Cruise Diva's CRUISE DIARY
~ Istanbul to Genoa ~
Cruise the Cyclades Islands to Nafplion, Greece
At SeaJune7, 2002
A day at sea is the perfect way to begin a cruise. As Silver Whisper made her way to Nafplion, Greece, land was seldom out of sight.
After breakfast in my suite, a quick exploration of the ship was in order. First stopthe Computer Center to sign onto the Internet and send email home. Email is definitely the most efficient and inexpensive means to stay in touch. Silverseas' computer system is designed so charges only accrue while a web page is uploading or downloading. Using a Yahoo or Hotmail account costs only pennies.
Email sent, I popped next door to the well-stocked library to select a book and then headed upstairs to peek into the Observation Lounge. No matter where in the world you are sailing, you'll find a guidebook there, as well as games and morning coffee. The Spa is right next door and I can see I'll be spending a lot of time in the sauna and steam room. Fellow passengers were already into their fitness routines and working off last night's dinner in the gym.
Down a deck, I circuited the sun deck and, down another deck, noticed that snacks were being readied at The Pool Grillé. The day's roster of activities included a wine tasting with the Head Sommelier and basic ballroom dancing lessons with the Gentlemen Hosts®. Both activities were well attended.
Our sailing schedule from Istanbul afforded an after lunch treat as we cruised at sea past the grandeur of Mt. Athos. It was a splendid opportunity to view the remote villages and monasteries perched on the the mountainous slopes (photo). From the balcony of my suite, I could hear the narrative from the bridge and felt I could almost reach out to touch the shore. That's as close as I'll ever get, however. Woman are not allowed ashorethe monks choose to live there for solitude and a contemplative life. Only males are allowed to visit the peninsula.
A full evening of entertainment was in store... following afternoon tea and Team Trivia, it was time to primp for a formal evening and attend the Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception.
Afterwards we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and the evening's show, La Belle Epoque. Featuring the Jean Ann Ryan Production Team, noted for their fine performers and dazzling costumes, it's unusual to see such a spectacular show on a ship as small as Silver Whisper.
Nafplion, GreeceJune 8, 2002
After the day cruising, we visited the port and resort town of Nafplion, noted for the scenic view from the Palamidi Fortress (and nearly a thousand stairs to reach it). Thankfully, my tour included a coach ride to the top, where the promised view was spectacular. Equally impressive was ancient Epidaurus, site of the remarkable 4th Century BC theatre, the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece. Our guide demonstrated the incredible acoustics by whispering from the spot where the altar once stood.
We rounded out the day with lunch at a sidewalk café and a bit of shopping around the main square of the Old Town. A short tender ride delivered us back aboard Silver Whisper with plenty of time left in the afternoon for lounging in a padded wooden deck chaira fine spot to read and then watch the scenery as we sailed.
A relaxed dinner in my suite sounded appealing after a day ashore. In keeping with a "do it my way" state of mind, I skipped the dining room and ordered a splendid meal from room service. Jumbo prawns, Caesar salad, beef tenderloin, and crème brûlée garnished with raspberriesa leisurely feast served in my dining room on a pale green Frette linen tablecloth. A perfect ending to a lovely day.
Next -> Cruise the Adriatic & Days Ashore at Dubrovnik & Korçula, Croatia
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