Cruising Greece

The busiest June ever

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 08:15:00 +0000

Santorini will be busy this June

This month, Greek cruise ports are going to welcome more cruise ships than every other June. In fact, June's traffic in ports may be comparable to last year's July.

Cruise traffic might become quite inconvenient on small islands like Mykonos or Santorini. You will be among the myriads who will be walking around the small villages, searching for the right spot to take a good snapshot. You must face it though; we are in high season and those islands are among the world's most popular destinations.

Beaches in Greece are less crowded in June than in July and August. In case you go ashore on your own, don't underestimate the probability of being seduced by one or two of them on your way. Carrying or wearing your swimming suit is always advisable on Greek islands.

At Piraeus/Athens there are no such problems. On some weekdays you may see more than 5 or 6 large cruise ships docking along with yours. Don't panic though; the Port Authority has recently added shuttle buses to the port exit, while the Hop on - Hop off buses now make a stop there. Life has become easier than ever for cruise passengers visiting Athens.

The HoHo buses now take you from the cruise port to the center of Athens

If you happen to be at Syntagma Square, you will find out that many people have set up their tents there. This is the epicenter of the huge peaceful -spanish style- protests that take place every night at many different squares in Greece. If you walk between the tents and the stands, you will hear people talking about the current debt crisis. Of course, you don't know Greek, but you will certainly feel the vibes of a place that is being closely watched by everybody in the World.

Getting around Corfu Town and its surroundings

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Tue, 31 May 2011 08:31:00 +0000

Corfu Town panorama

Corfu has for centuries been under the strategic and commercial influence of Venice. In some way, strictly in cruise terms, it still is. Most of the cruise ships that stop in at Corfu embark at Venice, the cruise capital of the Eastern Mediterranean. A very large portion of cruise travelers speak Italian. Some of its monuments recall the passage of Italians and Venetians of the past.

The cruise port of Corfu offers enough convenience to travelers as they can walk in only 20-30 minutes to the Town. They can alternatively take a shuttle bus and then another one to the old part of the city, or get there by taxi, paying 8-10 euros per ride.

Having reached the town, you soon realize that you can easily spend your whole day there. Within short radius you can reach many sights, shopping and souvenir streets, cafes and restaurants. The 16th century fortress that dominates the city consists of many narrow streets. Around every corner you may find churches, old mansions and secret little squares.

The Spianada Square with Liston

The Spianada Square is the largest square in Greece. At its length you will see some of the most important monuments of the town such as the monument of the Ionian Islands union with Greece. Liston is situated at the northern part of the western side of the square. The Town Hall Square, the Square of the Saints, the Ionian Academy and the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George are some interesting buildings situated within short distance.

Shore excursions: There is a vast variety of shore excursions on offer by all major cruise companies. However, for those who are first-timers in Corfu, excursions with short travel time are preferable. Trips to Paleokastritsa, Perama and Acchilleion Palace are always a must for sightseeing.

Achilleion Palace

However, groups of 3 or 4 people may find it cheaper and more convenient to reach these destinations by rented cars. There are plenty of beautiful beaches along the coast so nobody can guarantee that your appetite for swimming won't open.

Glyfada beach: Glyfada beach is situated 16 km away from Corfu Town, on the west coast of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches on Corfu due to its green surroundings and its long sandy terrain.Swimmers can find there every kind of shop, sun beds, umbrellas, water sports facilities etc. A taxi ride to Glyfada beach from the cruise port will cost you no more than 25 euros. As always on Greek islands, better arrange your return pick up time with the taxi driver.

Glyfada beach

Before you head back to your ship don't forget to taste two of the island's well known specialties: Pastitsada (beef cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with spaghetti) and Sofrito (veal or beef escalopes sauted in a skillet and served with an accompanying sauce).

Spectacular rise in cruise ship arrivals all over Greece

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:05:00 +0000

More than 150.000 cruise travelers have visited the port of Piraeus between January and March 2011, marking a spectacular rise of 58,1% compared to last year’s data regarding the same period.

Other major destinations like Rhodes, Santorini, Katakolon, Corfu have also received much more passengers than last year, with unofficial estimates ranging between 20% and 30% compared to the same trimester of 2010.

Estimates for the summer period are also very optimistic. The port of Piraeus is scheduled to receive more than 7 cruise ships (at least 20.000 passengers) in some days during the high season of July – August. Ports of Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos will also have busy time and local authorities have been preparing to deal with it.

The Greek government has recently lowered taxes and fees for cruise ships, but the rise in cruise ship arrivals is also a product of the unrest in North African countries that redirected cruise routes to the north of the Mediterranean Sea.

This rise is going to give a very much needed bust to Greek tourism, the sole reliable industry in the country. It is estimated that the lowest spending per cruise traveler in Greek soil is 50 euros.

Source: "Imerisia", To Vima"

Going HoHo in Athens: Dos and Dont's for cruise travelers

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Fri, 20 May 2011 08:23:00 +0000

The Athens Hop on Hop Off red line

This summer season Athens has effectively reorganized some of its tourist infrastructure. One serious change affecting cruise travelers is getting the Hop on - Hop Off bus lines from the Piraeus cruise terminal. In theory, that means you can hop on an open air bus in the morning, go to the center of Athens for sightseeing and return to Piraeus with one single ticket.

So, is this the best way to get to Athens? Well, that's not a simple answer. Several practical factors have to be taken into account: Traffic conditions in both Piraeus and Athens, travel cost and proximity of bus stops to the top attractions.

Traffic: The port of Piraeus is not far from the center of Athens, but that distance may appear longer in the morning due to heavy traffic in rush hours. For cruise travelers, time is valuable in Athens, as they need to get the most out of the city in only a few hours.

The bus ride to the center is scheduled to last 30 minutes, but in case you come across lots of traffic your trip may be extended. The same goes for your return trip that has to start a little bit earlier in order to be sure that you will be back to your ship on time.

The red and yellow bus station

Cost: The Athens City Tour (yellow bus) costs 15 euros p.p. (8 euros for children) while the Athens Sightseeing Tour (red bus) costs 22 euros (9 euros for children). Supposedly you are a family of 4, it may cost you between 50-70 euros aller-retour, while a taxi may cost you 30-40 euros for the same trip. In addition, catching the 853 bus (to Piraeus metro station) and then metro line 1 (to central Athens) will cost you only 2,80 p.p. aller-retour. Compared to the low cost of the metro, the HoHo is not a saver at all.

Proximity to top attractions: Most of the main sights of Athens are situated in a pedestrianized area, so the HoHo buses can't get close enough. Furthermore, antiquities and tourist attractions around Acropolis are within walking distance. You will probably not need any other transportation before you head back to the ship.

The yellow HoHo at Syntagma Square

A joyful, relaxing ride with no worries of planning ahead

In case you are not in a hurry to catch all the action in Athens, the HoHo offers a pleasant ride. It passes through Marina Zeas (Passalimani) and Mikrolimano, two picturesque little ports filled with yachts, cafes and taverns. You can hop off there for a promenade by the sea and then hop on again heading to Athens.

Kids, who are not usually in a rush, would love to sit on the top deck and watch Piraeus and Athens from above, while grownups won't have to worry about searching for bus or metro tickets, changing metro lines, etc.

Solo travelers, couples and families with children with no budget worries and no rush to reach Athens quickly are now offered a third alternative to get to Acropolis and its surroundings. The HoHo bus fills a gap serving that special category of cruisers.

'Mariner of the Seas' at the port of Piraeus

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Sun, 15 May 2011 22:36:00 +0000

On Saturday, May 14th, Royal Carribean's 'Mariner' made its stop at the port of Piraeus. It was a sunny day, the hottest so far in Athens.

Cruisinggreece was there!

Away from the masses, close to nature: Kaiafas Lake and Beach

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Sat, 14 May 2011 06:48:00 +0000

For cruise passengers who are not willing to follow the masses to the Ancient Olympia archaeological sites, Katakolon provides a really interesting alternative. This option combines both swimming in one of the best beaches of Peloponnese (long and sandy) and a marvelous natural landscape in the surroundings.

Kaiafas Lake and beach are situated approximately 40 km away from Katakolon (40-45 minutes drive) giving you the chance to combine swimming with hiking in one of the most unspoiled parts of southern Greece.

Although a big part of the scenery was destroyed by the disastrous fires of 2007, the place still preserves its uniqueness. Moreover, the Thermal Springs of Kaiafas offer a geological formation that includes a spring where tepid to warm water emanates from deep inside the earth’s crust and flows up to the surface.

Due to its proximity to the mountainous area, the sea and the forest, Lake Kaiafas attracts many nature lovers, especially in summertime.

It was formed by the great earthquakes of the 6th century AD, with landslides which dug out the lake and created the rocky formations rising from the “key” spot to the east.

The nearby beach is vast and many kilometers long. It has crystal clear waters while a part of it is a well known nudist area.

You can make a deal with a taxi driver who can drive you there and bring you back to the cruise port. Of course, additional cost for waiting time is added (http://www.katakolon.org/katakolon-taxi).

Other ways to get there are by renting a car (http://www.katakolon.gr/car_rental/index.en.html) or by booking a private taxi tour in advance :

http://www.taxikatakolon.gr/

http://www.taxikatakolon.gr/about_us.php

http://www.taxikatakolo.gr/

Piraeus planned to undertake a leading role in the Mediterranean

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Piraeus aims at taking gradually one of the leading roles in the Mediterranean cruise market. Up to now, its strategic position on the map has not been capitalized from the Greek authorities. However, new planning is set to convince some of the major cruise companies to choose Piraeus as their home port for many of their itineraries in mare nostrum.

By 2014, the largest port of Greece will reach the capacity of six big cruise ships altogether, also upgrading its supportive infrastructure. The plan includes a mall for cruise visitors, a 5-star hotel and a conference center, along with a monorail which will transfer cruise visitors quickly to the metro going to Athens center. It will be funded by private companies, the E.U. and the Greek state.

“MSC”, “Carnival” and “Royal Carribean” have already expressed their interest to get their own exclusive docks in the port, acknowledging that such a move may give them a tactical advantage against their competitors.

Source: “Ta Nea”

From the port of Souda to the Venetian harbor of Chania and its surrounding fabulous beaches

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Fri, 06 May 2011 08:24:00 +0000

The Souda port is of great strategic importance in terms of commerce and geopolitics in the Mediterranean. However, that is none of your business as a cruise traveler. What matters is how you are going to get the most out of Chania, the second largest city of Crete and one of the top tourist destinations in Greece.

Latest uprisings in North Africa have put Chania on the cruise map and locals intend to keep this touristic flow as long as they can. So, don’t be surprised if you are welcomed there by the mayor or businessmen of the region.

Getting from the Souda Port to the Old Town of Chania

What you really need if you intend to get ashore by your own is a quick way to get to the Old Town of Chania where all the action and fun is. There are two ways for independent visitors to do this. First, you can hop on a bus (number 13) leaving from the port with destination ''Old Town'' and get off at the stop “Agora”. It runs every 20 minutes and gets you to the town in no more than 20-25 minutes. Bear in mind that the prefecture of Chania may have arranged continuous buses to and from the town in order to better address the super flow of tourists getting out of those huge ships.

There will also be plenty of taxis that can get you to the Old Town quicker with only 10 euros. So, if you are in groups of 3-4 people that will be a convenient choice.

The Old harbor of Chania

Of course, it is probable that you are well prepared about what you are going to meet in the Old Town. A picturesque Venetian harbor, arched doorways, narrow streets with souvenir shops and value shopping opportunities, great sea-side cafes and traditional Cretan cuisine.

Kalamaki beach

You can spend there your whole day or, in case you have more than 7 hours ashore, you can split your time between the Old Town and a beautiful beach nearby. Kalamaki beach (sandy) is a fine option due to its proximity to Chania and its good bus connection to the city. Buses to Kalamaki run every 40 minutes departing from 1866 Square. It will take you around 15 minutes to get there. Be sure to check timetables before leaving in order to arrange your return trip to the city and then to the cruise port.

Getting from the Souda Port directly to Kalamaki beach

People who ‘d like to get to Kalamaki directly from the cruise port skipping the Old Town may get off the bus (number 13) at “Agora” and then walk for 6-7 minutes towards 1866 Square to get the other bus to Kalamaki (number 21).

Of course, a taxi directly from Souda to Kalamaki beach will cost your 15-20 euros, saving you some precious time.

Shore excursions

''Royal Carribean'' has some interesting shore excursions to offer taking advantage of the beautiful scenery and traditional costumes of the region.

“Kournas, Arkadi Monastery & Rethymnon”, “Monastery Chrisopigi & Archeological Museum of Chania”, “Real Crete”, “Taste of Crete” are all very interesting packages, giving you a unique sight of the Cretan land, its rich history and its people.

“Chania on your own” and “Agioi Apostoli” beach are also offered in order to save you from the trouble of finding the way to the city on your own. As in most of cruise destinations, saving you from that trouble will cost you more than arranging your transportation yourself.

A smooth May for sightseeing and swimming

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Tue, 03 May 2011 07:48:00 +0000

Greek cruise ports this month are going to be busier than every other May. Major destinations like Katakolon, Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos will see a steady flow of ships docking in their ports in a period when the beaches around them become ready for swimmers.

In the next few weeks cruise guests will have the option of swimming along with the usual sightseeing tours in places like Rhodes, Limassol, Crete (Herakleion and Chania) and Mykonos.

The port of Souda near Chania is going to receive more cruise guests in May compared to last month’s successful opening with “Royal Carribean’s” voyager class ships in the leading role. It is a fact now that uprisings in North Africa and the rest of the Middle East gave Chania the chance to disclose its beauties, offering also practical and cheap ways to move around the region.

“Costa” and “MSC” seem to be more attracted than other companies to the pearls of the Ionian and the Aegean Sea. “Royal Carribean” is also competing to get its own share of the Greek beauties.

Most of the major cruise companies will dock at least one of their ships in Greek port.

Last month was more rainy and windy than expected, but that is not going to happen in May. The temperatures will gradually rise, but they are projected to stay in affordable levels for sightseeing, giving also cruisers the permission to swim in some of the most famous beaches of the world.

Restaurants, bars and shops on the islands are open this time of year, which is less crowded than summer months. Keep in mind that Santorini and Mykonos may accept several cruise ship arrivals in some specific days of May, a fact that makes your effort to move around their ports more difficult.

Adjustments for the May 11th general strike

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:51:00 +0000

The General Syndicate of Greek Workers has announced a strike for May 11^th. On that day most parts of the public sector will be out of service, while the private sector will probably be intact. That means passengers of “Costa Victoria” (docking in Athens on May 11^th) wishing to go ashore by themselves can use Metro Line 1 only rom 10:00 to 16:00. However, taxis usually don’t take part in general strikes. So, they will probably be available to carry passengers from the cruise port to the center of the city and vice versa.

Passengers of “Costa Victoria” should also be aware that some streets around the center of Athens (Syntagma Square) will remain closed in midday during the scheduled protest (10:00-14:00). They can ask taxi drivers to avoid Leoforos Amalias and Syntagma Square by leaving them near the Acropolis Museum in the Koukaki area. That’s the best way to reach the main tourist area of Athens by taxi.

Cruise guests of “Costa Victoria” should also acknowledge that there is a strong possibility that archaeological sites will remain closed on May 11^th. Announcements have not been made yet, but employees of the Ministry of Culture usually take part in general strikes.

Closure of the archaeological sites may also cause some inconvenience to other cruise guests. Passengers of “Louis Majesty” in Rhodes, “MSC Musica” and “Louis Cristal” in Santorini and “Oceania Nautica” in Volos, planning to go ashore, should contact their companies for further info 2-3 days before.

Alternatively, they may stay in touch with our blog as updated information on who is going on strike on May 11^th will be added constantly as soon as relevant announcements are made.

Feel free to contact us in case you need suggestions on how to avoid inconvenience on May 11^th.

“Ms Nieuw Amsterdam” crossing the Aegean

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:27:00 +0000

One of the newest and most luxurious cruise ships of the World, “Nieuw Amsterdam”, is about to dock at many Greek cruise ports during its Mediterranean itinerary. “HollandAmerica’s” flagship, launched on Venice last July, will visit among other destinations Corfu, Katakolon and Nafplion during the last days of April. It will be back to Greece in the beginning of May to bring its 2100 guests to Piraeus, Mykonos, Santorini and Argostoli (Kefallonia).

One of its favorite ports of call during May is, of course, the magnificent island of Santorini. Guests will get the chance to wander around the volcanic terrain, taste the local delicacies and enjoy the unique spectacular views.

While Santorini always remains a classic in cruise itineraries, Nafplion will travel cruisers back to antiquity with visits to Mycenae and Epidavrus, whereas Kefallonia will give an alternative pinch of amazing exotic sceneries.

It is, after all, variety that matters in sophisticated cruise itineraries.

Wine hopping in Santorini

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:18:00 +0000

Let’s say you have already been to Santorini, given that this island is among the top 10 worldwide destinations for summer vacation. Santorini is well known for its unique volcanic terrain. However, oenophiles are aware that this exceptional terrain also provides some unique wine tastes not similar to any other place in the Mediterranean and the whole World.

Under such conditions cruisers who‘d like to have a different, sommelier-like adventure during their stay in Santorini are advised to take a wine tour. Some of the famous wineries of Santorini are situated near the port of Athinios and the town of Fira, making wineries hopping easier.

Some cruise companies offer exclusive wine tours; most of them, however, only include a quick visit to one of the wineries for a complimentary glass, as part of their shore excursions. That’s not at all the winerie hopping you were looking for!

Just five miles away of Fira, heading southwards, you will reach Megalochori. There, the “Boutaris Winery” offers most of the local varieties, along with guided tours (Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00). In August, visitors may have the chance to watch the wine production procedure live, since it is harvesting time.

In Pyrgos Kallistis, one miles away to the east of Megalochori, you will find “Santo Wines”, a winery which produces among others the varieties of Vinsanto, Assyrtiko, Nychteri, Νama. It is open from March till November (10:00 to 20:00), also offering guided tours.

Moving a mile from Pyrgos to the northeast, on the road to Kamari, you will reach Exo Gonia, where “Art Space Exhibition” by “Argyros Art Space Argyros Canava” is housed in an old Santorinian cave-house wine cellar and old wine distillery. Visitors will have the chance to combine contemporary art with wine making history and, of course, wine tasting (open daily from 11:00 to sunset).

Another wine museum is situated in Vothon, 2 miles away from Exo Gonia towards Fira. “Koutsogiannopoulos Winery” offers many of the local varieties along with a tour to the secrets of Santorini’s winemaking throughout history (April till October from 12:00 to 20:00).

Keep in mind that wineries usually sell -or even serve- local delicacies, such as the famous Santorinian Fava*.

To visit these wineries you will need to either rent a car or hire a taxi (preferably a reserved one for 3,5 to 5 hours):

http://www.santorinitaxi.com/

http://www.santoriniweb.com/santorini_taxi.html

There are also wine tours to specific wineries offered by private companies:

http://www.santoriniwinetour.com

http://www.greeceprivatetours.com/santorini-Wine-tasting-tours.html

http://www.mysantorini.com/Santorini-private-Wine-Tour.html

Cheers!

*See Glossary in alphabetical order

More than 600 cruise ships in Rhodes this season

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:04:00 +0000

Rhodes will welcome this season more than 600 cruise ship arrivals, marking a 10% rise compared to last season. The ships, many of them belonging to the major cruise companies of the World, will carry a total of 700.000 guests.

Uprisings in North Africa contributed to the selection of Rhodes as an alternative destination in Eastern Mediterranean, making its port one of the busiest in the area. Local authorities and businessmen who depend heavily on cruise tourism have already expressed their satisfaction about this outcome.

Source: “Rodiaki”

Greece, inspiration for internationally renowned artists

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Museum of Cycladic Art

ΤHE LAST GRAND TOUR
EXHIBITION DURATION: 15 April – 10 October 2011

The exhibition will bring together for the first time work by many of the internationally renowned artists who have lived and worked in Greece during the twentieth century. Looking at Greece as a site of inspiration over the past sixty years, works to be included reflect the various ways in which the country, its long cultural history and geographic characteristics have continued to be a source for artistic innovation. Concentrating only on those artists who have invested a lengthy stay in Greece or in some cases established second homes there, the exhibition will bring to light both well-known visitors as well as those who have quietly been present over the last decades.

Address

Main Building
4, Neophytou Douka str.

Opening hours

Monday - Wednesday - Friday - Saturday:		10:00-17:00
Thursday:		10:00-20:00
Sunday:		11:00-17:00
Tuesday:		closed

Opening hours EASTER PERIOD 2011
Friday 22 April 2011, 12:00-17:00
Saturday 23 April 2011, 10:00-15:00
Sunday 24 April 2011, closed
Monday 25 April 2011, closed
Tuesday 26 April 2011, 10:00-17:00
Sunday 1 May 2011, 11:00-17:00 (current exhibition closing day)

Public Holidays (museum is closed):
1 January, Easter, Easter Monday, Spirit Monday, 1 May, 25 December, 26 December,Shrove Monday, 25 March, 15 August.

Panoramic view of Rhodes from Monte Smith Hill

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 09:54:00 +0000


The tourist train tour (source: Google maps)

Fans of panoramic views won’t have the chance to get on a manmade tower building in order to see Rhodes Town from above. However, nature has blessed this island with a polymorphic terrain; thus the ultimate panoramic spot is situated on top of Monte Smith hill (see “B” on map), along with some invaluable antiquities. This spot gives you the chance to see both coastal sides of the island: on the west you will see the bays of Ixia, Ialyssos and Kameiros as well as the airport, while on the east you will see the Old Town and Rhodes city. That’s also the perfect spot to take a panoramic photo of your cruise ship!

View of Ixia from Monte Smith Hill

At Monte Smith hill you can find the Acropolis of the ancient city of Rhodes. Moreover, there are ruins of the temple of Zeus and Athena Polias, the Apollos’ temple, the theater, the ancient stadium, the Nymphaea cave sanctuaries, the Hellenistic house and a Palatial building.

There are mainly two ways to get there if you don’t have the convenience of a car. You can get a taxi either from the cruise port or from Mandraki harbor. It takes no more than 10 minutes and costs 5-7 euros each way. However, keep in mind that you need to prearrange your return with a radio taxi (http://www.rhodes-taxi.gr) or ask the taxi driver to wait for you on the hill (with an extra prearranged charge).

The tourist train that goes up the hill

Another way of doing the Monte Smith tour is by getting on the little tourist train that departs from the café-restaurant “Aktaion” at the Mandraki harbor (see “A” on map). It’s not a hop on- hop off tour, but it goes smoothly and slowly in order to let passengers enjoy the ride. The kids will love it while you will be focusing on sightseeing and views from above.

Before you go up the hill, you will do the circuit of the Old Town walls and after descending Monte Smith you will see the Psaropoula area. The tour (see blue route on map) lasts a little less than an hour and costs 7 euros p.p. for a round trip. Buy your tickets at the central bus station tickets office. From April to May the train departs every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. From May and during summer months more afternoon departures will be added.

A “Splendour” trip to the Aegean’s top attractions

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:40:00 +0000

"Splendour of the Seas"

On April 12^th Royal Caribbean’s “Splendour of the Seas” is pulling up its anchor in Venice to sail the Aegean. The ship of 2000 guests will undertake April’s most thorough research on the Greek islands.

Its itinerary of 12 days includes Greece’s classic attractions, such as Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and Athens, as well as other top ports like Mykonos, Katakolon and Chania. Destinations respond to every taste, from sightseeing freaks and adventurous wanderers to beach lovers and relaxing buddies. It is, for sure, one of the highlights of the month.

Corfu Town

Rhodes and Corfu offer a mixture of irresistible natural beauty and cultural heritage. The shore excursions offered by RC are lots, but you should avoid those aiming to show you a general picture of the islands in a hurry. For those who love wandering around small historical towns, the option of going ashore on your own, mixing with the locals and sparing your time as you like is always advisable.

Chania is a similar kind of destination. You can walk around the Old Town either on your own by taking a taxi or by booking an excursion via the ship.

Athens and Ancient Olympia are maybe the most important sites of the Classical Era. In the Greek capital, you may combine a visit to the Parthenon with a walk around the rock of Acropolis or an excursion to Sounion.

Mykonos is the ultimate swimming destination. Although the waters will not be warm enough yet, courageous swimmers should target one, two -or three if you are serious beach hoppers- of the island’s deep blue beaches. Either you go swimming or not, you can always enjoy the view of the famous white Myconian houses that are typical of Cyclades’s architecture.

See also: "Pacifica" on its way to the Aegean

The volcanic miracle of Santorini

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:24:00 +0000

While your cruise ship will be approaching Fira and it's port, Athinios, you may think that ''finally, a dream came true!'' The white houses of the island look like they are sculptured into the impressive rock that stands in front of your eyes, and the Aegean Sea creates a magnificent contrast of blue and white. Santorini is indeed perhaps one of the most beautiful places on planet. Besides, it has been voted several times as such by travel websites and magazines.

''The port of Fira''

The cruise ship will leave you at the bottom of Santorini's rock. From there you can either use the traditional option of jumping on a donkey that will carry you up to the top. There are also more modern means of transportation: taking the teleferic, the local bus or a taxi to the town of Fira.

Shore excursions: Most cruise ship excursions include Oia and Fira. They will both give you a good taste of that unique island. Visits to local wineries, where one can learn some of the secrets of the vinsanto* variety, are also offered. An excursion to Oia -the must be place for the romantic ones to enjoy one of the most famous sunsets- is highly recommended by ''Cruisinggreece''. Apart from the panoramic views to Thirassia and Nea Kameni, the two nearby islands, Oia offers a variety of ''artistic'' promenades that pass by jewelry, craft and painting shops of high quality (as well as high prices). Your cruise itinerary will not allow you to enjoy Oia's sunset, since you will need to be back on board by afternoon. Don't worry though, since this might become a good reason for you to visit Santorini again in the future!

Some cruise companies suggest tours to Akrotiri, a Bronze Age archaelogical site situated 15 km on the south of Fira. On your way, you will pass by Caldera from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. The excursion to Akrotiri is another fine choice, especially for those who love antiquities.

What someone coming with a cruise ship should avoid, if a first-timer in Santorini, is a beach excursion. No one needs to spend time on a beach when there are so many things to see in one day. Besides, beaches are not the strong point of the island. in terms of swimming. Their uniqueness makes them worthy rather as sights than places to swim. Aghios Georgios is a beach with volcanic black pebbles while the Red Beach has black and red volcanic pebbles and hot water.

Shore alone: Independent boat tours that will take you to Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirassia also depart from the port of Athinios. At the port you will also find a few cafes and shops for some last minute shopping.

''Sunset at Oia''

Every part of Santorini reveals treasures of natural beauty, architecture, traditional and modern art and craft, ancient remains and volcanic beaches. Actually, the whole island was the result of a volcanic eruption in 1613 B.C. If you have been to Santorini before and have already visited its main villages, Fira and Oia, then you might choose to visit Emerovigli, another picturesque village of Santorini. Similar to Fira and Oia, in terms of architecture and colors, it offers a much more relaxing atmosphere since it's not as packed with tourists.

A highly recommended alternative is also the boat trip to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni (the still active volcanic centre of the area), just opposite Santorini. Local boats that depart from Fira offer organized guided tours that give you the opportunity to walk on the volcanic rock, smell some real lava and maybe carry a piece of volcanic rock back home! There is also a stop for a swim in the warm volcanic waters. The sea iron will leave its marks on your towel when you hop on back to the boat -a proof of the water's thereupetic power!

''View of Nea Kameni from Santorini''

The local bus company has itineraries from Fira to most parts of the island. However, be sure to check the timetable in order to be back on time. Taxis (+30-228602555) can take you anywhere on the island and private companies arrange tours for small groups of people.

* See Glossary in alphabetical order

Charge your batteries tasting traditional desserts at Syntagma

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:20:00 +0000

In case you are exhausted by all the sightseeing around Acropolis and the Greek Parliament, you may take a rest at Syntagma Square. There, you will find two of Greece’s most popular pastry shops originating in Salonika, with recipes mostly brought from Constantinople.

''Kazan Dibi''

A. Kazan Dibi at "Chatzis" (Xατζής)

At the beginning of Mitropoleos Street on the left corner of the Syntagma Square as you look from the Parliament down to Ermou Street, “Chatzis” serves his specialty, Kazan Dibi (Kαζάν Ντιπί), a caramelized cream with rice flour and vanilla. Kazan in Turkish is the large iron (or it can be many other metals, such as copper) pan and dibi means "the bottom of."

''Tsoureki with chocolate''

B. Tsoureki with chocolate at ''Terkenlis" (Τερκενλής)

Just outside the main metro exit, on Syntagma Square, on your right hand, there is a pastry shop/café named ''Terkenlis''. There, you may sit and taste the famous tsoureki with chocolate. Tsoureki is essentially a Greek brioche style of sweet bread, usually consumed during the Easter Period. However, ''Terkenlis'' has turned it to an all-season dessert by staffing and decorating it with chocolate of all kinds (black, white etc.) The recipe quickly conquered Salonika and lately successfully passed to Athens.

Relaxing by the sea at Marina Zeas

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:53:00 +0000

''Marina Zeas (Passalimani)''

It’s true, the port of Piraeus does not seem to meet your expectations concerning Athens. It’s full of ships, the traffic in the streets is heavy and noise comes from everywhere. However, in short distance from the dock you may discover a totally different picture.

In case you have already seen the whole picture of Athens in a previous trip, or want to return early to your ship in order to catch the delicious lunch served on-board, you may choose a relaxing visit to Marina Zeas (Passalimani). Time there runs slowly and people just seat by the sea watching the yachts and drinking their frappe*. Endless restaurants, tavernas, cafes and shops are situated upon the seafront, creating the perfect setting of relaxation.

There are two ways to go there from the cruise dock. If you feel like having a promenade, you can always walk to Marina Zeas (1,5 km / 1 mile). Otherwise, you can take a taxi for only 3,20 euros (ask for the price in advance) and get there easier. There is no convenient bus line towards this direction. Nevertheless, sharing a taxi between 3 or more people will be cheaper than taking the bus and it will save you effort from searching for bus tickets.

Marina Zeas is also reachable by the Hop On - Hop Off buses which start their journey near the cruise port. If you get on the HoHo, you can also make a stop at Mikrolimano, a few hundred meters after Marina Zeas. You can get off the bus there and walk down to the little port to have a fish or meat meal in one of the seaside tavernas.

Meat lovers should not miss the opportunity to eat at "Vosporos", a seaside tavern serving traditional dishes originating from Istanbul (Constantinople). Make this stop preferably on your way back from Athens by the Hop On - Hop Off Bus, as this route connects the port of Piraeus to the center of Athens.

Another option could be Profitis Elias on top of the Kastella Hill, where you will get an amazing panoramic view of Faliron Bay and the city of Athens from the open-air cafeteria.There you can drink your Greek coffee* or taste Greek pastries. You might need to call a taxi (tel.no.18188) though to get you back to the dock.

* See Glossary in alphabetical order

Chania to welcome “Mariner of the Seas”

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:24:00 +0000

Local entrepreneurs and shop-owners will give a warm welcome to passengers of “Mariner of the Seas” (“Royal Carribean”), which will arrive at Souda port, near Chania, on April 2^nd. The City Council has been preparing to offer visitors local products and gifts, along with a printed guide of the area.

It is the first cruise ship arrival to Crete for this season. Many cruise companies have redirected their itineraries to Chania and Herakleion due to the violent uprises in North Africa.

Source: "Chaniotika Nea"

''Pacifica'' on its way to the Aegean

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:59:00 +0000

“Costa” has chosen to send its huge, newly built “Pacifica” to the Aegean Sea during springtime. Carrying more than 3500 passengers in luxury, that ship is one of the highlights of the season.

''Costa Pacifica''

Its itinerary is wisely made offering the most popular destinations with lots of sightseeing. Given that beaches during this period are not yet ready to welcome their visitors it is an excellent move indeed to focus on monuments of the Classical Era.

April is ideal for sightseeing freaks due to its moderate temperatures; no hat is needed, only your sunglasses. Besides, this is the main purpose of shore excursions to Athens, Katakolon and Limassol. Rhodes is also full of antiquities, but its diverse cultural heritage gives you more options. In case you have already been to these places you can always consult our suggested alternative promenades.

''Herodion theater and Parthenon, Athens''

''Pacifica’s'' itinerary allows you plenty of time on board to relax in Italian style and to charge your batteries before you get ashore. ''Cruisinggreece'' recommends excursions to Sounion, Lindos and Paphos from Piraeus, Rhodes and Limassol ports respectively. There is no need to give you a tip regarding Katakolon. Ancient Olympia is the one and only option. We suggest you make an early booking for these tours.

Katakolon: Discovering the treasures of Ancient Olympia

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:00:00 +0000

In cruise terms, Katakolon has one single purpose: Ancient Olympia. The place where the original ancient Olympic Games were born and held, the place where some well-preserved remnants of the classical era still exist. That's the reason why so many cruise ships stop here. They get you people on the coaches and drive you right to the heart of that province in western Peloponnese.

''Ancient Olympia''

Does it worth? No doubt, yes. Even after the devastating fire of 2007, the setting of Ancient Olympia is still idyllic with the remaining forest hiding one of the most precious treasures of ancient history. The temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the stadium and the museum all offer a unique insight to the place that gave birth to the Olympic Games and set the frame of what we nowadays call Athletics.

Well balanced shore excursions will get you there quickly and will guide you around the site. Some tours also offer a stop to the modern city of Olympia -which is ok. In case you are bored of too much classicism and can't get enough sunbathing, most of the cruise companies give you a good alternative, offering you a coach drive to some of the beautiful beaches along the coastline of western Peloponnese.

''The village of Katakolon''

For those who want to just have a relaxing promenade ashore, the picturesque village of Katakolon offers a vast array of services. There are many tavernas* and cafeterias where you can sit and taste Greek specialties or drinks while admiring the blue sea. Plenty of souvenir and gift shops will also attract your attention. Seaside cafes and taverns are considered to be the ideal places for tasting ouzo*.

*See Glossary in alphabetical order.

Wandering around Psaropoula*

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:47:00 +0000

If you want to keep your visit to Rhodes simple and relaxing, you may think of the possibility to just walk around the city. Apart from the Old Town, which is definitely the must-see, you can take a long seaside walk starting from Mandraki and continuing all the way round to Psaropoula Bay.

On your way you will see the Casino –and maybe try your chances there- and the Aquarium. Just after you turn left towards Psaropoula you will realize that this is the area where all the tourist construction development of the city took place. A series of luxury –or not that luxury- hotels stand beside the main road, all of them overlooking the blue sea and the Asian coast, when skies are clear enough.

Soon you will understand that nothing in this area is as picturesque as the houses and pedestrianized streets of the Old Town. However, there is no better place to be if you are a true sea lover. You can have a coffee or meal at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants enjoying the blue horizon and the ferries that go in and out of the island. And, if you are lucky enough, the summer breeze and waves will make the sea look like an exotic destination! The turquoise colors of the water make Psaropoula a total pleasure for the eyes in the summer.

You can return to Mandraki through the streets of Psaropoula and then the city centre. Just after you turn left from the seaside road you will pass the one of the ‘nightlife streets’ of the area, where you will see lots of tourist bars and restaurants as well as souvenir shops and markets. You can then continue on the pedestrianised street that connects Psaropoula with the city centre.

If you need to have a coffee or snack break, ‘Koukos’ is a beloved place for eating and drinking by locals and keeps some of the island’s traditional character. This street will finally take you to the city, where you can follow any of the shopping streets to return back to Mandraki.

Art lovers might alternatively choose to visit the 'Nestorideion Melathron', the Modern Greek Art Museum of Rhodes. It can be found only a a hundred meters far from Psaropoula's main seaside road, at Symi Square -or 'Ekato Vagies* Square' as called by locals to its numerous palm trees. The visitors will have the opportunity to admire painting, engraving and sculpture collections that reflect Greek art of the 20th century.

*See Glossary in alphabetical order.

From the Port of Piraeus to the legendary Acropolis

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:46:00 +0000

At last you are reaching one of the busiest ports of the Mediterranean, Piraeus. You are about to disembark at the Athens Metropolitan area, only a few kilometers away from Acropolis.

Athens is a lively city with numerous things to do. Still, you will be there for only a few hours, so you will need good navigation tips in order to get the best out of your day. Shore excursions are offered plenty by all cruise lines, thus you need to focus on what you really want to see and do in a city of nearly 4,5 million inhabitants. Otherwise, you can always skip the organized tours and trust your adventurous instincts, spending your time ashore solely following your will.

''The Parthenon''

Shore excursions: Well, if you are a first timer, you have no other choice than going for the legendary Acropolis. The Parthenon is standing on top of a hill in the centre of Athens for 2.500 years awaiting for the myriads of visitors to flock. However, since 2009, the symbol of classicism has a strong partner, the Acropolis Museum, located a few hundred meters away from the famous rock of Parthenon in a beautiful pedestrian area. Most of the packages combine these two, making life easier.

Of course, you won’t leave central Athens before stopping at Plaka, next to the Acropolis area. This is where the old city of Athens lies full of taverns and souvenir shops. There, you may be given the chance to buy some memorabilia and perhaps grab a souvlaki* before you are asked back to your coach.

''Plaka''

In case you have been to Athens before and have wandered around Acropolis and Plaka, you are given a good alternative. You may choose the Cape Sounion tour and enjoy the scenic view of the Saronic Gulf before you reach the temple of Poseidon, built in the 5^th century BC. However, keep in mind that this tour involves a three-hour aller-retour bus drive. In case of heavy traffic, which is not an unusual phenomenon in Athens, you will be left little time to walk on the steps where ancient Greeks used to pay their tribute to their God of the Seas.

''Cape Sounion''

Shore excursions undeniably cover your basic needs regarding your visit to Athens. Acropolis, its Museum, Plaka and Cape Sounion are included in the packages on offer and your guides will make their best to show you around. However, you should keep in mind that getting stuck with your coach in traffic is always a possibility that will cost you some of your valuable time ashore.

"Getting from the cruise port to the metro station of Piraeus"

Ashore alone: At a first glance, Piraeus seems like a chaotic place. That’s true, it’s a messy situation, but luckily there is nothing worth seeing in that port. You need a taxi ride to the nearest Metro station near the main port. Have in mind that taxis in the cruise dock sometimes aim at taking you directly to Acropolis, not to the nearest metro station. Clarify your destination before getting in.
Otherwise, you can wait for bus no. 853 just outside the port -after you have grabbed a ticket at the nearest kiosk- that will leave just outside the Metro station.
By grabbing Metro Line 1* you will be driven to Thiseio or Monastiraki station. Getting off at Thiseio you can reach the entrance of Parthenon in 15-20 minutes having walked around the rock of Acropolis in a beautiful pedestrian area.
However, If you are in a hurry to catch all the glimpse of classicism in a day, you 'd better follow one of the first two options.

"From Thiseion station to the Acropolis and the Museum"

There is now also an alternative way to reach the center of Athens. The Hop on - Hop off buses (the yellow line costs 15 euros p.p. -8 euros for children- while the red one costs 22 euros p.p.-9 euros for children) stop just outside the cruise port giving you the chance to reach Athens passing through the seaside zone of Piraeus (aka Marina Zeas and Mikrolimano). The ride is beautiful but if you are in a hurry to catch up all the action around Akropolis and Plaka you should know that HOHO buses in Athens are not traffic free. Bear also in mind that major sights in the center of Athens are situated in a pedestrianized area, so buses cannot provide you any help to move around there.
However, if you have already been in Athens, the yellow or red open air buses give you the chance to see the city from a different perspective.
In case you want to skip Acropolis and go straight to the action, you may stop at Monastiraki station and then wander around the small streets of Plaka, the old town. Endless souvenir shops, taverns and crowded cafeterias are situated up the hillside of Acropolis. There, you can enjoy a coffee –you can order a frappe* or a Greek coffee*-, eat a souvlaki*, or stay longer to have a moussaka* along with tzatziki* and other Greek specialties.

''Moussaka''

It’ s no secret that going ashore by yourself, leaving the option of organized tours behind, as in many port destinations, saves you money and gives you freedom of choice. Safety conditions in the city are very good, but you should keep in mind that pickpockets tend to get some extras in metro stations and other queues. Most Greeks, especially those of young age, speak English so you can count on them in case you get disorientated or want some further info.

You may also discover that the streets are full of those yellow colored cars that we call taxis. They stop everywhere if they carry no passengers. All you have to do is ‘wave your hand’. They will be your saviors that will get you right to your cruise ship if you happen to realize you are late and have to get onboard timely before she sails. However, before getting in, ask for the final price. Some taxi drivers in Athens have a bad habit of overcharging tourists.Metro is by far the best way to move to and from the centre of the city. Getting a bus should be your last resort, when there is no other option to get to your destination.

*See glossary in alphabetical order.

Frequently Asked Questions

noreply@blogger.com (welcome_ashore) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:11:00 +0000

- Ιs tourism in Greece affected by the sovereign debt crisis?

Τhe debt crisis of Greece has already affected the lives of Greeks. Severe wage and pensions cuts, more and higher taxes, rise of job losses. The labor cost in the private sector has already dropped about 6% since March 2010, but that doesn’t necessarily mean lower prices of services. However, if you have been to Greece in the past few years, you may now notice a tiny drop in the prices of fast food meals and drinks.

Despite some social unrest concerning the government measures, security conditions in Athens remain very good, except for some scheduled protests in the centre of the city that usually don’t affect public transport and tourism.

- Why do cruise companies not choose Piraeus as their home port for cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean?

The Greek government needs to make some legal adjustments and improve Piraeus port infrastructure in order to make it a cruise hub. Efforts are concentrated on making Piraeus an attractive home port for major cruise companies by 2012.

- Have the revolts in North Africa affected the wider region in terms of cruise visitors?

Not at all. All cruise companies have rescheduled their itineraries, replacing destinations of Egypt with others of Greece (Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes), Turkey and Cyprus (Limassol).

- Which is the best season for taking a cruise trip in Greece?

If you can never get enough of sunbathing and exotic beaches, you should get on-board in the summer (June – September). However, spring and autumn cruises may be cheaper and let you enjoy the islands being less crowded. Weather is usually your ally during these periods as it rarely rains and temperatures are ideal for walks and tours.