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These are my notes on our amazing Mediterranean cruise in May 2009 with Sally whose favourite kind of holiday is cruising. It’s very rare for me to repeat a holiday, but after a great time last September on Royal Caribbean’s ‘Navigator of the Seas’, I thought it was a holiday that we would enjoy. The ship called into three great places, so the new destinations and the ship was a great experience for us both!

As we set sail from Barcelona towards Villefranche we unpacked and sat on our balcony relaxing with a beer for me, a cocktail for Sally. There is something special about cruising which many people who have not cruised find difficult to understand. For those that have cruised before, it always draws people back again and again.

I think that we chose well with 'The Navigator of the Seas'. I am not sure if it’s the 17 different bars, the shows, the dining, the pools, activities, excellent cabins, great staff (from 65 different countries) or the ice rink, but it certainly seems to bring everything together and create a friendly environment for many cruisers from all around the world.

We were lucky to meet a great couple from Belfast to share time with over our evening meal in The Nutcracker Restaurant. A special ‘hi’ to Steve and Nolene who we got to know well over the 5 days. It was their first cruise and time away from their family, and they were as impressed as we were with everything.

Sally was most impressed with our first stop in Villefranche which was perfect for us. Eating alfresco with ice cold drinks overlooking the bay was magical. We picked up a few gifts in and around the market area and thought that it was really quaint.

In Sardinia we spent our time in the port of Cagliari, which was not the best plan. Sardinia is a beautiful rocky Italian island with great beaches. If we had longer we would have liked to explore more, so maybe one day we will return to discover the true beauty of Sardinia.

Our last stop was Sicily. Another beautiful rocky mountainous island. We got to see some great gardens, great shopping areas and enjoyed the local hospitality in pavement cafes. I was impressed with the two ships alongside us. The MSC Fantasia and Costa Concordia looked great moored next to our Navigator of the Seas.

And after each destination you return to the ship to enjoy so much choice. I know I am rubbish at ice skating and fell over a few times but that’s okay…the fact that you can do this on a ship in the middle of the ocean AND watch a magnificent ice show with the professionals is truly amazing!

Cruising has come along way in the last 20 years; I would recommend this kind of holiday to people who want to experience the ‘WOW’ factor.

If you would like to know more about Navigator, Royal Caribbean or other cruising ideas that you may have, please feel free to give me a call.

I hope you like the selection of photos taken of our cruise around the Mediterranean and thank you for reading my travel journal.