa.

All in all, it was a wonderful, memorable experience. I would definitely go on the Radisson Seven Seas Voyager again and I would love to return to Capri, Rome, Portifino, Florence and perhaps Monte Carlo (in that order), but first…

Radisson just sent us (yesterday) information on the Mariner. Australia – New Zealand has peaked my interest while my better half is enthralled by the description of the South Pacific itinerary. Then there is, of course, Greece, Alaska…to explore.

“I was again seized with the longing to travel and see foreign countries and islands.” – Arabian Nights.

Thank you once again, Martha, for your review. I've enjoyed reading every word of it!

Masaki

Martha,
Great review!! Thanks for taking the time to report to us! Glad you had such a good trip!

Betty

Loved your review, Martha! What's next on your schedule?

Martha - thank you SO much for such a thorough review. It's a lot of work (labor of love?) and it's great you can do it while your memory is fresh. Be sure to cut & paste onto a Word document so you can refer back to it if needed.

We enjoy the choices of itineraries RSSC offers, too. We primarily choose cruises based on itinerary .. and a great discount always helps to make the daydream a reality. Cheers, Anne

Yes, a labor of love (!) and I have printed it out also to include it in a photo album/scrapbook of this vacation.

I'm happy you all enjoyed reading it and I will return to ask YOUR advice on the South Pacific/New Zealand via the Mariner, perhaps next year. We caught the cruise "bug" (a good one);-)

I normally do a LOT of research and planning ahead of trips, but was not able to for this one - far too busy here (son was extremely ill, but is recovering...long story that starts with food poisoning).

So I am happy it worked out just "winging it" for the most part.

I am very appreciative of the advice and support that was given prior to our trip. This is a great board...nice people!

Martha - Yikes! I am sorry your son was so ill but glad to hear he's on the mend. Food poisoning is nothing to fool around with. We've got a few posters who are doing the Mariner itinerary you are considering in November so hopefully they will also do a great job of reporting on their trips. Cheers, Anne