Our 4^th Kelly Cruises / WGN Radio Group cruise to the Mediterranean was almost a year in the planning and what a great voyage it was.  John Williams, radio host and personality for WGN along with his wife Brenda are a real treat to travel with.  John is witty, adventuresome and affable; he goes the extra mile to please his listeners and fellow travelers.

Once again we traveled on Regent Seven Seas luxurious Seven Seas Navigator, which carries just 490 guests.  There is such an intimate feeling onboard a small ship of this size.  The staff quickly learns the names of all the passengers and their personal preferences.  They are dedicated to making your voyage memorable.  There is so much to be said for traveling on a cruise ship where everything is included.  Your gratuities, soft drinks, spirits, wine and beer are all included on Regent Seven Seas Cruises.  Passengers also enjoy open-seating for dining and the spaciousness of all the suites.    

Our voyage began June 14^th with embarkation in Monte Carlo.  For travelers in our group who wanted to extend their trip we offered both a pre and post hotel package.  The Hotel La Perouse in Nice, ideally located across from the beach was a perfect choice.  It oozed charm and the accommodations were lovely.  The staff spoke English and welcomed our group with gracious service and friendly smiles.  The outdoor restaurant was adjacent to a beautiful swimming pool and a place to relax and enjoy delicious cuisine in a charming atmosphere.  That evening we strolled the Old Town area and found a charming restaurant for a late dinner.  Our room at the hotel was lovely and offered a view of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding French Riviera.  In a word, it was incredible. 

Boarding the Seven Seas Navigator in Monte Carlo was swift and easy.  We were greeted warmly by the staff and offered a glass of chilled Champagne as well as a buffet lunch.  Our first evening onboard began with a private cocktail party for our group where John and Brenda Williams greeted all our guests and introductions were made.  New friendships began forming almost instantly.

The ports of call for this cruise included Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, San Tropez, Portofino, Florence and Rome.  It should be noted that on this cruise Regent offered a “Circle of Interest” program for guests with a wonderful Emmy Award winning journalist and network news producer, Elyse Weiner as a docent in both Barcelona and Florence.  I must tell you that I didn’t purchase this optional shore tour program, but I wish I had.  The guests in our group, who did, raved about the quality of the experience in both cities.  Tip:  If Regent is offering a Circle of Interest Tour, consider taking it.  In depth factual information, off the beaten path sights and traveling in a small group with a docent and like-minded travelers seeking a more in depth educational presentation was a highlight of the cruise for many.

Barcelona offers a plethora of good shore excursions to choose from or the choice of exploring on your own.  Favorite tours for this port included a Flamenco show, the Sagrada Familia, bicycle riding, a day at the beach and strolling the Ramblas. 

Palma de Mallorca was a charming port and we enjoyed exploring the cathedral and Almudaina Palace followed by a stroll to the Gothic Quarter. 

San Tropez on the French Riviera is a world famous play ground for the rich and famous.  The harbor is filled with some of the largest and most opulent yachts you’ve ever seen.  The “beautiful people” could be seen relaxing and marinating their tan’s both on and off their yachts. 

We walked into one lovely restaurant in San Tropez where they had pure white sand instead of a floor for you to wiggle your toes in while sipping your favorite beverage.  Ah….it’s good to be on vacation.  If you are a shopper like me, I would recommend purchasing beautiful linens at Marinette.  The quality was top of the line and the choices for table, bedroom and bath linens were exceptional.  I wish I had allowed more time for shopping here. 

Portofino is one of the most beautiful and loved harbor’s in Italy.  Its picture perfect…really.  How fortunate we were to have all day and into the evening here!  The weather was sunny and brilliant.  WE took the tender to shore, which took about eight minutes.  With camera in hand and friends at our side, we began savoring every moment.  Charming outdoor restaurants, beautiful shops, more unbelievable yachts and ooh, just look at the spectacular shades of Blue Ocean. 

Just for fun we took the local bus over to Santa Margarita for a few hours.  Here you could enjoy the beach and swimming, shop, select a restaurant for lunch or take a boat ride to other picturesque ports on the Italian Riviera.  While in Santa Margarita, I lost my cruise card, credit care and money.  Of course this is an experience we all hope to avoid.  In my case, it had a very happy ending.  Once back onboard, I reported my loss to the Pursers Desk.  Within an hour the local police in Santa Margarita found my wallet and returned it to me with everything intact.  This experience teaches one to be grateful for the honesty and kindness of others worldwide. 

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, filled with important art history and spectacular architecture.  It’s also packed with tourists all summer and the crowds can be a challenge along with all the walking.  Cabs are difficult to find, so I would suggest booking a full-day shore excursion through Regent or hire a private car with driver and guide to allow maximum enjoyment in this city.  This is a difficult city for people with mobility problems.  The highlight of our visit was to once again visit the Academia to see Michael Angelo’s David and other works.  Tip:  Don’t leave purchasing tickets to the Academia until the day you arrive, chances are, they won’t be available.  Instead, ask us how to book them online several months before you depart for Europe. 

Rome was the port of disembarkation for our cruise and one of my favorite cities in the world.  It looks magical in the evening.  Kelly Cruises arranged an optional city tour for our clients that included a spectacular visit to the Coliseum as well as Vatican City and an in depth look at the Sistine Chapel with our private guide.  We spent several days at the beautiful Majestic Hotel in Rome on the Via Veneto.  It was the perfect choice for a hotel and I think everyone was delighted with the location, accommodations and service. 

The Seven Seas Navigator exceeded our expectations for every creature comfort, gracious service, delicious meals and amenities.  The Captain on this ship has a knack for making all his guests feel like personal friends.  I highly recommend this ship and cruise to all of you. 

Most of the 2009 European cruise dates now include Free Roundtrip Airfare or an additional discount of $800 per person for cruise only.  You’ll want to book soon to lock in the Free Airfare.  Call Kelly Cruises for the details. 

We sincerely thank everyone who traveled with us on this trip.  A good time was had by all and many wonderful new friendships were made.