The Adriatic and Italy on Celebrity Reflection June 3, 2022

[PurpleTraveller]

9 hours ago, vickykay said:

Which side of the ship were you on for the sail into Kotor?  Thanks.

 

We were at the front of deck 15 so we could watch the whole view and move to one side or the other if I wanted to take photos. The islands and Perast are on the left during sail in and right sailing out.

 

[PurpleTraveller]

8 hours ago, carlmm said:

Lovely pictures. Thank you for your review!

 

Thank you! Hope you enjoy the rest of the review. 😊

 

[PurpleTraveller]

6 hours ago, theopup said:

Lovely review and beautiful pictures 

 

 

Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy the remainder.

 

[PurpleTraveller]

5 hours ago, Lastdance said:

Kotor, Montenegro is such a beautiful Medieval town that has quite a few interesting hikes with gorgeous views.  We loved the zigzag road and how everything was so unspoiled.  The views in and out were absolutely gorgeous, as your photos show...thanks for rekindling the memories.  Now, I cannot wait until my return next year, as my first time visiting was one with a sinus infection that started in Lake Bled.  thank goodness I had meds with me, so I was on the mend.  Sometimes you just want to pinch yourself to make sure that you are not just dreaming!

 

Thank you! We love Kotor. On a previous visit when we walked up the wall to the Fort the views were magnificent. The old city is also lovely. We are always very happy when a cruise itinerary includes Kotor. Enjoy your visit next year!

 

 

 

 

Edited July 17, 2022 by PurpleTraveller

[PurpleTraveller]

June 9 - Sea Day

 

After a busy few days (just calculated that we walked about 11 kilometres or nearly 7 miles in Dubrovnik) it was time for a wonderful relaxing Sea Day.

 

During the Captain's daily update he  announced that there were 19 Covid cases on board. After this when he made his daily update he didn't give any numbers, just that there were more cases.

 

We had a relaxed breakfast at the Oceanview Cafe and then we found sun lounges on the Solstice Deck and sat back to read and relax. The forecast was for the weather to deteriorate throughout the day so we wanted to make the most of the sun while it lasted. We watched the coastline of the sole of Italy's boot for a while until we left to get a burger from the Mast Grill for lunch.

 

When we went to get lunch the forecast was proved to be correct as it became overcast with a few spots of rain. As the day progressed the weather got worse and by 4.00 pm it was raining.

 

To be honest I can't remember what we did for the rest of the day after lunch. It obviously wasn't anything major so we must have just sat back and relaxed.

 

We had dinner at the Opus Dining Room again.

 

Here are a few photos from around the ship.

 

 

 

 

[PurpleTraveller]

June 10 - Messina

 

We woke to an overcast morning and watched the ship docking at Messina. The harbour was busy with ferries going to and from the mainland. We had breakfast at the Oceanview Cafe and looked out over Messina. The ship docks right next to the city which is very convenient if you are staying in the city for the day.

 

Having been to Messina previously when we went to Taormina (very pretty town with a lovely ancient Greek Theatre) and knowing there's not a lot to do in Messina, we decided to book a Celebrity shore excursion. Despite never seeing any of the Godfather movies we booked the "In the Godfather's Footsteps" excursion so that we could go to small villages out of the city.

 

We met at the theatre at 8.30 am where they were handing out KN95 masks as it is mandatory in Italy to wear a P2 or KN85 mask on all public transport, including on planes flying into Italy. We left at 9.00 am and I was pleased to see that everyone on the bus was wearing their KN95 masks on the bus and continued to do so for the entire tour whenever we were on the bus. Despite this being a full sized tour there were only 28 participants on the tour which was actually less than the small group tour we went on at Kotor.

 

We had a 45 minute drive along the coast and then up a twisting road with many hairpin turns. The bus had to stop a number of times so vehicles coming the other way could reverse up so that we could make the turn.

 

Our first stop was at Savoca where scenes set in Corleone in The Godfather and Godfather 2 movies were filmed. The views from the main square were wonderful even though it was overcast.

 

 

 

We went to a bar in the main square where we had a lemon flavoured Granita and some type of bread stick to dip in the Granita. They were both delicious. Across the road from the square was Bar Vitelli which stared in a scene in one of the Godfather movies.

 

 

We had some time to go into Bar Vitelli to look at the Godfather memorabilia and to browse in a shop with beautiful ceramics. We then gathered together again to move on. Just as we were about to leave there was a short downpour but fortunately we were still undercover. After the rain eased we walked through the very pretty village to Chiesa San Nicolo.

 

 

 

 

Chiesa San Nicolo was originally built in the 13th century and was restored in the 15th and 18th centuries. A wedding scene for one of the Godfather movies was filmed there.

 

 

 

 

There were great views of the town from the church and as we walked back to the square we ran into some donkeys.

 

 

 

By the time we got back to the square the sun was out and we then got back on the bus to go to our next stop. I liked this statue of a donkey on the roof of an artist's gallery.

 

 

Edited July 18, 2022 by PurpleTraveller

[PurpleTraveller]

We left Savoca at 11.15 am and drove back down the twisting road with the switchbacks that we had come up. The views along the coast were great.

 

 

 

It was another 45 minute drive to get to Forza d'Agro up another twisting road with more switchbacks. Like Savoca it had also been used for scenes set in Corleone in The Godfather and Godfather 2 movies. At midday we started our walk through the very pretty town to go to the Cathedral.

 

The Cathedral Maria S. Annuziata was built in 18th century and was also used for a scene in a Godfather movie 

 

 

 

 

We then walked through the pretty streets, stopping at a viewpoint to admire the view of the coast.

 

 

 

 

We walked to Piazza SS Trinita so that we could visit Chiesa SS Trinita which was built in the 16th century.

 

 

 

 

 There were views from the square along the coast and up to the town's old castle.

 

 

 

[PurpleTraveller]

We walked back to the main square where we had some free time so we walked around the town.

 

 

The views along the coast to Taormina were wonderful and we could just see Mt Etna peeking above the hills.

 

 

 

 

After the free time we walked back to the bus to return to the ship. As we made our way back down the winding road we passed this castle overlooking the coast.

 

 

We got back to Messina at 2.00 pm but rather than going back to the ship we decided to walk into Messina to visit the Cathedral. It was a short five minute walk to the square where the Cathedral and the Bell Tower are.

 

The original Cathedral was consecrated in 1197. In was reconstructed after it was damaged during an earthquake in 1908 and then again when it was badly damaged by bombs during WWII.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We returned to the ship at 2.30 pm and had a lunch at the Oceanview Cafe, once again looking over the city. 

 

 

Edited July 18, 2022 by PurpleTraveller

[PurpleTraveller]

We had received an invitation to the Helipad for sail away so at 4.45 pm we made our way to Deck 6 forward. At the Helipad we were greeted and given a glass of champagne.

 

We had a great view of a beautiful sailing ship moored in front of us.

 

 

 

When we started moving it was very windy and we had a great view of the statue of Madonna of the Letter at the entrance to Messina's harbour.

 

 

 

 

We had dinner at Opus Dining Room and there was another beautiful sunset.

 

 

One of many things I have missed during the last two years when we have been unable to travel, is the pleasure of meeting people from around the world and making new friends. On this cruise we had the great pleasure of meeting the most gorgeous lovely couple on the first day of the cruise. Whenever we saw them we had a great time and they are honestly two of the most delightful people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. 

 

After dinner we met these lovely new friends at the Sunset Bar for a drink. After a lot of chatting, having a drink or two (or three or four) and having a wonderful time, before we knew it, it was 12.15 am and the bartenders starting packing up. It's a very long time since I've been at a bar when it's being closed! 😂

 

On our way back to our cabin we got to see Reflection lit up.

 

 

Edited July 18, 2022 by PurpleTraveller

[vickykay]

Thanks Purple.

[kebrown]

12 hours ago, PurpleTraveller said:

We left Savoca at 11.15 am and drove back down the twisting road with the switchbacks that we had come up. The views along the coast were great.

 

 

 

It was another 45 minute drive to get to Forza d'Agro up another twisting road with more switchbacks. Like Savoca it had also been used for scenes set in Corleone in The Godfather and Godfather 2 movies. At midday we started our walk through the very pretty town to go to the Cathedral.

 

The Cathedral Maria S. Annuziata was built in 18th century and was also used for a scene in a Godfather movie 

 

 

 

 

We then walked through the pretty streets, stopping at a viewpoint to admire the view of the coast.

 

 

 

 

We walked to Piazza SS Trinita so that we could visit Chiesa SS Trinita which was built in the 16th century.

 

 

 

 

 There were views from the square along the coast and up to the town's old castle.

 

 

 

Do you remember what level in the Opus Main Dining Room is reserved for passengers who have Select Dining?

[Andrea stringer]

15 hours ago, PurpleTraveller said:

We had received an invitation to the Helipad for sail away so at 4.45 pm we made our way to Deck 6 forward. At the Helipad we were greeted and given a glass of champagne.

 

We had a great view of a beautiful sailing ship moored in front of us.

 

 

 

When we started moving it was very windy and we had a great view of the statue of Madonna of the Letter at the entrance to Messina's harbour.

 

 

 

 

We had dinner at Opus Dining Room and there was another beautiful sunset.

 

 

One of many things I have missed during the last two years when we have been unable to travel, is the pleasure of meeting people from around the world and making new friends. On this cruise we had the great pleasure of meeting the most gorgeous lovely couple on the first day of the cruise. Whenever we saw them we had a great time and they are honestly two of the most delightful people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. 

 

After dinner we met these lovely new friends at the Sunset Bar for a drink. After a lot of chatting, having a drink or two (or three or four) and having a wonderful time, before we knew it, it was 12.15 am and the bartenders starting packing up. It's a very long time since I've been at a bar when it's being closed! 😂

 

On our way back to our cabin we got to see Reflection lit up.

 

 

What a lovely thing to write, completely mirrors our sentiments towards you guys too, what fun we had, if only it could of lasted a bit longer. Xx

[PurpleTraveller]

6 hours ago, Andrea stringer said:

What a lovely thing to write, completely mirrors our sentiments towards you guys too, what fun we had, if only it could of lasted a bit longer. Xx

 

Only the truth 😊 Very sad it had to end. We had such a wonderful time. 💜

 

[PurpleTraveller]

9 hours ago, kebrown said:

Do you remember what level in the Opus Main Dining Room is reserved for passengers who have Select Dining?

 

Sorry I don't know. We were always seated upstairs so maybe downstairs. Maybe someone else knows. 

 

[PurpleTraveller]

15 hours ago, vickykay said:

Thanks Purple.

 

Thank you and hope you enjoy the rest.

[PurpleTraveller]

June 11 - Naples

 

We woke to a gorgeous morning. Off to the Oceanview Cafe for breakfast where we had a great view of Naples from the back deck.

 

 

We have been to Naples many times including three times on cruise ships. We have also stayed in Sorrento on a land trip so have done most of the main sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento and Capri. We love Naples and enjoy spending time in the city. Today we were planning on going to the white building at the top of the hill overlooking Naples.

 

 

We left the ship at 9.10 am and walked through laneways past local shops to our first stop.

 

 

 

We arrived at Piazza del Gesu Nuovo and admired the Guglia dell'Immacolata obelisk built between 1747 and 1751.

 

 

We were here to visit Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo.Originally built as a palace in 1470, it was confiscated due to political intrigues by the Sanseverino family and sold to the Jesuits in the 1580's. They converted the palace to a church between 1584 and 1601, keeping the facade of the palace. Unfortunately we were unable to see the unusual facade.

 

 

However, the interior of the church is magnificent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PurpleTraveller]

After leaving the church we walked through the local markets which were a hive of activity on a Saturday morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We continued on to the Montesanto funicular station. We paid €1.10 each for our tickets to go up the hill to Morghen station.

 

 

We walked from the funicular station to Castel Sant'Elmo and on to a viewpoint overlooking the city.

 

 

 

 

 

[PurpleTraveller]

On the other side of the square from the viewpoint is where we were going. The Charterhouse and Museum of San Martino sits just below Castle Sant'Elmo on Vomero Hill. It is a former monastery that was founded in 1325 and had extensions done in 1581. It is now the National Museum of San Martino. The entrance fee is €6.00 each.

 

The outside doesn't look very impressive but we entered into a courtyard with the main church of the monastery in it.

 

 

 

It was obviously the day for magnificent churches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we came out of the church we had a view up to Castel Sant'Elmo.

 

 

We then entered the small museum where there are displays of carriages, sculptures, nativity displays and other artefacts. Unfortunately the Naval section was closed.

 

 

 

[PurpleTraveller]

We went into the gardens overlooking the city where there were great views and we could see Reflection peeking out from the greenery.

 

 

 

We went back inside and made our way to a balcony where the views were even better. Mt Vesuvius was on the other side of the bay and we could see Reflection below us.

 

 

 

 

 

The magnificent cloister was built in 1581 during the extensions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are many beautiful carvings.

 

 

Lastly we went into the Refectory.

 

 

There is not a lot to see in the museum but the views from the former monastery are fantastic. There was a lovely cool breeze up there which was very welcome on a very warm day.

 

[PurpleTraveller]

We then walked back past the Morghen funicular station a little further to the Piazza Fuga funicular station where we paid our €1.10 each to go down to the Augusteo funicular station.

 

Naples was very busy and we walked to Galleria Umberto I built in 1890 and opened in 1900.

 

 

 

We stopped for some lunch - pizza of course, at a small cafe outside the Galleria. After lunch we walked the short distance to Piazza del Plebiscito. There we could see Palazzo Reale on one side of the square and Basilica di San Francesco di Paola on the other.

 

 

 

The church was closed for a wedding and they had the cutest stretch convertible Fiat Bambino for a wedding car.

 

 

 

We walked along the waterfront back to the ship at 2.30 pm. After a quick visit to our cabin we went to the Sunset Bar where we stayed for Sail Away.

 

The sail away was lovely with views of Mt Vesuvius and Naples. We also sailed past Capri.

 

 

 

 

[gareths]

11 hours ago, PurpleTraveller said:

 

Only the truth 😊 Very sad it had to end. We had such a wonderful time. 💜

 

But, we are going to do it all again!

 

I can only add to what Andrea said, we are so pleased to have met you guys too and are looking forward to catching up again in the not too distant future xx

[Tipsy252]

On 7/18/2022 at 5:41 PM, kebrown said:

Do you remember what level in the Opus Main Dining Room is reserved for passengers who have Select Dining?

I was the upper level, deck 4, left side. Or at least that is where we went and were seated. We were select dining.

[WorkerBee74]

On 7/13/2022 at 12:11 AM, PurpleTraveller said:

After a rest we then headed out for dinner and some more sightseeing. Along the way we saw this building that had vines drapped over it and the power lines. It looked lovely.

 

 

 

 

This is a restaurant called Ai Tre Scalini - we have it on our list for October!

 

Enjoying your review - wonderful photos - getting me excited!  We were also on a cancelled Infinity Cruise - ended up on Edge instead on an itinerary in France/Italy vs Spain/Portugal but now going to spend a week in Spain prior.

[Beamafar]

Fantastic report on Naples.  Will be visiting in September on the Edge and this has given me lots of ideas for our day there.   

[vickykay]

When you exited the ship, which way did you go in Naples?  Thanks.