An early start today. I am awake before 6.30am and I feel the ship shudder which normally means she is manourvering into port. I glance out and immediately spot the island of Capri in the distance as Reflection backs into the Port of Naples. We are docked alongside Aida Perla who we followed through the straits of Messina last night. She's a nice looking ship but is exclusively geared toward the German cruise market.At 6.30 there is a soft rap at the door. Ro...

As we awake Reflection is situated about 5 miles off the sea east coast of the volcanic island of Stromboli. After Etna and Vesuvius she is the third of Italy's three active volcanoes. Today she is shrouded in cloud and so we cannot see much of her. Reflection continues southward towards the straits of Messina. As we approach we see two small boats with some men shouting very loudly. Someone is swimming the straits from Sicily to mainland Italy. It's only...

The night is sultry and warm. The aircon in our room is not very effective and we have a restless nights sleep as a result. Dawn soon creeps through the curtains and we rise and breakfast in the hotel. It's simple continental fare but tasty and filling. As we still have a few hours to spare before our shuttle to the port at 10.30am we decide to take a walk along the seafront. It's busy with joggers, walkers and commuters. It's a beautiful bright morni...