The flights for this cruise were booked back in June 2017, the object being to get us to Genoa and then back from Barcelona from the same UK airport. Gatwick and British Airways came up trumps for both flights. Our first flight was at 8:30am in the morning so we concluded that it would be a good idea to drive down the night before to eliminate a very early start from home. So with that in mind, it made sense to book a hotel at the airport and combine it with a parking package. After a search on the Holiday Extras website, we selected The Sofitel. It’s within the airport and is a 3-minute walk to the North Terminal through an indoor walkway. Being as our flight was from the South Terminal it was just a case of hopping on the free monorail to then get us to the appropriate terminal where we were able to check in and drop off our luggage.
At 7:30 we noticed that our flight had been delayed until 9:15 which was a bit annoying as an extra hour in bed would have been nice. Aparently it was all down to the late arrival of crew which were inbound on another plane. That’s a new one on me.
We both liked the idea of spending a little time in Genoa before we embarked so by going out a day early it enabled us to do this. It also provided a nice little buffer just in case anything should go wrong. Today’s delay was the first time we have experienced one while flying within Europe and although it wasn’t a major delay it does happen from time to time.
After departing at our revised time we eventually landed just under 2 hours later at Chistoforo Colombo Airport in Genoa. From there a 15 minute taxi ride (€18) to our overnight accommodation, The Grand Hotel Savoia. We heard about this place thanks to a couple of fellow cruisers and have to say it didn’t disappoint.
We have a room on the first floor but there is a terrace on the seventh where you can look out over the port and see what ships are in, today it’s Preziosa and Seaview.
After dropping cases off and having a brief look around the hotel we set off to explore. We walked around for about 4 hours wandering up and down little streets and passages before hunger got the better of us. Genoa is actually a lot more interesting and prettier than I had originally thought.
It’s certainly a very busy place and all the more so today because of a 5km Colour Run being held. We weren’t sure if it was anything to do with it but there were several areas of the city decorated with lots of coloured umbrellas. Simple but very effective.
After going back to the hotel for an hour to freshen up a take a rest before we set off again to see how different it felt in the evening.
We are also keeping an eye out for rumoured fireworks to celebrate the christening of MSC Seaview.
I will update you tomorrow of how our evening went