Peggy and Ardis, thanks for the info. I am planning on contacting her.

Here is the story...

Lynn (cruise consultant) told me early in the week that the Gold, Platinum, and Titanium event would be a chance to view the arrival into Venice from the foc'sle. There were two issues.

First, the official itinerary had us arriving at Venice at 0900. When the invitation came out for the party, it stated 0830. I immediately went to reception to inquire if the time was correct. Then, at 1145 on Saturday the Captain made an announcement that we would pick up the pilot at 0700 and would proceed the transit into Venice at 0730. I again inquired at reception but was told that party was at 0830. Then, the passages stated that Sandra would begin her commentary at 0800. I woke up early. The pilot was picked up at 0700. I went down to reception at that time and was again told that party time had not been changed. They said that they would check with Lynn but I don't know if they ever did; they definitely did not call be back as they said they would. Sandra started her commentary at 0730. Arlene and I raced to deck 12 to watch the show. As we were getting close to St Marks, we raced down to deck 5 where Amanda escorted us to the foc'sle. We made it in time. However, we encountered the bigger problem.

Arlene and I were told by deck hands that we could not go on the foc'sle. We tried the other side where the lines had not been layed and were again asked to move. Then the safety officer came down at the Staff Captain's direction to physically remove us from the foc'sle. The Hotel Department and Deck Department were on different sheets of music. Also, Sandra's commentary was not provided on Deck 6 even though it is a "weather deck."

It ends up we did not see sail in to San Marco Square and could not hear Sandra's commentary; we would have been much better off just staying on Deck 12.

We received a letter of explanation; it blamed the Venetian authorities for requiring us to enter early. This is a bit weak as we arrived and were docked at 0830 for a stated 0900 arrival; seems normal. However, the letter did not address the issue of access to the foc'sle; this was by far the greatest problem. After all, Arlene and I actually made it to the foc'sle on time; it was just a wasted trip.

This is my fourth Gold, Platinum, Titanium event and by far the worst (although dinner on MUSH was almost as bad).

In the staff's defense, they had done this same event last fall; Lorraine said it was fantastic. If so, I do wonder about coordination with the Staff Captain on this trip.

This trip has been wonderful. Lorraine, Amanda, and Louise are a wonderful triumvarate. There is only one staff member with whom I am having problems (not related to this incident but two other incidents) which I cannot write about on the board.

Venice is great! Denise, thanks for the recommendation of Roberta.

More later....