Well, today we exited the NCL Viva. Always a sad day, for nearly two weeks we have dined, drank wines, been entertained by high quality performances each night, and most importantly had our room cleaned every day. Not a worry in the world, as each morning we rose to look out our balcony to new country or town.
We thoroughly enjoyed visiting a new place every day, not worrying about how to get there, who was driving or the cost. We paid for everything in advance. The tours were informative and enjoyable. Worth the cost for a worry free experience. So many highlights, it would difficult to narrow it down to one or two.
Most importantly we met many nice people, with some standouts: an older couple from Southern California who shared our love of wine on more than one excursion, to the delightful mother and talented daughter from Ohio who gracefully shared a coffee and explore with us in Malta. We crossed paths more than once where we enjoyed the stories shared.
Culture and people have been highlights, of course we have experienced some functional or rude people, but we can find that at home, so no big deal.
Our fellow travellers were generally friendly and considerate. Cultural norms of course were always present.
We liked our experience aboard despite Viva’s unusual design. They focused on maximum space for people to sit and enjoy but at the expense of grant atrium and hallways that pass through restaurants and bars. Minor inconvenience for such comfortable spaces.
The crew were professional and generally very friendly. Amazing since they work non-stop for seven to eight months, 10 hours a day. They get free food and boarding, and cruise line provides flights home at the end of the contract. If they want visit a port, it is in their sleep time.
Exit from the ship went very smoothly. Too smooth, we arrived at train station one and half hours early. We built in “oops moments” in our travel timeline but not needed. The train station is fairly functional, certainly no thrills.
The train trip was typical European, comfortable and arrived on time in Rome! Termini station was busy and vast, outside station was “interesting” with usual not so nice folks waiting scam anyone foolish enough to engage with them. We walked twenty minutes to our apartment, as we moved away from the station the streets began cleaner, better kept and not being asked buy a bargain from I assume a Nigerian?
The apartment is large and well equipped.
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