Mediterranean Cruise
Some people will say, a cruise is not for the young! I was always one of these people until I took the plunge and booked a cruise for my honeymoon…. I really didn’t know what to expect, but my opinion on cruises changed completely, the minute I stepped onto the ship!
It was my dad who suggested to go on a cruise. He had a lot of convincing to do. My dad had done a few cruises and said you’ll love it. Well, he managed to convince me, so on 20th May 2010, me and my husband jetted of to Heraklion to board “Ocean Village” and cruise around the Mediterranean for 14 nights.
Arriving in Heraklion airport, we had a transfer that took us straight outside the port to board “Ocean Village”. Everything ran so smoothly, it was very exciting. I still felt apprehensive by the whole thing at this point, so I couldn’t wait to get on the ship and sail away. Once we checked in and boarded Ocean Village without any problems or delays, we made our way to our cabin. We stayed in an outside cabin with a window, it was spacious, comfy and warm.
The day after we set sail, it was a day at sea, to reach the first port in Egypt. We spent this day exploring the ship. There was something to do for everyone, whether that was doing window shopping, having a spa treatment, swimming in the many pools or just reading your favourite book on the ships many deck areas for sunbathing. We chose to eat in the main restaurant most evenings, which was buffet style. The dress code was whatever took your fancy and felt comfortable in. We had a gorgeous meal one evening at The Bistro, with head chief James Martin. That evening we decided to dress up for the occasion.
The evening entertainment was incredible, there was absolutely loads to chose from. We found ourselves in the theatre room most nights, watching dancers, singers performing, to comedian nights and having cocktails in the bar.
We visited 11 ports on this cruise adventure….. Cairo - Egypt, Limassol – Cyprus, Rhodes – Greece, Ephesus – Turkey, Athens – Greece, Heraklion – Crete, Korcula – Croatia, Venice – Italy, Dubrovnik – Croatia, Corfu – Greece, Zakynthos – Greece.
In Cairo we took a tour trip to see the Pyramids and Giza, absolutely amazing to see these up so close, you don’t realise how tall they are! We did the best of Ephesus in Turkey spending most of the time at the Amphitheatre. In Athens we took a tour boat trip along the Corinth Canal. It was so narrow and beautiful, crystal blue water. Venice was my favourite destination on this holiday. We took a Gondola ride around Venice, cruising down the narrow, cobbled streets and iconic canals. Looking at the beautiful buildings and the bridge of sighs. We had a walk around St Marks Square, taking in all that history. We had a boat trip and lunch tour in Dubrovnik, I really want to go back here and explore it more, such a beautiful place to visit.
Having never cruised before, I was planning my next cruise whilst on this cruise. It’s a wonderful way to travel and to get a feel for each individual place.
Still thinking about your first cruise?........... Go on and set sail, like I did! You’ll love it!