Sailing in – or out – of Venice is constantly a highlight of any cruise and Sunday the 16th of May possibly was no exception for our eagerly awaiting passengers on board Ocean Village.
It was a busy day as we shared neighbouring berths with some of Carnival’s bigger cruise ships, which created it like a huge family members reunion. Carnival’s other ships were: The Ruby Princess (Princess Cruises), the Westerdam (Holland America) and the Costa Serena (Costa Crociere. Also alongside were the MSC Musica and the Windstar.
It was a tight fit passing bridge on bridge with the Ruby Princess as we reversed out of the berth! In the background, although not actually clear in the photograph were the snow capped peaks of the Alps – no wonder some passengers had been wrapped in fleeces!
This picture shows Costa’s Serena as she made her passage out to sea and dwarfed the buildings to her port and starboard sides.
The below picture shows Piazzetta San Marco, which as usually was a hub of activity with the Basilica of San Marco and the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), a splendid example of Venetian Gothic architecture. The Doge’s Palace was the seat of government of the former Venetian Republic and the principal facades of the palace overlook the Piazetta. The Bridge of Sighs (just out of shot) is adjacent to the Doge’s Palace, where legend says that from this bridge 1 could hear the sighs of the condemned as they had been becoming led to prison.
The atmosphere as we sailed out past these magnificent sights was enhanced by some amazing music ranging from classical by means of Andrea Bocelli and on to Sarah Brightman as passengers sipped away at glasses of Moёt et Chandon Champagne on board that had been on give in the course of our special sail-away promotion!Michael Lobban
Hotel Director – Ocean Village
Hotel Director – Ocean Village
The ship’s navigator had set the course and it looked set for a excellent lift-off for our spectacular deck show. Countdown began under best conditions and aerialists, dancers, singers, acrobats and a group of space travellers from the talented ‘Freedom 2 Move’ dance troupe, took off at precisely 21.30, leaving Earth behind to explore the mysteries of Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune!
Delighted passengers witnessed an electrifying mix of international circus acts, stilt-walkers and acrobats from decks 12 and 14 in a musical, aerial and visual extravaganza.
This hi-octane performance was the initial of the Med 2010 season – and the crowd went wild!
