In writing a previous article about Mainland Greece, I alluded to that trip continuing on to some of the islands in the Mediterranean. As promised, here is the cruise that deposited us on a different island each day to continue our history of Greece and mythology, along with some R & R.
For more in-depth information about planning this trip, click on this link. This was in the mid-1990’s and Greece had not experienced the economic woes of today, but it is doubtful the traveler to the Greek islands would even notice the financial problems in the country. If you are an experienced “cruiser,” you likely know someone you enjoy working with in planning your voyages. If you are a newbie to cruising, a Med cruise may not be the one to try first. A less expensive, shorter trip via cruise ship in waters closer to home might help you decide if this type of vacation suits you.
Assuming you are experienced with cruising, you only need to decide if you want to pay more for a more luxurious ship or if you prefer a smaller budget and an older, smaller ship in favor of concentrating on the destinations.
We chose the latter. We had sailed on several different lines and quite a few different types of ships and preferred to put our money into the islands, the tours that might be offered and a bit of shopping. History still interested us, and I was following the travels of Paul, the Apostle, and anticipated seeing at least a couple of places where he had preached to and interacted with the island residents.
Ppick up cruise brochures from your cruise professional or contact a cruise line directly. Or just go to the line’s website and study the various options for your preferences. Booking online is a popular way to begin your vacation. Choose the islands you want to visit and then compare various cruise lines to find one that hits the most of your choices.
Because I booked the cruise portion of our trip at the last minute, (about 10 days before we flew out), our options were limited. We ended up on a very old, smaller ship operated by Greek-owned Sun Lines.
Most cruisers today opt for the beautiful, newer and larger ships, so our little “tub” was only half full. This resulted in a very cheap upgrade to a junior suite. Not a bad trade-off! We were more concerned about the destinations than how we got there. Following is a quick “cruise” through some of the islands we visited.
Mykanos
The Stella Oceanis sailed East from Athens past Glyfada and Sounion on our 4 day cruise of the Mediterranean. First stop: Mykanos in the late afternoon. Perhaps better suited for a younger crowd with an urge to party hearty, Mykanos was a happy place. Buildings are all the same – designed in pirate times with two or three stories for security. The first floor has either no windows or very small ones to provide more safety for pirates. They escaped their enemies by using ladders stretched from one roof to the next and removing them as they went. All new construction on the island must follow the same design. The small streets are designed in a labyrinth. One you get into one, it is difficult to find the way out. All the businesses on those streets were retail shops, often world-renowned designers, so being a bit lost wasn’t a bad thing.
We stopped for a drink and a cheese pie at a small tavern by the harbor. Pelican Pete, the resident mascot, entertained everyone, posing for photos with tourists and strolling in and out of shops. Our son tried to pet him but almost lost a hand inside that cavernous beak.
Mykanos is a popular destination for travelers worldwide, but the few hours we spent there were enough for us.
Rhodes
We spent the next morning on the lovely island of Rhodes. The Old Town and its medieval castle were quite a contrast to the newer part of the city. Rhodes was first begun in 407 B.C. and quickly became an important trading center for the Eastern Mediterranean. It was once ruled by the Romans and then the Byzantine Empire. In 1309, the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem conquered the area and built the fortifications around the city that once protected it from enemies. Rhodes was taken over by the Ottoman Turks and during their reign, the mosques and baths and other buildings were constructed. When the Italians took over in 1912, more magnificent buildings appeared, along with squares and roadways.
Entering the city through the Gates of Freedom, the various cultures that once ruled the area lay before us in the design of the buildings and roadways.
Lindos
By mid-afternoon, we were headed toward Lindos. Because we had seen enough fortresses on the mainland, we chose not to take the offered tour and when the tender landed us at a topless beach, our teenaged son decided he really needed to go swimming. Jim and I whiled away a couple hours at a nearby taverna. Fellow travelers who did visit the castle above declared it well-worth the price of the tour.
Kusadasi
Our next port of call was technically not in Greece. Kusadasi is now part of Turkey but it once was part of the Greek empire. The reason for this stop is the ancient town of Ephesus where, according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Paul the Apostle preached to the Ephesians and baptized many in his travels around the area and was even jailed for a time.
Founded between 1500 and 1000 B.C., Ephesus is a wonderful restoration of an ancient site. We were taken by bus from Kusadasi to Ephesus early in the morning. The actual tour of the ruins took us to the Baths of Varius, where a large public toilet dating from the Roman era can be seen. Thanks to our excellent tour guide, the brothel was even interesting. Hadrian’s Temple was most impressive, as was the Celsus Library. The library was built in 135 A.D. and decorated with statues of female figures representing the virtues – wisdom, fate and intelligence. During the bus ride to Ephesus, we passed near the house where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last years.
Back in Kusadasi, we were taken to a very old building and asked to enjoy a rug demonstration by a representative of the Turkish government. As we sipped small glass containers of apple tea, the government representative educated us on the art of rug buying in Turkey. Since a Turkish rug was in our plans further on in our trip, this proved to be very useful.
We tried to enjoy the Grand Bazaar but were surrounded constantly by merchants selling their wares. That wasn’t pleasant and we returned to our ship, with a short stop at Baskin-Robbins. Yes, American franchises are alive and well in Turkey.
Last port on our short cruise was the island of Patmos in Greece. This island is said to have been the final home of St. John, the Divine, and the place where he wrote the book of Revelations in the Bible.
Patmos
Patmos is considered a sacred island and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Visitors either love it or hate it because of the spiritual and even mystical feel of the monastery on the mountain. We wandered around the town a bit and chatted with shopkeepers. One even told us of his trip to East Tennessee years back.
Patmos is worth a visit. In A.D.95, St. John received a vision while in the Cave of the Apocalypse and subsequently wrote the Book of Revelations. The 10th Century monastery at the top of the mountain beckons visitors to view the friezes of demons and hell. This contrasts with the beautiful beaches and lush greenery below. Most visitors to the island feel the spirituality there and are drawn in.
Carol’s Travel Tips
Choosing the cruise:
I mentioned earlier in this article that it is wise to book your cruise as far ahead of your trip as possible. Often the best rates are found this way. You may also find cheaper rates if you book late, but you could run into sold out ships by waiting.
When you book a cruise, always ask about airfare. It is rarely included but cruise lines do offer discount air and cruise packages that might be just what you need.
The Language:
English is spoken on most cruise ships, so communication should not be a problem. It is wise to carry a Greek-English phrase book with you when you disembark in various ports. Most shopkeepers will speak some English, but play it safe. Take the book. Try to use a few words in Greek and you’ll find instant smiles and appreciation of your efforts.
Local tips:
Remember that customs may be different from what you understand and expect. If nude or nearly nude beaches offend you, do your homework. Ask the ship staff what to expect on your island ports of call. Do not show your disapproval for customs that aren’t to your liking. You are the visitor. Make the effort to fit in or stay aboard ship.
If your cruise lists Santorini as a port of call know that occasionally, high seas will prevent some ships from stopping there. Be sure to ask when you book your cruise if the size of their ships would prevent that.
Be respectful when visiting churches or sacred places. Dress appropriately.
Anytime you plan to leave the United States, you should have a passport. Order it as early as possible, to avoid any delays.
Where and What to Eat:
Most of your meals will be consumed aboard ship. But try to find time for a meal or at least a snack or two in port to sample typical Greek fare.
I won’t recommend restaurants because they come and they go. Before you travel, check on Facebook for Greece-related pages. Ask your friends for suggestions.
Typical Greek foods include wonderful Greek salads, moussaka, souvlaki, locally-grown honey and olives. Vegetables are always fresh. Lamb is always a good choice of meat. If you have never eaten baklava, be sure to order it for dessert.
A Final Word:
If you want a vacation that encompasses the essence of Greece while visiting quaint little islands, give the Mediterranean cruises a try. Take time to start conversations with locals. You may learn more than the average tourist would. Use any opportunities for foreign travel to learn about new cultures and get to know the people. It’s a small world.
