March 30, 2025:
We have been looking forward to this part of our 2025 World Cruise since first booking it back in April 2024, when we were cruising the South Pacific. As we mentioned in previous journal entries we have few travel regrets, except not visiting our daughter back in 2009, when she did her “Study Abroad Semester” in Athens, Greece. At the time life had us very busy and with 2 kids in private college, for the first time, we had to keep focused on working hard to make all ends meet. Hence we didn’t get over to visit her.
Since then she has shared many stories and pictures of her time there and we had built up much anticipation in visiting the Greek Islands in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea…
Our first stop in Greece was of course Athens for 2 days. Because of some weather challenges the ports of Volos & Patmos had to be cancelled and with the extra time the Island Princess would be docked in Athens Port for 2 nights which we were definitely excited about.
We had an Athens City Tour booked for the first morning which included several memorable sites and then we had reserved tickets for the Acropolis in the afternoon. The Acropolis is a tourist mecca and the word “crowded” hardly describes the situation there.
So the Acropolis is one of those places that is much more than even what you have read or pictures you have seen. Perched high above the city of Athens, the Acropolis stands as a majestic testament to the glory of ancient Greece. This iconic citadel, whose name means “high city,” was the center of religious and political life in classical Athens. Most famously, it houses the Parthenon, a stunning temple dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron goddess.
Built during the 5th century BCE, the Acropolis showcases the pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture and art, blending impressive engineering with intricate sculptures. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it symbolizes the cultural and democratic ideals that have shaped Western civilization.
Today, the Acropolis remains a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the past and inspiring visitors with its enduring legacy of beauty, power, and history. It is truly a remarkable place!
After about 2 hours up on the top of the Acropolis we descended and walked many of the adjacent streets. Pretty much any where’s you go in Athens the Acropolis is always there in the background. We passed the Acropolis Museum though opted to visit that on our second day here. The Acropolis Museum, one of the most important museums in the world, houses the findings of only one archaeological site, the Athenian Acropolis.
We decided to instead head to the historic “Angora Open Market ” .
The Ancient Agora of Athens is often described as ” Where Democracy Was Born”.
Tucked beneath the shadow of the Acropolis lies the Ancient Agora of Athens—a vibrant heart of public life in classical Greece. Far more than just a market, the Agora was a bustling hub where commerce, politics, philosophy, and social life all came together.
Dating back to the 6th century BCE, this open space served as a meeting ground for Athenians to trade goods, debate ideas, and participate in the early forms of democracy. Great thinkers like Socrates and Plato once walked these very paths, engaging in conversations that would shape Western thought.
One of the Agora’s highlights is the Stoa of Attalos, beautifully reconstructed and now housing a museum that showcases artifacts from ancient daily life. Nearby, the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus stands as a striking example of Doric architecture.
Visiting the Ancient Agora offers more than a look at ancient ruins—it’s a walk through the cradle of democracy and a vivid reminder of how public space once shaped an entire civilization.
After spending a couple of hours in the market area we connect4ed with other Island Princess friends for a genuine Greek Dinner and beverage with the highlight being able to see the Acropolis form our restaurants rooftop perch…
April 2., 2025:
After our full 2 days of exploring Athens we headed to our next stop in Greece, Heraklion, the vibrant capital of the Island of Crete.
Arriving in Crete is like stepping into a seamless blend of ancient history and Mediterranean life. As the island’s main port and largest city, Heraklion is often the first stop for travelers eager to explore Crete—and it doesn’t disappoint.
The moment you arrive you’re greeted with warm sea breezes, friendly locals, and a city that pulses with energy. This port city offers a mix of charming streets, lively cafes, and historical gems.
We wandered the old Venetian harbor and then had a beverage in the bustling area called Lion Square.
Heraklion is more than just a transit point—it’s a destination in its own right, and the perfect introduction to the magic of Crete.
April 3, 2025:
Our next stop is the historic Port of Kusadasi, Turkey. Kusadasi, a lively coastal town on Turkey’s Aegean Sea, and is the perfect gateway to one of the ancient world’s greatest treasures: Ephesus. With its sunny promenades, turquoise water, and welcoming cafés, Kusadasi blends relaxed seaside vibes with easy access to deep history.
As we departed the ship for the day our plans were to meet our tour guide for the day of the incredible historic archaeological dig Ephesus. We found our tour guide quickly who then led us through the port and adjacent city streets of Kusadasi to our waiting tour van. Unbeknownst to us the tour we had booked was a private tour for the day with a driver plus an expert educated tour guide. We usually don’t book private tours but this was very affordable in hindsight and the information provided was incredible.
Just a short drive inland, Ephesus feels like stepping back thousands of years. Walking along its marble streets, you can imagine daily life in a powerful Roman city. Highlights include the breathtaking Library of Celsus, the vast Great Theatre, and the remains of temples, baths, and homes that reveal how advanced the city once was. Despite its age, Ephesus feels incredibly alive, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
After visiting Ephesus we then headed to another archaeological dig where according to Christian tradition, St. John the Apostle, the Evangelist is buried. St John is to believed to have lived his final years in the city and is buried on Ayasuluk Hill, where a large basilica was later built over his tomb.
Our next stop on our tour from Kusadasi was a stop at a traditional rug factory. Turkey is known for its rug making which is deeply ingrained in the culture. This stop included some background and rug making education followed by some tea and then the world’s most incredible “Sales Pitch” we have ever seen. They must have rolled out over 50 different rugs for us with prices anywhere’s from $500.00 to tens of thousands. This was one of the “luckiest days” we were thankful to live in our RV, as if we hadn’t they no doubt would have some how had us buying a rug we didn’t need or want. Truthfully the colors, fabrics, and workmanship were phenomenal but we just don’t need any rugs…
After exploring the ruins we returned to Kusadasi to spend some time touring the port area and then the famous markets. These markets are the center for commerce here and no doubt provide you an education, at the next level, of hard core retailing… The shopkeepers nearly drag you into some the shops to view their goods with the hope you might show a little interest before beginning a lesson in some very shroud negotiation tactics… My favorite sign here is “Genuine FAKE Rolex’s for Sale” … I was assured by many vendors they were “Genuine Fake” ???? You can literally buy any “knock-off” of any item sold in this world in the market area.
Whether you’re drawn by history, culture, or the coast, Kusadasi and Ephesus together offer a memorable mix of relaxation and discovery—one that stays with you long after the journey ends.
April 4, 2025 Rhodes, Greece:
We arrived in Rhodes Greece with a plan to do the HOHO (Hop on- Hop Off Bus tour) . After paying for the tour we boarded and were off. It wasn’t long before our first stop we ended up on a very narrow street which was totally blocked for construction. After about 40 minutes we could see this tour was not going to be as good as other HOHO adventures and decided to exit the bus and just forgo our fee and walk the port and seaside areaby ourselves. The restraints, shops and people were so much fun to interact with. About an hour into our tourist stroll we bumped into good friends Dee & Peter from “Isle of Man, UK” and decided to stop for lunch and a beverage on the promenade.
Visiting the waterfront in Rhodes is like walking through layers of history with the Aegean Sea at your side. One moment you’re passing medieval stone walls and the old harbor where ancient ships once docked; the next, you’re watching sleek boats bob in bright blue water. The promenade is perfect for a relaxed walk, especially in the early morning or at sunset, when the light turns golden and the breeze is soft.
Cafés and tavernas line the water, making it easy to pause for a cold drink or fresh seafood while watching the world go by. Street performers, local fishermen, and curious travelers add to the lively but unhurried atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in history, photography, or simply soaking up seaside views, the Rhodes waterfront is a place that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
April 5, 2025: A second stop on the other side of Crete…
Because of weather the Island Princess’s Captain had to make several tough scheduling decisions due to poor weather conditions including heavy Rain & wind that would prevent a docking. Several ports/stops had to be cancelled or modified including: the Greek Islands of Patmos & Volos, in the Adriatic Sea and then the ports of Dubrovnik, Croatia and Bar, Montenegro in the Adriatic Sea. We had so looked forward to the Adriatic Sea ports of call but alas safety rules the seas when on a World Cruise. One of the changes allowed a substitute stop in on the opposite side of the Greek Island of Crete in Chania.
The sail into and out of Chania, Crete was amazing. Spectacular shorelines and diverse topography. We even saw snow on some of the peaks as we sailed in. Stepping off a cruise ship in Chania, Crete feels like walking straight into a postcard. Located on the northwest coast of Crete, Chania blends Venetian charm, Greek culture, and Mediterranean beauty—all easy to enjoy in a single port day.
Our ship docked at Souda Bay, about 15 minutes from Chania’s old town. You can take a quick shuttle or taxi though we opted to walk into the heart of the city. The Venetian Harbor is the star of Chania. Colorful buildings, narrow stone streets, and the iconic lighthouse make it perfect for wandering and photos.
You’ll find:
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Small shops selling olive oil, honey, and handmade leather
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Historic sites like the Venetian walls and old mosques
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Cozy cafés right by the water
We loved our visits to Chania, Crete.!
As our World Cruise time in the Eastern Mediterranean, Adriatic, Asiatic, and Agean Sea’s are finishing up we can’t believe how much we have enjoyed this part of the World… From Athens to Epshesus this is where civilization took hold and influenced so much of humanity and history…
