Piraeus, An Athens Alternative for Cruisers
Every port city has Its day in the sun and none shine brighter than Piraeus, Greece. No seafaring sailor is worthy of the title without a call on this ancient port sometime in his career. Of course Athens gets its fair share of the Aegean spotlight, but without Piraeus it would be landlocked for cru
Norwegian Escape Returns to European Cruising
One of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most popular line of cruise ships has returned to European cruising for the first time since 2015! Norwegian Escape completed her first voyage to the Eastern Mediterranean with calls on Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, and Livorno, Valletta and Messina. Homeporting in
The Seven Best Climbs in Cruising
Feature Photo: Hawaii Tourism Board The cruise stereotype of constant all-day buffets, ice-cream bars, and a pound-a-day weight gain are so out of date. Today’s cruiser is younger and more health conscious than ever. Most ships have state-of-the-art gyms, fitness programs, and healthy eating op
Boutique Cruising the Greek Islands
It comes as a surprise that anyone would ever dream of starting a new cruise venture considering the pandemic challenges faced by existing cruise lines, but Greece based Elixir Boutique Cruises has done just that. The company’s 25 cabin Elysium, is capturing the hearts of intrepid travelers on jou
Delos Divinities
This mystical Greek island was thought to be the birthplace of the gods. To this day, it’s illegal for humans to be born or die there! “Don’t leave anything but footprints,” says your tour guide. “Also, don’t die.” The latter warning isn’t an attempt to lighten the mood after a 30-mi
Destination Immersion in the Greek Islands with Azamara
There’s really only one way to describe the Greek islands: picture-perfect. From the immaculate white-washed homes to the crystal-clear water lapping the many sand beaches, these islands have developed a vivid allure that’s put them at the very top of destination bucket lists all over the world.
France Bars Unvaccinated Americans from Visiting
A major tourist destination for Americans is now closed to those unvaccinated against COVID-19. Yesterday, France became the latest European country, and by far the most significant, to close their doors to anyone who hasn’t been fully vaccinated against the virus. The news from France followe
I Went to the Most Instagrammable Place on Earth – Expectations Vs. Reality?
Despite being outside and with a blustery North wind dancing across my face, I put on my mask. For the first time in my week-long trip through the Greek islands, the crowds had become too much for a COVID-concious traveler like myself to ignore. Throngs of people from all walks of life jostled
12 Hours in Mykonos
When you’re named after the heir of a god, you better meet expectations. Mykonos, one of Greece’s most famous islands, is named for a descendant of the god Apollo (allegedly) and the first ruler of the island. And yes, it certainly does meet expectations. It exceeds them, in fact.&nb
Embarkation Day: World Navigator by Atlas Ocean Voyages
For the first time in my almost 32 years of flight, I clapped when the plane landed. After a year and a half of cold-turkey travel deprivation, United flight 124 with direct service to Athens was nine hours of delicious anticipation complete with a South African Shiraz courtesy of the house. That de
Norwegian Cruise Line Ready to Restart from Greece
After well over a year, Norwegian Cruise Line is all set to return to service on board their ship Norwegian Jade! The ship is scheduled to set sail from Port of Piraeus outside of Athens, Greece on Sunday, July 25th on a seven-day itinerary to the Greek Isles with calls on Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Ke
Eating It Up In Athens
You all know my MO by now. I’m in a foreign city, hungry and have a hankering for some local food. This time it’s in Athens, Greece. Of course it’s easy to just hit the road well traveled in the Plaka district and some sidewalk cafe might jump out and tempt the tastebuds. In my […
Med in the U.S.A.
Western civilization found its footing in Athens, Greece, and it is in that trailblazing spirit that Philadelphia was originally nicknamed the Athens of America as it set the standard for art, culture, architecture, and politics following America’s birth. (Though Philly’s City of Brotherly Love
Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces Summer Cruises From Egypt and Greece
One of the newest luxury adventure cruise lines has announced a shake up of their inaugural summer season itineraries. Atlas Ocean Voyages will sail their brand new ship World Navigator on cruises from Athens, Greece, and Cairo, Egypt, beginning on August 4, 2021. The previous plans for th
European Union Begins Issuing Digital COVID Certificates
Back in April, the European Union announced plans to issue Digital COVID Certificates for vaccinated travelers. The certificates, which seven EU nations began issuing today, allow for unrestricted travel within the European Union for those who hold one. The seven nations now issuing the certifi
Seabourn “Very Excited” For July Cruise Restart Says President Josh Leibowitz
Following the retirement of longtime Seabourn President Rick Meadows last year, Josh Leibowitz was named the new President of the cruise line and his duties now include oversight of all aspects of the ultra-luxury brand’s operations, including revenue management, deployment and itinerary plan
Seabourn to Set Sail in July
They say that good things come to those who wait and after a year of pandemic patience GREAT things are happening for lovers of ultra-luxury cruising. Starting in July, Seabourn Cruise Line is resuming cruises with the Seabourn Ovation sailing in Greece and the Sea
Holland America to Resume Cruising in August
In a press conference yesterday attended by the biggest names in cruise news, Holland America Line announced they finally have a date for their restart of operations! The cruise line received approval from the government of Greece to begin sailing from Piraeus on August 15, 2021 on board their ship
Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Return Date
It’s been a long time since Norwegian Cruise Line carried passengers on a cruise vacation, but we finally have a date for the company’s restart. Beginning July 25, 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line will resume cruise operations in Europe followed by the Caribbean on board three ships; Norwegia
