14. Going to Port of Rome

Our Saturday transfer to the pier was arranged by NCL. Two buses were both loaded at the hotel and we rode for nearly an hour to arrive at the port city of Civitevecchia. Several other cruise line ships were docked at the port, along with our Norwegian Jade. We had time to become acquainted with the ship before the mandatory lifeboat drill which is conducted by NCL ships before leaving the port. We sailed at 6 pm for a picture perfect departure as the sun fell near the western horizon. By the time of sunset, we were out in the Tyrennian Sea, and the sunset pictures are great. We attempted to call John Christopher and sing Happy Birthday to him, but the phone never could establish a connection from the outside deck of the ship. So we just sang to him over the waves. Happy Birthday, John! We came inside to unpack our bags and settle into our cabin before dinner. I was concerned that a nearby alarm clock kept up a constant ringing. I supposed that the cabin next to us was unoccupied and that the previous occupant had left the clock with the alarm set for after their departure. Just as I was ready to call the Guest Services line to ask if a room steward could go into the adjacent cabin and turn off the alarm, I opened our last suitcase. The alarm sound got much louder and I realized that the alarm clock was inside my suitcase. I wondered how long it had been sounding its alarm. It probably needs a new battery by now! Our first dinner was in Papa’s Italian Restaurant, and I recalled how Bryan has just learned to say “Papa” when he sees me. Hope he doesn’t forget who I am after our time away. We were also reminded that Krista was preaching her first sermon at her new church the next morning. I’m sure she did a great job! After our Italian dinner, we realized it as “Lobster Night” in the main dining room, so after the introductory entertainment session in the Stardust Theater, we just “had” to go to the dining room and have another late evening dinner. The server probably thought it strange that we wanted no other course except the Lobster. Of course, we did not tell her that we had already had consumed a four course dinner earlier in the evening. We rounded out this departure day by walking around the lighted Promenade Deck with the lifeboats suspended overhead. The sloshing of the water as it rolls aside from the ship is a peaceful and relaxing sound. What a great way to end a day. In the cabin, the bed had been turned back and two chocolates were left on the pillows. Antonio, our cabin steward has already begun to take great care of us!