Part 11 – Athens to Rome

In Athens my parent’s in-law, Eric and Olga joined the ship for my final 10 days of the world cruise. Once we had said our hellos and got their luggage onto the ship, Dave, Loren, Eric, Olga and I headed to the train station to catch the train right into Athens. We wondered around the Acropolis which was amazing, saw what other sites we could in our limited time, had a delicious Greek lunch and wondered through some of the old pebbled streets.

Two sea days later we arrived in Venice. My Nonno came from north of Venice so I have a real soft spot for the place. I got up early for sail in and then proceeded to have a fabulous day. The weather was magnificent. I love Venice; it is so beautiful and much cleaner than I remember it from 2001. We went for a gondola ride, visited the palace, St Marcs Square, The Bridge of Sighs and had a lovely lunch overlooking the Rialto Bridge. I’ve now been there with both my parents and my in-laws…. I’ll get there with Chris one day!!

Next port was Messina, Sicily. I was unable to get off the ship early that day, so Eric and Olga did a ship tour and I spent the day with Josh and Chris (from my cast). Chris has family there so we were chauffeured around by them visiting the various family members and eating a huge lunch. Coming from an Italian family myself I found it quite familiar and homely.

The weather continued to be amazing and we had a lovely day at our next port in Barcelona visiting the sites. While docked in Cannes, we travelled to Monte Carlo which had me feeling like I was back in familiar territory. Both Cannes and Livorno were regular ports for me last year. In Livorno we travelled to Tuscany which for me was a wonderful way to end my 4 month world cruise.

Our last production show was a success with a standing ovation. Piano man is one of my favourite shows to perform and as this is now my last production show contract I was quite emotional at the end of the night.

I have met some wonderful people and made a number of life long friends.

After a marathon journey home, including 10 hours at Dubai airport I am now finally home and so very glad to be. Hope you’ve enjoyed keeping up to date with my adventures.

Lots of love
Jess xx