Italian Cruise, Days 1 and 2: Nice and the Silver Shadow

 I’m here! After 12+hrs of travel, I spent the night in Nice, France, met up with my group (who took a different flight) and then transferred to the ship the next day. It’s definitely an experience. Some of the stories…… 

Nice is one of the most beautiful cities, period. It’s such a beautiful mix of older and newer architecture that you can’t help but love it. Admittedly I crashed out once I got to my room yesterday, so I didn’t get to walk around the city like I was planning to do. If you’ve ever seen the video of the little girl lying down on the sand and saying “I go to sleep. I go to sleep right here!” You know how I felt. Fortunately after a good meal at the rooftop restaurant and a good night’s sleep, I feel much better. Just means I’ll have to come back to Nice again to continue walking around. 

Onto the ship! We’re on the Silver Shadow, part of the Silver Sea line. It’s a smaller ship, only holding about 400 or so passengers. One thing I’ve discovered quickly - everyone talks to everyone. If you’re an introvert, just run and hide because you’re going to see people. LOTS of people. I got into a conversation in the dessert line with a very nice lady, and now we’re BFFs. I also had a reaction….I completed the check in process outside the ship, and by the time I walked up the ramp and boarded, I was greeted with “Hello, Ms. Woodfin”. Ummm……how did you do that? Many of the people I’ve talked to have been on multiple Silver Sea cruises. They’re old hats at this. When they hear it’s my first time in Italy, their mouths form a round “O” shape and the next words are usually something like “You’re going to love it!” 

Tomorrow is a day-long tour of Florence. Highlights of the area, followed by lunch and some free time, then the van ride back to the ship. I’m guessing I’m going to come back completely exhausted. But….I’ll have lots of photos and memories! Look forward to sharing. :) 

And now, the pictures! 

The nighttime view from the hotel rooftop. So gorgeous! 

You know I have to do an OOTD…..Old Navy jeans (love the fit of these things), Pact shirt (from Goodwill). Pact is supposed to be a great brand for travel, I was glad to get the chance to try them out. 

The hotel from the opposite side of the street

The Promenade in front of the hotel. Now a great spot for exercising and walking, it was originally built by the rich visitors in town for a space to stroll. 

You could see the ship from the hotel. :) 

The beach is not fluffy sand - it’s rocks. Still, there were sunbathers and swimmers out this morning. 

The offering for registration - champagne and caviar. At 11am. You can see by my face in the next picture, this was when I realized I wasn’t in Kansas anymore…… 

Wheeeeeee! 

Adventure awaits! 

The Nice coastline from the ship. I mean, really. Gorgeous. 

Part of the charm…..an older style building next to a mod, 60’s style building. 

My suite (they’re all suites). Of course I’ve already unpacked and settled in…..it’s the organizer in me! 

The group I’m with this week. Lou (retired surgeon from FL), me, and Nora and Michael (my next-door neighbors from home). Fun crew! 

More of the Nice coastline. It’s worth enlarging the pictures to see details.