"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report #105 sailing Towards Civitavecchia, Italy (Strait of Messina) April 14, 2016 Thursday Partly cloudy & 68 degrees 60 Pictures

Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 8:34:10 PM
Subject: Report #105 sailing Towards Civitavecchia, Italy (Strait of Messina) April 14, 2016 Thursday Partly cloudy & 68 degrees 60 Pictures

Report #105 Sailing Towards Civitavecchia, Italy (Strait of Messina) April 14, 2016 Thursday Partly cloudy & 68 degrees 60 Pictures

Today was supposed to be another day at sea, but turned into so much more. After breakfast in the dining room, we took our usual walk around the promenade deck. It was more than chilly, since we were about to enter a very turbulent body of water between the mainland of Italy and the island of Sicily. It was the Strait of Messina, which we normally enter in the wee hours of the morning on our way to Messina, Sicily. Last year, we were here in the port of Messina around 7 or 8am, so when we hit the rough waters and high winds, we would have been asleep.

Today, we got to see the entire sailing from beginning to end, staying outside for at least two hours. It wasn't easy. The winds became gale force, making walking and watching the transit difficult. We could see the change from typical seas to choppy waters with white caps, to storm-like spray coming off of the high waves. On one side of the promenade deck, we got soaked, as the spray went all the way to the cabin windows. The deck fellows quickly gathered all of the chair pads and even the towels, as they would have been air-borne.

Captain Mercer announced that we had a pilot who would stay with us until we passed Messina in Sicily. As the two shores became closer to each other, the rougher the water and current got. The Amsterdam was sailing at an angle at some point, listing to one side as we cut through the waves.

We did get some good photos of several types of ferries that crossed in front and in back of us. We did try to see Mt. Etna at 10,924 feet in elevation, but the top of Sicily was covered with fog. The first large city we saw was Catania, followed by Messina. We could not find the name of the city on the mainland. One thing we did notice, was that the hillsides were much greener here than in Greece.

Many passengers came out briefly to snap photos of the straits, but headed back in when the winds hit them. The only good spot on this deck was in the aft, where we had a little shelter and some sun. By 11:30am, we had passed the tip of Sicily which was marked with a lighthouse and a tall tower. On the opposite shore, there was another matching tower, so there must be a story behind these two towers. Will have to research this.

Somewhere near the open waters, the Italian pilot was scooped up by the driver on the small pilot boat. He headed to the shoreline of Messina. Once out of the straits, the waters became normal once again. It was still cool, but not cold enough for us to change to long jeans yet. As long as we kept moving, and wore sweatshirts or jackets, we were comfortable.

There were a few enticing items on the lunch menu, so we ended up in the dining room with Barb and Maureen. We had cheddar cheese soup, fried calamari, and mini Rueben hamburgers. The burgers are mini, like a slider, but the French fries are still served in the cute wire basket, filled to the top. They are the best….hot and crispy. We talked all through lunch, and did not realize that we were the last to leave the room by 2pm. Our waiters are so nice, they have never said a word to us that the dining room was closed by then.

A movie in our room worked well for the afternoon, followed by a long walk again in the fresh air. We also needed to catch up on the port talks given by Barbara H so we know what to expect in the upcoming Mediterranean cities, especially shuttles, buses, and taxis, etc.

Tomorrow, we have gotten special passes for a tour on the new Koningsdam, which will be in Civitavecchia with us. Recently having gone on her inaugural 7 day cruise, she will be loading up for the second 12 day Med cruise, and leaving by 4pm. They have been kind enough to accommodate a group of us on an organized tour of the public areas, and more we hope. Actually, they will be taking us in groups of 70 guests, which is surprising, since we figured most people would be going into Rome for the day. Anyway, it should be fun, and will give us plenty of time to go into Civitavecchia for the afternoon. We would never pass up the opportunity to eat pizza here in town, since it is really good.

A new guest chef, Joe Truex, prepared some of his signature dishes of okra pancakes and butter-poached shrimp and grits in the Culinary Arts center. And another new lecturer, Mike Raick, gave a talk about Elvis, hula hoops, and 3-D movies. Have to admit, we are quite familiar with all of these subjects. The other guest chef is still onboard, but presented a look at the fashion and function of clothing worn around the world. She is very clever with diversification.

Dinnertime found four of our group in the Pinnacle Grill, with the rest of us having to say goodbye to Ruud, who will be flying home to Holland tomorrow. We asked our head waiter how many will be leaving at the end of this segment, and he said around eight. But combined with those leaving in Barcelona, the number is 38 on total. No new passengers will join the ship for the Atlantic crossing.

They had the best breaded shrimp for an appetizer tonight. The sauce was to die for, although one of us had the pho chicken soup instead. If it happens to show up again, one of us would consider ordering two, and having it for the entrée. We both ordered the beef brisket with creamy mashed potatoes, and a very tasty gravy. With today being "day 100", it really is pretty good that no menu has been duplicated exactly in that many days. Yes, many entrees are repeated, but never in the same order. Even the dessert menu is extensive, as we have new items all of the time.

The entertainer this evening was a fellow by the name of Ruben Vilagrand, who presented a unique approach to mime, magic, and comedy. Now this is a different type of act for sure. We doubt we will make it, but will ask tomorrow who went. With some of our tablemates on all day tours to Rome, most will opt to go to bed early tonight.

Looking forward to a great day in Italy.

Bill & Mary Ann

Transiting the Strait of Messina