Sorry - but my blogger is acting up today - it will not let me make all the text large and will not let me remove excess spaces - not sure what is going on :(
So - this was on Sunday, July 7 - Stampin' Up! provided buses to take us from out hotel in Rome - the Sheraton Roma - to our cruise port to board our ship - and we're off!
Day 3 -
Here is our hotel - it was very nice (except for the heat and poor air conditioning) –
The next few pictures are from the bus on our way to the port - The countryside was scattered with abandoned buildings, lots of abandoned green houses, farmyards and fields with huge round bales of hay, and then huge beautiful homes up on hills.
One thing that surprised me were all the Oleander bushes along the freeway and sides of the roads - reminded me of California.
We got onto the ship before our rooms were ready -
Jewel of the Seas!
They let us board right away and quickly; so we went up to the buffet area for a nice lunch. The salads on the ship were amazing - pretty much what I had every day for lunch. There were so many choices that each day was a brand new flavor combo. Tuna, shrimp, artichoke hearts, chickpeas and lots of fresh veggies - a lot of Mediterranean influence!
Here's a view of guests arriving early like us and having their lunches as they waited to get in their rooms.
Finally around 3pm we were able to get into our rooms, and found this adorable little sign hanging on our door. The first of many keepsakes.
We unpacked, organized a little and took a nap - so nice to be in an air conditioned cabin with a balcony! For dinner we went to formal dining and I do not know how I did not get pictures - but it was amazing. Paul had Prime Rib and Apple Pie a la mode; and I had horseradish crusted salmon and creme brulee. The only picture I got was of my calamari appetizer salad - which was delicious.
When we came back to our room - this guy was sitting right out on our balcony welcoming us - so I had to click a picture. He stayed right there even when I went out on the balcony. I was surprised as we were leaving port and heading out to sea - but he seemed unfazed.
After dinner Stampin' Up hosted an amazing Welcome Party with this buffet - it was huge and there was another just like it on the other side of the pool. We had just eaten and not hungry - so just grabbed waters and relaxed and chatted. There was music, and food and approximately 450 demonstrators with spouses poolside - can't beat that.
Even with our naps we were tired - so we went back to our cabin for some well deserved "cool" sleep :) As I entered the cabin I noticed our pillow gifts on our bed (there were gifts every single night)- this purse/backpack is just lovely. Elegant and practical - I am sure it will get well used - plus the Stampin' Up! tote and a package of the new black dimensionals from the holiday catalog.
Sunset was late and I sat outside a bit just enjoying it - although it was muggy and pretty warm - but I was able to capture this cotton candy sky - what a wonderful way to finish our day.
See you soon with more adventures in cruising - day 4 :)
~Maureen
To order any of Stampin' Up's products you can go directly to my online store -www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net and click on SHOP NOW. Please use the Hostess Code below to get full benefits from me. Thank you!
Don't forget to take advantage of this great July Special - Just be sure to save the codes they email you after ordering - so you can use them in August!
