The ports in this region mostly require tender operation, which is difficult when the sea has a high swell as a left-over from a recent storm. The weather is good (apart from a sharp shower in Portofino) and there is nothing about the sea which troubles the Silver Spirit. But transfer from ship to tender is difficult and, at Monaco, had to be suspended for a while during the afternoon - fortunately after TSH and Diva were back on board. The visit to Portofino did eventually go ahead but at one point it seemed likely that the day would be spent in Genoa instead.
They have had dinner with the Cruise Director but were appalled that they were not invited to Venetian night (for guests who have cruised with Silversea before). An oversight which as yet no-one has explained or apologised for.
The arrival in Monaco was to the old port, which meant that they decided to go into the old town and view the outside of the royal Palace. Different from central Monte Carlo, where they usually go, but there are still defibrillators at regular intervals to assist the wealthy residents who cannot manage the hills. There were many helicopters overhead - obviously a standard mode of transport locally.
From Portofino, TSH and Diva boarded a local boat, which took them to visit the picturesque towns of Santa Margherita & Sestri Levante.
For the first time, TSH and Diva have met a crew member from Kazakhstan - the waitress in Indochine was from there.
They have an invitation for later to a 'bloody mary and mimosa party' in honour of guests like them who are staying on for the next cruise.
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