Today, we started our day in Dubrovnik with a city tour with our local guides. We observed the outside of Rector’s Palace and the interior of the 13th century Franciscan monastery, and we took a walk along the city’s walls. We spent 45 minutes walking along the walls with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence Fortress and surrounding areas. After our tour, we had free time to explore the city. A Viking television series is being filmed in the city, and we got to see the film sets and actors. Sea Cloud’s pool opened up before teatime in the afternoon, and guests were able to swim in the Adriatic Sea for the first time during the trip! Our historian, Robyn, gave a presentation on the Venetian Empire. This was followed by a Klapa performance by a local a cappella group that performed on the Lido deck. For dinner, we enjoyed a Filipino feast on the Lido deck with the option to tender back to the city afterwards.
9/20/2024
Read
Sea Cloud
Kotorfjord, Montenegro
Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.
