Marseille

Today our plans included coffee and a tour of Marseille and area with some of Kelly’s Cruise Critic friends. Kevin and Robyn had made the arrangements and we all met up at the bionic bar at 9:30 to depart together.

A quick trip down to the van location and we quickly found our guide/driver. The eight passenger van was comfortable and we were soon on our way out of the gate.

First stop was the old town located in Aix de Provence. It was about a 40 minutes drive and we soon found ourselves in the center of the Old city. Simon our guide, gave us explicit instructions on our meeting place once we started our free time. Do not want to get lost & left behind :-)

Fountaine de la Rotonde

 We wandered the inner city with it’s farmer’s market goodies... small boutique shops and of course bakeries!!

Mushrooms anyone? :-)

Lots of fresh produce.

Main sqaure.

We met up and then drove to the sea side village of Cassis. We stopped at several vantage points to look at the spectacular views.

From the mountains surrounding the town. 

Once in the town we wandered the streets and checked out some of the shops. We settled on a place to eat and after some schmoozing with the waiter had a lovely lunch.

Lunch along the docks.

 We once again met up at the van and we then headed our next stop, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. The views were amazing with full panoramic of the city.

Returning to the ship…. It’s so huge it won’t fit in the frame :-)

 Once aboard we relaxed a bit and then off to the "Loyalty Program Special Event" to welcome us and all the new Diamond cruisers. After that was the main stage for the headline show "Grease".

We grabbed a quick bite and then waited for the 50's & 60's night to start on the main promenade.... great memories for me :-) Off to the rack... weather looks ominous for La Spezia tomorrow.... we will see.