We docked in Marseilles at 0800, as scheduled.
We went down to the Riviera Lounge at the appointed 0845 only to find a LONG line. Around 0900, we got to the front of the line and were given a boarding tag for bus #20. Not long afterwards, we were called to disembark. The tour of Avignon was scheduled to last about eight hours. There were only ten guests on the huge bus, so we had plenty of room to spread out and everyone had a great window view. Our guide was Dominique. She spoke good English with a British accent. We first went to Avignon and toured the Pope's Palace.
Then we went on to Les Baux de Provence. While both stops were amazing, the landscape between and back to the port were also interesting. This is a major olive and grape growing region. There were olive trees and vineyards everywhere. Made us think of Napa Valley.
We got back to the ship around 1530 quite exhausted. We adjourned to our room and found a note to check with the Destination Services Desk to pick up our iPod for our self-guided tour of Monte Carlo tomorrow. We went down to the desk on the way to dinner. Nick, the "gentleman" who attended to us gave us our iPod and showed us how to use it. This tour just includes a map and narration of the highlights. We can go where we want at the pace we want. Oh, in addition, Nick told us that due to the high seas, we will not be docking at Monte Carlo but instead at Villefranche, France. We were "on our own" to get to Monte Carlo. Nick suggested a taxi, or perhaps the train. To this we were almost speechless. I told Nick that we expected to be taken to Monte Carlo. Nick indicated he understood and asked us to wait while he checked again. He returned a few seconds later and essentially said "tough luck". If we did not like it, we could cancel our excursion. We did cancel and told Nick we would remember this. He did not seemed moved.
We ate at the Grand Dining room, having foie gras in chicken breast and prime rib. I thought it was OK. T thought it was better than that. I may have still had a bad taste in my mouth from talking with Nick.
After returning to our room, Askof arrived with our canapés for the evening. We had selected the Ciabatta Petit Loaf with Brie, Apple, and Cherry Tomato Garnished with Fruit AND the International A.O.C Cheese Platter. It was delightful. Askof also noticed we had set out all the sugared sodas from our refrigerator and asked if we did not like them. I told him we were not in to sugared sodas and asked if we could get some sparkling water and club soda. No Problem! was the response. While we have been disappointed with several cultural issues on this Oceania cruise, the butler service and the housekeeping service (Carolina) have been shining stars. Carolina came to our door this evening and introduced herself and made sure we promised to let her know if there was anything we needed. She is from Honduras and Askof is from Calcutta, India.
Today they predicted the temperature would get up to 77F. I don't think it ever got over 60F. I found it very delightful. They are warning of heavy seas tonight. I am looking forward to it and sleeping well!
We may still go ashore at Villefranche tomorrow and T may take the opportunity to have a spa visit. Regardless, we will not let Nick spoil our trip.
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