Decided to do Athens by ourselves - took the free shuttle bus to the port entrance and then purchased public bus tickets for the X80 bus to Athens from right outside the port which cost €4.50 and was a nice easy journey of less than 20 minutes. Whilst reading a map, picked up at the tourist office in the port, suddenly found myself in charge or organising the whole bus trip as no one else knew where they were going. Now my husband David would find this amusing as I don't know how to hold a map never mind read one. However as usual the internet is my friend and having paid for eurotraveller on my phone had full use of the internet so followed the journey on google maps. I knew that we would like to see the Acropolis and wander in the district of Plaka as my daughter, Rebecca, had visited last year and gave recommendations. As we got closer I asked the bus driver to shout out when we got to the stop for the Acropolis and he did this, getting off he bus to point the way and show us the return bus stop.
A short walk later we were at the entrance to the Acropolis. We didn't go in as it would be too much for mum and headed off to the Plaka district. A lovely wander along the old town and headed up to the Parliamentary area - Syntagma Square, where the marches and protests during the Greek crisis a few years ago were held. Heading back to Plaka had a lovely lunch followed by an ice cream and return bus to the port. We waited about half an hour for the bus but the return journey took about 12 minutes. You could also use the Metro for convenience but believe that was further away from the port.
That evening we were surprised to receive some Canapés delivered to the cabin - a nice touch and I believe compliments of an officer who is related to my friend and colleague Julie.
We met a new couple at dinner tonight who were a Scottish couple, fairly quiet but very nice. The other couple didn't come to dinner tonight as they had said they were trying alternative dining.
The show tonight was The Ivories, a couple of guys who were both good singers and entertaining.
A couple of sequence dances later and an early night.
Monday 15 May 2017
Day 2 Sea Day
It was a very tiring journey to Malta because of the early flight at 6am but once on board we had chance for a couple of hours in Valletta. We left mum to rest in the cabin and Jeannette and I walked to the Euro lift which took us up to the war battery gardens and from there it was a few minutes walk to the centre. The views were lovely from the park. We had a nice walk and then returned to the ship as it was a little overcast.
We were given late sitting for dinner but requested if this could be changed to first sitting at 6.30pm as mum can't eat too late. This was confirmed overnight and we were on a table for 9 in a nice quiet part of the restaurant after the first night. The first night was not designated seating as many flights were arriving late and guests would not make it for dinner. The safety drill was 8.15pm which is later than we've had it before. An early night was had by all.
Our cabin is a basic inside cabin for the three of us and as the youngest at 55 I've got the top bunk. Our cabin steward is Arlene and she's very nice - although she forgot to fill the ice bucket for our daily g and t but I can forgive that. A gentle reminder two days later and everything is well with the world.
Our first full day onboard was a sea day, after a lie in we had a look around the shops but by the afternoon we were in need of fresh air so sat on the promenade deck relaxing - by the end of the day we were feeling more energised. It was a formal night but it takes quite a while for 3 ladies to get ready in a confined space so actually missed the captains cocktails and just made it in time for dinner at 6.30pm. We met some of our table mates for the first time - a couple of ladies from Liverpool in their 70's and a couple from Preston. After dinner we went to the Headliners show in the theatre and it was quite a good show called Encore, it was standing room only so note to ourselves to get there earlier next time. Mum wanted to watch the ballroom dancing in the atrium before bed so we had a last drink there. Mum enjoys seeing me dance so I did a couple of sequence dances with the instructor - who happened to be the same Scottish couple as last year but in comparison to my husband quite a small man so seems fragile.
We were given late sitting for dinner but requested if this could be changed to first sitting at 6.30pm as mum can't eat too late. This was confirmed overnight and we were on a table for 9 in a nice quiet part of the restaurant after the first night. The first night was not designated seating as many flights were arriving late and guests would not make it for dinner. The safety drill was 8.15pm which is later than we've had it before. An early night was had by all.
Our cabin is a basic inside cabin for the three of us and as the youngest at 55 I've got the top bunk. Our cabin steward is Arlene and she's very nice - although she forgot to fill the ice bucket for our daily g and t but I can forgive that. A gentle reminder two days later and everything is well with the world.
Our first full day onboard was a sea day, after a lie in we had a look around the shops but by the afternoon we were in need of fresh air so sat on the promenade deck relaxing - by the end of the day we were feeling more energised. It was a formal night but it takes quite a while for 3 ladies to get ready in a confined space so actually missed the captains cocktails and just made it in time for dinner at 6.30pm. We met some of our table mates for the first time - a couple of ladies from Liverpool in their 70's and a couple from Preston. After dinner we went to the Headliners show in the theatre and it was quite a good show called Encore, it was standing room only so note to ourselves to get there earlier next time. Mum wanted to watch the ballroom dancing in the atrium before bed so we had a last drink there. Mum enjoys seeing me dance so I did a couple of sequence dances with the instructor - who happened to be the same Scottish couple as last year but in comparison to my husband quite a small man so seems fragile.
Wednesday 10 May 2017
Linda Cruises Again: But this time it's an all girl team with my mum and sister (Margaret and Jeannette)
So, I'm holidaying with my mum (Margaret) and sister (Jeannette) for a one week cruise on P&O Oceana on 11th May 2017. David's stopping at home to get a start on the garden, I know he's a little jealous but the week will fly by and he has lots of invitations for meals with our two children and his mum and dad so I'm sure he will be fine.
We had a similar girls week last year to give mum a holiday, and also consider it a special time with her away from the stresses of everyday life. The holiday was a huge success and we immediately made plans to repeat the trip again this year.
Oceana was the first cruise ship I ever sailed on with David to celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary and has a special place in our hearts. It's one of P&O's older ships, classed as a mid-size ship and remains to be a firm favourite with many cruisers.
Since our last cruise we've treated ourselves to a "GoPro" - which for this cruise will be affectionately known as "NanCam". We haven't had chance to have a practice but will attempt to try and do a few uploads with it.
I'm hoping to keep the blog going for the full week but I often get distracted when I'm enjoying myself too much and the lack of wifi often hinders updates.
Anyway I hope you enjoy sailing with us................................
Itinerary
Day 1 - Embark at Malta
Day 2 - Sea Day
Day 3 - Athens
Day 4 - Mykonos
Day 5 - Katakolon
Day 6 - Sarande
Day 7 - Sea Day
Day 8 - Disembark at Malta
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| P&O Oceana |
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