5 star cruising

And we are off on time Jet2.com to Rome, overnight stay at the Bernini Bristol hotel, with a wonderful roof top restaurant. Spend the day walking around all the tourist sites, starting with Spanish Steps, on to Trevi Fountain and a Tisamisu Gelato, yummy. From there we headed to the Forum, across to the Colosseum, then made our way back to the hotel, a gentle 6 miles walk.

Following morning we board a coach that took us to Civitavecchia to board the 5 star Regent Seven Seas Voyager, what a wonderful ship, the crew were amazing, the food outstanding and cater for food allergies very well

we had a balcony cabin overlooking the back, there was some vibration, but the size of the cabin, bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and the comfy bed made up for this. There were plenty of sunbeds around the seawater pool, and never an issue to find a seat in one of the lounges or theatre. We dined in the French restaurant Chartreuse, Prime 7 Steakhouse and the Italian Sette Mari at La Veranda (my favourite)

Everything is included on board, all food, speciality dining and drinks

The shows in the theatre were not very well attended, but we found the live music in the bars to be very good After a busy day, of excursions, eating, afternoons of sunbathing an early night was usually called for

There's a very well stocked library, card room, gym and spa area

We had to wear masks on board except whilst eating or drinking, but we found as the cruise progressed the mask wearing became less and less

The first port of call was Salerno, with long promenade a few small beaches, and plenty of small shops.

Excursions are included in the price, but sometimes it was nice to just get off and have a walk around

We sailed overnight to Messina, where we took a wine tasting tour and visited a lava river. Can highly recommend this tour, but it did start early, not too sure wine mid morning will catch on. once back we had a wander around a very quiet Messina

Our 3rd port of call was Valletta, we arrived on Malta’s Mothering Sunday, where the locals were taking part in processions to church and handing out flowers. We had booked a harbour boat trip and a tour to Marsaxlokk, pretty village with colourful boats

Day 6 was a day at sea, a well needed day of rest, we had been on the go since leaving home on tuesday

Part 2 to follow