Ice Bar

While the boys went to Kids Club, the adults treated themselves to a visit to the icebar.
(FYI - the boys LOVED kids club and wanted to be there much longer than we ever allowed - I like family holidays with my children;)

I challenge anyone to look stylish in this poncho, but MIL and I did try!!

Why I used the word treated Im not sure! It was seriously freezing in there. Obvious I know, but even with the gloves and thermal suit, I have neverneeded to down 2 vodka cocktails so quickly in my life so we could get out of there!!

How Tig managed without putting his hood up I have no idea - must be the Viking blood! MIL found it as cold as me.

The camera also agreed it was too cold and didn't work properly, hence the blueish photos in nearly all the photos!.

I will add that although sweet, the cocktails were yummy.

They were also served in an ice glass, just incase it was not cold enough;)

Love Tig's expression - It's his I can't believe I agreed to this face!!

Out and About on the Ship

This is a basic photodrop of nights on the ship!

Quite a few were taken on our balcony before we went out.

Before heading out to the Italian restaurant! We had a table at the front of the ship and had an amazing view as the ship left Naples.

Tae discovered a love of jelly on this holiday! A perfect dessert that has no milk:))

Watching the waves at a favourite restaurant while waiting for his meal..

Tae loved using the keycard to open the door whenever we returned to the cabin.

Tim and MIL shared a cabin a few doors down. We could chat across the balconies if needed:)

Cheeky boy

Tuscany - Lucca

When the ship docked in Livorno, we chose to take the bus trip one hour inland to see the beautiful Tuscan countryside.

We passed the leaning Tower of Pisa, olive groves, wheat and sunflower fields and windy country roads before reaching our final destination of  a Vinyard at the top of a hill just outside of Lucca.

The estate had been in the family for three generations.

They produce both wine and olive oil.

First we took a tour of the vinyard. They will soon be yielding this years grapes.

We then had a chance to look around the lovely walled gardens. Tae was most impressed with all the water features.

Then it was down to the wine cellar to learn how it is made and stored. No surprise that this was Tig's favourite part.

After we left the cellar the best bit began - wine tasting. The owner explained all about the different grapes they used and we sampled 3 different types of wine. All I remember is I liked their Merlot best!

Tim tried a sip of the last wine, which was a sweet desert wine similar to sherry - he was not a fan.

Tim and Tae mostly stuck to sampling the local cheeses, dry cured meats, olives and olive oil and bread with their water:) Obviously our food shopper Tim insisted we bought some olive oil to bring home (and it is yummy:)

Cannes

It was quite fun to go ashore in Cannes as we had to go in by tender. They actually use the life boats to ferry everyone back and to.

For the record, I have decided that if we cruise again I will check out the lifeboats of any potential ship. These were fabulous and gave me lots of confidence;) 

The French coast is gorgeous and not the worst view to wake up to in the morning.

Tim bought some new shades on the quayside and I tried quite unsuccessfully to get a nice photo of the boys with the ship in the background. Tim would not stop gripping Tae very tight as I'd sat them on a wide ledge. It was not dangerous at all, but he is soooo protective of his little brother. Thankfully MIL was so much eaier to photograph!

We walked into the town and headed towards the old quarter in search of a drink stop.

After walking up a very steep street, we found a shaded cafe!

Then as the theme continues, we had to check out the local food market!

Tim found a fan in the shape of a banana! It was very useful, however, Tae may have trashed his after a couple of hours!

Since Tig and I did not have banana fans to help us cool down, we headed back to the ship to solve the problem in a more sensible way!