This morning we were able to sleep in because our ship didn't pull into port until 1:00 pm. So in the morning after breakfast we took a tour of the ship. It is not very big so it is easy to find everything. On our level there is also the spa. We have an observation deck and a pool deck one level above ours and a main lounge which offers drinks and snacks all day two levels below us. That is also the entry level deck. There is a fitness room on a lower level. We have two restaurants; one offers a buffet each night and one offers a la carte. The ship is only one year old and is so bright, shiny, and new. Our room is lovely with a nice balcony but smaller than expected. It is forcing us to be very organized with our luggage. Bob is very happy with the size, but women can always use more!
After the ship tour we watched a film from the History Channel on Marco Polo because legend has it that he was born on the island of Korcula. We enjoyed a buffet lunch before our tour. Le Lyrial is a French owned ship so all of the crew speaks French and Englsh. It is so nice to hear French again and to be able to speak with the crew.
At 1:00 we disembarked to meet our guide on Korcula (pronounced core-chew-lah). When we first checked in on the ship, they took our passports and gave us coded boarding passes that we are to use during our stay. We must show the pass each time we leave or re-enter the ship and also use it for any purchases made on the ship. The beauty of this tour is that all of the tips/gratuities are paid for so we will not be charged for such when we disembark.The island of Korcula was very small and charming ( I am sure I will use that word a lot during the is trip.). We visited the medieval old town and the purported home of Marco Polo. After our tour of the town, we went to their theater and viewed a private performance (just for Tauck's travelers) of the Moreska, an ancient tale involving intricate sword dancing. It was amazing to watch - so intricately choreographed! The Moreska is an ancient tradition but today it is only performed on Korcula. We then returned to the ship and relaxed until 6:45 when we had cocktails on the deck and had our picture taken with the very handsome captain. He speaks fluent English as well as French and he easily switched between the two languages. The captain introduced his officers as well as other key personnel. It was all very entertaining as we enjoyed our champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The captain had some training at the U.S. Maritime Academy and married a Canadien, thus he learned to speak English!
After the reception we dined in the restaurant on Deck 2 and had another marvelous meal. It began with caviar, then 3 small entrees, free-flowing wine and dessert. We dined with a nice couple from Canada. Because we eat late, we finish late and haven't been taking in the late night shows. We have to rest up for tomorrow's activities!
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