Final port of call, Marseille

Marseille was our final port of call, but the opportunities for a photo shoot in the pretty area of the old port were marred by the grey drizzle. We made the most of things and picked up some last minute gifts from a local market and then sought refuge in a cafe overlooking the harbour. Steve succumbed to the pleasures of a hot chocolate which was thick enough to stand a spoon in, coupled with a chocolate fondant, lavishly decorated with whipped cream. Some of you may not yet be aware of the fact that when you're on holiday abroad there operates a clever phenomenon whereby any excess of calories consumed miraculously disappear during the "Holiday Calorie Conversion Process". Known as the HCCP, this little documented process happens automatically at the airport when you pass through the metal detector gate at customs, and it is sometimes aided by the use of that large magic wand they wave across your body to help rid you of the last few stubborn holiday calories. Voila! You leave the country weighing exactly the same as when you arrived.


It's so good to know that this contains zero calories.



By the time we got back on board the sun appeared, making it ideal for my French themed shoot. I had planned this outfit for today with meticulous attention to detail, but Steve made me ditch the string of onions and black beret.

Chanel trousers: gift. Striped top: Primark. Shoes: Vans. Belt: eBay.


As we moved around the deck I could see the Captain of the ship appear. Notice this sudden alertness in my eyes.

Steve didn't know that the cogs were turning as I hatched a plan...

Yes, here I am with Captain Giuseppe Maresca of MSC Preziosa. I didn't tell him I'd be featuring him on my blog. I think he just assumed I was an adoring guest. He asked how we'd enjoyed the cruise and if we would travel with the company again. He possessed the cool charm which comes from intelligence and position.



The following day was Valentine's day. Now some women may get roses, but I was lucky enough to get a rose gold Michael Kors watch. Yes, my husband spoils me, I know. The rose gold knot bangle was what he bought me last year as we came through Singapore airport on our way back from New Zealand. Yes, I know, he spoils me.

There are two glass lifts which service the centre of the ship offering you wonderful views, so that afternoon I rode the lift and took some shots of the public areas.

The lower floor is the Diamond bar and lounge from where there are a series of diamond staircases for all aspiring Hollywood starlets to pose. Ahem, well maybe not just starlets.

On the top of the ship is another swimming pool with yet more bars, a disco and nightclub beyond. Steve and I never managed to get that far in the evenings. Dinner was followed by a show in the huge theatre, a quick whizz through the casino and into the Green Sax lounge for drinks and dancing. Everyone seemed to find there own niche and this was ours.

We had a day at sea between leaving Malta and docking in Barcelona. We could see Sardinia in the distance some 20 miles away at lunchtime. The day for most seemed to be about chilling out, or in my case trying on frocks for yet another busy evening. This black dress may be conservative by my normal (flashy) standards and that's because I offered three choices to Steve and he chose this one (we clearly are the typical case of opposites attract). For a change I wore my silver sandals and the gold and silver necklace to add a bit of bling.

Dress: Laura Ashley (charity shop). Silver sandals and clutch: TK Maxx. Necklace: Magpie Vintage. Watch and rings: charity shop. 


No matter what pose you choose, these glittery steps add real glamour.



Early morning as we come into port. Notice the obligatory silk pyjamas for morning balcony shots.

Soft grey light as dawn breaks - all the more romantic when viewed from the ship.

Oh how I shall miss this new day, new port lifestyle.

Sailing along the coastline as we leave Marseille to head off for the final leg to Genoa. Sob, sniffle, sob.

The French flavour continued as we were treated to the Can-Can by the entertainment troupe. The theatre was packed every night and today's influx of French guests loved this offering.

On the last night I had a choice of four dresses which I hadn't yet worn. After much chopping and changing I decided to go with the Bollywood number. I think this peach colour is good for my skin and hair colouring. On top of that I just love beads and sparkle!

Dress and shawl: Enjoy Clothing. Shoes: Primark. Yellow ring: Martin James. Sparkle ring: charity shop.








This was our final night with the friends we had made. We had a brilliant time from start to finish and I really couldn't recommend this type of holiday enough. I know cruising has a staid image, but the guests were all sorts of ages enjoying all sorts of entertainment. The nightclub was open into the wee, small hours, as was the casino. There were too many bars and lounges for us to find and visit within a week. Eating could be a 24 hour occupation if you chose, and there were children's clubs, fitness classes, dancing classes, a gymnasium, a health and beauty spa, a shopping mall, icecream parlour, pizza joint,  library, internet cafe - oh the list went on and on. Do it all, or do none at all and just go on a cruise to rest. But I urge you to try it, just once - you may have a ball. Arrivederci, Captain Maresca, we might see you again one day!

Linking with
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb 

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26 comments

  1. Found your blog via Bag + a Beret comments - how absolutely brill! Will spend the week enjoying your archive - what a treat -thank you! E xxxx

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    1. Well isn't that grand. Lovely to meet you and look forward to your review later x
      Anna

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  2. On the last day you had 4 dresses to choose from.... after already having worn so many other dresses. How big was your suitcase? Again I adore that little black number and all the accessories. And the orange dress... to die for. Man you have some good stuff. I am swooning over here. You even sleep in silk PJ's. And yes you are being spoiled, you lucky sod. Beautiful gifts.
    When I saw your first photo in blue and white I thought "oh how very appropriate". Then I laughed: Chanel trousers and Primark top. Way to go girl.
    Greetje

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    1. You're quite right Greetje, I am a lucky sod! Spoiled, lucky, but forever grateful. We had so much luggage that we had to send some back on the ship from our local port in Cornwall as it wouldn't fit onto the small plane home. Glad you appreciated the Chanel/Primark combo x
      Anna

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  3. I bet you have got a really classy onion necklace somewhere!!! You look so sublimely stylish and I love the wonderful views! I.guess I'll find out what a cruise is like this summer!!!!Xx

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    1. Dearest Kezzie, you will surely have great fun on your cruise too. I do hope you'll be full of stories for us all x
      Anna

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    2. I'm a bit worried I won't be as glam and smart as everyone else! You look amazing!x

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    3. Kezzie, as I've said before I would get dressed up for the opening of an envelope! I overdress, most days, most of the time and certainly went to town on the cruise. I'm your average attention seeker trying very hard not to be average. Don't judge yourself by me, sweetie. I bet you'll be fine x
      Anna

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  4. Anna...what a delightful vacation!! I'm still in awe of how much clothing you were able to take on this trip! And your description of HCCP is hilarious!! jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. So pleased you've enjoyed the blow by blow account. If you saw how little my husband had by way of clothes, you'd understand how easy he made it for me. He's a gem. I can't understand why someone hasn't managed to invent HCCP yet!
      Anna x

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  5. Fabulous outfits - as always. I loved the Chanel pants, the very sophisticated black dress and the lovely peach number! Cruising has never appealed but reading your account has certainly changed my mind! One day maybe...

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. The best thing of all has to be seeing so many places without having to unpack and repack all of the time. It seems like the ultimate in luxury living. There are loads of cruises offered by lots of cruise companies. I'm sure it would be fab which ever one you chose. Go on!

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  6. I must be doing something wrong because that whole HCCP business doesn't kick in with me. When I came back from our cruise I'm sure I gained 10 lbs.

    I'm so happy you enjoyed it. You both looked smashing!

    Your clothing is perfect for this kind of vacation. That orange dress is so gorgeous on you.

    I agree that one of the nicest things about cruising was the chance to wear all my fancy gowns. Not having to pack and unpack all the time was a big relief as well.

    I will not tell my husband what you said about the onion necklace. LOL He has heard enough French baguette and beret jokes to last a lifetime.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. I'd missed that vital fact about your husband, ouch! I think crusing is pretty much about selling a dream, even if it's just for a short while. We all like a little bit of luxury and it certainly does deliver. It was great fun and a wonderful opportunity to dress up to the nines every night. Roll on the next time!
      Anna x

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    2. You're so right, Olga. It's truly an exciting adventure for all. Thanks for dropping by again x
      Anna

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  8. everything, but EVERYTHING here is Ab Fab Anna. Not sure where to start! The gift of that watch maybe? and the fact you have a husband for whom such a gesture is normal!!! The great photos he took of you in your "French" look? The incredibly chic black dress ... or THAT apricot number, and the fact that you look like a mere girl wearing it at your husband's side!! This has been a lovely feast of a post, thank you!
    Love Sallyx
    sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com

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    1. Dearest Sally, I so appreciate your response. I wanted this final post to be like a lovely warm, fussy, round-up, feast-like finish to our epic adventure. And you got it! Hurrah. Goodness knows where I go from here as far as keeping the blog interesting, but I'll give it a try. Thanks so much for your great comments honey x
      Anna

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  9. Aha. I have now got a blogger profile Anna so hopefully will stop losing my comments as soon as I hit publish! Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the cruise blog, what an opportunity to showcase your fabulous wardrobe! The ship was extraordinary - a floating city - and a very glam one at that. Somehow the Captain was a bit if a disappointment - shouldn't he be a 6 ft 2 " Gregory Peck type with his cap at a jaunty angle and one eyebrow sardonically raised? Think you out glommed him Darling....I also enjoyed reading all the comments from your fellow bloggers - what a fabulous lot you are.. I have to chip in my two penny worth and say I had a sneak preview yesterday of what must be a future blog outfit, arrived on Tresco yesterday for a weeks painting and popped into see Anna in her office eyrie looking out over the harbour.... Wow, a soft as butter buff leather jacket is coming up folks, nipped in at the waist with sharp little buttons - of yes, very Anna.. The wind is howling today and mist is shrouding the view from my cottage so I'm not venturing out - but I'd love to see what today's outfit is Anna! Xxx

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    1. Welcome Maggs, and long may you comment with such gusto and success! I've tried so hard to give a real flavour of the cruise holiday as I know it's not always seen as fun/glamorous but full of grey haired old dears, falling asleep or being shooed in and out of coaches in herds. This was a ship full of opportunities, endless options, and for me the perfect holiday. What woman doesn't want all her meals cooked, her bed made, and a new vista out of her bedroom window every morning? Throw in the chance to sashay around in your best frocks, watch a great show and then finish with a romantic dance with your hubby, and hey it's full marks from me!
      The nude jacket will show up soon, but something pink and cosy is up tomorrow.
      Anna x

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  10. Your Chanel trousers are delightful, Anna!! So perfect :)

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    1. Thank you Sheela, weren't they just right for this? I miss this fantasy lifestyle already. Still, there's always next year.
      Anna x

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  11. I was so smiling when I saw that photo of you in your trousers with the captain! Priceless! Those trousers are just adorable on you. Might you've had a high old time with all your amazing outfits. Bravo! Hope it truly was a holiday to remember and you have wonderful memories.

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I did think this photo with the captain was a touch of genius (aka luck). Talk about being in the right place at the right time! It was truly memorable, and now I can revisit these moments through the blog x
      Anna

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