All aboard

Ibiza has been on my 'must visit' list for quite a few years now, so when my boss called me into his office asking if I wanted to go there, my response was obvious: "When? Tomorrow?"

He went on to explain it was a West Mediterranean cruise courtesy of Hamilton Travel on MSC Cruises' Rhapsody. Seven decks, two restaurants, a pool, gym, cinema, disco, library, a tennis/volley-ball court, hairdresser, children's playroom, casino, duty-free and jewellery shop, a boutique, non-stop entertainment and, just in case, a 'hospital'.

The 535-foot cruise-liner sleeps 850, but on our cruise - the first time Malta was included as a port of call - we were 700 on board.

This summer some 1,500 Maltese will board the Rhapsody for a one-week cruise, while 18,000 visitors will pay a one-day visit to Malta, seeing Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities. The cruise starts on Wednesdays calling at Tunis, Ibiza, St Tropez, Genoa and Naples, with excursions at every port.

Waiting at the embarkation hall I was curious to know whom I would be spending the next week with. But more than anything, I needed to know the boat. It had been quite a while since I boarded a boat and looked forward to a week on the sea.

Passport and all embarkation hassles sorted out, I entered my cabin. I was alone in a cabin that can sleep three, but I couldn't help feeling it would have been crowded had it been fully occupied. The size of the cabins is not really a concern, because they're used - literally - just for sleeping and washing. The beds are far more comfortable than I expected them to be. Nodding off was never a problem that week.

The wall-sized windows really let in the sun, but the curtains were very effective in keeping out both light and heat when drawn.

One of the first things people go through upon embarkation is a safety drill, learning where their life-jackets are, how to wear them and which of the three muster stations they should report to.

There were over 50 Maltese passengers on board - a 16-strong group from the press, while the other passengers were led by the ever-entertaining Leonard Zammit.

By the time we had our first meal we were already out at sea, on our way to Tunis.

Supper is available at seven or nine o'clock - an à la carte menu offering a four-course meal serving pasta, fish or meat while also satisfying vegetarians, as well as those who want a light meal.

I only had breakfast once during my stay - but that's because I'm not exactly morning material. However, a full breakfast is available, offering various types of bread (brown, white, sliced or bun, etc.) hams, cheeses, cereal, as well as the option of eggs cooked to order - and you can also have breakfast in bed.

For lunch passengers can opt for a buffet meal in the outdoor restaurant. The food on offer was different every day, but always included a selection of soups, salads, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, pizza, followed by fruit and ice-cream. All cooked in typical Italian style and served in abundance.

Alternatively, one can visit the à la carte indoor restaurant where the same menu is on offer, but obviously, with a waiter and a slight break between one course and the next.

There is also a midnight 'snack' on offer - which is basically a whole meal all over but with most passengers generally eating less.

Only two of the ports of call require passport control - Tunis and Malta.

Having berthed in Tunis local authorities board the boat to execute entry formalities.

There is then the option of the historical and cultural tour or shopping. However, not much time is available. Stepping on African soil for the first time at 9.45 a.m., I was back on board the Rhapsody by 1.30 p.m., having visited the National Museum of Carthage and done some quick shopping at the market in Sidi Bou Said.

At 2 p.m. we were off on our 28-hour, 460-nautical mile stretch to Ibiza. This is probably the time you depend most on the on-board entertainment.

The Fascination Ballet as well as Marcello's magic tricks and sleight of hand; the film at the cinema; the pool; the gym. Then there's the disco and bar at night.

So finally I had got to the party capital. We were first invited to the Coastline Café for a cocktail and then we were off to explore every nook (read bar) and cranny (disco) of San Antonio.

It was highly reminiscent of Paceville, only cleaner and somehow calmer. Pretty much like the best Friday night in the year here. Except in Ibiza it was still early in the season - locals said it would be best to visit around early August.

Back to the boat for a few hours of shut-eye and come 8.30 we were back on land. The option in Ibiza is between the island tour (visiting the fortifications of San Josè, D'Alt Vila, San Antonio and back to Port Ibiza) or shopping around the harbour area.

At lunch-time we set sail for St Tropez. The only place where we anchored was at Port Grimaud, with tenders ferrying passengers to the pier.

There was a walking tour available, but we opted for the Cannes-Monte Carlo-Nice tour. Travelling took a bit longer than expected because it was Sunday, two hours after the Grand Prix.

This was the longest tour, we had, first spending a couple of hours in Cannes, then a two-hour drive to Monte Carlo. Unfortunately, we had to miss the Nice section of the tour due to the heavy traffic into and out of Monte Carlo. However, the other Maltese group visited Grasse, the perfume capital.

By night we started our journey to Genoa, where we were to spend just a half a day. Despite the option of visiting the Acquario di Genova, both groups chose the excursion to Portofino.

It takes over an hour to get there between the bus-ride and the boat-trip, but it's worth it. We spent two hours window-shopping, and then left for Ramallo, followed by a tour of Genoa.

By mid-afternoon we were starting our penultimate leg, to Naples.

It takes almost a day to get to it, and once there, the choice is between Capri and Pompeii, the former being our selection.

The Rhapsody berthed a few metres from the SNAV hovercraft that was to take us to Capri in 40 minutes. Once there we visited both cities - Capri and Anacapri, driving along the only road that is not pedestrianised.

We took the chair lift to the cliffs above the Faraglioni, but we were soon rushed off to the other side of the island where we spent another half an hour shopping before getting back to Naples.

Then we were off to the southernmost part of the cruise - home sweet home. Strangely the only (slightly) bad weather we encountered was in local territorial waters - when leaving as well as when returning.

Just a few hints before closing:

Do not expect the swaying sensation that is typical following a long boat ride; at least our group did not experience it.

Take seasickness pills - you never know;

For further information and reservations contact Hamilton Travel on 2124-1292, 2123-5878 or e-mail info@hamiltontravel.com.mt