Mediterranean Iconic Shores Ocean Cruise
Day 24: Saturday, November 22, 2025 - Sicily, Italy
The day's statistics:
- Weather: low 60s
- Steps: Linda: 7,380; Steve: 9,730
We ate breakfast in the World Café and sat near Sandra and Mike from the UK.
From the veranda - though I usually get these before breakfast, this time it was after as we prepped for our
morning excursion.
This morning's excursion was "Messina & Its Treasures". The city is Messina, the island is Sicily, and both are part of Italy.
Our guide was Nicolita, and our driver was Francisco.
We began with a ride mostly along the coast with some interesting architectural and residential sights.
And I was on this side of the bus too...
Eventaully we drove around a large lagoon area that also had a crew team practicing.
Across the waterway - the Strait of Messina - is mainland Italy.
We continued on until we arrive at a spot along the waterfront.
After debussing, we took a selfie.
And a video pan.
Nicolita directed the group down the walkway just a little, to gather on the deck of a small Cocktail bar - that
also served light snacks - called Atmosfere.
Sitting on the deck continued the view of the Strait, including the ship and ferries in the area.
Each traveler was given a small canolli, and their choice of lemon or coffee icy. Admittedly when we were asked what
we wanted, I thought it was going to be liquid and said "coffee" - what else goes better with a canolli than a cup of
coffe? - as I am not a huge fan of iced coffee, but this icy turned out to actually not be that bad.
That's the Viking Vesta off in the distance in the inlet.
After the snack, the group departed Atmosfere, and returned to the bus.
Connected to the large lagoon above is this smaller lagoon - primarily used for oyster farming.
The route to our next stop, including past more architecture, took us back past the first larger lagoon, and what
looked like a memorial.
Back along the waterfront we passed a water polo pool and a competition pool .
And we continued on.
The bus ride ended at the ship's port.
But our journey wasn't over yet. We left the port and essentially traveled two blocks west, to Piazza del Duomo.
The highlight in the piazza - and the church - is the bell tower with an astronomical clock that still functions, and
chimes - at noon. It is considered the largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world.
Also in the piazza is a fountain (turned off for the season).
Our attention was turned toward the church called Basilica Cathedrale Santa Maria Assunta.
On the side of the church was a memorial dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the earthquake of 1908.
We were only in the cathedral for about 20 minutes - much less than the time we normally spend in a church.
But there was a reason for that... at noon, the astronomical clock rang. And Nicolita wanted to make sure we saw
it. There was quite a crowd gathered in the piazza to withness the spectacle.
While we waited, we grabbed a couple selfies.
I balanced the camera on the fountain fence so I wouldn't have to try to hold it steady the whole time.
It was recorded portrait so hopefully it looks good - better? - on a cell phone. Or not, as it seems YouTube doesn't
render the portrait video as well as it might be able to.
After the ten-plus minutes of the bell tower show, the group was told that they could travel back to the ship with
Nicolita, or stay in town being certain to be back on board by 4:00 as that was last call.
We decided to head back to the ship with Nicolita, but only after revisiting the church to spend a little more time
inside and to see what we might have missed the first time.
The return visit to the cathedral was done, and we paid a return visit to the piazza to await our return to the ship.
And we were off.
The walk back to the ship was rather quick - I think we spent more time waiting to cross two streets
than the actual rest of the walk.
It turns out that this thing hanging off the side of the ship runs on a rail and is used to clean the windows - at
the Explorer's Lounge and down at the pool area, including the lanai that is adjacent to the Wintergarden.
Before heading off to lunch, I took a quick look out the veranda. I happened to notice something dark moving
around in the water. The crisp, clear water. I tried to get a picture of it but the refraction kept it from
being too clear from twenty or so feet above the top of the water, and through the water. And I took multiple
picture and it seemed that it eventually seperated - I can only think it was a school of fish.
Lunch at the World Café was a tasty light buffet with wine.
In reflection, especially for a day like today with the town right over there, we feel that we probably could - and
should have - went back into town after lunch, even if for just a couple hours.
Next up was a visit to the Explorer's Lounge for cards and relaxation.
While there, I stepped out onto the deck and got a couple pictures.
A little before six, it was time for dinner in The Restaurant. At this early-ish hour, it is pretty quiet - which also
usually provides for better service. The lone guy seated over there - waiting for his wife / significant other - may or
may not be the one that orders his Caesar salad without anchovies and croutons.
We sat near Artes and Tom.
Tonight's menu.
Linda had the Destination Menu consisting of Zuppa del Casale, Pixxispad Mimli, and Cassata Siciliana.
I had the Grilled Octopus, Seafood Cioppino Stew, and Chocolate Crown.
At 8:00 we had trivia.
Gary and Yung were celebrating Gary's birthday, and shared a bottle of champagne with us and a third couple we were
seated with.
We scored 11 of 15, and didn't win.
After trivia, we headed to the Star Theater for a show called Duets.
When we arrived, the previous event had not yet wrapped up - it was the farewell toast for those that were departing
the ship in Rome - which was in two days (but they did this on this night so those that had to get up REALLY early on
disembarkation day {and thus would go to bed equally early} could participate in the toast).
There were some rough seas tonight and what was a little humourous was the crew that was on stage all moved in
unison as the ship swayed a little back and forth.
The crew departed and the show started soon thereafter.
The Viking Musicians performed a show called "Duets", singing songs sung by duos - though they sang as a quartet for a few of them.
Again, another forty-five minute concert. And I recorded a couple songs.
Following the show, we made our way to our cabin for the evening.
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