September 11, 2018 – Monte Carlo

September 11, 2018 – Monte Carlo, Monaco
I woke at 630am and started getting everything together for my excursion at 8am. I took a HAL excursion to Eze and Menton . Eze is a beautiful hill top town built to discourage pirate attacks. Menton is also a hill town but with less stairs and more shops. We had time at both stops to roam on our own.
I was back at the ship by 2pm and decided to stay on board. Took another nap. I think I’m finally on European time.
Tonight was the first formal night. Curiously, there are 2 formal night’s in the first 12 days and neither is on the only sea day. My dinner table consists of 2 couples and me. We are very compatible and talk and laugh together every night.
I’ve been disappointed because I hadn’t met any HAL staff that I knew from previous cruises. Tonight, the sommelier came over and said “Elsie, d you remember me?” So Yea!, I finally met someone I know. His name is Sasha and I believe he was on the Voyage of the Vikings cruise.
It has been 18 months since my last cruise and I am now being reminded of all that I love about cruising on HAL.
Tomorrow the port is Livorna. Most people will head to Florence. I’m taking a Italytours.com trip to Lucca and Pisa since I’ll be in Florence on my way to Lucerne.
Grand Circle has warned me that my river cruise may have the itinerary adjusted due to low water levels on the Rhine. I guess I’ll deal with it as I learn more.