NAPLES, SORRENTO, POMPEII ITALY:

Monday, October 26, 2026
Day 21/50
Naples, Italy
72F, sunny!

 

Sunset over Naples and the Tyrhennian Sea

Here’s the scoop, Dear Readers—we awoke this morning at 5:30 a.m. to catch our tour to Sorrento and Pompeii. We returned to the ship at 5 p.m.  Despite being in fairly good shape, we are exhausted and to top it off we must set the time forward an hour tonight. 

Thank goodness we have a sea day tomorrow, BUT after that seaday we will visit 4 ports in a row. We need to do a better job of keeping our age at bay! 

Plus, Janie took a tumble today in Pompeii. Luckily nothing is broken –she has good padding on her hips but she is sure sore.  The darn rocks and ancient cobblestones jumped up and tripped her.

 So, this blog is a place keeper for tomorrow and she promises some great photos of Pompeii etc.!  Stay tuned, and I bet TK has something to say about the drama.

 

Naples has a city population of about 905,000 people and a metropolitan population of nearly 3 million residents as of 2026. Approximately 2.95 million people live in the wider metropolitan city, with Greater Naples reaching over 4 million.  It is the third-largest city in Italy (after Rome and Milan) and the largest city in southern Italy. 

 

Naples was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. Located on the Gulf of Naples, it sits near active geological sites like Mount Vesuvius.  Naples serves as southern Italy's main economic hub, anchored by a major international port and advanced transportation infrastructure.

CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY: WANDERING AROUND AIMLESSLY TO FIND SFOGLIATELLA!

Sunday, October 25, 2026
Day 20/50
Civitavecchia, Italy
65F, Sunny

 

TK and Janie are not doing a very good job in the ports that we do not have tours in. Today was a prime example—two Americans roaming around aimlessly. 

 

Random street to wander around

We made the decision not to go to Rome this year (1.5 hours one way) since we have been there multiple times and it was a Sunday. I particularly liked the two tours we did in two different years about early Christianity in Rome (Rome in Limo tour company—excellent).  We did a food tour one year, and we have visited the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel multiple times. Several times we toured the Coliseum and the Forum too, as well as most of the other well-known Roman sites.

 

So, Civitavecchia it was.   A major seaport on the Mediterranean, it is considered a primary cruise hub and is referred to as the gateway to Rome.  Today there were four cruise ships in port, which translates to about 17,000+ people trying to find their way to Rome or wandering around like us.

 

Civitavecchia has an estimated population of approximately 51, 359 people and functions as a major port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Lazio region of Italy, located about 35 miles west-northwest of Rome.   The city has ancient Etruscan roots and saw major expansion under the Roman Emperor Trajan, who built the historic port.

 

St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, built 1610-1782

severely damaged in World War II

The sound of the bells was magnificent

Since apparently Princess thinks everyone is going to Rome, the ship’s personnel did not provide a map of the port area. A shuttle from the port area dropped us off at an unnamed area, which as it turned out, we never saw again. We have remarked that street names are scarce to non-existent in most of the cities we have visited, which makes wandering around even more interesting. We did find a map at the shuttle drop off, but it was not marked as to where we were at the time.

 

Strong city walls!

To top it all off, TK seems to have lost his navigational ability—in the past he was able to direct us to wherever whenever, but not so much now.  I hope that ability returns soon because we have a gazillion more ports to see!

 

I love cities with public art!

Ball in foreground

Pencils in background

Closeup

Ever onward…  My stated goal today was to find a patisserie with sfogliatella, my all-time favorite pastry.  We sauntered along, finally reaching a populated area with restaurants, cafes, bookstores, souvenir shops, clothing stores, and gelato.  It was sort of a mix of old town and new, with families, teens, dogwalkers (lots), tourists, and others out for a Sunday stroll.

 

Black coffee, the strongest yet, and sfogliatella

TK at Gigi's Bar

Closeup of sfogliatella

I love the crunch and the

citron/cheese filling!

Aside:  For better context about this Italian favorite: The word sfogliatella means "small, thin leaf/layer" - describing its distinctive shell-like layers. The classic version, with hundreds of crisp layers, is shaped like a seashell.  

The filling is creamy, lightly sweet, citrus‑fragrant, and firm enough to hold its shape, contrasting with the crisp, multi‑layered shell. This balance of textures is central to the pastry’s identity.  Sfogliatella fillings consistently center on ricotta, semolina, sugar, and citrus aromatics, forming the classic Neapolitan flavor profile.  In the U.S. some call it a "lobster claw," but fresh baked is hard to find. Art's Bakery in Erie does sell a lobster claw, but the pastry shell is premade and NOT the same as "freshly baked."  The pastry dates back to the 17th century and the Amalfi Coast.

Gigi's Bar

Eventually we started walking along the waterfront back to the ship, looking for any sign of the shuttle stop or any landmark we had seen on our way into the city.  We encountered more cafes, restaurants, a large group of people doing Tai Chi, a Ferris wheel, and the obligatory fortress and wall, but nothing familiar.

A memorial for World War I

and World War II

Cafe del Mar

So flowery!

Beautiful bronze map of the city

Fortress and waterfront

Fortress Gates

Ferris Wheel by the waterfront

Fishing Boats

Drying the nets and lots of rope

 

We could see our ship, so we kept walking in its direction. Finally, we walked along the road to the Cruise terminal, about 50 miles from where we started. To be more honest, as I write, I have almost 14,000 steps and TK has 15,000 (he gets our coffee most mornings).   It’s a darn good thing we can do that, or we would be stuck in Civitavecchia for a long time.

This Italian Navy Aircraft Carrier was 

docked behind us

The Norwegian Epic was docked across from us

4100 passengers--we have sailed on 

this ship in the Mediterranean

The Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas (up to 4800 passengers) and the MSC Seaview (up to 5000 passengers) were docked in front of the Island Princess.

TK's Takes: There were not that many people walking around despite 4 cruise ships--he thinks most of passengers went to Rome. Plus two of the ships were boarding new passengers--he saw a lot of people with luggage along the streets.  He is not positive the aircraft carrier is Italian, "it could be visiting."

TIME CHANGE: We now have had 7 time changes! On Saturday night TK changed the clocks back -- Italy was going back to standard time. On Monday night he has to change the clocks forward again one hour.  

ELBA, NO ELBA--A DAY AT SEA INSTEAD!

Saturday, October 24, 2026
Day 19/50

SEADAY instead of Portoferraio, The Island of Elba, Italy 

We were looking forward to visiting Elba, an island we had not been to before. But the sea was treacherous on Saturday, and a water shuttle was required to get to the port.  It was a very lazy seaday instead. 

Elba on the Tyrrhenian Sea

TK snapped this photo which may or may not 

be a photo of Elba--but you can see the choppy sea

I don't think anyone wanted to board a

water shuttle to sail into port!

No one said, but I wondered if the Mediterranean in this area was disturbed because of the earthquakes near Sicily.

The Island of Elba has a permanent population of 31,362 people, with its main town and largest municipality being Portoferraio which has 11,748 residents.  Elba is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 6 miles from the Italian mainland.  It is Italy’s 3^rd largest island after Sicily and Sardinia.  The island is famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s first exile from 1814 to 1815.

Portoferraio serves as the principal town, capital, and primary port gateway of Elba. Lord Nelson described the port as one of the safest in the world. It features rich historical architecture including ancient Roman ruins and massive Medici fortifications built to protect the harbor.

AJACCIO, CORSICA: NAPOLEON BONAPARTE I, RADISHES, AND IMMORTAL OIL!

Friday, October 23, 2026
Corsica, France (Ajaccio)
67F, cloudy, then sprinkles, then sun

 

Today’s port was Ajaccio, a very pleasant city just a few steps from the area where the Island Princess docked.  We visited Corsica previously, so we opted for a stroll around the city. Napoleon Bonaparte is the man of the hour here, as this was his birthplace. 

Rarely do we see corn!

Isn't this a great display of radishes??

1 Euro = about $1.15 / Clementines

Corsica has a Mediterranean climate along the coast with hot, dry summers and mild winters; alpine conditions exist at high altitudes.  Its population is about 365,000, and Ajaccio has 80,000 people.   Tourism drives the local economy, causing the population to swell during summer months.

Halloween is around the corner!

Toys!

Naturellement and Immortelle Oil

Helichrysum italicum

This is a botanical aside:

In 2022, our last visit to Corsica, I checked out Naturellement, a shop that sells creams and potions. Corsica is renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity, and the immortelle flower is a prime example.  The flower, scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum is cherished for its longevity and is cultivated in Corsica’s unique Mediterranean climate.  The island’s family farms, such as L’Occitane en Provence, have been instrumental in the cultivation and production of this essential oil, known for its rejuvenating and anti-aging properties. These farms are committed to organic practices and sustainable agriculture, ensuring the preservation of the plant’s genetic heritage and the quality of the essential oil.  

Napoleon is in the house!

As we were looking for a café while reviewing our map, a lady approached and asked if we needed help. It turned out that she studied in Aix-en-Provence in 1968 too.  A chance encounter!

The Université d'Aix-Marseille was founded in 1409, one of the oldest universities in the Francophone world.  Since 2012 the university unifies the University of Provence, the University of the Mediterranean, and Paul Cezanne University, resulting in the creation of the largest university in the French speaking world in terms of its student body, its faculty, and staff.   When I was a young lass, 1967-1968 was a great year to be studying in France!

 

We did not really have a goal today—we visited the Bonaparte residence, checked out the market, and briefly watched a military ceremony. 

 

Here is what I believe they were honoring in that military ceremony:

Today in history:

On Oct. 23, 1983, 241 U.S. service members, most of them Marines, were killed in a suicide truck-bombing at the U.S. Marine Corps barracks at Beirut International Airport in Lebanon, while a near-simultaneous attack on French barracks in Beirut killed 58 paratroopers.

When it started raining, we returned to the ship.  Fair weather friends today. Of course it stopped raining about a half hour later.  Corsica is another beautiful island!

 TK's Takes: He is taking on my quest for sfogliatelle, none in Corsica. Rain cut our visit short. He still had 10,000 steps (Janie too).  maybe more later

BARBARELLA DISCOTHEQUE, PALMA, MALLORCA: A SAILOR'S DELIGHT!

Thursday, October 22, 2026
Aboard the Island Princess--on the Mediterranean Sea
68F, sunny

Imagine sailors stepping off a Navy ship anchored in a port like Palma, the Mediterranean light spilling over the harbor as they wander into the maze of old streets, taking in the mix of sea air, café chatter, and the slow rhythm of a city that seems to breathe differently from the world they left offshore.

It would not take long for them to learn about The Barbarella Discotheque, a futuristic octagonal dance hall that opened on July 15, 1969, in Palma, Mallorca.  Located on Avenida Joan Miró near Plaza Gomila, it had a capacity of about 1000 people. The dance area was surrounded by bar areas, red and blue lighting, and advanced sound systems for the era.

The logo was a black silhouette of a woman, chosen through an international competition--pictured in one of the photos below.

Known for playing records not yet released in Spain, it was a cutting-edge venue that attracted major international acts, including the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, The Hollies, The Animals, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Jose Feliciano, and The Marmalade.  Barbarella quickly became one of Europe’s most famous discotheques.

The decline of Barbarella in Palma began in the late 1970s.  A fire in 1988 damaged the building when it was operating as Metropolis.  The structure was eventually demolished in the early 1990s.

According to various sources on the Internet, there may still be such a disco in Croatia. Even Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Orlando, Florida had discos with the same name at one time.

For one short moment, TK and his pals had a good time.

Various photos found on the Internet specifically for Palma. Not many!

BARCELONA SPARKLES! LA SAGRADA FAMILIA NEARS COMPLETION!

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Barcelona, Spain

70F, sunny!

Stained glass window, La Sagrada Familia

The Holy Family

This is our 5^th visit to Barcelona, a city that sparkles! Every other time we stayed a few days, but we had to make the best of our stop this time before the ship left. We were off the ship at 9 a.m., and by 9:30 we arrived at La Sagrada Familia, my favorite church of all time, by taxi.

 

Pro tip: Be sure you purchase your timed tickets online before you leave home. The lines are unbelievable, with an average of 14,000 visitors a day. By the way, the Louvre averages 30,000 visitors a day.

 

Barcelona is a major cultural and economic center in Spain with a city population of approximately 1.73 million people and a wider metropolitan population exceeding 4.8 million. It is located on the northeastern coast of Spain, serving as the capital of Catalonia. Both Spanish and Catalan are official and widely spoken. 

 

Barcelona also acts as a leading global hub for commerce, tourism, fashion, and tech innovation in Southern Europe and operates as one of the most significant commercial and passenger ports along the Mediterranean Sea.

 

La Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s world renowned landmarks and I will always visit while here!

 

We are very tired because we did not return to the ship until 5 p.m., with 14,000 steps so far, TK has 16,000.  I hope I can finish the blog tonight – there will be a lot of photos.

 

The Basics: It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world and was consecrated as a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its Nativity façade and crypt. The first stone was laid in 1882, and in 1883 Antoni Gaudi was appointed as architect.   To me, he was an artist, an inventor, an engineer, as well as an architect who loved nature and had keen powers of observation.  His vision, still being carried on to this day, was phenomenal.

1926: Gaudi was killed in a tram accident.

1930: the Nativity façade was completed

Civil Wars—Lack of funds

1954-2018: Passion façade was completed

2021-2026: The completion of the Central Towers (dedicated to Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, the 4 Apostles.)

2026: The tower of Jesus Christ was completed—565 feet high. The tallest church tower in the world

A photo journey:

On the exterior there are three facades--The Nativity, the Passion, the Glory, and 14 Towers (total of 18 planned).  It is difficult to get photos of each facade because of the height, the amount of people, and my skill.

Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus

Nativity Facade

Holy Family, center

Three Kings, Nativity Facade

B ronze ivy covers two of the entry doors. Tucked around

the ivy are nature's creatures--here a snail

Altar--the Crucifix

The Crucifix-closeup

Part of the staircase-spiraled 

like a Nautilus

Ceiling image

Stained Glass--cool colors

Stained glass-warm colors

Four columns near the Crucifix represent the 

Four Evangelists-this is Mark

Luke

John

Matthew

Exterior again--the Passion Facade

Judas' betrayal

Herod's Judgment

Crucifixion

Preparing for entombment

The figures on the Passion Facade are

more angular to convey the suffering

and death of Christ--stark and severe

The Nativity Facade is more 

organic and celebatory

Depiction of the Tower of Jesus Christ

Depiction of the Tower of the

Virgin Mary

A rendition of the total look when 

La Sagrada Familia is finished

Both the tower of Jesus Christ and Mary (right)

The new Tower of Jesus Christ-2026

Best segue yet--La Sagrada Familia in chocolate

Chocolate shop right across the street!

I wonder if Tony of Romolos could

finesse such a structure!

After three hours of quality time in the most beautiful church and an exquisite gift shop, we walked around the area and caught a taxi to La Rambla, a very well known boulevard. It was not as fun today because apparently the city is widening the street and replacing water and other infrastructure.

I don't know if you can see the fencing and other parts and pieces 

of what they are doing

Looks like some serious work!

Before we ambled too far, we needed to eat and have something to drink--by now it was 1:30 p.m., and we hadn't eaten or hydrated. Not good for old folks like us.  We actually stopped twice along La Rambla, once for Coke Zero and a croissant, then TK's fave, Dunkin for a donut and coffee. Nothing like eating healthy.

Mercat St. Josep--a favorite market to visit

Sausages and such

Fruits and juices

Empanadas

Olives!

Pork in various stages

  

Seafood

Nuts and more nuts

How about a fresh pasta market in Erie!

We took a taxi back to the ship. After walking along the boardwalk after La Rambla, 

we just didn't have the gumption.  Oscar, the taxi driver insisted on taking our photo!

A native Barcelonian, he said his father was a taxi driver before him!

We just made it back in time to go to dinner, which was one of the best yet-Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes.  [Note: our private table is scheduled for 5 p.m. If we are not there on time, others are invited to dine in our place.]  

By the way, after tomorrow's sea day we visit four ports in a row. We better toughen up. No slacking!

And one more thing--I found a whole bunch of information on the Internet about the Barbarella Discotheque in Mallorca--will blog tomorrow about that! 

TK's Takes:  He told me before about his U.S. Navy stop in Barcelona in the late 60s early 70s where he went to a club with other sailors and met up with some American girls and they all went to a party. Now he remembers he went to a bullfight in Barcelona too.  Barcelona-- So many people.  He bought more straps for his suitcase, a story he said was to be continued...

Guess what dish this is!

OXTAIL SOUP

Why did I never think of putting pie pastry 

on top of my soups and baking it?? 

Donna was close--she has an edge as a veteran cruiser! Thank you, Julie and Ann for giving it a try!