We are on our way!

Ellen picked us up a10 with Nick in tow and off to the airport we went.  A bit nervous about connection at JFK but at least we connect in the same terminal.  Just hope that all of our luggage makes it!  

Max was waiting for us at USAirways check;  easy TSA line and lunch at Big Daddy's....yum.  The boys are excited about the trip but Grandma and Poppa are even more excited.  This trip was a long time in the planning stages with a few bumps in the road along the way.  It is so nice to be ready to go!

So, famous last words.....long delay in CLT due to weather in NYC....finally arrived in NY, boarded, settled in and since, have had multiple delays ( log book not delivered to the Captain - he had to ensure that all mechanical problems had been signed off ( took1/2 hour), then he called for a team to push us back ( twice)... No estimate for when they would show up.   It is now 6 pm and we are still at the gate. I have sent 3 different messages to the company transporting us to  Civitavecchia telling them new estimated arrival times!    Hope they are waiting when we get to FCO (rome airport) and so glad that I packed some snacks and had a good lunch!  The trials and tribulations of Air transportation.  

We had Cell access, the boys are playing games, I am blogging and Art is playing games on his Tablet.  So no real inconvenience.  Just anticipation of our wonderful trip and a little hungry :)

Pushing back in the rain.

The flight was uneventful with excellent flight attendants, little sleep, and uncomfortable seats.  Glad to see sunrise and hoping that our ride is waiting for us when we arrive.

True to their word, Romecabs driver met us at The Meeting Point in Terminal 3. All bags arrived, passports stamped and we were on our way.  About an hour later we were at Hotel Traghetto where we were greeted by friendly staff.  Although we were well ahead of their usual check- in time, we registered, had complimentary juice and espresso ( Art) and the boys room was ready.  They were on their beds and asleep before we shut the door! 

 Art and I went for a walk through the shopping area and along the water front.  We found the restaurants that the hotel mgr had recommended and picked one for dinner.  Took some pictures which I will post later and headed back to the hotel.  Our room was ready and it was the one that folks on Trip Advisor and Cruise Critic think is the best because it has a large bLcony overlooking the port where you see your ship sail into harbor in the morning!  This is a simple, budget friendly hotel great for a night pre or post cruise.  But the staff makes up for the lack of luxury.