I can't believe this is finally happening. When I was approached with the opportunity to take a cruise in the Mediterranean, I didn't think it would ever be a reality. Through much contemplation, calculating and re-calculating the travel budget, amazing parents and a teary eyed good-bye to our three year old son, we are finally on the plane to …

We touched down this morning and I am so happy to be on the ground and off the plane. After going through customs, and being super concerned and disappointed customs officials did not give us an entry stamp, we set out to find our luggage. Apparently a lot of flights land in Rome at 10:30 AM as there are 3 courosels of luggage. We finally find …

Today we wake up farely early to make sure we are at the Colesseum before the crowds. First we head to the train station to figure out what time we need to be back to get the train to Pt. Civecchia.

On the way, we of course have to stop at a local café for an espresso. I feel like a local as we enjoy our coffee among other patrons on …

After the early morning, long travel days and stressful hours of work prior to the trip, we take this morning to sleep in. It feels so good to be on vacation and to have a leisurely morning.

Being in our first port, we are eager to explore the island. Little did we know that our “exploring” would be mainly looking at closed …

Today we are excited to get off the boat and head to town. A couple we met last night told us we could rent bicycles. So we grabbed the bikes and road into town. My first order of business was to find an internet cafe to check in with home and to get money exchanged to Euros. Since tomorrow is a Catholic holiday, we come to realize that most …

Knowing for sure that today was a holiday and that many things would be closed, we booked a shore excursion through the boat. We went to a small family owned vineyard. The property has been in the family for 20 years with them starting to make wine the last 7 years. It was such an interesting tour. They grow 4 types of grapes and all of the …

Today is a day at sea. I am leery of this because I don't want to spend the day seasick. We do take advantage of not having to be anywhere and it is so nice to sleep in again. We spend much of the day playing cards, reading and taking naps.

Tonight we have a BBQ on the outside deck. It is cool but quite a spread. We arrive a little late …

Today we are in Mallorca and I am so excited because I heard they have great beaches. That being said, we are about an hour from the beaches and there are sights to see right in Palma.

We decide to take a hop on/off bus. These are open air double decker buses that give you a tour of the city and the sights. We pay for our ticket and get head …

Today we are in Valencia. This is where I studied and lived for 3 weeks exactly 10 years ago. I can't believe I am here again. Since I am familiar with the city and want to catch up with my host family, this where we are disembarking.

We call my host family to make sure we are still meeting for lunch and then head for some shopping. My …