So the time has finally come to type up a report of our cruise. I'll start where I left off back on January 19. We were in Bavaria, at a military resort called Edelweiss. We stayed there from January 19-21. Regan went snowboarding on the 20th, and I stayed at the resort with Sasha.
This is how I found Sasha the morning of the 20th. Looks comfy!
Sasha went swimming for the first time ever at the resort pool! He LOVED the water, but hated his life jacket haha.
On January 21, we drove from Bavaria, over the alps, to Italy. The drive, according to Google Maps should take about 5 hours. It took us closer to 9. There was a TON of snow coming down, so traffic was slow and backed up in places. The trees looked so lovely, though!
Winter wonderland! Not so good for driving, though.
Here is a video of our drive:
We spent the next few days staying with our friends, the Lazenby family, in Italy. They live about an hour away from Venice, which is where our ship was leaving from. On Monday January 23, we hopped a train to Venice and got on board the MSC Magnifica! The first day was spent eating, going through safety drills, and getting used to being on a ship.
Me and Sasha all ready for the big safety drill!
Here's a video of our 1st day on the ship:
On January 24, our ship made port in Bari, Italy! We didn't have a tour booked, so when we got off the boat, we tried to find one. We ended up taking a 1 hour tour in a rickshaw! So fun!
The Brant family in a rickshaw!
After our tour, we still had free time, so we walked around for a while and tried to find souvenirs. I used my amazing Hello Kitty powers to find a little Sanrio shop! I got an ice cube tray and a hair clip. We also walked along the shore line for a while and it was really beautiful. We had the best weather of the whole cruise in Bari.
Here is a video of our 2nd day on the cruise:
On January 25, we had a lovely day at sea! It was a pretty lazy day with lots of naps and eating, but I explored the ship and found lots of new places! It was also the Gala night, so there was a fancy dinner and show, and everyone was dressed in ball gowns! It made me wish that I had a gown.
The Brants on Gala night!
Here is a video of our 3rd day on the ship:
On January 26, we made port in Rhodes, Greece. We had arranged for a private tour which took us all over the island. My favorite part of the tour was visiting a small town called Lindos! It was very well preserved and exactly what I pictured a small town in Greece to look like.
Me and Sasha on the acropolis of Lindos!
Here is a video of our 4th day on the cruise:
On January 27, we made port in Haifa, Israel. We had booked a private tour with our friends, the Lazenby family, and had a little mini-bus and tour guide to take us through the holy land! We visited Galilee and the Sea of Galilee, but not much else. Sadly, daylight was not in our favor and neither was time.
Sasha and me on the tour bus in Israel.
I love this picture of us on a boat on the Sea of Galilee! So funny!
Here's a video of our 5th day on the cruise:
On January 28, we woke up in our hotel in Jerusalem early so that we could fit in a whole day of sight seeing! We saw a LOT that day. We were able to see the Garden of Gethsemane, The Garden Tomb, The Wailing Wall, and the old section of Jerusalem. We had an AMAZING lunch of traditional Israeli food. So good. It was an awesome day and an unforgettable experience! I wish we could go back and spend a few weeks there.
The Brants in Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock behind us.
Sasha moving a mini-version of the stone in front of the tomb! Strong boy!
Here is a video of our 6th day on the cruise:
On January 29, we didn't do much of anything. It was an at sea day and we were all pretty tired from our whirlwind trip through the Holy Land. Lots of naps were had, lots of food was eaten, and lots of nothing was done.
Here is a video of our 7th day on the cruise:
On January 30, we made port in Athens, Greece! The sky was clear, but it was SO cold that day. I was freezing (and I HATE freezing). We were able to see some really cool sights, but our tour guide, George, was a little weird and didn't seem like he was used to giving tours. Instead of just taking us around, he kept saying "It's up to you." as if we knew where everything was and where to go next! But we still had fun (making fun of George).
Sasha and Me on the acropolis in Athens, Greece!
Here is a video of our 8th day of the cruise:
On January 31st, we had another at sea day. Our friend watched Sasha during his nap for us so that Regan and I could go on a little date. We went to the Tiger Lounge and had some (non-alcoholic) drinks! It was really nice to relax together.
mmm those drinks were good!
Here's a video of our 9th day on the cruise:
On February 1, we made it back to Venice and said goodbye to the MSC Magnifica!! We left the ship in the morning and were back to the Lazenby's house by early afternoon.
Papa and Sasha saying goodbye to the ship!
Here is a video of our 10th, and last, day on the cruise
And so it ends! It was such an amazing trip! I absolutely LOVED the cruise! I hope that we can go on many more.
