Rome & Mariner of the Seas

Continuing on our brief stay in Rome. We woke up nice and early to tour around the main attractions.
The Roman Forum with some buildings dating back to 8th century BC. That is 2800 years ago!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Enjoying a fresh cup of cafe latte and pastry by the counter (sitting down cost more).

The very friendly baristas.

Ah the mighty Colosseum! It takes about 10 minutes just to walk around the outside (our mighty guide was trying to find a washroom!).

It was completed by 80 AD with seating for 50,000 spectators.

Legionnaires waiting for tourist to take photos. If they see you taking photos of them they will demand money from you.

In front of the triumphal arch.


I found Albert Einstein hiding in a small alley!

The statues lining the circumference of the Saint Peter’s Square.

The inner workings of St. Peter’s Basilica. It was breathtaking with the amount of details and decorations.

Though it must be terrible for truly devoted Catholics, as the church is full of tourists with little respect for silence and flash photography.

From the top of the Basilica overlooking St Peter’s Square.

Il Vittoriano is a monument built to honour Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. The giant building is referred to as the ‘wedding cake’ by the locals.

By mid-day we had to leave Rome and head to Civitavecchia to board the cruise ship, Mariner of the Seas.
The sheer size of the ship took us by surprise, it took us almost 4hrs to explore all the decks and facilities on board!

The busy port of Civitavecchia, one of the most popular ports of call due to its distance from Rome.

Sailaway party on the pool deck as we depart for Genoa.

Some of the figures we posed with at the casino. :)


Sunset. Time to get some food!