In September we took a Queen Victoria cruise around the Mediterranean. It was absolutely fabulous and something that I’d highly recommend doing. The cruise was two weeks in total and wanting a little extra room we booked a Princess suite. We had a huge bed, a sitting room, a decent bathroom and a balcony. We couldn’t fault the accommodation and we were pleasantly surprised at the size of the room. We were also greeted with a welcome bottle of champagne and truffles — very decadent!
The Princess suites included daily meals at the Princess Grill. We had no set eating time, which meant we could dine when we felt like it and not at a pre-arranged sitting that is common with cruises.
The ship had numerous restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, a library, gym and various planned daily activities. You could also enjoy a traditional afternoon tea if you wished. Little sandwiches, cakes and scones served by liveried waiters with tea and coffee.
We joined the ship in Athens and our first stop was Santorini. This is a beautiful Greek Island — the one often found gracing Greek postcards and used in iconic images. Whitewashed cliff side houses with bright blue roofs greeted us as we sailed into harbour. The main township is at the very top of a steep cliff. I think there are around 600 steps!! Never fear however as there is also a cable car to take you to and from the top or you can try a donkey ride. These sturdy animals made the walk up the mountain look like an easy stroll. We watched them as they traipsed up with sure-footed familiarity and marvelled that they were not even breathing heavily.
We stopped at a restaurant for a glass of wine, which we sipped whilst overlooking the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean. Santorini is a beautiful island and well worth a visit.
We had to re-join the ship in the early evening as it set sail for our next destination — Katakolon and Ancient Olympia.
Please check next week’s blog for Part 2 and as I continue to share my travels.
