Embarkation day started early at Trevi Fountain. We were there by 6:50 am to beat the crowd along with at least 100, maybe 200, others who thought they could beat the crowd too. A few pictures and selfies and we were off to the Spanish Steps.

A grand baroque fountain with intricate sculptures and flowing water dominates the scene surrounded by a classical building with columns and statues located in a city square with people around. Text on the building reads: CLEMENS XII PONT MAX S AVENTI PONT A QMAX EL ANNO DOMINI MDCCXXXV PONT VI PERFECTA BENEDICTUS XIV PONT MAX

Central statue of a muscular man standing with flowing drapery surrounded by two horse-riding figures in a large ornate fountain. Flanked by female figures in niches on either side with relief panels above. Text reads: POSITIS SIGNIS ET ANAGLYPHIS TEMPUS FELICITAS SORS I… SOLVTVM A.DOM.MDCCLVII

We stopped for an apple pastry for breakfast at Caffe Accademia before exploring the Spanish Steps and streets on the way the Pantheon.

Stone steps ascend between stone balustrades in an outdoor setting where people are walking upward and sitting. Surrounding context includes an old multi-story building on the left and other architectural structures with street lamps and a partly cloudy sky.

A fountain with a sculpted boat in the foreground has people walking around it. Behind the fountain is a cobblestone street lined with multi-story buildings featuring shuttered windows and balconies. The street is busy with pedestrians and vehicles.

A red scooter is parked on a cobblestone street beside a beige building with Fendi store windows. A black car is parked further down the street. The building has multiple windows with black shutters and is decorated with vintage street lamps.

While waiting for our Pantheon tickets to arrive, Robin found her new favourite tea at Tazza d’oro Caffé

As we entered the Pantheon we were both in awe, it is a lot to take in and words cannot do it justice.

Grand building with a triangular pediment and massive columns standing at the front. People are walking and standing in the plaza. Engraving on the building reads MAGRIPPALF COSTERTIVMFECIT. Surrounding the building are older-style structures with numerous windows. The sky is partly cloudy with bright daylight.

Tourists standing and taking photos beneath a large domed ceiling with recessed panels and Roman architectural elements. The interior features a central arched doorway, large columns, and detailed wall panels, creating a grand, historic atmosphere.

Tall marble columns framing a tomb adorned with floral wreaths in an ornate, marble-walled structure with a high, rounded ceiling. An eagle sculpture is perched atop the tomb bearing the inscription Vittorio Emanuele II Padre Della Patria, reflecting a ceremonial and historical context.

On the way back to the hotel we picked up some sandwiches from a small cafe for lunch while we get ready for our transfer to the cruise port.

Open wooden window with curtains revealing a view of urban rooftops and antennas under a partly cloudy blue sky. The setting is indoors overlooking neighboring buildings with a mix of architectural features and satellite dishes.

We get picked up early by another crazy driver. So many things appear to be optional when driving in Rome: signals, speed limits, the lines on the road, and personal space to name just a few.

Thanks to the early pickup and our driver’s “skill” we arrived almost an hour early for our scheduled check in. Dropped our luggage with a porter who happily brought us to an ATM after he found our driver didn’t, wouldn’t?, take credit card payment and cleaned out what cash we had with us.

We breezed through the easiest check in we have ever experienced (if only flying could be this easy), checked out our room, then started the tour of the ship, grabbed a snack and drink at the buffet in the Ocean View Cafe, and then headed for the pool.

We got ourselves cleaned up for dinner and headed to the main dining room.

After an excellent meal we headed to the Celebrity Theatre to see the Alfreda Gerald: Aretha Franklin Tribute followed by the True or False game show and some pub trivia in the Reflections lounge to cap off a very long day.

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