Tag Archives: Royal Caribbean

Cruising the Pullmantur Sovereign- COMPANY CLOSED

UPDATE:  During the COVID Pandemic, Pullmantur announced liquidation of the company.  As of November 2020, the company stated that it would be up and running again by the end of 2021.

Having come off of a whirlwind two-day visit to Rome, I boarded the Pullmantur Sovereign for a seven day cruise through the Mediterranean.  The spectacular itinerary included some of the most beautiful sites the Med coast has to offer.  With a full week of excursions, I could just sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise.

Pullmantur is a cruise line based out of Spain and is very popular with the Europeans.  The primary language on board is Spanish, but announcements are followed up in English. This piqued my interest along with the fact that alcoholic beverages are included in the price of the cruise.  I had learned about the company while searching for a cruise on the Vacations to Go website and booked it immediately.

So why did I choose Pullmantur?  First there was the itinerary of course, but having checked the cost of cruises in the Mediterranean, I found this to be quite economical at US $349 for 7 days (not including port fees and taxes).  AMAZING!  In addition, the price for my roundtrip ticket to Rome was only $850 so I could not pass up the opportunity and knew that I was going to have the time of my life.

Travel Tip:   I took this cruise in late September, which is considered off-season.  The weather is still quite warm and the children have all gone back to school by this time.  

My journey began in Rome where I had a couple of days to wander the ancient ruins, historical museums and religious places of worship.  It was my first time in The Eternal City, so to be honest, I was slightly overwhelmed.  I had booked the hop on, hop off bus because I knew it would be an economical way to explore the sites costing me only $50. The bus route listed a number of stops where the main attractions were within a couple of blocks.  I was able to step off of the bus for an hour or two, return back to the drop off location and reboard at my convenience.

The day of my cruise had arrived and I had hired a car to take me to Civitivecchia, which lasted approximately 45 minutes.  Upon arrival at the port, I was pleasantly surprised that there were no long check-in lines.  Within minutes, I had passed through security, boarded the ship and dropped off my luggage in my room.  When I inquired how the process of embarkation could be completed so quickly, I learned that Barcelona was the originating port.  Rome had less than 100 passengers boarding on that day and I was excited to start my adventure.

To learn more about my adventures in Rome, check out my following blog posts!

Visiting Rome – Day 1
My First Trip to Rome – Day 2
St. Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Square
The Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Capitoline Hill
From Piazza Popolo to the Spanish Steps

Next stop Livorno!

Livorno is a port town located in the northern region of Italy.  It is the perfect location for day trips to Florence, Tuscany and the colorful villages along the coast like Portofino.  There are several tours that operate from the ship and I selected the Pisa and Tuscan Wines tour.  If I had the opportunity to cruise this ship again, I would definitely choose the Coast of Cinque Terre and Porvenere! There were so many great options!  To hear about my exciting day in Pisa and Lucca, check out my following blog posts for some great information about these two spectacular locations!

Pisa and Its Leaning Tower
An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Additional excursions from the ship:

  • Florence and Pisa: This excursion includes a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Florence with stops that include the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, the Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazza della Signora.  The next stop on the tour is Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and to roam the Piazza dei Miracoli.  The cost per adult is 85 Euros.
  • The Best of Florence begins in the historic center with views of the Piazza da Santa Croce and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Uffizi  Gallery with some of the world’s most famous art by renowned Renaissance artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
  • Lucca the Fortress City: Explore the wonderful city of Lucca that dates back to the Roman period of 180 BC.  The guided tour includes a visit to the Old Quarter, San Michele de Foro, the Guinigi family tower, a Roman amphitheater and the Cathedral of San Martino.  The cost for this tour is 38 Euros.
  • The Coast of Cinque Terre & Portvenere: For 77 Euros per person, a bus will take visitors to Manarola, which is the oldest of the Cinque Terre villages.  Take a tour of the area and then a boat ride to Vernazza.  From here, catch the ferry to Monterosso where lunch will be served with time to explore the town and shop. Another scenic boat ride will take passengers to Portovenere until returning back to the ship in Livorno.
  • Italian Pasta Experience: The coach will take you to Lucca where a tour guide will give you an overview of the beautifully walled city.  See the narrow streets while visiting the churches of San Frediano and San Michele. There will be plenty of time to wander before visiting Pisa.  Learn how to make pasta and of course, there will be plenty to sample.  The cost for this tour is 188 Euros per person.
  • Florence and Wine Tasting in a Tuscan Castle: Take a 90 minute bus tour through Renaissance Florence before arriving at the Piazza della Santa Croce.  Here there will be an opportunity to see street performers and shop among the traditional craft shops in the village.  After a 45 minute ride, arrive in Greve at one of the main castles where a traditional Tuscan lunch will be served, and of course plenty of wine.

Our next stop on the itinerary was Villafranche, France.  I remember the beautiful, subdued hues of this cozy port town and wished I had the additional time to visit the relaxing cafes along the harbor.

I opted to book the Monaco and Monte Carlo bus trip which was panoramic, pristine and posh.   To learn more about my visit to Monaco, check out the following post!

The Beautiful French Riviera:  Villafranche and Monte Carlo

Some of the other excursions available were:

  • Nice – Eze: Take a coach tour to Nice and walk the famous “Promenade des Anglais”. Check out the Hotel Negresco before taking a guided tour through the old part of the city.  The medieval village of Eze is one of the most picturesque villages of the Cote d’Azure located high on a hilltop with amazing views of the coast.  Stop by one of the famous perfumery’s which is known for its amazing scents.  The tour is 45 Euros per person.
  • Nice and Saint Paul de Vence: In addition to visiting the famous beachfront of Nice, this tour also includes a walk through the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence. Considered two of the most picturesque locations in the French Riviera, go from walking the beach to exploring cobblestone streets with a rich history. The cost for this tour is 39 Euros per person
  • Mountain Village of Eze and Nice Wine Tasting: For only 69 Euros per person, take a visit to the medieval mountain village of Eze and then on to Nice, famous for its Promenade des Anglais.  Enjoy Provencal wines with a professional oenologist.
  • Dream Villas in the Blue Coast: Explore the luxurious peninsula at Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and visit the one time residence of baroness Rothschild to wander the home and gardens. The bus tour takes the coastal drive back to Villafranche where million dollar homes line the coast.   This tour costs 50 Euros per person.
  • A Tasting Tour of Nice: Visit the local fresh market and sample its produce on this guided tour of Nice.  Visit the Old Town district with its Baroque buildings and neo-classic colonnades.  Try some of the local specialties such as pissaladiere or socca.  The tour allows for some free time to wander about the Old Town for some shopping or a cup of coffee.  This tour costs 90 Euros per adult.

I had been waiting for the day when our ship reached Barcelona.  I was so excited to see all of the architecture and to stroll the street of Las Ramblas.

I had decided that instead of booking an excursion with the ship, I would go out on my own and purchase the Hop On Hop Off bus tour.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and there was a torrential downpour.  I was determined to make the most of my time in Barcelona where was able to visit the Boqueria market, the Sagrada Familia, Palau Guell and Parc Guell.  I wished I had more time in Barcelona because there were so many interesting points of interest, that I will need to make plans for a future trip!

The ship offers its own wonderful share of excursions for Barcelona to include:

  • A Tour of Barcelona: See the architectural wonders of Antonio Gaudi by visiting the ever changing Sagrada Familia.    This tour is perfect for the price at 29 Euros.  Check out the popular Gothic Quarter, shop and visit the cathedral.  The tour includes a stop at Montjuic, which overlooks the city and was once the sight of the Olympic Games.
  • Barcelona Highlights and Jamon Tasting: Starting in the Gothic Quarter, see the medieval side of Barcelona’s historical buildings.  Stroll Las Ramblas, the main thoroughfare that runs north and south through the city.  Enjoy a ham tasting sampling three different types as you sip on a glass of cava. Complete the tour with a visit the to ever so vibrant Boqueria market.  All of this for only 39 Euros per person.

Day Four was spent at sea as we sailed toward Tunisia.  The following day, we arrived at the port of Tunis.  Weeks before cruising to Tunisia, the US embassy was attacked and it was recommended that Americans should not disembark while in port.  We took heed to their warning and stayed aboard, but if I had the opportunity, I would have loved to have seen the city of Carthage and the village of Sidi Bou Said, which is said to look much like a Greek village with its whitewashed buildings accented in blue.

According to the brochure on the ship, “Sidi Bou Said is perched high atop of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this picturesque village is a delightful place for a leisurely stroll through winding cobbled streets. Wander around the boutiques for souvenirs or relax at a cliff-side Moorish café”. Sounds exciting!

UPDATE:  The ship no longer travels to Tunisia due to the heightened safety alert to visit this country.

It was Day Five and we were visiting the Italian city of Naples.  Besides having its own historical significance, there are some great locations close by that are truly worth exploring. I selected Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast but making my decision was not an easy one when tours to Capri and Ischia were also offered.

  • Panoramic Tour of Pompeii and Naples: Check out one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in all of the world, Pompeii. Back in Naples, visit the Posillipo neighborhood, the Mergellina district and the great seaside promenade. Take the opportunity to visit the Ovo castle in the charming district of Santa Lucia and explore the busy fisherman’s neighborhood.  The tour costs 49 Euros per adult.
  • Pompei & Vesuvius: Pompeii was devastated by the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in 49AD.  Pompeii is now an archaeological site and Vesuvius a national park.  Take an hour long city bus tour of Naples before reaching these sites.     The tour costs 89 Euros per person.
  • Capri: Catch a Jet-Foil boat ride from the port of Marina Grande through the Bay of Naples.  Hop on a ship that will take you around the island before heading back to port.  Catch the minibus to Capri’s Piazetta where there will be plenty of time to stroll the city’s famous white streets.  This tour is well worth the 89 Euros per adult. (If the weather does not cooperate, the excursion will head over to the town of Anacapri).
  • Tour of Naples: Stroll the Piazza del Plebiscito where you will discover Castles, Galleries and an Opera House.  There will be time on your own before visiting the San Gennaro Duomo.  Continue to the tour with stops at Mergellina, Via Caracciolo and the Ovo Castle.   You can’t beat this price at 34 Euros per adult.
  • Relaxing Ischia: This is a perfect excursion for 85 Euros per adult. Reach the island quickly by hydrofoil for a visit to Ischia, the largest isle on the Gulf of Naples. Famous for its hot springs, the tour coach also takes you through the municipalities of Ischia, Barano, Serrara Fontana (for wine sampling) and Forio (for a local meal).  Walk through the Castiglione Gardens at Lacco Ameno and or visit the town of Casamicciola. This tour include the spa facilities at the gardens which include 10 different pools, and two saunas, whirlpools and a platform that gives you the opportunity to swim in the sea surrounding the island.

I had one last day in Rome but since I was staying close to the airport, I decided to stay near the hotel.  The ship offered quite a few options in Rome, including:

  • A Full Roman Excursion: Check out some of the most iconic spots in Rome which include, the Vatican City, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.  Stand in awe in front of Michelangelo’s Pieta and then it’s time for lunch.  Hop on the bus for a sightseeing tour to see the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus and Mussolini’s balcony,   The tour cost is only 85 Euros per adult.
  • Eternal Rome and Imperial: Start in the Vatican  City to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the square.  Take a walk to the Trevi Fountain and then after lunch, check out the Piazza Navona.  Before completing the tour, drop by the Roman Forum and see the exterior of the Colosseum. All of this for only 64 Euros per person.
  • Etruscan Secrets. See the secret Etruscan tombs and the Tarquinia Museum for only 59 Euros per person. The tombs are located in Monterozziune and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Venture into the city to view the Roman church of San Francisco and the XIII century palace.
  • Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa: Dating back to the second century, Villa Adriana was the home of Emperor Hadrian and is now a World Heritage Site. Some of the features of the house include a Greek theater, spas and baths, a maritime theater and the Golden Piazza, a residential complex.  Next, visit Villa Este with gardens that are fit for a king.  Check out the Alley of the Hundred Fountains. This is an exceptional tour and will set you back 115 Euros per adult.

The Pullmantur Sovereign was the perfect ship for my Mediterranean trip.  Having worked on ships for over three years,  I remember my cruise ship days as if it were yesterday.  I was especially fond of the “Sail Away” events where I could watch passengers enjoy the start of their cruise setting sail for its first destination.  It have to admit, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity for a Bon Voyage drink!!

Have you cruised with Pullmantur?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for your interest in my trip with Pullmantur!  Happy Travels!

New Orleans, the Perfect City to Start Your Cruise

It took me by surprise when I learned that I would be transferring to another ship mid-cruise with Bermuda Star Lines.  I had recently joined the Vera Cruz in Tampa when the Chief Purser explained that I would be signing on to the Queen of Bermuda later that week.  The move would take place while both ships were anchored off of the port of Cozumel and my new port of origin would be New Orleans.   Another port, another city to be explored.

Little did I know that the Crew Purser position would leave me with limited time to visit this amazing city.  I was in charge of customs and immigration for the ship, so while we were docked, I was processing the paperwork and contracts for the officers and crew in preparation for sailing.

Close to the port was the Riverwalk Marketplace (now the Riverwalk Outlets), an elaborate shopping plaza and food court which was perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat.  The dining area was located upstairs and there were quite a few options for lunch, including some of the local Cajun and Creole cuisine.

On days where I had an extra hour or two, I would stroll away from the food court and enjoy my lunch at the Riverwalk Fountain, located in the Spanish Plaza nearby.

Each week I yearned to meet up with friends in the French Quarter.  They told me about all of the shops and restaurants that they had visited which only made me want to jump ship and check them out for myself.

The time had finally come when I had completed my contract and I would be taking a six week break to visit family and friends.   The ship’s agent knew how much I wanted to see New Orleans so he arranged my travel itinerary so that I would have a few hours to spend here before catching my flight.  I was more than excited to finally venture out past the confines of the Riverwalk and to explore “The Big Easy” for myself.000 Jackson Square, NOLA

With my long list of historical sites and points of interest in hand, what better way to start my exploration than to visit The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France?  One of New Orleans’ oldest cathedrals and most notable landmarks, it is the perfect showcase of the city’s French architecture with its elegant spires, clock tower and extravagant courtyard.

Approaching the cathedral straight on was enough to take my breath away.  Taking center stage in the square is a statue of General Andrew Jackson sitting atop his bronze horse.  Beautifully designed after the spectacular Place des Vosges in Paris, I would have never guessed that public executions took place here in the 18th and 19th centuries.  Today it is a popular location for artists, fortune tellers and tarot card readers.

000, Fountain at Pat O'Briens, NOLA

Soon it was lunchtime and my shipmates highly recommended that I visit Pat O’Brien’s in the French Quarter. I was offered a lovely seat by the fountain in the courtyard and I placed an order for gator bites and the restaurant’s signature drink, the Hurricane.  I was beginning to feel miles away from civilization.  I wasn’t sure if it was the rum from the Hurricane or the relaxing atmosphere of the outdoor garden.

Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA

After paying my bill, I enjoyed strolling the streets of The French Quarter. I knew that Bourbon Street was close by and I couldn’t resist taking a few photos.  During the daylight hours, New Orleans seems like a sweet, southern hospitality kind of town with a rich history and fabulous restaurants.  It’s when the sun goes down that the French Quarter comes to life and continues on until the early hours of the morning.  The streets are packed with tourists collecting beads and enjoying frozen drinks with names such as High Octane and Mind Eraser.

French Market, New Orleans

I had only a couple of hours until I needed to catch a taxi to the airport, so my final stop brought me back to The French Market.  Our ship’s agent would bring us beignets and coffee from Café du Monde and it was that time in the afternoon when I was ready for a café au lait and a last stroll through the shops. I could smell the fresh seafood and the local Cajun and Creole spices for which New Orleans is known.  I placed my order for some jambalaya and enjoyed every bite before saying goodbye to The Big Easy.

Is there a place where you have traveled that brings back fond memories?  Maybe it was a childhood vacation spot a business trip that you frequented?  I would love to hear about that special place if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about New Orleans and wishing you many Happy travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Spanish Plaza
2 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA  70130

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France (also known as St. Louis Cathedral)
615 Pere Antoine Alley
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 525 9585

  • Admission Fee:  Free, with the option to leave a donation
  •  Hours:  Open daily from 8:30AM to 4PM with daily mass held at 12:05PM.
  •  Amenities:  Gift shop, can light candles for a charge of $2,
  •  Guided Tours and Informational Booklets:  Self-guided brochures are available for a $1 donation.  Guides are available for groups with a prior reservation.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The cathedral may be closed on Saturdays due to weddings, so check their website to inquire if a wedding is on the schedule.  Please respect fellow visitors who may be entering the cathedral for prayer and refrain from taking photos during mass.

Where to Shop:

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
500 Port of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA  70130
Telephone:  504 522 1555

  • Open:  Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 9PM; Sunday: 10AM – 7PM

French Market
700 – 1010 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 522 2621

  • Hours:  The market is open daily from 9AM to 6PM.   The Farmer’s Market is open from 10AM to 6PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  •  Amenities:  Shopping, food, crafts bazaar, flea market and live entertainment
  •  Length of Time to Spend at The French Market:  2 – 3 hours

Where to Stay:

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
621 Saint Louis St.
New Orleans, LA  70130
Toll Free Number:  866 538 9295

This hotel is located in the middle of all of the action in New Orleans!  It is an absolutely beautiful property with a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and balconies with a street view!

Where to Eat:

Acme Oyster Bar  – affordable seafood!
735 Iberville Street
Telephone: 504 522 5973

Try the oysters or a local po-boy sandwich or if you have a bigger appetite, the New Orleans Medley allows you to try a sampling of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans & rice and grilled smoked sausage.

Brennan’s – upscale Creole cuisine since 1956
417 Royal Street
Telephone:  504 525 9711

This is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans not only because the food is so fabulous but its courtyard and patio are picturesque and remind me of dining at a southern plantation. During a recent visit, I ordered the Roasted Oysters prepared with smoked chili butter and a manchego cheese crust.  For my entree, I decided to order a selection from the starters section and could not wait to try the New Orleans BBQ Lobster.  The wine list is extensive with over 30,000 bottles on site!  We ordered a bottle of Bartolo Mascarello.  Save some room for their signature dessert which is the Bananas Foster and is world-renowned!

Court of Two Sisters – Jazz brunch buffet, expensive
613 Royal Street
Telephone:  504 522 7261

Once a home for a Louisiana governor, this restaurant is one of the most accommodating eateries in New Orleans with four dining rooms and a French menu to die for.  David had been begging me to try the Turtle Soup and it seemed as though every restaurant we visited, it was on the menu.  I started out with the Turtle Soup Au Sherry, which was actually quite good, but I will probably not order it again.  At least I can say I tried it and I hope he doesn’t encourage me to try the Frog Legs!  For my main entree, I could not pass up the Vegetarian Lasagna to save some room for the Creme Brulee!

Commander’s Palace, Creole and Jazz brunch buffet
1403 Washington Avenue
Telephone:  504 899 8221

A New Orleans landmark, this restaurant is the epitome of Creole and Louisiana cuisine! It is here that I first experienced Creole gumbo and Crawfish. Note that there is a dress code for Commander’s Palace.

Many people visit New Orleans to experience Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants and here are the links to these wonderful establishments as well!  I have not had the pleasure of visiting his restaurants as they are usually booked far in advance!  It is best to call ahead for reservations!

NOLA
534 St. Louis Street
Telephone: 504 522 6652

Meril
424 Girod Street
Telephone:  504 526 3745

Emeril’s New Orleans
800 Tchoupioulas Street
Telephone:  504 528 9393

Emeril’s Delmonico
1300 St. Charles Avenue
Telephone:  504 525 4937

What to Eat :

  • Crawfish Etoufee  – shellfish over rice, using a technique called “smothering”
  • Andouille Gumbo – a stew consisting of a strong-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a roux, celery, bell peppers and onions. Andouille is a type of spicy sausage usually included in gumbo.
  • Jambalaya– a dish of meat and vegetables mixed with rice
  • Beignets – fried fritters, sometimes filled with fruit and topped with confectioner’s sugar
  • Zapp’s Potato Chips!– a thick cut, kettle style potato chip that includes cajun and creole spices.  My favorite flavor is the spicy cajun crawtators!

Where to Drink: 

Pat O’Brien’s Bar
718 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 525 4823

  • Hours:  The bar opens daily from noon; the piano lounge show typically begins at 6PM and the courtyard is available from 11AM;  The kitchen is open until 10PM.
  • Amenities:  Restaurant, bar and live entertainment
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Try Pat O’Brien’s signature drink, The Hurricane.  Additional specialty drinks on the menu include The Cyclone, Bloody Mary, Pat O’s Lemonade, Mint Julep, Skylab, Rainbow, Pat O’s Rainstorm, Category 5 Margarita, Fuzzy Leprechaun.  For a small fee you can keep the souvenir cup, which your server will carefully wrap up for you.  The piano bar is extremely fun to sing along with the dueling pianos and check out the flaming fountain at night, which is absolutely spectacular!

What to Read: 

  • New Orleans, DK Eyewitness Travel, by Marilyn Wood
  • A Street Car Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams
  • Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice
  • The Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story, by Miriam C. Davis
  • Voodoo Dreams, by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Photo Guide for New Orleans:

  • French Quarter:  The architecture is absolutely stunning, so look for the Creole houses with wrought-iron balconies.  Some of the most beautiful buildings in the Quarter include St. Louis Cathedral, the Old Ursuline Convent, as well as the Cabildo.
  • Jackson Square:  The square is located in front of St. Louis Cathedral and was once the location for public execution.  Today, there are musicians and tarot card readers that provide local entertainment and are accustomed to photographers shooting their pics.
  • Food photos are a must in New Orleans, so order a muffaletta, beignet or plate of oysters and shoot away.
  • Garden District:  With million dollar homes lining the street of St. Charles, you will want to hop on the streetcar to explore these amazing homes and their spectacular architecture.
  • Cemeteries of New Orleans:  While St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is home to some of the most famous mausoleums and interesting history, there are several cemeteries which are also accessible by tour.  These cemeteries include St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, Metairie Cemetery, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Charity Hospital and Katrina Memorial Cemetery and Greenwood Cemetery.
  • Frenchmen Street is the new Bourbon Street just across the esplanade from the French Quarter.  A safe option for exploring New Orleans at night, visitors can browse a local art market, listen to local music at one of the amazing clubs and explore the fabulous street art throughout this district.

Disclosure:   Please note that the information provided in this post was correct at the time of posting but is subject to change.   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.