Day at Sea

As the cruise departed Monday afternoon from the Italian port of Civitavecchia, we knew that we made the right decision to cruise early instead of at the end. It was the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of graduation, packing, the four flights over and the busy days in Rome. The ship is gorgeous, and because it is so new, it feels more like a floating 5 star hotel than a cruise ship.

Celebrity greeted us with a champagne bucket in our room as we arrived from Rome

After sailing away, we enjoyed a lazy day watching the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Zack started his day with his first room service experience, enjoying a cup of Earl Grey (which he now consumes at prodigious rates – even with pizza!).

Earl Zack takes advantage of all the fringes of cruising on the first morning

From time to time we would catch a good glimpse of land, particularly as we rounded the boot of Italy between the mainland and the island of Sicily. Today was all about getting perhaps too much sun on the decks and exploring the ship.

The med is a shade of blue that you don't see anywhere else

Sailing between Sicily (here) and the mainland -- around Italy's boot

As we approached happy hour, it felt like a good time to enjoy Zack’s coveted Limoncello purchase. He fell in love with the bottle and the idea of a Lemon Party aboard the cruise. Unfortunately, it did not meet his expectations.

Locally produced Lemoncello for the Lemon Party on balcony

Zack's refined palette doesn't approve (kudos to Kayla for capturing his candid reaction)

It was also our first formal night, which we enjoyed in the specialty dining experience of the Murano restaurant. A beautiful dining room with service, presentation and food as good as anything we’ve had on land.  The family glam was a sight to behold, don’t you think?

Dave and Karen before heading out to formal night

Zack and Kayla dressed for dinner and casino action