The Woodyren's 2022 wanderings. Maldives Mallorca Malaga Mykonos and the Matterhorn plus many parts/ports in between.

[VPS]

Great photos of Ephesus. The crazy man sounds like the new Italian prime minister.

Except the new PM is probably going to be female

 

[woodyren]

Last stop on the tour was for lunch at the Pine Bay resort on the outskirts of Kusadasi. A buffet selection of great Turkish food, deserts and fruits. I had a walk around the resort which I think offered all inclusive options. Reminded me how much we enjoyed our previous all inclusive stay at Jiva Beach resort in Fethiye a few years ago. Definitely need to return to Turkiye for another extended stay. This hotel looks like a good option.

 

[woodyren]

Another turn around day for our 3 Med cruises has come and gone. First port of call was Naples again. This time we walked to Napoli Centrale and caught the local train to Sorrento.

The difference between the high speed trains and local trains in Italy is immense. One spotless and efficient. The other a total rabble. We are fine with using the locals because we are prepared for some interesting challenges.

This trip began with an incorrect display on the platform train board. If not for a friendly local we would have boarded the incorrect train. I think many tourists did. Most of the local stations and trains look they have been abandoned to vandals.

 

[woodyren]

Really pleased we made the train trip to Sorrento. The train schedule allowed us to spend around 4 hours there and leave plenty of contingency time to get back to the ship.

While a little frustrating at times the local Italian trains make for some interesting travels.

Yesterday we had a medical emergency on board and had to turn around on our way to Santorini to head back towards Sicily for a rescue helicopter evacuation. Now just relaxing on board off Santorini.

 

[woodyren]

Last of our three visits to Athens. For something different I took a walk around the coast from Piraeus port while Mrs Woodyren relaxed on board


Turned out to be an interesting area along to coast watching the locals.

 

[woodyren]

Last visit to Kusadasi. After almost 10 weeks away it has been quite relaxing to revisit the ports and just spend a few hours taking a leisurely stroll then return to an almost empty ship.



Heading back to Civitavecchia to disembark Odyssey of the Seas. On the last evening we sailed past Stromboli.

 

[woodyren]

Our cruises and travels are finally nearing the end.

We had two nights to spend prior to our flight home from FCO and we decided to stay in the port of Fiumicino nearby the airport.

A great and inexpensive alternative for a relaxing stay for anyone who has previously visited Rome.

Hotel Tiber was excellent value at €100 per night with breakfast.

Right opposite the fishing port.

 

[woodyren]

Spent our time in Fiumicino watching the local fisherman go about their business. Lots of food options along the river front. Early start tomorrow for our 6am shuttle to FCO to begin our flight home.

 

[tgh]

As always , wonderfully immersive photography capturing the essence of your destinations, well done.

 

[ellen10]

What a great holiday you both have had. Thanks for sharing your photos and journey. I hope your flights go well!

 

[woodyren]

Sorry for the delayed finish but we have been very busy since our return home last week.

Flights home were QFF J rewards on Qatar Airlines.

Our first flight was from FCO to DOH.

 

[woodyren]

We had a four hour layover in Doha. The Al Mourjam lounge is huge with the main dining area upstairs. When we arrived there was plenty of room in the dining section but later they were taking reservations at the bottom of the stairs. Food was good but not quite as impressive as expected. My steak was like rubber.

 

[woodyren]

DOH-SYD leg was on an A380. By the time the flight left we were very tired and undecided about when or what to eat. By the time we made our decisions most of the best options were taken. All in all though the anytime done option allowed the excellent staff to suggest meals that were perfectly fine.

We had a few drinks in the bar before retiring.



So that's a wrap. All in all a wonderful trip in which almost everything went to plan. That in itself was a bit of good fortune considering the current situation of potential travel disruption, luggage not arriving or the ongoing risks of COVID interrupting plans.

Thanks to all who followed along.

Cheers.

 

[craven morehead]

Very enjoyable TR thank you

 

[Notyourbag]

Very enjoyable TR and one that resonated with me as I was on Odyssey of the Seas in June and flew QR to/from Sydney.

@woodyren - is Icon of the Seas on the cards?

 

[woodyren]

@woodyren - is Icon of the Seas on the cards?

It was a but only if it was doing a Trans Atlantic. We have a Trans Pacific on Ovation in April followed by an Alaskan cruise. Also have a number of Spectrum cruises out of Singapore including two 12 night itineraries from Singapore to Tokyo and return in July August. Spectrum is our favourite ship. Not sure if we really want to fly to the USA for Icon.

 

[OZDUCK]

Thank you. I very much enjoyed following along.

 

[drron]

Good TR. Was an informative look at big ship cruising. At present though we will stay with the smaller variety.

 

[ellen10]

Thanks for your trip report and photos, I enjoyed following along with you. I'm glad your travels went so well.