Cruise | Best Destinations - East Lancashire's Local Travel Agent

Santorini – My Favourite Cruise Port

Ever since my first trip to Greece at the age of 11, I have been a lover of all things Greek. The fabulous beaches, the friendliness of the people and particularly the food. I absolutely LOVE Greek cuisine. Pitta gyros, stifado, lamb kleftiko, feta cheese. My mouth is watering just typing this! And then there is the wine. Retsina certainly isn’t to everyone’s liking but I think it’s great. And it doesn’t give you that dreaded hangover.

So imagine my delight when I saw a cruise sailing with Costa Cruises that took in 5 Greek islands in a one week cruise. Sailing out of Heraklion in Crete we visited Kos, Rhodes, Samos, Mykonos and the jewel in the itinerary for me, Santorini.

Capture2 Spectacular Santorini for me, is without a doubt the most scenically dramatic of all the Greek Islands and its whitewashed churches and clifftop houses are probably the most recognisable image of the Greek Islands. This was the port of call I was waiting for! And I didn’t have long to wait. Day 2 of the cruise and we were there. After breakfast on board, we took the short tender to the port, Thira (pictured left). There are 3 ways up to the town, the cable car, by donkey or on foot up the 588 steps.

Whichever way you choose, the views are certainly worth it. I honestly don’t believe the pictures do the scenery justice. Well mine certainly don’t anyway.

After wandering around the quaint cobbled streets and watching a local wedding party celebrate a new union we got on a bus to explore the island. Our first stop was Kamari on the east coast of the island. Kamari is a cosmopolitan beach resort which has been awarded the Blue Flag. The water is deep and blue, the sand is black and a lovely stone paved promenade for strolling runs parallel to the beach. Offering a wealth of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops this area is closed off to traffic during the summer season.

Kamari Beach – Santorini

After some of that fabulous Greek food for lunch we moved down the coast to Perissa which is a picturesque little village dotted with whitewashed villas. Home to a 7km long Blue Flag beach and a promenade packed with chill-out bars and tavernas this was the perfect place to quench our thirst with a couple of ice cold pints of Mythos for me and a cocktail for the wife.

Back on the road again we decided to get a taxi back to Thira as we realised that we probably needed to go back to the port to make sure we weren’t rushing to get back to the ship in time. That’s when we realised we hadn’t been to Oia which is another cliff side town with stunning views. We were disappointed but at least it means we have to go back for another visit.

When we got back to Thira we decided before going back to the ship that another couple of beers and a light snack would be required. After all who wouldn’t want to sit in a taverna and take in those views while they had the chance.

A table with a view in Thira

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Time to take the 588 steps back down to the bottom and set sail for the next port. One thing is for certain though, this will not be the last time I visit this wonderful island. I guess that is one of the main reasons why cruising is such a great way to travel the world. You get to see several places all in one cruise and it gives you an insight in to places that inspire you. Places that you would love to visit again. Santorini is definitely one of those places!

Thanks for reading, until next time keep searching for YOUR Best Destination….

Our Top 10 Reasons To Cruise

Reflection Last year over 1.9 million UK holidaymakers took to the high seas for a cruise holiday, many of them being repeat customers. This year, that number is expected to grow. Will you be cruising this year? If not, why not?

Below are my top ten reasons to cruise, hopefully this will help to dispel some of the myths that may be stopping you from trying a cruise.

Visit multiple destinations but unpack only once – Cruising is a luxury alternative to a multi centre holiday but unlike the land based multi centre you only have to unpack your case the one time, giving you more time to enjoy your holiday.
Great value for money – One of the biggest myths about cruising is that it is very expensive. OK so they do tend to be a little bit more than a land holiday but if you consider everything that is included (fine dining, Broadway style shows, drinks packages) a cruise will more than likely cost less than you think.
Food, glorious food – Cruises are pretty much all-you-can-eat but unlike some all-inclusive holidays the emphasis is placed on quality. The main dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cafes and pizzerias are dotted around the ship and the buffet restaurant will usually be open right through the day. Most ships also have speciality restaurants (cover charges apply) with chefs such as Marco Pierre White, James Martin, Jamie Oliver and Atul Kochhar all having restaurants on the high seas.
Watch a show in the theatre – Personally I think the entertainment on a cruise is a massive reason to go on one. For instance, shows like Grease, We Will Rock You and Saturday Night Fever are all Broadway shows currently being performed on Royal Caribbean ships and they are all included in the price of your holiday. Now you don’t get that on a land holiday!
Grease is on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas
Hit the gym – It is a well known fact that when you go on a cruise it is very easy to pile the pounds on! I for one can’t seem to resist sampling one of each dessert on offer! All cruise lines have state of the art gyms on their ships with personal trainers on hand to help advise how to shed some of those extra pounds. Independence of the Seas even has a boxing ring in the gym.
The gym on Independence of the Seas
Take in some retail therapy – Cruise ships all have fantastic shopping facilities. Everything that you would expect in a small shopping mall, designer jewellery and clothing, handbags (my wife’s favourite), numerous types of novelty gifts and of course duty free. This tends to be where my on board credit disappears.
Learn to cook on board – You can watch a cookery demonstration on many ships these days. P&O Britannia has a state of the art kitchen where you can enjoy expert tuition and make your own culinary masterpieces and Oceania Marina and Riviera have a cookery learning centre in association with US magazine Bon Appetit.
Great for families – Water-slides, rock climbing walls, mini-golf, sports courts, arcades, modern ships really do cater brilliantly for kids. The children’s clubs are brilliant and once they’ve done a cruise, your children won’t want to holiday any other way!
Mini Golf is just one of many children’s activities you will find on a cruise
Dance the night away – Every time I go on a cruise there is never a shortage of guests looking to dance the night away in the ships night club venues! Why not let your hair down and join them?
Relax – After all, the whole point of going on holiday is to relax and get away from the stresses of every day life. Lie by the pool and take in the rays of the sun! Enjoy being waited on hand and foot, sip a few cocktails whilst listening to the relaxing music that plays. You deserve it!

Whatever you choose to do out there, enjoy it!

Thanks for reading, until next time keep searching for YOUR Best Destination….