Another day, another port. Today marks our first of two stops in Turkey, this one in Kusadassi (Ephesus) Turkey and then tomorrow off to Bodrom Turkey. Our original plan today was to go to the amazing Aqua Park which is a couple of miles from the port but that excursion going cancelled due to lack of participants. We figured going into it that the chances of us being able to go were slim but getting the notice was still a bummer. We decided instead since we were in Kusadassi in 2008 to not go back to Ephesus which we did an eight hour tour on already, but instead stay and explore Kusadassi. My parents on the other hand booked a half-day tour that took them to many of the great sights in Ephesus. They seemed to enjoy it but once again seemed as though the weather deterred them.

Sometimes things happen for a reason. That was the thought that we all went to bed with knowing that our original plan had fallen apart. We received a note yesterday that our excursion which was to take us to the Athens City Center had been cancelled due to mechanical issues. Our original plan was to get dropped off, shop and eat. So we woke up this morning at around 9AM ordered some room service (cereal, fruit, pastries, and coffee) and got ready for the day.

You either love or hate at sea days. My family is 5-2 against at sea days with only Jenn and I being strongly for them. For us it is yet another excuse to lay back relax with no timeframes and nothing really to do. The perfect R&R if you ask us. The rest of my family on the other hand wants something to do. Either way, today marks our first of two (yes only two) at sea days.

Today marked the official start of the cruise and our first stop after the port city of Venice, Italy. Last night before we turned in we saw a notice that said to put your clocks ahead one hour what we didn't realize was that was for the following day so Jenn and I woke up under the assumption it was nearly 11AM and not 10AM and rushed to get ready to ensure we were up and ready for our 12:30PM excursion in Dubrovnik, Coatia.

And so the cruise begins. After going through the check in process yesterday and exploring Venice with my family it was on to our first full day of the cruise. The cruise ship stayed in Venice overnight and departed today at 2PM but we had to be on board by noon. My parents with Amy and Ally left to go back into Venice for a few hours while Jenn and I slept and Jake worked out.

When we planned this years Europe 2012 adventure it was broken into three parts. Switzerland, Venice, and then the cruise. Today marked the completion of part two of our journey and the beginning of the longest portion of our travel, the cruise. This morning we woke up at around 7:30AM but laid around in bed until 9:30. We finished up packing, checked for any loose items, I finished up my entry for yesterday, and we went down to breakfast at around 10:30AM.