Saturday, 5 December 2009
UNUSUAL SHIP EXPERIENCE
4th December 2009
I've just had the weirdest-ever ship experience!
I always enjoy reading about ship things happening on the other side of the Atlantic. I've just seen a piece of advertising material about the virtual christening of Princess Cruises' OCEAN PRINCESS. She was built in 1999 for Renaissance Cruises as the Motor Ship R FOUR, then sold to Princess Cruises with a name change to TAHITIAN PRINCESS. Part of it said:
Princess Cruises Ship Receives New Name - and First-Ever Virtual Christening. Line Seeks Honorary Godparents for Ocean Princess' Unique Online Ceremony With Each Participant Donation Made to Renowned New England Aquarium
I really fancied being a ship's Godmother - the only time I'm likely to get THAT opportunity - so I logged on to the website. Suddenly I was whizzing off to Singapore, the bottle of champagne was right in front of me and hurtling towards the ship's hull, the whistles sounded and, guess what, I am now a virtual Godmother to OCEAN PRINCESS. It cost me nothing, except for the short time involved in giving a few personal details, and I could see my first name amongst the 'cloud' containing the names of other Godmothers. I was informed that $1 would be donated by the company to the New England Aquarium on my behalf, and the same would be done for each of the other 24,999 Godmothers to the ship!
Wow, that was fun - what a brilliant piece of advertising.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009 Part 9
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009
Part 9 (the final one)
Thursday 17th September 2009
This was to be another two-port day, with early arrival first at Heraklion, the main port on the island of Crete. With only a few hours here, after breakfast I took the shuttle bus to the port entrance but instead of going into the city, I enjoyed a walk around another part of the port, within the restricted area.
FESTOS PALACE, KRITI II, FLYINGCAT 4, EASYCRUISE LIFE and OCEAN VILLAGE were all at nearby quays, but with none of the hustle and bustle of a harbour such as Rhodes.
The sea was calm, the sky blue and ship reflections lovely, but I had to return to the ship for departure at 11.30 a.m. followed by a special invitation.
Our Ocean Liner Society group had been invited to visit the Bridge at 12 noon and we were very happy to accept that invitation.
I liked seeing the old and new equipment, the flags (including signs for Bahamas and Airtours), the Bridge wings and the views aft from there, the view down to the forecastle and the ship’s bell,
the Captain’s hat and coffee mug, and of course the Master of the ship himself.
He made us most welcome with his speech: he was obviously a senior and professional Greek Captain with Louis Cruise Line, but
seemingly with a fiery personality.
We were due to arrive in Santorini at 4.30 p.m. and it seems that thanks to our new friend Captain Goumas and the Guest Host Ion, we were given preferential treatment in getting one of the first tenders ashore.
Santorini is a crescent-shaped island, originally formed in 1600 BC, with subsequent volcanic eruptions
in 1925/26 (photographed at the time), 1939/41 and 1950 on the nearby island of Nea Kameni. It is the largest caldera on earth, and the picturesque cliff-top town of Thira is a huge attraction to visitors; one can look out from here to the nearby Nea Kameni.
We had anchored safely in the caldera of this volcanic area, so the priority ashore was to get up to the village of Thira by walking, riding a donkey or cable car.
We chose cable car (I have walked up once before) and had time to walk along the cliff top and enjoy the fabulous views down into the caldera.
We could see several other vessels down there, and by turning round we could also look over the island towards the distant sea and mountains.
Land clearance and levelling could also be seen on the outskirts of the village, presumably to create more building space.
Tea and tasty Greek tzatziki with fresh bread completed our afternoon wanderings on top of the Santorini cliff-top paths, before heading down to the water and the tender back to AEGEAN PEARL in the gathering dusk. My diary jottings for the rest of that day just say drinks and dinner, so I shall leave it at that, as we set off to sail 131 nautical miles back to Piraeus.
Ships seen: Aquamarine, Ocean Village 2, HMS (not H.M.S.) Laurence, Festos Palace, Kriti II, Flyingcat 4, easyCruise Life, and at Santorini: Aquamarine, Cristal, EasyCruise Life, Flyingcat 4, Aida Diva, Blue Star Paros, Wind Star
Friday 18th September 2009
Anchors were dropped and we tied up in Piraeus at 5.30 a.m. in the wet but warm darkness; breakfast was being served early so passengers could disembark quickly, and so a last meal was enjoyed together on board The AEGEAN PEARL. Two of us set off around the harbour to enjoy seeing what ships were in port or ferries loading, before taking the bus to the Athens Airport. By this time the puddles had dried, the sun came out and the port was busy. We heard Police sirens and ahead of us on the quayside was great activity as a man was pulled from the water and resuscitated – he must have fallen in very suddenly and been rescued by someone using a nearby emergency ladder to reach him down in the water. It certainly all happened very quickly.
Ships seen: Aquamarine, Cristal, Flying Dolphin XXIX, Fastboat Alexandros, Agios Georgios, GA laid up ferries, Flying Cat, Elyros, Festos Palace, Kriti II, Vincenzo Kornaros, Ierapetra L, Adamantios Korais, Blue Star Ithaki, Mytilene, MSC Armonia, Jet Ferry 1, Speedrunner 1, 2 and 3, all Aegina ferries
Bus tickets were bought (Euros 3.50 each) for the one and a half hour journey to the airport, and on the way I enjoyed seeing all the countryside, mountains, Glyfada with its wealthy area and marina of huge and expensive yachts, and the more ordinary swimming beach of Attica. After snacking on the last little spinach pie of the trip, I flew home to England; and if I might make a play on words, it had been a gem of a trip on two jewels of the Aegean – AQUAMARINE and The AEGEAN PEARL.
Part 9 (the final one)
Thursday 17th September 2009
This was to be another two-port day, with early arrival first at Heraklion, the main port on the island of Crete. With only a few hours here, after breakfast I took the shuttle bus to the port entrance but instead of going into the city, I enjoyed a walk around another part of the port, within the restricted area.
FESTOS PALACE, KRITI II, FLYINGCAT 4, EASYCRUISE LIFE and OCEAN VILLAGE were all at nearby quays, but with none of the hustle and bustle of a harbour such as Rhodes.
The sea was calm, the sky blue and ship reflections lovely, but I had to return to the ship for departure at 11.30 a.m. followed by a special invitation.
Our Ocean Liner Society group had been invited to visit the Bridge at 12 noon and we were very happy to accept that invitation.
I liked seeing the old and new equipment, the flags (including signs for Bahamas and Airtours), the Bridge wings and the views aft from there, the view down to the forecastle and the ship’s bell,
the Captain’s hat and coffee mug, and of course the Master of the ship himself.
He made us most welcome with his speech: he was obviously a senior and professional Greek Captain with Louis Cruise Line, but
seemingly with a fiery personality.
We were due to arrive in Santorini at 4.30 p.m. and it seems that thanks to our new friend Captain Goumas and the Guest Host Ion, we were given preferential treatment in getting one of the first tenders ashore.
Santorini is a crescent-shaped island, originally formed in 1600 BC, with subsequent volcanic eruptions
in 1925/26 (photographed at the time), 1939/41 and 1950 on the nearby island of Nea Kameni. It is the largest caldera on earth, and the picturesque cliff-top town of Thira is a huge attraction to visitors; one can look out from here to the nearby Nea Kameni.
We had anchored safely in the caldera of this volcanic area, so the priority ashore was to get up to the village of Thira by walking, riding a donkey or cable car.
We chose cable car (I have walked up once before) and had time to walk along the cliff top and enjoy the fabulous views down into the caldera.
We could see several other vessels down there, and by turning round we could also look over the island towards the distant sea and mountains.
Land clearance and levelling could also be seen on the outskirts of the village, presumably to create more building space.
Tea and tasty Greek tzatziki with fresh bread completed our afternoon wanderings on top of the Santorini cliff-top paths, before heading down to the water and the tender back to AEGEAN PEARL in the gathering dusk. My diary jottings for the rest of that day just say drinks and dinner, so I shall leave it at that, as we set off to sail 131 nautical miles back to Piraeus.
Ships seen: Aquamarine, Ocean Village 2, HMS (not H.M.S.) Laurence, Festos Palace, Kriti II, Flyingcat 4, easyCruise Life, and at Santorini: Aquamarine, Cristal, EasyCruise Life, Flyingcat 4, Aida Diva, Blue Star Paros, Wind Star
Friday 18th September 2009
Anchors were dropped and we tied up in Piraeus at 5.30 a.m. in the wet but warm darkness; breakfast was being served early so passengers could disembark quickly, and so a last meal was enjoyed together on board The AEGEAN PEARL. Two of us set off around the harbour to enjoy seeing what ships were in port or ferries loading, before taking the bus to the Athens Airport. By this time the puddles had dried, the sun came out and the port was busy. We heard Police sirens and ahead of us on the quayside was great activity as a man was pulled from the water and resuscitated – he must have fallen in very suddenly and been rescued by someone using a nearby emergency ladder to reach him down in the water. It certainly all happened very quickly.
Ships seen: Aquamarine, Cristal, Flying Dolphin XXIX, Fastboat Alexandros, Agios Georgios, GA laid up ferries, Flying Cat, Elyros, Festos Palace, Kriti II, Vincenzo Kornaros, Ierapetra L, Adamantios Korais, Blue Star Ithaki, Mytilene, MSC Armonia, Jet Ferry 1, Speedrunner 1, 2 and 3, all Aegina ferries
Bus tickets were bought (Euros 3.50 each) for the one and a half hour journey to the airport, and on the way I enjoyed seeing all the countryside, mountains, Glyfada with its wealthy area and marina of huge and expensive yachts, and the more ordinary swimming beach of Attica. After snacking on the last little spinach pie of the trip, I flew home to England; and if I might make a play on words, it had been a gem of a trip on two jewels of the Aegean – AQUAMARINE and The AEGEAN PEARL.
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009 Part 8
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009
Part 8
Wednesday 16th September 2009
We arrived at the island of Rhodes at 7. a.m. under wide blue skies, in ever-increasing heat. Most of us remember that its great landmark was one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Colossus of Rhodes, which collapsed after an earthquake about 225 B.C. After breakfast, we were treated to the sight of our esteemed Ocean Liner Society Chairman standing on the quayside outside our several port side cabins – he was kindly taking photographs of several of us at our individual portholes, using our individual cameras, so he was rather festooned with them.
Then it was off to the Old City, enjoying the sight of the other cruise ships and local vessels as we walked around the harbour path.
In one view we could see CRISTAL, AQUAMARINE, GRAND MISTRAL and AIDA DIVA, and in the next we could see AIDA DIVA, EASYCRUISE LIFE, MARMARIS EXPRESS and AQUAMARINE.
We could also see our little gem (AEGEAN PEARL) berthed between a BLUE STAR vessel and GEMINI.
The route wended its way under the shade of trees and amongst brilliantly coloured flowers, and led us to the Tourist Information Bureau. Outside this and unexpectedly set into the path were seven attractive stone mosaic pictures, all of particular sports.
They were of weightlifting, running, handball, rowing, swimming, wrestling and basketball.
The coffee stop was in the harbour on board a floating restaurant ‘Kontiki’, with far-reaching views from the top deck.
A small Ice Lounge vessel turned nearby, allowing us to see that it was a glass-bottomed boat offering half hour cruises. She turned in front of Symi II.
A Salamis Lines vessel could be seen far away between Rhodes and the distant Turkish mountains, and a grey hulled naval vessel suddenly rushed past the harbour with a flurry of foam and testosterone.
A streamlined private yacht sailed out of the harbour accompanied by yearning noises from several watchers; we noticed ‘Aquaholic’ moored nearby, and a Love Boat - no, not the famous one, but No. 36. We approached AIDA DIVA and I was persuaded to purse my lips so that the obligatory photo could be taken of me appearing to kiss the red lips on her bow.
Back on board AGEAN PEARL, we all enjoyed lunch and then settled on our favourite aft deck to watch the harbour events. BLUE STAR 1 came in and soon left with her new passengers;
a small freighter GEPA at a nearby quay appeared to be loading bags of fertiliser; AQUAMARINE had us reeling back from her black smoke as she started engines and prepared to leave; Anek Line’s IERAPETRA L came in and soon left; meanwhile our tug appeared to be losing the battle to get us off the quay because of the strength of the prevailing wind, so other cruise ships left instead, whilst we had to wait.
With more space for manoeuvres we were finally underway and able to leave Rhodes harbour, and watch SYMI 2 sail past.
The light was still beautiful so we enjoyed the sea views until it was time to prepare our Elegant Attire for the Captain’s Cocktail Party in the Clipper Lounge before dinner.
We paid our respects to Captain Stathis Goumas with the usual handshakes and thanks and enjoyed another happy meal in the Restaurant before an evening on the aft deck. This time we were sailing 171 nautical miles to our next port: Heraklion, in Crete.
Ships seen: Marmaris Express, Blue Star 1, Ierapetra L, Gemini, Flying Dolphin 1 and 2, Aida Diva, Cristal, Aquamarine, Grand Mistral, easyCruise Life, Ice House, Simi 2, Love Boat No. 36, Gepa
To be concluded...
Part 8
Wednesday 16th September 2009
We arrived at the island of Rhodes at 7. a.m. under wide blue skies, in ever-increasing heat. Most of us remember that its great landmark was one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Colossus of Rhodes, which collapsed after an earthquake about 225 B.C. After breakfast, we were treated to the sight of our esteemed Ocean Liner Society Chairman standing on the quayside outside our several port side cabins – he was kindly taking photographs of several of us at our individual portholes, using our individual cameras, so he was rather festooned with them.
Then it was off to the Old City, enjoying the sight of the other cruise ships and local vessels as we walked around the harbour path.
In one view we could see CRISTAL, AQUAMARINE, GRAND MISTRAL and AIDA DIVA, and in the next we could see AIDA DIVA, EASYCRUISE LIFE, MARMARIS EXPRESS and AQUAMARINE.
We could also see our little gem (AEGEAN PEARL) berthed between a BLUE STAR vessel and GEMINI.
The route wended its way under the shade of trees and amongst brilliantly coloured flowers, and led us to the Tourist Information Bureau. Outside this and unexpectedly set into the path were seven attractive stone mosaic pictures, all of particular sports.
They were of weightlifting, running, handball, rowing, swimming, wrestling and basketball.
The coffee stop was in the harbour on board a floating restaurant ‘Kontiki’, with far-reaching views from the top deck.
A small Ice Lounge vessel turned nearby, allowing us to see that it was a glass-bottomed boat offering half hour cruises. She turned in front of Symi II.
A Salamis Lines vessel could be seen far away between Rhodes and the distant Turkish mountains, and a grey hulled naval vessel suddenly rushed past the harbour with a flurry of foam and testosterone.
A streamlined private yacht sailed out of the harbour accompanied by yearning noises from several watchers; we noticed ‘Aquaholic’ moored nearby, and a Love Boat - no, not the famous one, but No. 36. We approached AIDA DIVA and I was persuaded to purse my lips so that the obligatory photo could be taken of me appearing to kiss the red lips on her bow.
Back on board AGEAN PEARL, we all enjoyed lunch and then settled on our favourite aft deck to watch the harbour events. BLUE STAR 1 came in and soon left with her new passengers;
a small freighter GEPA at a nearby quay appeared to be loading bags of fertiliser; AQUAMARINE had us reeling back from her black smoke as she started engines and prepared to leave; Anek Line’s IERAPETRA L came in and soon left; meanwhile our tug appeared to be losing the battle to get us off the quay because of the strength of the prevailing wind, so other cruise ships left instead, whilst we had to wait.
With more space for manoeuvres we were finally underway and able to leave Rhodes harbour, and watch SYMI 2 sail past.
The light was still beautiful so we enjoyed the sea views until it was time to prepare our Elegant Attire for the Captain’s Cocktail Party in the Clipper Lounge before dinner.
We paid our respects to Captain Stathis Goumas with the usual handshakes and thanks and enjoyed another happy meal in the Restaurant before an evening on the aft deck. This time we were sailing 171 nautical miles to our next port: Heraklion, in Crete.
Ships seen: Marmaris Express, Blue Star 1, Ierapetra L, Gemini, Flying Dolphin 1 and 2, Aida Diva, Cristal, Aquamarine, Grand Mistral, easyCruise Life, Ice House, Simi 2, Love Boat No. 36, Gepa
To be concluded...
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009 Part 7
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009
Part 7 - on board The AEGEAN PEARL
Tuesday 15th September 2009
I enjoyed 8 hours of sleep, disturbed momentarily by the anchor going down well before dawn, and then breakfast, whilst we all enjoyed knowing we were back in Kusadasi, Turkey.
How lovely, another chance to go ashore under clear blue skies in the comfortable heat of this bustling port. Nearby was the huge bulk of SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS, and OCEAN VILLAGE 2, and walking past EASYCRUISE LIFE we could clearly see the wording on the dark hull: “Reunite the Parthenon Marbles”. Hmmm, that’s telling us!
On that ship it was also possible to see one of her previous names – JASMINE –still visible on the hull. We remembered she was built in Poland in 1981 as LEV TOLSTOY for Black Sea Shipping, with six sister ships. In fact we could also just see that original name on another part of the hull when we looked from a different angle.
Walking round the harbour gave us the chance to see local fishing boats, some with lines of washing on board drying in the breeze, as well as the cruise ships.
I noticed a small white van with “Ladies Beach” written on the sides, and discovered that years ago there had indeed been a Ladies Beach nearby; now it was open to all, and the white vans ran as a taxi service around the area. What an eye-catching title.
This was to be a short visit to Kusadasi so we were all back on board by 11.30 a.m. ready to sail the 47 nautical miles to Patmos, Greece. As usual I think we all felt very proud and proprietary about our little AEGEAN PEARL as she sat amongst the huge cruise ships, before sailing gracefully away from the Turkish port.
After lunch on board, we arrived back at the little port town of Skala on the island of Patmos at 4 p.m. in the most wonderful clear light. Many passengers went on excursions to visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, high above us in the village of Chora, with its 900 years old fortifications. With AQUAMARINE also anchored out in the bay, this was the ideal opportunity for photos of the two ships, looking fabulous in the blue sea.
After a walk along the coastal path under shady trees, an ice-cream in the little port was enjoyed. I noticed the usual dogs asleep in various wayside shops or shady areas.
Back on board AEGEAN PEARL, the light, air, clear water, scenery and environment were just wonderful and reminded us all of why we like to be at sea in congenial company: it’s that sense of exhilaration at being alive on such days. Tea and scones gave us a moment of humour. Jam was provided in very small packets, and my portion fell out of the packet as one rather congealed piece, onto my plate. Having recently seen several Viking Line ships, it was immediately recognised as being the shape and red colour of a Viking Line funnel.
We left Patmos just before 9 p.m. and enjoyed Greek Night dinner on board, as well as the evening’s entertainment, sailing the 105 nautical miles to our next port of call in Rhodes.
Ships seen: easyCruise Life, Splendour of the Seas, Ocean Village Two, Aquamarine, Gemini, Izmir (tug)
To be continued...
Part 7 - on board The AEGEAN PEARL
Tuesday 15th September 2009
I enjoyed 8 hours of sleep, disturbed momentarily by the anchor going down well before dawn, and then breakfast, whilst we all enjoyed knowing we were back in Kusadasi, Turkey.
How lovely, another chance to go ashore under clear blue skies in the comfortable heat of this bustling port. Nearby was the huge bulk of SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS, and OCEAN VILLAGE 2, and walking past EASYCRUISE LIFE we could clearly see the wording on the dark hull: “Reunite the Parthenon Marbles”. Hmmm, that’s telling us!
On that ship it was also possible to see one of her previous names – JASMINE –still visible on the hull. We remembered she was built in Poland in 1981 as LEV TOLSTOY for Black Sea Shipping, with six sister ships. In fact we could also just see that original name on another part of the hull when we looked from a different angle.
Walking round the harbour gave us the chance to see local fishing boats, some with lines of washing on board drying in the breeze, as well as the cruise ships.
I noticed a small white van with “Ladies Beach” written on the sides, and discovered that years ago there had indeed been a Ladies Beach nearby; now it was open to all, and the white vans ran as a taxi service around the area. What an eye-catching title.
This was to be a short visit to Kusadasi so we were all back on board by 11.30 a.m. ready to sail the 47 nautical miles to Patmos, Greece. As usual I think we all felt very proud and proprietary about our little AEGEAN PEARL as she sat amongst the huge cruise ships, before sailing gracefully away from the Turkish port.
After lunch on board, we arrived back at the little port town of Skala on the island of Patmos at 4 p.m. in the most wonderful clear light. Many passengers went on excursions to visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, high above us in the village of Chora, with its 900 years old fortifications. With AQUAMARINE also anchored out in the bay, this was the ideal opportunity for photos of the two ships, looking fabulous in the blue sea.
After a walk along the coastal path under shady trees, an ice-cream in the little port was enjoyed. I noticed the usual dogs asleep in various wayside shops or shady areas.
Back on board AEGEAN PEARL, the light, air, clear water, scenery and environment were just wonderful and reminded us all of why we like to be at sea in congenial company: it’s that sense of exhilaration at being alive on such days. Tea and scones gave us a moment of humour. Jam was provided in very small packets, and my portion fell out of the packet as one rather congealed piece, onto my plate. Having recently seen several Viking Line ships, it was immediately recognised as being the shape and red colour of a Viking Line funnel.
We left Patmos just before 9 p.m. and enjoyed Greek Night dinner on board, as well as the evening’s entertainment, sailing the 105 nautical miles to our next port of call in Rhodes.
Ships seen: easyCruise Life, Splendour of the Seas, Ocean Village Two, Aquamarine, Gemini, Izmir (tug)
To be continued...
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009 Part 6
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009
Part 6 THE AEGEAN PEARL
Monday 14th September 2009
Ugh, up before dawn again at 5.30 a.m. back in Piraeus, for early breakfast and then reporting to Reception by 7.a.m., but it was worth it. Our group of 10 were personally escorted from AQUAMARINE, round the quay, through the terminal and onto our home for the next 4 days: The AEGEAN PEARL.
Luggage and passports had all been taken from one ship to the other for us, so we were on board by 7.20 a.m. – wonderful attention – and free to do as we chose until we sailed at 11 a.m. This time my outside cabin 203 was well forward portside on Caribbean Deck, the lowest passenger deck of 7,
and the dropping of the anchors at our ports was to prove a most efficient wake-up call. That lasted about 4 minutes each time, and I usually fell straight back to sleep again until my alarm clock went off later.
This little pearl was built in 1971 as M/S SOUTHWARD, in Italy, to carry 732 passengers, at 16,710 gt, for Klosters Rederi, Oslo; she went to Miami and with her sister ship SEAWARD, joined the highly successful SUNWARD and STARWARD with which Mr Knut Kloster was building his Miami cruise business, as Norwegian Caribbean Cruise Lines.
In 1995 she was sold to Airtours Sun Cruises, renamed SEAWING, and in 2004 sold to Perla Navigation in Piraeus and renamed PERLA. In July 2007 I sailed on her with friends and delighted in our time on board. By then she had lost her forward looking lounge, which had now become the smelly Crow’s Nest disco with only side windows, but had retained on Beach Deck the lovely Swimming Pool and also the highly original tapering funnels, which were also angled outwards.
The Ship’s Master now is Captain Stathis Goumas.
Passenger cabins were on Caribbean, Biscayne and Atlantic Decks; Boat Deck above them had the elegant Eldorado Restaurant; Mayflower Deck above that had the Clipper Lounge forward,
with Library, Internet Point and Beauty Salon on the port side, and Children’s Club and Fitness centre on the starboard side. The Casino was midships aft of them and the full-width Piano Bar aft of that.
That proved to have such cold air-conditioning that our group tended to meet outside on the covered open deck aft of the Piano Bar, which had a Bar with efficient and pleasant staff. Many a happy hour was to be spent there enjoying our time at sea or in port, or leaning against the ship’s rails and chatting or enjoying the sea air and views.
So this was the ship I left for a short time in Piraeus that morning to go and visit the Telstar book shop along the main road, and say hello to the proprietor and his colleague. They stock a wonderful selection of maritime books and newspapers in many languages, so we received a pleasant welcome. Coffee at a pavement café followed, and then it was time to return to the ship for 11 a.m. departure. We could see the lovely AGIOS GEORGIOS (ex-HENGIST), GRAND MISTRAL with that unfortunate logo on the bow, and NORWEGIAN JADE, as well as other ships in the harbour.
I must have had a rush of blood to the head, because I decided to have a swim in the pool before the deck became too crowded. It was so cold I nearly lost my nerve, but the water looked so clean and inviting that I got in, and managed not to scream. My feet immediately became cold and despite swimming in the hot sunshine for 10 minutes, they became even colder. I knew when I was beaten, so got out, changed and sat in the sunshine with more coffee, feeling pleased with myself. That turned out to be the only swim of the trip!
Later that morning I remembered swimming on BLACK WATCH and BLACK PRINCE where the swimming pool water had been heated during its route through the Engine room to the outside pools – ah well, that was then and this is now.
Restaurant lunch followed, in that wonderful full width Dining Room, with the original light fittings that I remembered from her PERLA days. Each day the food was varied and plentiful, although some of the menus proved to contain the same choices as those on AQUAMARINE. Greek meatballs featured heavily, but were delicious and when in a particular country I do prefer to eat local dishes and try local wines.
My cabin beckoned for a while, so I unpacked and returned on deck for afternoon tea. There was a big choice of tea flavours and food to stave off hunger until tonight’s open sitting dinner at 8.30 p.m. First though we had another port of call, in the island of Mykonos, this time with sunlight.
Tenders took us ashore with the chance to walk to the famous windmills, and photograph the ships and surroundings in that lovely time before nightfall.
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Then it was back to the ship to prepare for our first evening meal on board, which was excellent and lengthy. I went to see the dancing entertainment but it didn’t hold my attention for long so went to my cabin to enjoy the facilities.
Ships seen: Romilda, Agios Georgios, Daliana, Marina, Diagoros, Festos Palace, Vincente, Rodanthe, Blue Star 2, Superfast XII, easyCruise Life, Aquamarine, Grand Mistral, The Emerald, Apollon Hellas, Phedre, Jet Ferry 1, Blue Star Ithici, Norwegian Jade, Celebrity Solstice
To be continued...
Part 6 THE AEGEAN PEARL
Monday 14th September 2009
Ugh, up before dawn again at 5.30 a.m. back in Piraeus, for early breakfast and then reporting to Reception by 7.a.m., but it was worth it. Our group of 10 were personally escorted from AQUAMARINE, round the quay, through the terminal and onto our home for the next 4 days: The AEGEAN PEARL.
Luggage and passports had all been taken from one ship to the other for us, so we were on board by 7.20 a.m. – wonderful attention – and free to do as we chose until we sailed at 11 a.m. This time my outside cabin 203 was well forward portside on Caribbean Deck, the lowest passenger deck of 7,
and the dropping of the anchors at our ports was to prove a most efficient wake-up call. That lasted about 4 minutes each time, and I usually fell straight back to sleep again until my alarm clock went off later.
This little pearl was built in 1971 as M/S SOUTHWARD, in Italy, to carry 732 passengers, at 16,710 gt, for Klosters Rederi, Oslo; she went to Miami and with her sister ship SEAWARD, joined the highly successful SUNWARD and STARWARD with which Mr Knut Kloster was building his Miami cruise business, as Norwegian Caribbean Cruise Lines.
In 1995 she was sold to Airtours Sun Cruises, renamed SEAWING, and in 2004 sold to Perla Navigation in Piraeus and renamed PERLA. In July 2007 I sailed on her with friends and delighted in our time on board. By then she had lost her forward looking lounge, which had now become the smelly Crow’s Nest disco with only side windows, but had retained on Beach Deck the lovely Swimming Pool and also the highly original tapering funnels, which were also angled outwards.
The Ship’s Master now is Captain Stathis Goumas.
Passenger cabins were on Caribbean, Biscayne and Atlantic Decks; Boat Deck above them had the elegant Eldorado Restaurant; Mayflower Deck above that had the Clipper Lounge forward,
with Library, Internet Point and Beauty Salon on the port side, and Children’s Club and Fitness centre on the starboard side. The Casino was midships aft of them and the full-width Piano Bar aft of that.
That proved to have such cold air-conditioning that our group tended to meet outside on the covered open deck aft of the Piano Bar, which had a Bar with efficient and pleasant staff. Many a happy hour was to be spent there enjoying our time at sea or in port, or leaning against the ship’s rails and chatting or enjoying the sea air and views.
So this was the ship I left for a short time in Piraeus that morning to go and visit the Telstar book shop along the main road, and say hello to the proprietor and his colleague. They stock a wonderful selection of maritime books and newspapers in many languages, so we received a pleasant welcome. Coffee at a pavement café followed, and then it was time to return to the ship for 11 a.m. departure. We could see the lovely AGIOS GEORGIOS (ex-HENGIST), GRAND MISTRAL with that unfortunate logo on the bow, and NORWEGIAN JADE, as well as other ships in the harbour.
I must have had a rush of blood to the head, because I decided to have a swim in the pool before the deck became too crowded. It was so cold I nearly lost my nerve, but the water looked so clean and inviting that I got in, and managed not to scream. My feet immediately became cold and despite swimming in the hot sunshine for 10 minutes, they became even colder. I knew when I was beaten, so got out, changed and sat in the sunshine with more coffee, feeling pleased with myself. That turned out to be the only swim of the trip!
Later that morning I remembered swimming on BLACK WATCH and BLACK PRINCE where the swimming pool water had been heated during its route through the Engine room to the outside pools – ah well, that was then and this is now.
Restaurant lunch followed, in that wonderful full width Dining Room, with the original light fittings that I remembered from her PERLA days. Each day the food was varied and plentiful, although some of the menus proved to contain the same choices as those on AQUAMARINE. Greek meatballs featured heavily, but were delicious and when in a particular country I do prefer to eat local dishes and try local wines.
My cabin beckoned for a while, so I unpacked and returned on deck for afternoon tea. There was a big choice of tea flavours and food to stave off hunger until tonight’s open sitting dinner at 8.30 p.m. First though we had another port of call, in the island of Mykonos, this time with sunlight.
Tenders took us ashore with the chance to walk to the famous windmills, and photograph the ships and surroundings in that lovely time before nightfall.
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Then it was back to the ship to prepare for our first evening meal on board, which was excellent and lengthy. I went to see the dancing entertainment but it didn’t hold my attention for long so went to my cabin to enjoy the facilities.
Ships seen: Romilda, Agios Georgios, Daliana, Marina, Diagoros, Festos Palace, Vincente, Rodanthe, Blue Star 2, Superfast XII, easyCruise Life, Aquamarine, Grand Mistral, The Emerald, Apollon Hellas, Phedre, Jet Ferry 1, Blue Star Ithici, Norwegian Jade, Celebrity Solstice
To be continued...
Thursday, 19 November 2009
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009 Part 5
<GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009
Part 5 AQUAMARINE
Sunday 13th September 2009
We arrived at 6.30 a.m. at Patmos and anchored in the bay, well before dawn, having sailed 111 nautical miles from Rhodes. Soon after sun-up the excursion folk took the first tenders, and then it was our turn at 7.45 a.m.
On the quayside there was a Welcome sign from the Patmos boatmen, and I also noticed a "Complain.." box (which had lost a ‘t’). Presumably this was for comments from the public as it had a slit opening in the top, but I also noticed that there was no bottom to the box so presumably anything put in the top simply fell through and was borne away on the breeze…
The air was clear and calm, which made for beautiful reflections in the water, and I noticed a local multi-coloured cat asleep on a blue-painted chair enjoying the peace (paws for thought?).
There was just time for a pleasant walk around admiring the surrounding mountains and the arrival and departure of BLUE STAR 2 and a Flying Dolphin, before getting back on board for the departure at 10 a.m. and a leisurely breakfast on deck in the warm sunshine.
Our next treat was to be a Bridge Visit! The ship’s Host, Ion, took us up there at noon and gave us a short talk, and the chance to take photographs from the Bridge wings.
The ship’s Hostess then took us to visit several empty cabins, at different grades, but I noticed she didn’t include any on Bahia Deck. They were all set out neatly with life jackets on each bed, ship plans and writing paper in folders on dressing tables, full toiletries and towels in the bathrooms, and swimming towels nearby, and those of us on Bahia Deck felt we should take the opportunity to say how welcoming they all looked, and how different it had been in our cabins when we came on board. She was somewhat surprised at this, asked some questions, and apologised on behalf of the ship.
There was time for lunch before our next port of call, at 2 p.m. in Kusadasi in Turkey. This was 49 nautical miles sailing. Tourists are very welcome here, judging by the size of the duty free shops and malls at and near the quayside. We berthed and soon disembarked and felt dwarfed by the huge size of CELEBRITY SOLSTICE at an adjoining berth. I saw her in Papenburg, Germany, last year as she prepared to be tugged away from the shipyard, and she looked enormous then.
Some of us strolled around the bay in the hot sunshine, but returned for tea before departure by 6 p.m. Our elegant little ship looked so much more attractive than the huge SOLSTICE, we thought, as we drank Earl Grey tea on deck and watched our engines start up and emit clouds of black smoke.
It drifted up and straight across to some of the private balconies of the SOLSTICE, whose occupants promptly got up, went inside and slammed their doors, one man shaking his fist at us. We raised our tea cups to AQUAMARINE.
Drinks, dinner (with singing waiters) and packing followed, ready for an early arrival back in Piraeus in the morning. On my way through the shop I noticed a table selling Inch of Gold – and this reminded me of Cunard!
Ships seen: Blue Star 2, a Flying Dolphin, tender 12 and 14 at Patmos, Celebrity Solstice, Orient Queen, Patmos Star, Samos Star, Gemini
Part 6, on board The AEGEAN PEARL, to follow...
Part 5 AQUAMARINE
Sunday 13th September 2009
We arrived at 6.30 a.m. at Patmos and anchored in the bay, well before dawn, having sailed 111 nautical miles from Rhodes. Soon after sun-up the excursion folk took the first tenders, and then it was our turn at 7.45 a.m.
On the quayside there was a Welcome sign from the Patmos boatmen, and I also noticed a "Complain.." box (which had lost a ‘t’). Presumably this was for comments from the public as it had a slit opening in the top, but I also noticed that there was no bottom to the box so presumably anything put in the top simply fell through and was borne away on the breeze…
The air was clear and calm, which made for beautiful reflections in the water, and I noticed a local multi-coloured cat asleep on a blue-painted chair enjoying the peace (paws for thought?).
There was just time for a pleasant walk around admiring the surrounding mountains and the arrival and departure of BLUE STAR 2 and a Flying Dolphin, before getting back on board for the departure at 10 a.m. and a leisurely breakfast on deck in the warm sunshine.
Our next treat was to be a Bridge Visit! The ship’s Host, Ion, took us up there at noon and gave us a short talk, and the chance to take photographs from the Bridge wings.
The ship’s Hostess then took us to visit several empty cabins, at different grades, but I noticed she didn’t include any on Bahia Deck. They were all set out neatly with life jackets on each bed, ship plans and writing paper in folders on dressing tables, full toiletries and towels in the bathrooms, and swimming towels nearby, and those of us on Bahia Deck felt we should take the opportunity to say how welcoming they all looked, and how different it had been in our cabins when we came on board. She was somewhat surprised at this, asked some questions, and apologised on behalf of the ship.
There was time for lunch before our next port of call, at 2 p.m. in Kusadasi in Turkey. This was 49 nautical miles sailing. Tourists are very welcome here, judging by the size of the duty free shops and malls at and near the quayside. We berthed and soon disembarked and felt dwarfed by the huge size of CELEBRITY SOLSTICE at an adjoining berth. I saw her in Papenburg, Germany, last year as she prepared to be tugged away from the shipyard, and she looked enormous then.
Some of us strolled around the bay in the hot sunshine, but returned for tea before departure by 6 p.m. Our elegant little ship looked so much more attractive than the huge SOLSTICE, we thought, as we drank Earl Grey tea on deck and watched our engines start up and emit clouds of black smoke.
It drifted up and straight across to some of the private balconies of the SOLSTICE, whose occupants promptly got up, went inside and slammed their doors, one man shaking his fist at us. We raised our tea cups to AQUAMARINE.
Drinks, dinner (with singing waiters) and packing followed, ready for an early arrival back in Piraeus in the morning. On my way through the shop I noticed a table selling Inch of Gold – and this reminded me of Cunard!
Ships seen: Blue Star 2, a Flying Dolphin, tender 12 and 14 at Patmos, Celebrity Solstice, Orient Queen, Patmos Star, Samos Star, Gemini
Part 6, on board The AEGEAN PEARL, to follow...
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009 Part 4
GEMS OF THE AEGEAN SEPTEMBER 2009
Part 4 - AQUAMARINE
Saturday 12th September 2009
The English version of the Louis Daily News reminded us that today we were to visit Rhodes, the most famous of the Dodecanese islands, so that meant lots of ships to see after 8.30 a.m. arrival, as well as the fascinating Old City.
There had been lightning visible during the previous evening, and localised storms had obviously sent a lot of rain onto Rhodes, judging by some huge puddles near the quay but the heat soon dried them up. On the way out on the quayside I took a photograph of my aquamarine-coloured scarf hanging in the porthole of my cabin. Why? Because I had hung it up there, and wanted to see just how low my cabin was, and I’ve never had the chance to do this before.
I visited the Archaeological Museum and particularly admired the sculptures from 420-410 BC showing women in flowing robes, with the ‘fabrics’ carved in such beautiful and lifelike ways as they fell to the feet. That must be so difficult to do.
Coffee called from one of the many street-side cafes; scented olive-oil soaps had to be bought; beautiful jewellery from dozens of shops had to be admired; walking amongst crowds of other tourists had to be negotiated; the cool shade and hot sun of the old city streets had to be contrasted; and at one of the numerous T-shirt/hat shops we had to look at the cotton sun hats with synthetic hair attached – either blonde or black flowing locks; there were lots of ships to see out in the harbour.
The blue sky overhead, the heat and the flowers around the Old City made for a happy morning, before returning to AQUAMARINE.
Lunch time and tea time on the ship passed happily, and then it was time to dress for late dinner at 9.15 p.m. and Greek Night on board the ship.
Posh frocks and high heels (for me anyway), pre-dinner drinks at the Sunshine Bar and excellent food in the Restaurant followed, and then one of our number impressed the rest of us tremendously in the karaoke competition in one of the bars.
Ships seen: Gemini (Quail Cruises), Ierapetra L (Anek), Blue Star 2, Nautica, Symi, Marmaris Express, Sapphire
To be continued...
Part 4 - AQUAMARINE
Saturday 12th September 2009
The English version of the Louis Daily News reminded us that today we were to visit Rhodes, the most famous of the Dodecanese islands, so that meant lots of ships to see after 8.30 a.m. arrival, as well as the fascinating Old City.
There had been lightning visible during the previous evening, and localised storms had obviously sent a lot of rain onto Rhodes, judging by some huge puddles near the quay but the heat soon dried them up. On the way out on the quayside I took a photograph of my aquamarine-coloured scarf hanging in the porthole of my cabin. Why? Because I had hung it up there, and wanted to see just how low my cabin was, and I’ve never had the chance to do this before.
I visited the Archaeological Museum and particularly admired the sculptures from 420-410 BC showing women in flowing robes, with the ‘fabrics’ carved in such beautiful and lifelike ways as they fell to the feet. That must be so difficult to do.
Coffee called from one of the many street-side cafes; scented olive-oil soaps had to be bought; beautiful jewellery from dozens of shops had to be admired; walking amongst crowds of other tourists had to be negotiated; the cool shade and hot sun of the old city streets had to be contrasted; and at one of the numerous T-shirt/hat shops we had to look at the cotton sun hats with synthetic hair attached – either blonde or black flowing locks; there were lots of ships to see out in the harbour.
The blue sky overhead, the heat and the flowers around the Old City made for a happy morning, before returning to AQUAMARINE.
Lunch time and tea time on the ship passed happily, and then it was time to dress for late dinner at 9.15 p.m. and Greek Night on board the ship.
Posh frocks and high heels (for me anyway), pre-dinner drinks at the Sunshine Bar and excellent food in the Restaurant followed, and then one of our number impressed the rest of us tremendously in the karaoke competition in one of the bars.
Ships seen: Gemini (Quail Cruises), Ierapetra L (Anek), Blue Star 2, Nautica, Symi, Marmaris Express, Sapphire
To be continued...
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