Rough Day at Sea!!

After leaving Messina, Sicily for Barcelona, we ran into some inclement weather in the Med. A cold front was blowing through and the ship encountered 70 mph winds (120 km) (almost hurricane strength!) & 40 ft seas! Needless to say, the were a lot of people sea-sick on board. Fortunately, Jeanne had brought along 2 transdermal anti-sea-sickness patches, so both Jeanne & I put them on….they really helped quickly.

Captain Carlo changed the ship’s course, doing a 180 degreeturn. Then, I’m sure after consulting with Carnival HQ, in Miami, the port call at Barcelona was cancelled. However, later we found out that the ship would have extra time in Monaco and would stay overnight!!
Captain Carlo steered the ship on a northerly course that put us on the leeward-side of 2 islands, Sardinia and then Corsica. Once we got behind those islands, the ride became much smoother. Later, the weather started settling down and the ride was even better and as it was when we started this cruise.

We are now anchored just off Monaco, and will proceed to the dock in about an hour (7 pm local). The coast and Monaco look beautiful and I was able to capture some great still pics, as well as video.

We have an excursion tomorrow to Nice & Eze, France. I have my French speaking translator (Jeanne) right with me, so this should be cool. After we dock tonight, no big plans, but we might wander off the ship for a bit.

The cruise has been fantastic and the service excellent. Few “glitches’ here & there, but nothing serious. This ship is beautiful and a great design. I am sure this ship will be immensely popular with customers and Carnival will build more after the Carnival Magic in 2011.
Also, Jeanne & I bought many ship portraits & pics ($$), but well worth it, so we will be able to send family & friends some of the pictures, along with the ones I am taking on the Sony camcorder…

(Jeanne here) Last night was a really nice night after all the rockin' and rolling. There was a good dinner, a good show and before all that was a past guest cocktail party. They really treat us well.
Today we saw a comedy show. I can't wait to go to Nice tomorrow and then Florence on Monday. It just seems impossible that the cruise is almost over. More news to come.

Bon Soir a tous!
Jeanne et Marty