Wednesday – May 13, 2026 – at sea to Civitavecchia (Rome) day 5
Packing is a chore to which I do not look forward – either at the beginning or the end of a trip. Packing after spending over 130 days away from home and visiting 31 countries (some with multiple ports), is more difficult if you don’t have enough suitcases to hold all you have saved or purchased during the journey. We knew we would need at least 1 more full-sized suitcase so we bought one in Port Louis, Mauritius. Today’s featured photo shows Jan (Kelsey and I in the mirror) packing Kelsey’s room. After doing so we determined we would need another suitcase to hold what wasn’t fitting in the 7 full-sized suitcases, 3 carry-on bags and 3 personal items (purses and backpacks). We crossed our fingers that we would have the opportunity to purchase the needed suitcase during our last excursions either in Rome or Pisa. Stay tuned for the outcome!
Another farewell today – this one from the excursion staff. We gathered in the Onyx Lounge and heard from the staff, were shown a short video of them at our ports of call and they danced for us. It was nice to have a chance to thank all those who had helped us on the many excursions they took with us over the last 4+ months.
Kelsey received a notice that the EFFY store was holding a 50% off event for customers who had made a purchase during the cruise. She had been looking at earrings to match her panther pendant and made the decision to buy them. Included in today’s gallery there is a video of her ringing the bell at the EFFY store (something them do when people make a purchase) and a still of her wearing the matching jewelry.
There was a final theater show tonight that included an introduction by the Beatles impersonators who performed on Sunday, May 10th. After a few songs, crew from each of the departments on the ship and the entertainers from the classical and stage performers groups began to come on stage and be recognized. Eventually the stage was filled, they said “Thank you”, streamers were released and the entire theater began to sing a song set to the tune of “Hey Jude”. Following that, the staff made their way up the stairways through the theater and outside the doors to bid farewell to the passengers. We stayed inside for last hugs – Kelsey with Sonia and I with Cristian. Tomorrow we reach Civitavecchia and people begin to leave.
Click here to view the media for today.
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