Mediterranean Iconic Shores Ocean Cruise

Day 20: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - Venice, Italy

The day's statistics:
-  Weather: upper 50s
-  Steps: Linda: 11,308; Steve: 13,704

Today was the third and final day we were in Venice.
Because of the nature of the cruise itineraries, we were part of the group that was staying aboard. So for us and those traveling multiple legs that included Venice rather than starting in or ending in Venice, this was the third day in Venice.
When we canceled yesterday's excursion two days prior, we booked a [free] "Venice On Your Own" excursion for today instead. We didn't need to do the "Saint Mark's At A Glance" again and felt this was a good alternative.

This morning's departure was a little later than usual, so we had a casual breakfast at The Restaurant.
After, we returned to the cabin, washed up, and got ready for our excursion - but we weren't leaving right away.
Eventually, it was time to head out.
We disembarked and boarded the bus to the terminal, wherein we took a converted yacht to the city and saw some interesting sites - mostly distant mountains - along the way.






After we arrived on the island and began our self guided tour. After we were dropped off at the dock, we traveled along the waterway, turned right at the Doge's Palace, and headed to Saint Mark's Basilica.
We arrived in front of the Basilica.


To enter the basilica, a timed ticket was required. However, we noticed that there was a separate entrance for those that wanted to pray. Linda wanted to pray. So we entered the side and made our way to the side chapel which was dedicated to prayers. I on the other hand...
There may or may not have been a sign that showed a little camera that may or may not have had a line through it that may or may not have meant pictures were or weren't permitted.
As best as could be done without being overt...









After departing the church, we headed into town a little further.
Our walk through the streets was specifically aimless - but we did know that we wanted to have pizza in Venice.
So we blindly strolled through the town, looking at shops, and restaurant menus.

Outside on a pedistal was the menu at Ristorante La Piazza Pizzeria, or La Piazza Pizzeria Ristorante, and after leaving and coming back, went inside.

We went inside and were sat at a table in a quiet section.


As we reviewed the menu, we were given bread sticks and rolls.

We ordered a Margarita Pizza. It was really good.

And we were given small cups of lemon sorbert. It was really good.


The whole meal, including bottled still water, cost €20 including a gratuity. And well worth it.

We returned to the plaza that we gathered in the first day two days ago.
In the corner was a church that we decided to briefly visit before getting on the return boat.

Between the ride back to the terminal, security, the pouring rain, and bus ride to the ship, we were back by about 3:00.
We stopped by the Living Room for a cup of coffee from Patrick, then made our way to the cabin to drop our items, and relax for a bit before dinner.

Dinner time: The Restaurant, table 53.

Linda had the Caesar Salad, Seared Scallops & Shrimp, and Fragola.



I had the Haddock Fish Cake, Seared Scallops & Shrimp, and Panna Cotta & Strawberry.

The ship left port a little before dinner started.
But as the night progressed and it entered the main waters, we did hit some rough seas.
Fortunately, there are handrails all over the place - including the hallways. At the top of the stairs and inside the elevators the staff had add little dispensers with bags for regurgitation purposes (barf bags) for those that needed it. It wasn't that, this time, for us.

Tonight was trivia again. There were less than 100 people playing, but almost 1,000 passengers on the ship.
Our team consisted of Joyce, John, Kits, and Mike. And WE WON!
The prize? A mamosa... Better than nothing, I guess.

We finished our rewards, chatted with our teammates a while, and then headed to the cabin for the evening.

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