Ocean princess venice to rome

[Bimmer09]

Can't take photos inside (sigh). Very beautiful but I won't torture you with descriptions (which would be inadequate anyway)

 

So photos of the environs will have to do...

 

Approach through narrow alleys like this where the trash has been left out for pickup.

 

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and then this

 



 

The square outside

 

 

Another canal ! Hooray!

 

 

 

The church was beautiful and memorable. If Titian had lived he would surely have produced a painting called "Tourist Finds a Bench and doesn't want to leave it"

as Carol had done just that by the pretty bridge in the photos.

 

But we had to move on as Carol hit on the brilliant idea of a Vaparetto trip up the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge to Piazzale Roma where we began our watery existence just the day before and then back to S. Angelo to pack up our luggage.

 

So we walked back to the Vaparetto stop...along this lovely canal.

 

[Bimmer09]

Ricke Steves has a great audio tour of a Vaparetto ride from Piazzale Roma to San Marco and we had listened to it before we visited Venice. However we did it backwards and just let the scenery wash over us . We were on a schedule as we had to vacate our room , have lunch, go to the Opera and then get ourselves onto the Ocean Princess to start our cruise. Busy day.

 

Here are some snaps from our trip up and down the GC....

 

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[Bimmer09]

The hotel where R Steves stays- Ponte Antico.

 

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Street market in full swing

 

 

Now a place that has deep meaning for us-the Casino-but it was also the Palazzo Vendramin in the 19th century and it was here on April 13 1883 that Richard Wagner died of a heart attack. For Carol and I and millions of others he was the greatest opera composer to ever live. He wrote music while on holiday in Venice to escape the cold of Germany.

 

 

A plaque on the wall notes that Wagner stayed here and died here.

 

 

[Bimmer09]

Alilaguna is the boat that takes and picks up from the airport

 

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Carol makes her trip notes on the iPhone

 

[Bimmer09]

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The view from under the footbridge at Piazzale Roma as we prepare to take a boat back to the hotel

 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

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Carol had earlier gone to the Hotel Concierge and asked him if we could leave our luggage somewhere as we were checking out at noon and wouldn't leave for the ship until 7 p.m....

 

The Hotel GAVE us a single room at the back of the property so we could nap and shower if necessary!! No charge. The bellman moved our luggage while we were out at lunch before the Opera. Fantastic customer service!!

[Bimmer09]

Here is the video I shot while taking the previous photographs. Multi-tasking and very much looking forward to the first beer of the day -which will follow as we had a fantastic al fresco lunch in Piazza Anzola....

 

 

Norris, loving every moment in Venice

[Woobstr112G]

Norris;

 

What an outstanding review with pictures.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Bimmer09]

Norris;

 

What an outstanding review with pictures.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

Bob! So glad you could join us !!

 

The Ocean doesn't get much press (besides the selling-off) but ....well I won't talk about her until I feel her under my feet-which is coming soon.

 

I had originally booked a Royal Princess Carib cruise for Jan 2014 and was looking forward to the Ocean as a biggest vs smallest comparison...but then the Royal was launched and it is not my kind of ship by any means (aft suite dweller) and your soot reports really clinched it for me (us) The aft suites on Royal are lame compared to the Ocean.

 

Happy to see you here and I ask that you stay tuned....some amazing things are just up ahead . Spread the word if you can- I don't want this trip, this ship, this itinerary to be a secret!

 

Norris

[ar1950]

Norris, a question please. Now, in retrospect, would you still have some unease about walking around Venice in the early morning if you were to do it again?

 

And a comment. Wonderful review and it just keeps getting better! :cool:

[MMDown Under]

Just found your wonderful review and devoured it all in one lot! Now I will savour the rest at a more leisurely pace.

 

I am amazed what you managed to fit in during such a brief visit to Venice. Just shows what you can do with a little bit of organisation, plus a sense of adventure. Were you exhausted when you got on Ocean Princess?

 

Some brief comments -

 

For those worried about the long flight to Europe. Flight from US to Europe is not long. That is what we call "the short leg". Just did Brisbane to JFK direct (customs LAX) in 24 hours! Then repeated the exercise, JFK to Brisbane, for more fun!

 

Love all your beautiful photos where you have captured the essence of Venice. My favourite is the one taken from a small alleyway whilst waiting for the Vaparetto. Did you plan that photo, or just discover it whilst waiting?

 

"Turned down" I'd never thought the expression was odd until you mentioned it.

[Woobstr112G]

Bob! So glad you could join us !!

 

The Ocean doesn't get much press (besides the selling-off) but ....well I won't talk about her until I feel her under my feet-which is coming soon.

 

I had originally booked a Royal Princess Carib cruise for Jan 2014 and was looking forward to the Ocean as a biggest vs smallest comparison...but then the Royal was launched and it is not my kind of ship by any means (aft suite dweller) and your soot reports really clinched it for me (us) The aft suites on Royal are lame compared to the Ocean.

 

Happy to see you here and I ask that you stay tuned....some amazing things are just up ahead . Spread the word if you can- I don't want this trip, this ship, this itinerary to be a secret!

 

Norris

 

Norris;

 

Will do my friend.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Bimmer09]

So we went to the Frari Church, took a long Vaparetto ride, had an amazing tasty lunch with a plate of freebies from the great kitchen-the stunningly fresh bruschetta, and some drool-inducing deep-fried Peccarino cheese puffs.

 

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And although this looks like just steak and potatoes it was...steak and potatoes-as ordered!! And it was dee-lishus!!

 

 

 

 

After this meal we had an opera and a great one it was-thrilling entertainment.

 

More of that later...

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Here is a video which covers lunch al fresco (great restaurant) and is followed by an Opera at La Fenice....

 

 

After this it would be time to return to the Hotel and order a water taxi to the Ocean Princess...

 

Norris

[rdsqrl]

Yum. Now, I'm craving pecorino puffs . . . Hopefully more food porn to come.

 

The boats/gondolas/etc. look like they're zipping around every which way. I wonder how many fender-benders Venice averages per year?

 

Although we don't agree on the charms of Wagner -- I'm a Verdi girl myself, I remain your committed and devoted fan. Savouring this review; please don't hurry!

[perfect match]

Venice is unique and I hope to return. Happy to see you are sailing in the CB in a week or so! There will be lots of catching up on this review when you return!

 

Norris

 

Yes, we will be sailing on the CB in 7 days. Couldn't resist the great deal Princess was offering! I'm planning to get right back here to your review to chase away my post cruise blues once we get home.

 

Loved your photos and videos, as usual. Venice really is an intriguing and very beautiful city. I loved Carol's idea of a vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal. I think if I ever get to Venice I would want to ride up and down every canal in the city.

 

I wish I had some of those peccorino puffs right now!

 

Nancy

[GrammySpo]

Loving your thread. We were experiencing Venice a year ago this month and it's been delightful to revisit. Loved Carol's word for Venice--enchanting...

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[RNGALNG]

Loved the latest 'batch' of photos. Norris, is there a rhyme or reason to what side the boats 'drive' on in the canal? It seems not to matter from the photos.

 

Can't wait for the next chapter.

[SOLIVITA LADY]

Norris, wonderful review. You have inspired me to book a Venice to Rome cruise on Island Princess. Could you please tell me the name of the restaurant you had lunch. Looks wonderful.

 

If you can also list hotel names, restaurants you used it would be great. We would love to follow in your footsteps when we go on our trip.

 

Can't wait to read more.

 

Jackie

 

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk HD

Edited October 11, 2014 by SOLIVITA LADY

[Bimmer09]

Norris, a question please. Now, in retrospect, would you still have some unease about walking around Venice in the early morning if you were to do it again?

 

And a comment. Wonderful review and it just keeps getting better! :cool:

 

I would do it again as I did before- take just what I might need in the money belt and wear the camera bag around my neck and not just hanging on one shoulder.

 

My initial unease was based on the darkness and narrowness of some of the alleys. There are parts of Chicago I wouldn't walk around in the dark, nor would I drive through but Venice has a reputation for low crime which can't be said for Chicago.

 

The only people I met were workers and some people hauling luggage. There were no people just standing in doorways which would have put me in fight or flee mode. I also saw no homeless people.

 

I wore the money belt every second of the day. It works best under a shirt with buttons as a tee shirt would have to be pulled out of your pants to allow access.

 

Good question. I wouldn't suggest my walk is for everyone but I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

[Bimmer09]

Loved the latest 'batch' of photos. Norris, is there a rhyme or reason to what side the boats 'drive' on in the canal? It seems not to matter from the photos.

 

Can't wait for the next chapter.

 

I'd say that heading towards Rialto the "rule"seems to be drive on the right and from Piazzale Roma the same seemed to apply.

 

The Vaparettos do cross from side to side to pick up passengers but then follow the same pattern. Ditto the water taxis which can be seen backing out of berths and getting tooted by Vaparetto horns. The drivers certainly have some skill in handling their boats.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Just found your wonderful review and devoured it all in one lot! Now I will savour the rest at a more leisurely pace.

 

I am amazed what you managed to fit in during such a brief visit to Venice. Just shows what you can do with a little bit of organisation, plus a sense of adventure. Were you exhausted when you got on Ocean Princess?

 

Some brief comments -

 

For those worried about the long flight to Europe. Flight from US to Europe is not long. That is what we call "the short leg". Just did Brisbane to JFK direct (customs LAX) in 24 hours! Then repeated the exercise, JFK to Brisbane, for more fun!

 

Love all your beautiful photos where you have captured the essence of Venice. My favourite is the one taken from a small alleyway whilst waiting for the Vaparetto. Did you plan that photo, or just discover it whilst waiting?

 

"Turned down" I'd never thought the expression was odd until you mentioned it.

 

I was walking past that alleyway and saw the modern posters on the ancient walls and thought it would make a memorable photo for me. So I am glad you like it too. For the same reason I have other photos of non-touristy sights like the dingy decrepit narrow alleys with trash bags. They are Venice as much as the Rialto.

 

Thanks for the comments.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Yum. Now, I'm craving pecorino puffs . . . Hopefully more food porn to come.

 

The boats/gondolas/etc. look like they're zipping around every which way. I wonder how many fender-benders Venice averages per year?

 

Although we don't agree on the charms of Wagner -- I'm a Verdi girl myself, I remain your committed and devoted fan. Savouring this review; please don't hurry!

 

Annie hurrying is out of the question as there is so much to cover to do all the cities and ship justice.

 

By now in the story the Ocean Princess was in port and taking on passengers and we usually strive to be among the first on board in order to book Sanctuary and Ship Tour but this time would be different. Not just because there was no Sanctuary but because we had Opera tickets for a 3.30 performance. It didn't make sense to go to the ship, change into Opera duds and then go back into the city when we were already within ten minutes march to the Opera and the hotel gave us a room where we could shower and change and take a quick nap.

 

So the embarkation could wait...

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Norris, wonderful review. You have inspired me to book a Venice to Rome cruise on Island Princess. Could you please tell me the name of the restaurant you had lunch. Looks wonderful.

 

If you can also list hotel names, restaurants you used it would be great. We would love to follow in your footsteps when we go on our trip.

 

Can't wait to read more.

 

Jackie

 

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk HD

 

Hotel is easy- Palazzo Sant' Angelo sul Canal Grande

 

The canal-side restaurant was Da Raffaele and the bill was 129E or @ $180 so pricey but location was outstanding.

 

The Anzola Sq one for lunch was Acquapazza and the bill was 72E or @ $100. No wine as I was drinking beer.

 

All the servers were male and very friendly and efficient. Plates were licked clean.

 

You could certainly eat for much less if you window shop.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Thanks to flickr's jumbling of the chronology of my photos these shots taken at Piazzale Roma while waiting for our next Vaparetto were omitted so here they are as I like the foot bridge they show.

 

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This is the watery side of P Roma, away from the busses and hubbub found up the steps....

 

 

 

 

And this is the train station which comes before P Roma on the trip North from Rialto