Don’t read this, because you might hate me. SAVONA

Kelsey and I awoke from a great night’s sleep and headed up to the big buffet breakfast on the 9^th deck. There was a pretty great selection, and the coffee, at least in the morning, was free—a great surprise.

After eating, we headed out of the boat to explore the incredibly-walkable and easy-to-navigate city of Savona. It was absolutely beautiful outside, and though it was a little chilly and windy, the sunshine made up for it.

 

We headed first to the Sistine Chapel. Well, the other Sistine Chapel. Although we didn’t get to see the Sistine Chapel in Rome, we did get to see one! This one is called the Sistine Chapel (“Cappella Sistina) as well, because it was built by the same Pope, who originally came from Savona. It was built initially to serve as a tomb for his parents. Later on, it was remodeled in the 18^th century in the Rocco style, with lots of beautiful three-dimensional stucco designs and paintings. I would put a picture of the inside up, but they were very strict about no photos being taken.

After the Sistine Chapel, we headed just down the road a bit to see the Cathedral dell Assunta. It was another very impressive church.

I have seen so many churches since coming to Europe, it’s almost a little overwhelming. They are all so different from each other, too though. What made this one stand out? The rotting bodies, still wearing all of their priestly-garb,  on display in lit up tombs at the front of the church. Kelsey and I were a little shocked, a little freaked out, and a little unable to look away. Below, is our general reaction.

After that experience, we were eager to get out into the sunlight again, so we headed up to the Savona castle, where we could climb to the top and see a beautiful 360 degree panoramic view of Savona, and the mountains and sea surrounding the city. It was absolutely beautiful. We sat on a bench at the top of the castle for a good half-hour, just soaking up the sun.

 

 

We spent another hour or so exploring the streets of the city, before heading back to the boat at around one to recuperate in our room. The timing of the cruise could not have been more perfect. The TopDeck tour was amazing, but now that we are away, we are starting to realize exactly how exhausted we were. After this cruise, we’ll no doubt come back to London well-rested.

After a bit of rest, we put on our workout clothes to explore the gym. It was the first time back in a gym for both of us since January, and it was amazing. I (confession) used a treadmill for the first time for a period of more than fifteen minutes. I did not fall off. FEAR! CONQUERED! YEAH! Post-gym, we headed back to the room to change and get a late lunch back at the buffet. It was so good. I had cous-cous, salmon, pizza, salad, crab/veggie salad, string beans and carrots, and fresh fruit. And dessert. We are so happy. We literally couldn’t stop shaking our heads in awe of how great and relaxing this trip is. It ended up being a great deal, too, since we got it discounted. We haven’t paid for anything on the ship yet, with the exception of wi-fi, too. Best. Decision. Ever. I’m probably bragging. But I don’t care. We are constantly giving ourselves pats-on-the-back here.

 

After lunch, we changed into our bathing suits and headed up to the very top deck to sit in the Jacuzzi and look out over the sea to see the sun setting over the mountains. When an hour or so had passed, we went back to the room to lounge before heading down the bar and ordering our first fancy beach drinks of the trip, a “Bahama Mama” for me and a “Pina Colada” for Kelsey. I saved my little umbrella, because I am a five year old.

 

We then headed back to the “Teatro Stardust” to see an hour-long illusionist-cabaret-magic show, which was very fun and pretty impressive, if a little cheesy. Finally, at 9:00, it was time for another delightful three-course dinner. Tonight, I ordered a goat cheese mousse with roasted red peppers; roast turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce, and paprika potatoes; and strawberry mousse for dessert

  

I. Love. Cruises.