First Cruise - The Mediterranean

After arriving in Rome, we spent one night in the quaint town of Tarquina, Italy, before boarding our cruise ship the next morning:

Tarquina, Italy

Tarquina, Italy

mom enjoying a breakfast croissant

Tarquina, Italy

authentic Italian pizza with my big brother

the discovery of what was later lovingly dubbed "wine from the keg"

We ready.

We started at the port of Civitaveccia followed by two full days at sea. 

The Queen Elizabeth - much larger than I expected

The Queen Elizabeth

Our restaurant: everyone told us eating was the best part of cruising.  They were right. 

at sea

at sea

at sea

gettin' fancy (photo by Cunard Cruiseline)

We spent a few days in Greece seeing: the ancient ruins of Olympia (the birthplace of the Olympics), Athens, and Mykonos. 

Port of Katakolon, Greece

ancient ruins at Olympia

Olympia, Greece

Olympia, Greece

Olympia, Greece

Mykonos, Greece - waiting for the sun

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece - cute cats everywhere!!

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

The ancient ruins in Turkey were especially memorable.  

Il-Kai, the best tour guide in all the land

Turkish theater, ruins

Turkish theater, ruins

Turkish theater, ruins

"Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior"

souvenir shop, Turkey

Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus, Turkey

the library at Ephesus, Turkey 

the library at Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus, Turkey

they sold a lot of genuine fake watches in Turkey

Port of Kudasi, Turkey

On our last day, we visited the town of Sorrento, Italy.  Despite the rain, it was picturesque and welcoming - the perfect way to end our two weeks circling the Mediterranean.

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy - food, wine, dessert - this vacation wouldn't have been the same if we didn't discover this small cafe

I'd say my first cruise experience was a Success.  Till next time, QE!