Hi Everyone,
KVI's agent in Austria, Elisabeth Gesell, just returned from an Eastern Mediterranean cruise on the RCCL Splendor of the Seas. Here's here report..
Royal Caribbean - Splendour of the Seas
Date: 15th to 21st May 2010 7 nights
Area: Eastern Mediterranean
The ideal thing for us as Europeans was that we could go by car to Venice. It was the time of the volcanic ashes floating around so that flights were on a very irregular basis operating.
The weather proved, because of this eruption, as very unpredictable throughout the whole trip.
We boarded in Venice in heavy rain and freezing cold climate. Taking our own car we had to make parking reservations ahead of time, which proved to be excellent choice as we literally just walked across the street to board the ship. Rates are, for European standards, rather inexpensive, € 10.—per day. The boarding process well organized and smooth. We had our SET SAIL passes done on-line, which I recommend for all cruises. It speeds up your boarding time considerably. We needed approximately 20 minutes from locking the car to being on board.
As we were very early we could not get into our cabin, which was on Deck 7, at the back of the ship on back board side. As all the islands we were to see were to be on the left side the back board side was the logical choice. Spending the remaining time we made ourselves acquainted with the lay-out of the ship and also got a bite at the WINDJAMMER the buffet. What a nice place, large windows, where everyone had good view, very good food, good presentation, friendly personnel. Originally we had reserved at the traditional restaurant KING and I for late dinner time (9pm), which we never used as 9pm was much too late for us. We stayed with WINDJAMMER for the whole trip, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Next day we had room service for breakfast and were pleasantly surprised. Before servicing we got a telephone call inquiring (which we considered as very thoughtful) if we were ready for breakfast.
Cabins: This was a very pleasing experience. Lots of space. Every corner was used for storage without giving an impression of being a storage cabinet. Light colors, bathroom very well organized. Large balconies, table and two comfortable chairs, enough space to move around. Stateroom service impeccable, friendly, and fast.
After a day at sea the first stop was...
Dubrovnik, Croatia:
Disembarkation as well as coming back on board was very professional. (And continued for every stop, even at Santorini where one had to take a tender).
The rain could not stop us from walking through this World heritage. What an interesting medieval city. For Dubrovnik you just need to take a taxi and walk at your own pace through town. It’s easy to manage. Don’t just sit in the next coffee place; there are many smaller and better places a little bit off the beaten track, e.g, at the Dominican cloister.
Third day: Kusadasi, Turkey EPHESUS.
We expected it to be the high light of the trip. And it was. Despite the fact that the rain turned into Hail (in May!!! We had to turn back and buy heavy rain gear to be able to continue our excursion. Considering the amount of people coming in from three different cruise ships being ashore, the shop keeper must have made the business of his life). What a place, what a history. More than 7000 years old. The excavations were stunning. Palaces, market places, homes (larger than 300 sqm, all with beautiful wall paintings).
Entrance into Turkey, which for Europeans has Visa formalities, was no problem at all. Obviously RCCL had arranged for all departing passengers a smooth entry.
Dinner at the WINDJAMMER was a Turkish specialities evening. It has to be mentioned that the personnel was multinational throughout the ship. This proved to be not only fun to talk too but was also rather helpful in getting tips for the different ports.
Fourth day: Santorini
This time we were lucky, the rain had stopped and it was even warm.
Santorini is one of the spots , where the ancient city of ATLANTIS is supposed to have been. Looking at the area one can even believe it. It was a volcano which did not explode but implode (approximately 1500 BC) leaving a caldera, with a few islands.
Coming in by boat means that you have to use a tender and have three possibilites to reach the actual village on top of the mountain. Either you take the forniculare (small train) or you use donkeys or you walk. We did the last and were admired by our fellow cruisers. Actually it looks much worse than it is and I recommend to do the same. It gives you time to stop and look at the wonderful scenery and secondly you do not have to concentrate on handling your donkey. Once you are up there do not follow the crowd but turn to the right and walk along the rim. There is Santorini how you expect a Greek island, to be. Quiet, small colourful houses, and a view unbeatable.
Next day CORFU,
The island is very pleasant and relaxing. But the main attraction is the so called ARCHILLEON. It has been ordered by the last Habsburg Empress of Austria, Elisabeth. She was an icon of her time. Very beautiful and with an aura of mystic surrounding her. Worthwhile to see.
KVI's agent in Austria, Elisabeth Gesell, just returned from an Eastern Mediterranean cruise on the RCCL Splendor of the Seas. Here's here report..
Royal Caribbean - Splendour of the Seas
Date: 15th to 21st May 2010 7 nights
Area: Eastern Mediterranean
The ideal thing for us as Europeans was that we could go by car to Venice. It was the time of the volcanic ashes floating around so that flights were on a very irregular basis operating.
The weather proved, because of this eruption, as very unpredictable throughout the whole trip.
We boarded in Venice in heavy rain and freezing cold climate. Taking our own car we had to make parking reservations ahead of time, which proved to be excellent choice as we literally just walked across the street to board the ship. Rates are, for European standards, rather inexpensive, € 10.—per day. The boarding process well organized and smooth. We had our SET SAIL passes done on-line, which I recommend for all cruises. It speeds up your boarding time considerably. We needed approximately 20 minutes from locking the car to being on board.
As we were very early we could not get into our cabin, which was on Deck 7, at the back of the ship on back board side. As all the islands we were to see were to be on the left side the back board side was the logical choice. Spending the remaining time we made ourselves acquainted with the lay-out of the ship and also got a bite at the WINDJAMMER the buffet. What a nice place, large windows, where everyone had good view, very good food, good presentation, friendly personnel. Originally we had reserved at the traditional restaurant KING and I for late dinner time (9pm), which we never used as 9pm was much too late for us. We stayed with WINDJAMMER for the whole trip, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Next day we had room service for breakfast and were pleasantly surprised. Before servicing we got a telephone call inquiring (which we considered as very thoughtful) if we were ready for breakfast.
Cabins: This was a very pleasing experience. Lots of space. Every corner was used for storage without giving an impression of being a storage cabinet. Light colors, bathroom very well organized. Large balconies, table and two comfortable chairs, enough space to move around. Stateroom service impeccable, friendly, and fast.
After a day at sea the first stop was...
Dubrovnik, Croatia:
Disembarkation as well as coming back on board was very professional. (And continued for every stop, even at Santorini where one had to take a tender).
The rain could not stop us from walking through this World heritage. What an interesting medieval city. For Dubrovnik you just need to take a taxi and walk at your own pace through town. It’s easy to manage. Don’t just sit in the next coffee place; there are many smaller and better places a little bit off the beaten track, e.g, at the Dominican cloister.
Third day: Kusadasi, Turkey EPHESUS.
We expected it to be the high light of the trip. And it was. Despite the fact that the rain turned into Hail (in May!!! We had to turn back and buy heavy rain gear to be able to continue our excursion. Considering the amount of people coming in from three different cruise ships being ashore, the shop keeper must have made the business of his life). What a place, what a history. More than 7000 years old. The excavations were stunning. Palaces, market places, homes (larger than 300 sqm, all with beautiful wall paintings).
Entrance into Turkey, which for Europeans has Visa formalities, was no problem at all. Obviously RCCL had arranged for all departing passengers a smooth entry.
Dinner at the WINDJAMMER was a Turkish specialities evening. It has to be mentioned that the personnel was multinational throughout the ship. This proved to be not only fun to talk too but was also rather helpful in getting tips for the different ports.
Fourth day: Santorini
This time we were lucky, the rain had stopped and it was even warm.
Santorini is one of the spots , where the ancient city of ATLANTIS is supposed to have been. Looking at the area one can even believe it. It was a volcano which did not explode but implode (approximately 1500 BC) leaving a caldera, with a few islands.
Coming in by boat means that you have to use a tender and have three possibilites to reach the actual village on top of the mountain. Either you take the forniculare (small train) or you use donkeys or you walk. We did the last and were admired by our fellow cruisers. Actually it looks much worse than it is and I recommend to do the same. It gives you time to stop and look at the wonderful scenery and secondly you do not have to concentrate on handling your donkey. Once you are up there do not follow the crowd but turn to the right and walk along the rim. There is Santorini how you expect a Greek island, to be. Quiet, small colourful houses, and a view unbeatable.
Next day CORFU,
The island is very pleasant and relaxing. But the main attraction is the so called ARCHILLEON. It has been ordered by the last Habsburg Empress of Austria, Elisabeth. She was an icon of her time. Very beautiful and with an aura of mystic surrounding her. Worthwhile to see.
Then it was a day at sea. Finally with lots of sunshine. Returning back to Venice
Tips for the Splendour:
Evening: before or after dinner go to the SCHOONER Bar on deck 11. Never crowded, very pleasant, good background music. Excellent, cosy seating arrangements,
Entertainment: Comfortable, large theatre,
Spa: Lots of treatments in well laid out area, next to the sundeck
No comments:
Post a Comment