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European Cruise 2025
  • Sonia Gelman
  • Boris Gelman
  • Sonia Gelman
  • Boris Gelman

European Cruise 2025

A 60-day adventure by Sonia & Boris Read more
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  • Trip start
    October 1, 2025
  • European Cruise 2025

    To JFK

    October 1 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Today we are flying to JFK for overnight stay.
    Our friend and neighbor, Diane, drove us
    Today we flew to JFK for an overnight stay.
    Our friend and neighbor, Diane, kindly drove us to the airport—big thanks to her.

    We boarded on time, and our Delta flight was smooth. We even landed at JFK about ten minutes early. Because of the massive reconstruction happening at the airport, we had to take a bus to the designated Uber and taxi pickup area. With lots of luggage and a wheelchair, it wasn’t the most convenient process.

    I had booked a hotel only a mile from the airport, but getting there still took about 30 minutes. Once we finally arrived, we settled into our room, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and headed to bed.    Read more

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    Very busy Luftanza lounge.

    Boarding Flight to Rome

    October 2 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    This morning we got up at 7:00 AM and walked to the nearest convenience store, hoping to find something for breakfast. No luck—the place was a dump, and there was nothing else around. We headed back to the hotel, bought some very overpriced yogurt, and decided to wait until we got to the airport for a proper meal.

    We checked out at noon and took the shuttle back to JFK. After checking in, we made our way to the Lufthansa lounge and finally relaxed a bit.
    We boarded on time, and this will be our first time flying with ITA Airways.    Read more

  • European Cruise 2025
    USA ambassy in Rome
    MuseumFountain in Piazza Barberini

    Rome

    October 3 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    We landed in Rome earlier than expected, feeling victorious—until we entered the “Driver Sign Forest.” There must have been a thousand people waving signs with names, and naturally ours was nowhere to be seen. After wandering around like contestants in a scavenger hunt, we finally located our driver. Victory!
    …until we saw the car. Let’s just say it was optimistically sized for our suitcases and a wheelchair. But after some impressive Tetris skills, a little pushing, and possibly violating one or two laws of physics, everything fit.

    The drive to the hotel took an hour because Rome’s traffic was clearly trying to win an award for “Most Chaotic.” We checked in, but our room wasn’t ready—of course—so off we went to the National Gallery near Piazza Barberini. A “simple” 2 km walk with a wheelchair, which in Rome means cobblestones, hills, and surprise potholes. But we made it and felt like champions.

    The museum itself was worth the trek: mostly 16th-century art, with appearances by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael—basically the Renaissance A-team.

    Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Piazza Barberini before returning to the hotel for a well-earned hour of collapsing. Revived, we took another stroll to the Borghese Gardens because apparently we enjoy testing our legs’ endurance.

    We wrapped up the day with dinner at Hosteria PO, which was a delicious and well-deserved reward for surviving Rome’s traffic, cobblestones, and our own ambition.    Read more

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    From Hotel to the Ship

    October 4 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    We went for a short walk in the morning and then the bus transferred us to Civitavecchia to board our ship. The rest of the day was spent unpacking, getting to know the ship and dinner.

  • European Cruise 2025
    Street of Salerno
    Church of St. GeorgeCathedralCathedralInside CathedralCrypt of the CathedralEasy to park this oneFresco on the pavement

    Salerno, Italy

    October 5 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 61 °F

    After a solid night’s sleep, we woke up to a day that could best be described as fifty shades of gloomy. Rain, gray skies, and that special kind of dampness that whispers, “Maybe don’t go to the Amalfi Coast today.” Since we’ve already been to Amalfi and Naples—and because we value staying at least partially dry—we decided to stick to Salerno.

    By 9:00 AM we were bravely geared up and ready to face the elements.
    Our first stop: the Church of St. George, a beautiful Baroque gem with stunning frescoes and impossibly detailed decoration. Hard to believe it began as a monastic settlement back in the 9th century—those monks really knew how to pick a spot.

    Only three minutes (and several raindrops) away was our second stop: the Salerno Cathedral. Founded in 1076, it’s the main church of the city and absolutely impressive. The highlight, of course, is the Crypt, which holds the remains of Saint Matthew—yes, that Saint Matthew. Not exactly your everyday neighborhood attraction.

    By the time we finished, we had achieved peak sogginess and decided it was time to retreat back to the ship before moss started growing on us. We had lunch onboard, dried out a bit, and then—because I apparently like to live dangerously—I went for another walk in town. And came back wet. Again.

    We wrapped up the day with a lovely dinner at the Polo Grill, where at least the food was dry, warm, and completely unaffected by the weather.    Read more

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    Theatre
    Inside hall, theatreMarket2

    Palermo, Sicily

    October 6 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    The weather promised to be perfect—sunny skies and no rain in sight—as we set out for our third visit to Palermo. By 9:00 AM we were off the ship and making our way toward one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Teatro Massimo.

    This grand opera house, the largest in Italy and the third largest in Europe, rises proudly at the edge of Palermo’s historic center. I had booked us on the 10:00 AM tour, giving us time to admire the massive steps and impressive façade before stepping inside. Built shortly after the unification of Italy, the theatre is a masterpiece of architecture and culture—perhaps best known to movie lovers for its dramatic appearance in The Godfather Part III.

    From there, we wandered a short distance to the bustling Capo Street Market. Dating all the way back to 1310, and only renovated once since 1782, the market feels like a living slice of Palermo’s past. The narrow lanes overflow with colorful produce, fragrant spices, sizzling street food, and the rhythmic calls of vendors. It’s chaotic, vibrant, and absolutely unforgettable.

    Leaving the market, our path took us through a mix of shabby alleys and crumbling old buildings—only to emerge unexpectedly into lush gardens adorned with a magnificent statue of Saint Rosalia, Palermo’s beloved patron saint. Just beyond stood the Cathedral of Maria SS. Assunta, a breathtaking sight with its blend of architectural styles and imposing exterior. Sadly, the rooftop and crypt were closed, so we admired it from the outside.

    Our next stops were the beautiful Fountain of Shame and Quattro Canti, two of Palermo’s most photographed spots. By this point hunger was catching up with us, and the search for lunch began.

    I found a well-rated restaurant, but it required climbing stairs—not an option today. The second choice seemed promising, but we discovered the street was closed just as we were about to arrive. So we continued wandering until we came across a comfortable outdoor spot under a tent. We sat down just in time—our food had barely arrived when an unexpected rain shower rolled in. So much for the forecast! We waited it out, enjoying the sound of the rain hitting the canvas overhead, and once it eased, we slowly made our way back to the cruise terminal.

    The evening wrapped up perfectly with dinner among friends and a concert on board—an easy, happy ending to a full day of exploring this endlessly fascinating city.    Read more

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    Valetta, Malta

    October 7 in Malta ⋅ 🌬 70 °F

    Our last visit to Malta was exactly three years ago, when we spent a full day touring the island from end to end. Today, we chose a slower pace—just a simple wander through the capital city of Valletta, taking in the atmosphere without a strict agenda.

    Our ship docked across the harbour from Valletta, so we took the city-run ferry to cross over. The ride was short, only about ten minutes, but wonderfully pleasant with clear views of the fortified skyline.

    Once we arrived, we began strolling toward the escalator that leads up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, but eventually decided to save our energy and take a taxi instead. Within a few minutes we were stepping into the gardens. The view from the upper terrace was absolutely breathtaking—sweeping vistas over the Grand Harbour under perfect weather. Even with plenty of tourists and locals around, the space felt peaceful and refreshing.

    From there, we continued exploring the city. Navigating Valletta with a wheelchair proved challenging: many streets slope steeply, and some offer stairs in place of sidewalks. We slowly made our way toward the harbour and stopped for lunch, enjoying the break before continuing on. But soon we reached a street with a long, steep flight of stairs. That was our cue—I called an Uber, and I’m very glad I did.

    We returned to the ferry and by 3:00 PM were back on the ship. A little rest, a refreshing shower, and dinner at Toscana wrapped up our relaxed day in Malta.    Read more

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    Round lake in the center of the town
    BathtubPitcherLunch for two

    Aghios Nikolaos, Crete

    October 9 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    After a light breakfast, we took a tender boat that delivered us to the center of town. Right in the middle of the town sits a small round lake, surrounded by many charming restaurants.

    This small town is also home to Greece’s second-largest archaeological museum. It took us about 20 minutes to walk there.
    The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos features antiquities from Eastern Crete spanning a vast timeline—from the Neolithic era all the way to Roman times.

    After visiting the museum, we returned to town for a leisurely stroll and eventually stopped at one of the restaurants for a delicious lunch. We walked a bit more afterward and treated ourselves to gelato (though it wasn’t the best one).

    Boris was tired and wanted to head back to the ship. After taking the tender boat, I went for a refreshing swim in the pool.

    In the evening, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants.    Read more

  • European Cruise 2025
    Boarding the boat

    Marmaris, Turkey

    October 10 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Our first stop in Turkey on this cruise.
    I had booked a highly rated six-hour boat tour, not really knowing what to expect.

    We took the first shuttle into the center of town, and from there it was only a five-minute walk to the meeting point. At 9:03 a.m., a minibus arrived, picked us up, and drove about 30 minutes to a place called Datça. We boarded the boat and quickly realized that every other tourist on board was speaking a language we couldn’t identify. Soon the announcements began—entirely in Russian. We spoke to one man and discovered that everyone was from Moldova. That explained everything.

    The tour itself was six hours out on the water. We stopped four times to swim and to walk along the shore. The scenery was beautiful, with no other boats around—just our own group of very loud passengers.

    We returned to shore at 4:00 p.m., and after a 30-minute ride back, the driver dropped us off at the shuttle stop. We missed the shuttle by about 30 seconds. The final shuttle arrived 30 minutes later, and we ended up being the last two passengers to board the ship.

    We took a quick shower and then headed to a wine tasting, followed by dinner with the General Manager of the Marina, Laurence Barasse, and a few other passengers.    Read more

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    Hedrian Gate

    Antalya, Turkey

    October 11 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Today we had a private tour booked just for the two of us. Thanks to WhatsApp, we easily connected with our driver and tour guide and set off to explore Antalya—known in ancient times as Attalia. Located in southwest Turkey, the city was founded as a seaport in the 2nd century BCE. It later became a Roman city before joining the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century.

    Our first stop was the Upper Düden Waterfalls, a lush and peaceful spot where the water thundered down through the greenery.

    From there, our guide took us to a jewelry store the size of a supermarket. I politely stepped inside, used the bathroom, and walked straight back out. Message received—no more shopping stops after that!

    Next we visited the Lower Düden Waterfall, which was beautiful in a completely different way, plunging dramatically into the Mediterranean. We enjoyed a short hike and took in the view.

    Afterwards we asked to stop at a simple, local restaurant for lunch. The meal was plentiful, delicious, and exactly what we were hoping for.

    With full stomachs, we drove to the old part of the city and spent an hour strolling through the historic district. We saw a mosque dating back to 1250, elegant Ottoman mansions, remnants of the old city walls, and the famous Hadrian’s Gate—three identical marble arches built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian in 130 CE. The old town was full of charming shops selling handicrafts, copperware, jewelry, leather goods, and carpets.

    We returned to our ship by 3:30 PM. In the evening, we enjoyed a light dinner in the Terrace Café and ended the day with a show.    Read more

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    Kos, Greece (no stopping)

    October 12 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 68 °F

    Can’t write anything here. The wind is too high. This is a tender port and it’s not safe to run tender boats. So today is a sea day. Massage for Boris and gym for me. Also, not to forget eating.

  • European Cruise 2025
    One of huge ships

    Santorini, Greece

    October 13 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    This is our second time in Santorini, with one more visit still ahead on this cruise. With three huge ships anchored in the caldera, the line for the cable car was incredibly long. Instead of spending the day waiting, we decided to turn it into a relaxing sea day and enjoy having the ship almost entirely to ourselves.

    We took a tender boat to shore, walked around a bit, and then headed right back to the ship. It turned out to be the perfect decision.

    The rest of the day was wonderfully quiet—time by the pool, a visit to the gym, and, of course, plenty of eating. Sometimes the best part of a port day is staying on board.    Read more

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    Izmir, Turkey

    October 14 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    We spent a wonderful day in Izmir with friends. Many thanks to Erin and Mui, who picked us up from the cruise terminal and were the best local tour guides we could ask for.

    We began with a pleasant walk along the seaside promenade before visiting the Atatürk Museum. The city of Izmir has a deep connection to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey. This is where he launched the War of Independence after World War I, and it is also where he met his wife, who was born and raised in Izmir.

    After the museum, we settled into a café for a proper Turkish breakfast. Everything was delicious, plentiful, and beautifully presented.

    We continued on to Konak Square to see the famous İzmir Clock Tower, the city’s most iconic landmark. Nearby, we also visited the small 18th-century mosque that sits on the edge of the square.

    From there, we took the light rail to a park. The weather was gorgeous, and we all agreed that a sunny park stroll beat another museum visit. We did, however, pop into a small contemporary museum located within the park for a quick look around.

    All too soon, it was time to return to the ship. We said our goodbyes—for now—until our paths cross again somewhere in the world.    Read more

  • European Cruise 2025

    Istanbul, Turkey, Day One

    October 15 in Turkey ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    For today I booked cultural and food walking tour in Istanbul. Before our arrival at 1:00 PM, I contacted a tour operator about roads conditions. He told me that the cultural part involves steps and hills, but the food portion is flat. I am not interested enough about food to go on this tour. We canceled it and decided to go on our own.

    Just to get out of the port, we had to walk over a mile. After we finally got out of the port , we turned right toward Dolmabahce Palace. Another mile and a half walk was pretty flat.

    The palace's strategic location along the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of the strait.

    Dolmabahce Palace played a vital role in the transition from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey. It was the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, passed away. It is a fusion of Ottoman and European architectural styles, as well as the pivotal role it played in Turkish history.

    The gardens surrounding palace are beautiful, unfortunately the palace itself was not excess able for Boris. The elevator did not working, so they suggested to come next year.

    I went to see inside the magnificent Cristal staircase and breathtaking Crystal Chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall. Pictures are not allowed. While I was inside, Boris was enjoying the gardens.

    After visiting the Palace, we decided to take Bosphorus cruise. It was an enjoyable 90 min journey. After the cruise, we walked back to our ship and enjoyed a quiet dinner.    Read more

  • European Cruise 2025
    Boris is riding downBoris in Blue MosqueFood dispensers for catsHagia Sophia

    Istanbul, Turkey. Day 2

    October 16 in Turkey ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Today, we met up with James and Shelly for our full-day private tour of Istanbul. Our guide, Oyku, greeted us in the morning and led us to the light rail, the start of an unforgettable journey through centuries of history.

    Our first stop was The Hippodrome of Constantinople. Once the center of sport and social life in the Byzantine Empire, this grand circus now forms the spacious Sultanahmet Square. Standing there, it was easy to imagine the roar of ancient crowds and the chariots racing around the track.

    From the Hippodrome, we took a slow walk to the Blue Mosque. Built between 1609 and 1617, it remains one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks—its cascading domes and striking blue Iznik tiles making it a symbol of classical Ottoman architecture. We spent time admiring its peaceful interior before continuing on.

    Next, we aimed for Hagia Sophia, but the line was already stretching far out of sight. Instead, we shifted plans and headed to Topkapı Palace.

    Topkapı was magnificent—an enormous, intricate complex that once served as the heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. Its courtyards, lavish pavilions, and the renowned Harem all gave us a glimpse into the lives of sultans and their households. It’s a lot of walking and plenty of steps, but Boris was a trooper and kept up like a champ. By the time we finished, we were hungry, cold, and ready for a break. Lunch—and especially the hot tea—was heavenly.

    After eating, we left a wheelchair at the restaurant and walked back toward Hagia Sophia. The first floor now serves as a mosque, while the second floor remains a museum. Originally built in 360, its sheer size and architectural brilliance are astonishing. It has lived many lives: a church until 1453, a mosque until 1935, a museum from 1935 to 2020, and now a mosque once more.

    From there, we continued to the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric and unforgettable sights. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, this vast underground reservoir—nicknamed the “Sunken Palace”—is supported by 336 marble columns, including the famous Medusa heads. The lighting and echoing stillness made it absolutely mesmerizing. Out of all the sites we visited in Istanbul, this one easily takes first prize.

    We returned to the ship by light rail, all of us exhausted but happy after such a rich and fascinating day. In the evening, we ended with a pleasant dinner shared with two other couples—perfect closure to a very full Istanbul adventure.    Read more

  • European Cruise 2025

    Istanbul, Turkey. Day 3

    October 17 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    We got so tired yesterday that we decided to take it easy today.
    Our tour guide had suggested visiting Taksim Square. It’s a little over a mile from the port, but the streets leading up to it are on a steep 45-degree hill. We took a taxi and were at the Square within minutes.

    We strolled through a few streets, did a bit of window shopping, and were back on the ship around 1:00 PM.

    Goodbye, Istanbul!    Read more

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    Dikili (Pergamon), Turkey

    October 18 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Exploring Pergamon from Dikili

    Today was a tender port, so we braced ourselves for the usual wait. Somehow, we lucked out and made it onto the very first tender, landing on shore at 9:30 AM—half an hour earlier than scheduled. Our tour guide appeared within minutes, and just like that, our day in Dikili began ahead of plan.

    Dikili itself is a quiet little seaside town, pleasantly untouristy and peaceful. But the real reason people come here is Pergamon, one of the most remarkable ancient sites in Turkey.

    Stop 1: The Asclepieion of Pergamon
    Our first destination was only about 20 minutes away: the Asclepieion of Pergamon. Once a major healing center dedicated to Asclepius and Hygieia, this sanctuary functioned as one of the most important hospitals of the second century. It finally closed in the 4th century, but many of the treatment methods developed here still influence modern healing practices.

    There was plenty of walking and standing at this site, but Boris kept up with the group, which was a nice win for the day.

    Stop 2: The Acropolis of Pergamon
    Next, a short 10-minute drive brought us to the Acropolis of Pergamon. Set about 30 km inland and perched more than 300 meters above sea level, the location alone is impressive. But the history goes even deeper—the area has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age.

    The acropolis itself is astonishing. It once held the second-largest library of the ancient world (after Alexandria), as well as one of the steepest theaters of antiquity, with 80 rows of seats and room for 10,000 spectators. Scattered across the hilltop are the Temple of Trajan, the 2nd-century water systems, the 4th-century Temple of Athena, the Altar of Zeus, and countless ruins whose names are impossible to keep straight but amazing to see.

    The climb around the site is no joke—over an hour of uneven boulders and steps. Boris opted out of this part and treated himself to fresh pomegranate juice while the rest of the group explored.

    Wrapping Up the Day
    After all that walking, our group unanimously voted to skip lunch out and head straight back to the ship. A great decision—everyone was exhausted.

    The weather was perfect, so we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the pool deck, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful end to a very full day.    Read more

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    We stopped at the restaurant to go to the bathroom
    Our shipFirst swimming stop

    Bodrum, Turkey

    October 19 in Turkey ⋅ 🌧 66 °F

    Today was one of those wonderfully lazy days that feel like a vacation within a vacation. By 10:00 AM we took a short walk to the small boat waiting to take us on a local cruise, complete with a few swim stops. On board, we met another couple from our ship—surprisingly, they also live in Colorado. Small world!

    The cruise included two swimming spots. The first was a warm spring, soothing and easy to slip into. The second stop was out in the open sea—beautiful, refreshing, and just a bit chilly, but absolutely worth it.

    By 5:30 PM we were back on shore, ready for a little evening stroll, but the rain had other plans. So we headed back to the ship and settled into our usual onboard routine.

    A simple, relaxing day—and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.    Read more

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    Roman Theater
    Roman tool for pressing olivesArcheological MuseumSilk Oriental Rug

    Kusadasi, Turkey

    October 20 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    We visited Kusadasi back in 2023 and toured Ephesus then, so this time we decided to do something different. We booked a private tour for four and set off for Pamukkale—one of Turkey’s most iconic natural wonders.

    Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle,” is famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces created by mineral-rich thermal waters. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, paired with the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, known for its impressive theater, vast necropolis, and hot springs that have been used for healing since ancient times.

    The drive took about 2.5 hours each way. Once we arrived in Hierapolis, we hired a golf cart to take us around—a fantastic decision that saved us both time and a lot of walking.

    From there, it was just a short buggy ride to the travertine terraces of Pamukkale. I stepped into the water, but the surface was incredibly slippery, so I decided not to push my luck. I probably made it only about 10 meters before turning back!

    Afterward, we stopped at a small but excellent archaeological museum—well worth a visit.

    By then it was already 1:00 PM, so we headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Unfortunately, it wasn’t anything to write home about.

    Back in Kusadasi, we took a walk through town to browse the endless displays of “genuine fake” goods—always entertaining.

    Then it was back to the ship for dinner and a relaxing evening on board.    Read more

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    Beautiful sunsetLobster Dinner

    Santorini, Greece

    October 21 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    The morning started simply enough. We went to the tender ticket desk, and Boris told them we weren’t on a tour, so they handed us two tickets without any issue. We walked over to board the tender—except Oceania wasn’t using their own boats today. Instead, a local boat was doing the transfers.

    We stepped inside… and instantly realized this was not the usual cushy cruise tender. It was packed—people standing, shoulder to shoulder, like a floating bus during rush hour. Still, we figured it was just a short ride. Twenty minutes later, we reached the shore… and then came the surprise: we weren’t in the old port of Fira at all, but in a completely different spot—where buses pick up the ship’s tours.

    That sinking feeling? Very real. We suddenly had about 20 minutes to get to the actual old port to catch our tour boat. And we weren’t the only confused couple.

    We grabbed a taxi and sped off toward Fira. Twenty minutes later we reached the top of the town, then still had to take the cable car down to the port. Luckily, there was no line going down—small miracles! We made it to the boat a few minutes late, but still on time… just 55 euros poorer and a whole lot more frustrated.

    Once we finally settled on our tour boat, the day improved dramatically.

    Stop 1: The Volcano Hike
    The first stop was the volcano. I had planned to hike it, but at the last minute I decided to skip it—and I’m glad I did.

    Stop 2: Swimming
    The second stop was a swimming break, and it was absolutely lovely. The water was refreshing and the views spectacular.

    Stop 3: Thirasia
    Our last stop was the small island of Thirasia—a quiet volcanic island with no cars and a steep, winding staircase leading up to the village. I estimated it would take at least an hour to climb up and the same to come back down, and we had less than two hours total. So Boris and I decided to stay by the water and enjoy a delicious gelato instead. No regrets.

    In the evening, all was forgotten as we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Polo Grill—a perfect ending to a chaotic but memorable day.    Read more

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    Breaking plate and music
    One of the entrances to medieval townArcheological MuseumMosaic is the museumMid 2nd centuryPalace of Grand MasterHolocaust MemorialSynagogueFloor in Synagogue600 years oldMikvah. to restore a person to a state of ritual purity

    Rhodes, Greece

    October 22 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Today we explored Rhodes independently. With more than 10,000 years of history, the island is a tapestry of ancient civilizations, medieval architecture, and living culture. In 1988, the Medieval City of Rhodes was rightly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    We left the ship shortly after 9:00 AM and walked along the waterfront toward Liberty (Eleftherias) Gate—one of the 11 massive gates that protect the fortified Old Town.

    Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
    Our first stop was the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former 15th-century Knights’ Hospital. It holds 7,000 years of artifacts, from ancient sculptures to mosaics and everyday objects from centuries past. The building itself feels like a museum piece.

    Street of the Knights & Palace of the Grand Masters
    We continued up the Street of the Knights, where the Knights of St. John once lived in their various national residences. At the top of the street stands the Palace of the Grand Masters, a Gothic fortress built in the 14th century that served as both the administrative center and home of the Grand Master.

    Square of the Jewish Martyrs
    After wandering through the Old Town’s winding streets, we eventually reached the Square of the Jewish Martyrs. At the beginning of the 20th century, Rhodes was home to around 5,000 Jews. Many emigrated in the 1930s, and in WWII, 1,673 were deported to Auschwitz. Only 151 survived.

    In the center of the square stands a black marble Holocaust memorial honoring the Jews of Rhodes and Kos who were murdered. Nearby is the Sea Horse Fountain—a replica of the original destroyed during the war.
    When we arrived, the square was full of music and even a bit of traditional Greek dish-breaking.

    The Oldest Synagogue in Greece
    Just a few minutes’ walk from the square, we found the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, built in 1577. It is the oldest synagogue still standing in Greece and the last of the original six synagogues on Rhodes still in use. We also visited the small but powerful Jewish Museum located inside the same building.

    After a full morning of history, walking, and reflection, we headed back to the ship to rest and get ready for the evening.    Read more

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    Limassol, Cypress

    October 23 in Cyprus ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Limassol is a seaside resort town best known for its long marina promenade, a handful of beaches, a sculpture park, and a few shopping streets. Beyond the waterfront, there isn’t much in the way of major sights.

    We took the shuttle from the ship and reached the marina in about 20 minutes. From there, we began walking along the shore, but the sun was intense and the heat quickly became overwhelming. I convinced Boris to wait for me in the shade while I slipped into the sea for a swim. The water was perfect—cool, refreshing, and exactly what the day needed.

    Afterward, we tried heading inland to explore the narrow streets, but navigating them with a wheelchair proved nearly impossible. And once you step outside the marina area, the charm fades fast—crumbling buildings and graffiti everywhere. Not the prettiest part of town.

    So we made our way back toward the shuttle stop and returned to the ship, spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool.

    Sometimes a simple, low-key day is just right.    Read more

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    Marmaris, Turkey

    October 24 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    A Hamam Day in Marmaris

    This was our second stop in Marmaris on this cruise, so today I wanted to try something completely different. After a bit of online searching, I found one of the top-rated hamams (Turkish baths) in the area—and decided that was exactly how we should spend the day.

    It was about a 45-minute walk along the waterfront to get there, and honestly, the walk itself was lovely. The shore was lined with restaurants, cafés, shops, and long stretches of beach—a perfect mix of scenery and people-watching.

    The hamam experience was incredible. We started with a full body scrub that left the skin feeling brand new, followed by a bubble massage—light, foamy, and wonderfully relaxing. After that came a 45-minute massage with a facial. Pure bliss.

    We walked back to the ship afterward, stopping for a very necessary pizza on the way. By the time we returned, our total walking distance for the day had reached 8 miles.

    In the evening, we grabbed a quick dinner and could barely keep our eyes open. After a day of steam, scrubs, massages, and miles of walking, sleep came easily.    Read more

  • European Cruise 2025
    Prevee restaurant

    Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    October 25 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    We were the first off the ship today, docking at 10:00 AM. I had booked a walking tour for 11:00 AM, which required taking a shuttle out of the port and then another shuttle into the town center.

    The first shuttle went smoothly, but we ended up waiting at least 30 minutes for the second one. I checked the walking distance to the town—it was only 25 minutes—so we decided to walk instead. It wasn’t the easiest walk, especially as we got closer to the city center, but it was definitely quicker than waiting.

    We met our tour guide, who mentioned there would be lots of stairs on the tour—not ideal for us. So we changed plans and headed to the Archaeological Museum instead—and what a great decision that was. It is truly one of the best archaeological museums we’ve ever visited, filled with fascinating exhibits and treasures.

    After the museum, we walked back to the port shuttle and enjoyed a lazy afternoon on board. In the evening, we attended a three-hour dinner at Prevee with the ship’s general manager and a few other passengers from around the world. A perfect way to cap off a calm, culture-filled day.    Read more

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