LIVE from Celebrity Infinity: Best of Greece August 17, 2024

[Traveling Fools]

On 8/18/2024 at 2:05 PM, love2crews. said:

I had also prearranged a private tour with Santorini Road Trips.

 

Have also booked a 6-hour tour with them, but have decided to meet them at the top tram station.

 

On 8/18/2024 at 2:05 PM, love2crews. said:

I had prearranged a water taxi to take us from Fira (old port) to Ammoudi Bay.  This was done through Santorini Yachting Club.

 

Will book our return through them as we have better control of our when we want to return vs when we get ashore.

 

[Traveling Fools]

16 hours ago, Miaminice said:

Depends on what you call costly. Round trip per couple without a car is €40 and with a car it´s €90. Since you just roll on and off I don´t see where it´s a pita. We have done it on other islands.

 

Danke, Wir werden es uns noch einmal überlegen müssen. Meine Frau kommt aus Deutschland . 

Edited August 22 by Traveling Fools
Added Clarification

[Miaminice]

9 hours ago, Traveling Fools said:

 

Have also booked a 6-hour tour with them, but have decided to meet them at the top tram station.

 

 

Will book our return through them as we have better control of our when we want to return vs when we get ashore.

 

 

Dann viele Grüße an Ihre Frau 🙂

FYI, there´s really no need to book tours on Santorini. TBH I think doing it in a group (if larger than 4 or six people) can ruin the experience you could otherwise have.  As a side note - that also goes for Mykonos, and even more so there.
We have been to Santorini 8 or 9 times over the years. We have experienced the island in different situations - very few tourists and only one smaller ship and 5 ships at the same time with some of them being large ships.

I once wrote an overview which might help others.
 

How to navigate Santorini 

We have been to Santorini numerous times. Yes, like any other popular location, it can be crowded. Nevertheless, it’s still beautiful if you know how to make the best of it.

Especially because of the crowds I would always recommend NOT to do a guided (ship) tour. It would be an absolute nightmare for us if we had to follow a number or a group through the crowds in the narrow streets.

 

As mentioned I am often surprised how little visitors know about the logistics of Santorini. And then complain - on our last cruise even to the Al Bacio staff 🙈

So here’s are some points you need to know:
Santorini is a tender port. There is no dock for any cruise ship. No matter how small.
There are two piers - Old Port Fira (Thira) and New Port Athinios. Athinions is the ferry port - not for cruise ships. So ship excursion, private excursion or DIY, you will have to tender.

 

The ship excursions involving bus transport, and only those, tender to the new Athinios port of Fira. That’s where the ferries dock and it’s the only port with a street for busses. 

ALL other tenders will bring you to the Old Port of Fira. It’s actually only a small pier. From there you’ll have multiple options to reach Fira on top of the cliff or start your day on Santorini.

#1 Cable Car
Undeniably it is the most convenient option. However, the lines can be, and most probably will be, long. On our last cruise there were three ships in the Caldera. Not unusual for Santorini. Sometimes there are even more. People reported lines taking 2-3 hours. Please keep in mind that’s NOT the cruise line’s fault and there’s absolutely nothing they can do about it. So please don’t blame them or even staff!

 

If you intend to take the cable car, start early! They will most likely hand out tender tickets on board. Get there EARLY and get a number for the first tenders. If you have tender priority (Elite, E+ etc.) g to the meeting point early.

 

Another option is. Don´t rush 🙂  I know it´s hard if you are there for the first time and eager to get over to the island. Although we have the tender priority we tend to have a late breakfast, enjoy our time and usually head over when there´s no wait for tenders any more. We know, that there´s still plenty of time to do all you want on Santorini.

 

#2 Stairs
You can take the 588 steps up to Fira. We usually make it in around 20 minutes. BUT… it’s most likely hot and there’s no shade. The stairs are slippery in parts and you will be surrounded by, or better immersed in the stench of the donkey droppings.

So yes, you can do the stairs but be sure you are up to it. It’s not an easy task. And we are  walkers and fairly fit. During our last visit in June it was really hot - over 30°C / in the 90s at 9 am! It made it hard, even for us. 

 

#3 Donkey 😡 - NO
For the sake of completeness I will mention the donkeys. However, I would also ask you NOT  to use them. Some consider it fun. Maybe… for anyone but the donkeys! So don’t be a donkey!

 

Before I mention option #4 I will continue by recommending what to to once you reached the top. There are two major towns on Santorini - Fira and Oia. Oia is the one with the views known from the postcards. You can easily visit both towns and I would recommend starting with Oia. So once you are up in Fira, keep right until you reach the big white Metropolitan Cathedral. Turn left and go downhill. You will get to the bus station after 2 or 3 minutes. From There you can take a bus to Oia for just a few Euro. The tickets are sold on the bus during the trip.

In Oia follow the people walking up a few stairs from the bus stop into Oia. Explore Oia by turning right on the little square until you reach the ruins of a small castle. From there and on the way you’ll have fantastic views.

Then return to Fira and spend time there. As a spot to relay I recommend the V Lounge or the Volkan on the Rocks. The latter is a much quieter place because it´s on the other side of Fira. Beyond the point where cruise passengers turn around 🙂 But it´s beautiful

The options of getting down to the port are the same. Going down the stairs is not as strenuous as going up, but beware - they are incredibly slippery. Many people slip on the polished stones. The yellow moisture on the steps doesn´t help 🙂
 

Now I will give you option #4 - actually my recommendation for first time visitors.

 

#4 Speed boat to Oia
When you disembark from the tender boat (and the line for the cable car is too long) turn left on the pier. You will inevitably reach a ticket booth for the Speed Boat to Oia or “Fast Line to Oia”. The price of the ticket (around €30) includes the boat to Oia, a shuttle bus up the hill to Oia and a shuttle bus back to Fira. If you don’t feel like waiting for the included shuttle, take the public bus back to Fira. It’s not expensive.

 

Explore Fira, enjoy a rooftop lounge with unbeatable views and then, when you are ready head back to the tender port. Of course you’ll have to get down to the pier as well. By cable car or stairs.
 

However, I think #4 is a good and convenient way for first timers to manage the day on Santorini.

 

What do we do?

Well, since we’ve been there many times we usually start late - when the rush is over.

The last times we rented a scooter or - because we were there with friends - a car (pre-booked it was €25 for the day). We first drove to a winery and enjoyed the scenery and some wine. Then we drove to Oia and later back to Fira. We have some favorite bars/lounges with beautiful views and just like to spend time there - having a drink and some Greek Yoghurt.

 

Edited August 23 by Miaminice

[love2crews.]

August 21, 2024: Kavala (Part 2)

 

We headed to Le Petit Chef for our 6pm reservation.  The show started a little after 6:30 and we all went with the standard menu that matches the presentation.  Again, we were very pleasantly surprised with the food.  The bouillabaisse was our least favorite (a little too fishy), but the steak was the best steak we’ve had on the ship.  Le Petit really knows what he’s doing! LOL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As they served the dessert, I started to feel ill.  So my sister and I started to leave the restaurant when I nearly passed out.  The wait staff were very accommodating and helpful and we headed back to the room.  Long story short, we determined it was food poisoning and we spent all day yesterday (the 22nd) onboard instead of heading to Thessaloniki.  I slept all day and am feeling much better today.

 

Edited August 23 by love2crews.

[love2crews.]

August 22, 2024: Thessaloniki (Part 1)

 

Fortunately, we had nothing planned for today, so I was able to spend the day resting and slept literally all day.  We never got off the ship (frankly, I never even left the bedroom). We were so excited to try Full Tou Mezze restaurant, recommended by Igor, since this is his home town.  Next time, though!

 

Not much excitement to post, but I will post photos of the food my mom and sister enjoyed yesterday.  They had Al Bacio delivered for breakfast, Sushi on 5 via room service for lunch and Luminae via room service for dinner.  They stopped by Michael’s Club and saw a magic show and also wandered the ship a bit.  

 

 

 

 

 

And that was basically our day!  Quite boring, but the rest was really much needed and Regine made sure we were taken care of.

[hcat]

sorry you were ill. Hope all better now!

 

. Do you have any ideas what the source of food poisoning might have been..since only you were ill?

[love2crews.]

August 23, 2024: Sea Day (Part 1)

 

We had a very leisurely start to the morning.  We originally had plans to do the ship tour this morning, but decided against it (thinking it would be best to take it easy).  We have plans to visit the Acropolis tomorrow and I want to make sure I’m well rested for it.  I do NOT intend on skipping it!

 

My mom and sister started with Al Bacio per usual-iced latte, iced tea and chocolate croissants.  And then Powerade for me.

 

Then we stopped by Michael’s Club and inquired about disembarking tomorrow morning.  Everyone is so, so helpful and we will really miss the staff around the ship.  Just a 7 day sailing and it’s already hard to say goodbye!

 

My mom and sister enjoyed Sushi on 5 so much, so we headed there for lunch today.  I only enjoyed some miso soup and white rice, but they both said everything was delicious.  My mom said it’s some of the best tonkotsu ramen she’s had and my sister thoroughly enjoyed the spicy tuna on crispy rice.  Really well done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From there, we strolled the shops a bit, spent a little time in the casino, and then headed back to the room to pack.  My sister enjoyed one last gelato and we’re playing Tetris with our souvenirs and suitcases.

[love2crews.]

On 8/21/2024 at 9:26 PM, Miaminice said:

Just an input re Mykonos. If you dock, the water taxi is an option but not a must!
A free shuttle bus to the square where the tender boats arrive is also provided.

Docking at Mykonos is actually pretty convenient.

 

I did not know this!  Thank you for sharing-super super helpful!

[love2crews.]

21 hours ago, peanut head said:

It seems like you are all having a wonderful time.  Your commentary and pictures are making us feel like we are with you...and envious that we are not😁

 

How are you paying for items/food in port--credit card, euros, dollars?  Also, are you carrying a purse, moneybelt, backpack for your valuables and when you get souvenirs? 

 

We are using credit cards most of the time.  If we are buying a small souvenir or ordering gyros from a little mom and pop, we are using euros.  But everywhere else, we are using credit cards.

 

Yes, we each bring a crossbody bag and always carry in front of us, often times placing our hand over the bag as well (especially in crowded areas).

 

We have a large “shupatto” bag we bring with us, too.  We got them in Japan and have several sizes, but we are bringing the larger one with us everyday.  This has all our neck fans, umbrellas, hand wipes, sunscreen, hats, etc.  Stuff that makes us more comfortable, but wouldn’t be the end of the world if we lose.  The shupattos are a great travel bag and fold up really really nicely.  Some come with a zipper closure-those are nicer than the snap button ones. 

[love2crews.]

13 hours ago, Traveling Fools said:

 

Have also booked a 6-hour tour with them, but have decided to meet them at the top tram station.

 

 

Will book our return through them as we have better control of our when we want to return vs when we get ashore.

 

 

What a great way to do it!  Make sure you request Nicholas!

 

Enjoy your tour! 🙂

[love2crews.]

15 minutes ago, hcat said:

sorry you were ill. Hope all better now!

 

. Do you have any ideas what the source of food poisoning might have been..since only you were ill?

 

It was the charcuterie board.  I am the only one who enjoyed the meat on the board.  Other than that, we all had the same meals everywhere. 

[hcat]

32 minutes ago, love2crews. said:

 

It was the charcuterie board.  I am the only one who enjoyed the meat on the board.  Other than that, we all had the same meals everywhere. 

ooh..  we usually order that.. but lately at home have skipped cold cuts.. due to warnings  of lysteria outbreaks.

 

btw.. Acropolis is alot of  walking...to get UP there...& then down

suggest you .bring water & hats ENJOY!

[Cap_D]

Question - Might of missed which cabin you have, how does the room service from the restaurants work?  I've only sailed on Edge Class in lower suites, which may be the difference.  Continued safe travels.  

[esjas12]

Hi and sorry for asking a daft question.....

 

When you completed the health status questionnaire on the day prior to sailing, was there a need to add Covid vaccination dates and proof of Covid free tests.   I'm literally asking for a friend as I'm sure we do not need Covid certification nowadays but my travelling companion is not so sure.   Thank you.   Jim

[d9704011]

4 minutes ago, esjas12 said:

Hi and sorry for asking a daft question.....

 

When you completed the health status questionnaire on the day prior to sailing, was there a need to add Covid vaccination dates and proof of Covid free tests.   I'm literally asking for a friend as I'm sure we do not need Covid certification nowadays but my travelling companion is not so sure.   Thank you.   Jim

No.

[Lemonlee]

16 hours ago, love2crews. said:

 

It was the charcuterie board.  I am the only one who enjoyed the meat on the board.  Other than that, we all had the same meals everywhere. 

So sorry you were ill.  Just wondering whether the charcuterie board was from the boat or on shore?

[love2crews.]

On 8/23/2024 at 4:26 PM, hcat said:

ooh..  we usually order that.. but lately at home have skipped cold cuts.. due to warnings  of lysteria outbreaks.

 

btw.. Acropolis is alot of  walking...to get UP there...& then down

suggest you .bring water & hats ENJOY!

Will definitely keep that in mind now!

 

And thank you, we had a great (but hot) day!

[love2crews.]

On 8/23/2024 at 5:13 PM, Cap_D said:

Question - Might of missed which cabin you have, how does the room service from the restaurants work?  I've only sailed on Edge Class in lower suites, which may be the difference.  Continued safe travels.  

We were in the penthouse.  I believe Royal suites and above have specialty dining included, though I’m not entirely sure if they bring in specialty dining via room service for all the suites with included specialty, or just the “top” ones.  
 

If anyone has first hand experience with having speciality dining room service style in a suite such as a royal suite, please do tell!

[love2crews.]

On 8/23/2024 at 9:45 PM, esjas12 said:

Hi and sorry for asking a daft question.....

 

When you completed the health status questionnaire on the day prior to sailing, was there a need to add Covid vaccination dates and proof of Covid free tests.   I'm literally asking for a friend as I'm sure we do not need Covid certification nowadays but my travelling companion is not so sure.   Thank you.   Jim

I had actually taken a screenshot of the questionnaire in case anyone had questions, lol.  They did not ask anything related to COVID.

[love2crews.]

22 hours ago, Lemonlee said:

So sorry you were ill.  Just wondering whether the charcuterie board was from the boat or on shore?

it was on the ship 😞

[love2crews.]

August 23, 2024: Sea Day (Part 2)

 

For dinner we had-you guessed it-room service!  From Sushi on 5!

 

 

The wind started to pick up and the water was a bit choppy.  Thankfully, this was a sea day and not one of our tender days! 🙂 

 

And then we headed to bed early for our early start and disembarkation the next morning. 
 

 

[love2crews.]

August 24, 2024: Athens (Part 1)

 

We were up bright and early-before the sun even!  

 

We headed to Luminae for a quick breakfast around 6:30.  We had given them our orders the night prior, so by the time we sat down, got settled and were offered pastries, our food was ready.  

 

 

 

Then we headed to Michael’s Club to wait a bit for our luggage to make it off the ship.  We heard the terminal can get pretty stuffy, so best to stay onboard if possible.

 

We were only in Michael’s for a matter of minutes-just enough time to say goodbye to Regina and Marlene who were in there.

 

Disembarkation was so smooth, it was like just walking off and visiting a port for the day.  Our bags were ready and waiting for us in the terminal at 7:10 and we were in our car minutes after.  Very well done.  We disembarked in Terminal B for those keeping track. 

 

 

Edited August 25 by love2crews.

[love2crews.]

August 24, 2024: Athens (Part 2)

 

We headed straight to the Acropolis for our 8am ticket time.  I had pre purchased online in advance.  Time slots DO sell out, especially for the first and last time slots.  We opted for the first time slot, 8-9, to try and beat the heat and crowds.  (This shouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve been following along 😂)

 

We had arranged for Maria to be our guide for the morning.  We met her right outside the Acropolis and then we all headed towards the line.  When I say line, I do mean LINE. We entered from the North entrance, though I have heard the South entrance often times has a shorter line.  This is the line both in front of us and behind us at 7:50am.  
 

 

 

They do have a separate entrance for those with documented mobility needs, so be sure to take advantage of that if you can.  The line was nonexistent.

 

The Acropolis is amazing.  The sheer magnitude and scale, the history, all of it-it’s truly a site to experience.

 

 

 

 

 

And WOW, it is definitely an experience.  I honestly don’t know how so many people do it.  We were there with few crowds, but even with just a “few” people, I felt like someone was going to be knocked off a step or steep ramp.  We saw several slip and fall in the short 1 hour time we were there.  I am a nervous Nelly, but I cannot even imagine what it is like when there are so many more people. 
 

And the sun is HOT.  It reflects off the marble floors, which are also very slippery.  And when combined with the steep slopes, you really need to watch your step.

 

One hour was plenty of time for us.  We were very warm, even with our fans, umbrellas and lots of water.

And this is what the slopes/steps up looked like as we headed down at 8:50.  No space between people and you can’t even see the floor. Those extra minutes really count!

 

 

The restroom at the North entrance is very nice.  Way nicer than we anticipated.  Not all the stalls had toilet paper, but there are enough of them that some should have them. 

 

 

Edited August 25 by love2crews.

[love2crews.]

Also VERY IMPORTANT to note, and something we did not think about prior.

 

Our phones are constantly overheating and displaying a message that they are too hot and need to cool down. ☀️

 

Unfortunately, I don’t have a good solution to this.  Maybe someone else does.  But this happened to us multiple times a day.  And as you all know, we weren’t even outside in the peak heat hours. 

[hcat]

We went at a diff time of yr.. much less crowded but still steep, hot and slippery . A memorable experience but one and done for us..

 

But you  manages to get great photos..hope your phones recovered!  Could insulated lunch bag with cold pack have helped??