Dazzling sights and sounds, succulent cuisine, ringing bells and Adriatic breezes. Those were my recollections from our cruise to the Mediterranean in April 2026. Now, in early June, I’m reflecting on our travel to eastern Europe from a different perspective, the trip now in the rear-view mirror.
Weeks later, like Wordsworth “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings … are “recollected in tranquillity.” And so, my
gift to you today is snapshots, some behind the scenes, with a few reflections.
We began with Delta airlines. If you fly internationally from Atlanta, Georgia, you will probably find your gate in Concourse E or F.
Before we landed in Venice, flight attendants distributed a travel kit with four items: eye shade, ear plugs, teeny, tiny tooth brush and toothpaste. I didn’t use the mask or ear plugs. Ear plugs would have helped, or a noise-cancellation head-set.
During the flight, I watched “H is for Hawk,” the movie version of a book I’d read.
Getting Acquainted with our Stateroom on Board
Our room on board Viking was tiny—“stateroom” sounds more grand than it really was. It was small, but there was plenty of storage, a small balcony—and a lamp and sharp-focused reading light. Now that felt grand to me.
And a welcoming “throw” at the foot of the bed with the Norwegian saying: “Only one who wanders finds new paths.”
The ship too had nooks for reading, chatting, or resting. I continued reading Theo of Golden but didn’t finish until I got home. Passengers passing through sometimes stopped to talk when they saw the book I was reading—fine with me. “I loved that book,” one of them exclaimed.
Here is my commentary on Allen Levi’s novel, a short book REVIEW.
Sanitation and Food
Viking, or any cruise line, wants to keep their passengers healthy. Definitely, they don’t want to contend with Hanta Virus or any other contagious disease. Hand-washing stations were positioned before entering the buffet. Once I started to breeze by (absent-mindedly) without going through the ritual, and an observant attendant gently suggested I retrace my steps! Why, yes, of course.
As you probably know, food is abundant and varied in buffets on board: cafes and restaurants too. The small sampling here shows a pig displayed on bar-be-que night with artichokes and bell peppers—and below that—the gelato station, a rainbow of colors and flavors.
Art in Churches and Museums
Although the culture and religion in the Balkans and Greece is diverse, we toured a few Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches and cathedrals. Museums also displayed fine art, here a gilded painting in “Grad,” Dubrovnik, Croatia, featuring Christ clutching a cross, a saint or official, and Mary & Joseph.
Ah, beholding springtime in April, a welcome change from art and icons—here, a garden with tulips in a Zadar, Croatia “Poloutok” neighborhood
Weather
I wore a denim jacket most days: 50° Fahrenheit mornings and a pleasant 70° in the afternoon. However, this day was windy and chilly on our side trip to Oia, Santorini, so we wore windbreakers and hats. Seeing us taking photos of each other, a kind pedestrian volunteered to photograph us both.
In Zadar, Croatia, Alfred Hitchcock, master of suspense, grins knowingly from an advertisement.
Tour guides point out that Hitchcock is credited with saying that sunsets here are “the best in the world,” even better than those in Key West. Great ploy for attracting the curious!
Whether it’s sunrise or sunset in your part of the world, I leave you with warm wishes for a happy week and safe travels . . . whether you enjoy being at home or choose to roam!
Right now, we are thankful we are both ambulatory and healthy. But we are in our mid-eighties and didn’t want to be airlifted from a site so far from home with a broken body part–or worse, in a body bag. So, as a precaution, we invested in collapsible canes for the excursions off ship where we would encounter rough cobblestones, steep inclines and wobbly pavers.
Mine was light-weight and floral. Cliff’s boasted a headlight and siren, which he gave a whirl at home before we left.
A comic tryout.
You can see for yourself!
If you missed seeing Part 1 of this travelogue, you can find it HERE.
I love reflecting on a trip after I get home. Going through my pictures helps bring back memories and even inspires me to research some of the sites we saw. I love the video of Cliff trying out his emergency cane!
A voice from Spain–thank you, Darlene!, numero uno. Photos from your travels inspire many posts, a feast for your readers’ eyes as well.
By the way, the video was totally impromptu, inspired by opening the package. 😀
Good morning, Marian! I’m so happy that you and Cliff had such a wonderful trip. It’s nice to know about the hand-washing station at the buffet. 😊 Cliff being funny! 😂
Theo of Golden is one of my book club books later this summer, so I’ll wait to read your review.
Yes, cleanliness was a priority on the ship. We often saw staff quietly cleaning windows and floors.
I wouldn’t classify Theo of Golden with any of Elif Shafak’s books, but I did enjoy it because of the premise of the novel. Thanks, Merril! 😀
You’re welcome, Marian! 😊
Love your vivid, colorful travel reviews. Thanks for the review on Theo of Golden. My favorite in a long time. Maybe it’s because I’m from a small town in Georgia. Allen Levi releases new and creative ways to express kindness and goodness with generosity.
Perfectly stated, Carolyn! I believe inspiration for the coffee shop was based on one he frequented somewhere in the South, maybe Georgia.
Thanks for chiming in, as always. 😀
A good friend called me from Columbus Georgia where she stood in front of the Fountain City Coffee Co that inspired Levi’s Theo of Golden -portraits on walls too by the artist. She hadn’t read the book yet. I’m almost finished so I’ll wait to read your review, like Merril.
I would love to do a Viking Cruise, we have done 3 other cruises, and each was a little different and enjoyable. Thanks for the travelogue! Our daughter, husband and two sons are enjoying Disney World (not too far from you!) this week–they love traveling. Driving from Columbus Ohio to Orlando all in one day was amazing in my book, we would have taken two days at least. I’m glad you had good flights and enjoyment for sure!
Neither of us would want to take travel in big gulps like your daughter has done in their road trip to Orlando.
Yes, we had good flights. Actually, Viking recommended going United Airlines, but it would have required 1-2 stops before getting to Venice and was more expensive. We saved money and time via Delta. Thanks for noticing that detail, Melodie! 😀
I love these travel posts, Marian! Love your photos. So colorful! I’m also glad you and Cliff kept healthy. I’m glad the cruise ship employees took precautions. When you heard about that other cruise ship with the people who had the virus, how did you feel about the handwashing stations?
I still haven’t read Theo of Golden though others have recommended it. I enjoyed your review of it on Goodreads.
Travelers getting sick on their ships is a nightmare for cruise lines. Besides, it’s really bad publicity. So, I was happy to wash my hands–no problem there!
I’m glad you enjoyed that book review I snuck in here. The basic premise of the book, portrait art and interviews, was a novel idea. Thanks for tuning in, L. Marie. 😀
Although I‘ve travelled most of my life, I‘ve never been on a cruise. “Cruising” through life with a book and a companion at my side has been a great adventure for me so far, as it has for you, Marian! Bon voyage to both you and Cliff!
Elfrieda, your comment here reminds me of the travels I know about. Paraguay, the Congo, and now Canada. I be lieve you were born in Ukraine. If I checked your memoir on my shelf, I’d know for sure. Thank you! 😀
Yes, I was born in Ukraine, then spent time in a refugee camp in Poland, then in South Germany, then Paraguay, then Canada, then Congo, also traveled to Botswana Swaziland, and South Africa. Went back to Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Paraguay, and also travelled to Holland and Italy. Now I’m content to stay put!!
Oh my gosh, those flowers are beautiful; I want that garden, Marian. 🌷🪻 This is the second time in two days where someone has referenced Theo the Golden. I needed to look it up, and I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of it. Yikes! It’s a runaway bestseller. Thank you very much for the recommendation. I also love that photo of you and Cliff. You both have great smiles and the light and colors in it really pop. ☺️ And I had to watch the video of Cliff hamming it up, haha. He is clearly ready for anything! I’m so glad you are still reflecting on your trip and finding so many gems to think about.
The flower garden was a strip of beauty along the street when we returned from the town tour of Zadar, Croatia.
I’m glad you enjoyed the follow-up to last month’s post, including Clown Cliff’s antics this time. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment, Melanie. 😀
You got a chuckle from me with Clown Cliff! You’re welcome. I think your trip was both exciting and meaningful to you. It’s not always easy to pull something like that off. 💕 Perfectly executed!
You are so kind, Melanie. Thanks for the follow-up here!
This looks like a trip Stuart and I would enjoy. We did the long Rhine/Danube/Main River Cruise a few years ago and enjoyed the combination of land tours, comfortable room that doesn’t change from location to location, and ever-changing gorgeous scenery on the river. Can you say more about Dubrovnik? It’s a city I haven’t visited and have heard good things about.
Yes, you and Stuart, very experienced travelers, would definitely enjoy the Balkans and Greece. And the ocean cruise, for us, was the way to go at this stage. (No more independent foreign travel for us now.)
I said more about each town in last month’s post, but I would add that Dubrovnik looks prosperous, possibly because of the centuries-old salt trade in the Dalmatian region. Besides, it is a coastal city, so expect to find seafood, including oysters, on the menu. As always, it’s nice to see your smile, commenting here. 😀
Seeing cruise ships, they look to be the size of a small city! I’m glad you and Cliff had such a wonderful time on your trip. Cliff plays the doddering oldster quite well! (Obviously not his customary persona.)
Liz, my preference would be a river cruise on a smaller vessel, but the big ship was the only way to see this part of the world.
I’ll pass your observation on the Cliff. (Yes, we’re old, but we don’t like to act our age–haha!)
My daughter and her husband went on a Rhine River cruise for their honeymoon. They had a wonderful time (and sent us 800+ photos!).
EIGHT HUNDRED photos is a huge amount. . . especially on a honeymoon cruise! My camera would explode. Thanks for making me gasp today, Liz! 😀
They had to put the photos on a thumb drive and mail them. You’re welcome, Marian!
I can imagine!
Cliff is so amusing, Marian, and still so good looking. What a lovely couple you are. Mid eighties – unbelievable. It still think of you as late 70s but it’s been a while since we met on WP. Your trip looks fabulous 💓
Yes, we’ve been friends on WordPress probably for about a decade. How lovely it would be to see you and your family in person.
I’m glad you enjoyed the travelogue. I’ll pass the compliment on to Cliff. Thank you, Robbie! 😀
These are great reflections, Marian. Thanks for sharing! Was the stateroom bigger than your caravan from way back when? 🙂 I still haven’t gone on a cruise ship. One day…
Ha! Picture a 26-foot caravan. I’m not sure how it compares to our “stateroom” but we had four people (2 babies) in the trailer. This time, just the two of us.
You have plenty of time to go on a cruise ship. My crystal ball says it will happen one day, Liesbet! 😀
Marian, you and Cliff had such an incredible adventure! It was such a joy to help plan this cruise for you both – thank you for trusting me with your “Empires of the Mediterranean” 9-day Viking cruise journey! And thank you for sharing your experience with so many others! I look forward to helping you create more amazing travel memories in the future. Take care, my sweet friends!
Email: Shelly@MagicalDestinationsTravel.com
Facebook: Magical Destinations Travel – Shelly George
Instagram: shellymdt
Agency website: Magicalestinationstravel.com
Folks, I can recommend Shelly and Magical Destinations. If you engage Shelly for your cruise, you can expect personal attention to every detail. Cliff and I can attest to that, for sure. Do click on the links and find out all she and this agency have to offer! 😀
Thank you, Marian, for the glowing review! You and Cliff were dream clients who became dear friends. ❤️
It looks like you had a wonderful time, Marian. Traveling has become increasingly difficult, but I think it’s awesome that you and Cliff went for it. I didn’t know you were married to a movie star. What a ham! Cliff is all set to do an infomercial on those canes.
Pete, thanks for chiming in. Yes, the trip was a challenge but we thought “Why not?”
I’m not sure Cliff is a movie star, but he is an actor. I told him last week if he ever loses his sense of humor, “It’s curtains!” (I’ll pass your compliment on to Cliff.) 😀
Thanks Dear Wife Marian for presenting your skills via your blog posts, two memoirs, plus working on your new poetry book.
If I brought a chuckle to some of you thanks. Actually I miss being on stage presenting my art and music performances full time (AmericanArtAssemblies.com). My website doesn’t show any humor, but before I start drawing the mural with accompaning music I have a chance to speak to the young or older audience for about 15 minutes, sometimes inserting humor.
Recently I’ve been doing some comedy routines in my dreams. Some of them are actually funny! 🙂 I don’t know if Marian knows it, but I have a comedy routine that has to do with out houses. Now that’s something to think about.
I’ve not done my premiere yet, so stay tuned.
Outhouses? Now you’ve piqued my curiosity. I guess we need to talk–ha!
Thanks for your comment here, always promoting my work. 😀
Marian, Faythe and I just returned from a ten day Alaskan cruise where we had our kids and grandkids with us in celebration of our fiftieth anniversary. We’ve looked at our photos, reminiscing the wonderful memories shared with the kids and grandkids.
I saw your Alaskan cruise photos on Facebook.And with three generations too. What a blast!
Again, happy 50th! Such a blessing, Howard! 😀
What an amazing trip Marian. Lol, I loved the cane with the headlight! But good idea to get them. I notice people on vacay using walking poles too. Whatever keeps us safe! 🥰
Walking poles are far more chic than canes. In fact, I saw actress Julie Andrews sporting a set in a photo at age 91. However, I doubt that such poles are collapsible and probably can’t fit into luggage.
Thanks for noticing, Debby! ;-D
Thank you for sharing your cruise/sightseeing/adventuring trip, Marian. I loved being there vicariously. I’ve never been on a cruise ship because I get so motion sick (even on a dock). But I know Viking has a good reputation. How would you review them? The photos are fab and the video by Cliff hysterical. That’s how we need to accept our aging – with humor and acceptance and a tad defiance.
I’d give Viking an A+ They care about our comfort and safety–often with announced “drills” for the staff who navigate the ship. Also, every evening guests would be invited to a talk with video about the excursions for the next day. I’m glad you enjoyed the vicarious experience, Pam. 😀