OLYMPIC VOYAGER took me for a cruise that became an Aegean dream to me.
A historic review from an experience in 2001 ...
OLYMPIC VOYAGER, formerly named OLYMPIA VOYAGER, renamed as the Olympic Comittee arrogantly "wished", was built in Hamburg by BLOHM+VOSS. The hull design is based on the BUNDESMARINE MEKO frigates which had been developed by the shipbuilder. Originally the two vessels, the sister is OLYMPIC EXPLORER, should have become fast ferries for a SUN LINES subsidiary. But the design was totally altered to fast cruise vessels, when the two rivalling families (Keusoglou and Potamianos) did overcome their differences. ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES, a merger from EPIROTIKI LINES and SUN LINES, intended with the two speed cruisers a 7 day/night 3 continent cruises experience - a novelty. Athina (Athens) Αθήνα [aˈθina]- Istambul - Alexandria.
by Earl of Cruise
OLYMPIC VOYAGER at speed - promotional picture of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
It did not happen as planed. The new thoroughbread had severe vibrations at certain speads and water draughts - e.g. taking up spead one could think plates and glasses startet their own party life. And when cruising at max. speed the whole ship from stem to stern vibrated sligthly. Therefore the sister ship was taken a year later than planed in 2002, hoping BLOHM+VOSS could solve the vibration problem ... they unfortunately could not. The two vessels had been BLOHM+VOSS´s last cruise vessels, as the problems hit their reputation severe. But the most problematic fact for ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES in total and its new ships was 9/11 ... As the cruise company was focussed on the US American market, these passengers avoided Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean like the devil the holy water ... George Potamianos joked to me bitter, "they think behind the eastern gates of Rome, there is the Kosovo, former Jugoslavia, and terroristic Irak is beginning". Another situation most scaring to US customers had been the wars during the 1990s in former Jugoslavia.
ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES had to look for new destinations and markets as well. They did remember Germany and its then uprising cruise market. With befriended travel agancies and tour operating companies I was organizing a number of cruises to be sold in Germany successfully. One f.e. with the German coffee producer and wholesaler TCHIBO.
But nothing did help, ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISE went into bancrupcy in 2003/04. The blow caused by 9/11 was too severe for the company, added by some homemade failings.
Our cruise was in October 2001, six weeks after 9/11.
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The cruise review ...
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The cruise review ...
The first we realized, when approaching the airport, during the check-in and boarding - severe controlling. We felt like being treated as potential terrorist. Something went definitely wrong - a once free world turned into a world of fearing its own citizens, all in the name of security.
Despite all people we met, had been fearless as we have been.
Finally we reached El Venezielos and Athens. We found a taxi and started to our hotel. The check-in at ST GEORGE LYCABETTUS BOUTIQUE HOTEL was a pleasing and calm affair. We got some information about the hotel and its services, our keys and a porter carried our luggage to our rooms. The first leg of our journey was done.
During this cruise my old and beloved CANNON AE1 got something like a mealt down ... at home a first maintenance, but with no result. After I had to say good bye to my old camera. The only bad or caompain about this cruise.
Plaka the old town of Athina just underneath the Acropolis
A typical Greek morning. Bright blue sky and clear blue water. The morning sun made the sea in the bay of Piraeus glistening like gold. But this time it is not the bright white houses that stand out from the background. It is our cruise ship, the OLYMPIC VOYAGER. It is still peacefully situated in the port of Piraeus, the port of Athens, surrounded by numerous chimneys and white superstructures of other ships, but its speed and power is clearly visible. Even moored she seem to pull at her ropes ... eager to run across the seas.
Despite all people we met, had been fearless as we have been.
Finally we reached El Venezielos and Athens. We found a taxi and started to our hotel. The check-in at ST GEORGE LYCABETTUS BOUTIQUE HOTEL was a pleasing and calm affair. We got some information about the hotel and its services, our keys and a porter carried our luggage to our rooms. The first leg of our journey was done.
During this cruise my old and beloved CANNON AE1 got something like a mealt down ... at home a first maintenance, but with no result. After I had to say good bye to my old camera. The only bad or caompain about this cruise.
While OLPYMPIA EXPLORER had her docking out, OLYMPIA VOYAGER was in last stages of outfitting - courtesy BLOHM+VOSS
The hull is based on a patented underwater ship, the so-called "Fast Monohull", developed by BLOHM+VOSS. The particularly streamlined design of the shipyard make the hull highly economical (the shipyard indicates a power saving of about 20 %). With this type of hull, underwater currents comparable to those of a submarine are achieved, the capsize stability is equivalent to that of a conventional ship. The underside of the hull is hollowed out in the last quarter of the hull, to the stern, which optimises the inflow and outflow of the closely spaced and overlapping propellers. Therefore the shafts have a different length. The propellers have a diameter of 6 meters, while the hull has a draught of 7,8 meters. During the test trials OLYMPIC VOYAGER reached the top speed of 32 kts.
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In the centre St.GEORGE LYCABETTUS BOUTIQUE HOTEL with its rooftop pool - courtesy St.GEORGE LYCABETTUS
We visited Athina with its places and museums of interest and enjoyed the Greek cuisine in small rustic restaurants aside of the main tourist ways.
| The lifestyle St.GEORGE LYCABETTUS BOUTIQUE HOTEL is located in the upmarket Kolonaki district, near to the top of the Lycabettus hill (300m high) the lifestyle hotel features a breakfast room and restaurant overlooking the Acropolis,
Lycabettus Hill and the Saronic Gulf. You may taste gourmet Mediterranean
flavours at La Suite Lounge Restaurant and indulge yourself at the
rooftop pool or AegeosSpas, including a hot tub, free
access to the hammam, where you can pamper yourself, and Gym, for your daily work-out and not getting out of shape. Each floor features its own theme and exhibition of Greek culture, while rooms are individually decorated. Facilities include free WiFi, a satellite TV, fully stocked minibar and safety box. Most rooms have private balconies with breathtaking Acropolis and Athens views. 
my room at St GEORGE - own photography © Earl of Cruise
Refreshing drinks, cocktails and light meals can be enjoyed at the
rooftop pool bar during the summer months. The hotel hosts full moon
nights with gourmet menu, Sunday brunches, and there is also daily happy
hour.A hair salon can also be found on site. The hotel's meeting and banquet rooms include Le Grand Balcon and La Suite Lounge, the St GEORGE Art Gallery or the screening room ideal for presentations and private screenings. Within walking distance you can reach the Cycladic Art Museum and the Benaki Museum. Evangelismos Metro Station is 750 m from St George, while Syntagma Square is 800 m away. The Acropolis is at a distance of 1.5 km and Athens International Airport lies within 32 km away. Private, underground parking is available. A limousine service can be arranged with the hotels own limousines. |
Recovered we woke up the last morning before the cruise. We took our breakfast on the balcony of the restaurant of the ST GEORGE LYCABETTUS, the view is breathtaking! Athen lies at our feet ...
St.GEORGE LYCABETTUS, main restaurant, - courtesy St.GEORGE LYCABETTUS
Now check-in time starts. The hotel's own limousine brought us to the pier in Piraeus. Across the busy street ahead of the cruise terminal is the ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES office, the EPIROTIKI building. Already relaxed, "in Greek temperature", and full of curiosity we entered the terminal to board the ship. Friendly staff members gave us a welcome cocktail to our surprise. More surprise to me, not in plastic glasses, but in real glasses, those which scatter when falling on the ground.
OLYMPIC VOYAGER the Lobby, photographed from the balcony - courtesy AMK
We did the boarding procedure quickly, a feeling almost like at the airport. Wood, marble, brass, discreet light and friendly smiling stewardesses and stewards welcomed us in the lobby. And the staff literally "teared our luggage out of our hands", even a small bag we don't had to carry to our junior suites (unfortunately "only" big staterooms, but with suite service).
OLYMPIC VOYAGER Baywindow suite - promotional picture of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
Sitting in the bay window when OLYMPIC VOYAGER is sailing at speed is giving a feeling of a helicopter flight short above the sea surface.
OLYMPIC VOYAGER, Selene Deck, location of Baywindow Suites - copy from a broshure of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
OLYMPIC VOYAGER Sky Suite with balcony - promotional picture of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
These too few balcony cabines onboard OLYMPIC VOYAGER had balconies big like terasses, not to be compared with the chicken stalks balconies of modern mass market vessels
OLYMPIC VOYAGER, Helios Deck, location of Sky Suites - copy from a broshure of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
The first curiosity about the cabin was positively satisfied. The cabins are not huge, but very tasteful and practical. Depsite its 15 m² size, it fealt spacious. The interior style is a kind of contemporary interpretation of ART DÉCO - a trademark of AMK design.
I'm about to feel at home. And also the bathroom, first of all inspected by me, was bright, friendly and clean and didn't seem sterile. I was ready to go now. Life on board, fellow passengers, sun, sea and wind.
I'm about to feel at home. And also the bathroom, first of all inspected by me, was bright, friendly and clean and didn't seem sterile. I was ready to go now. Life on board, fellow passengers, sun, sea and wind.
Boarding OLYMPIC VOYAGER in Athens at the main terminal in Piraeus, across the Akti Miaouli - own photography © Earl of Cruise
My cabin was the Junior Suite called stateroom 4083 - copy from a broshure of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
Despite our early boarding, OLYMPIC VOYAGER started moving during the early night. It was a shame to sleep, Athens and Piraeus is gleaming with lights, and above all the brightly lit Acropolis in the background. Such a start is like beeing in your own film set - where is Melina? A shame to sleep too, as the many entertainment offers on board the ship tempt us too much. Cinema, disco, pool bar, casino ... but we did want to arrive in Heraklion not sleepy after all.
But before all amusement came the most important thing of every cruise. The dinner.
Dressed up, we went after a first cocktail in the bar, at the entrance to the main dining room, to the restaurant.
OLYMPIC VOYAGER main dining room, center view midship - courtesy AMK
Location of the restaurant see above at Selene Deck.
A calm and elegant atmosphere embraced us, despite busy stewards serving their guests. The guests as we, had been dressed up for diner too. There was no loudiness, but soft mutterings were swinging in the room like a soft breeze. No shearing of dishes only gentle clinking of glasses here and there ...
Location of the restaurant see above at Selene Deck.
A steward was guiding us to our table. To our astonishment direct at the panoramic window, with its view over the stern into the wakeline, and enjoyed the magnificent view of Piraeus and Athens with its Acropolis, as it slowly got smaller and smaller and let us serve the first course. Next to our table was the captains table. This night empty ...
Captain Apistolas during his presentation of the crew of OLYMPIC VOYAGER
Since we are passionate pleasure smokers, we rose before the main course could be served, for the open deck, aft of the dining room, which caused our table steward to ask if we didn't want to eat any more. We denied this, and the next evening he had already scheduled a break in the meal order for us to smoke. Service! Like our wine stewardes didn't have to ask us the second evening, who wanted to have an aperitif and which. Only: "Same as last night?" Just as if he had been our domestic servant for years.
OLYMPIC VOYAGER Wine List, Menu cover and Bar menu - own photography © Earl of Cruise
And surprisingly both our wine steward as well our table steward adressed us during this first evening with our names ... ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES was adressed as 4 star cruise line!
The service in the dining room was 5star! The only thing missing for was, the waiters did not wear white gloves.And for the food quality ... outstanding good!
The service in the dining room was 5star! The only thing missing for was, the waiters did not wear white gloves.And for the food quality ... outstanding good!
OLYMPIC VOYAGER Look out Lounge, Bar and at Night Discotheque - promotional picture of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
Location of the Look Out Lounge, see above at Helios Deck
The next morning I woke up and a look out of the window told me that we had already arrived at the port of Heraklion. After our breakfast, where we were spoilt by the choice between American, English or Central European breakfast and a sumptous breakfast buffet.
OLYMPIC VOYAGER, Apollon Deck, right the Main Lounge, meeting place and show theatre, to the left, Lobby 2nd floor, shopping mall and Piano Bar and Lounge, aft left Garden Lounge with outdoor al Fresco dining - copy from a broshure of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
Filled with a hearty breakfast, we went ashore. Heraklion itself seems to be just loud, uninteresting and hectic. But the travel guides of ROYAL OLYMPIC, who are very qualified and well-founded, took us to the Palace of Knossos, which again offers us a breathtaking contrast between heaven and earth, but also another long lost world. Sandstone walls, bright red columns and deep blue sky. Heraklion is far behind us. And unbelievably, there was Ariadne's thread, but wait, it was just a wobbly sweater.
Knossos, north entrance of the Palace of Knossos - Source: Fams of Ancient Greece
Knossos, so called ante chamber of the Throne room with the lustral basin in the center, at the Palace of Knossos - Source: Dilos.com
The site of Knossos was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos. The
excavations in Knossos began in 1900 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans (1851–1941) and his team, and continued for 35 years. But Evans recreated his own dream, what the paqlace and Knossos has been.
A little exhausted from our excursion in the morning and the still unfamiliar heat we are glad to board again in the afternoon. Now we enjoy one of the seven meals that are served throughout the day, leaving Heraklion and with a view of a sunglistening sea. Tasty, those fruit de mer.
The engines are starting with a sligth tremble. After leaving the crusher of the port of Heraklion, our captain gave "full power ahead", the stern of OLYMPIC VOYAGER vibrated, as if she wanted to shake off dust. This must have been similar or worse onboard NORMANDIE, before he got his new screws in 1936. You could feel it for real, the vessel was speeding up, and soon we reached 28 kts, "normal cruising speed" ... ready to carry us to the volcanic island of Santorini.
OLYMPIC VOYAGER in the caldera of Santorini, photograped from the look out deck atop of the bridge - own photography © Earl of Cruise
In the early afternoon, after a sumptuous lunch, we did slowly glide into the caldera of Santorini. In front of us 200 metre high cliffs in which a small serpentine road seems to be drawn on the cliff. OLYMPIC VOYAGER moored at a buoy. Then tendering with these new double deck tenders - we took the open sun deck for the short trip ashore.
The small road, seen from the boat, brings us to Thera, the capital of Santorini. We made the donkey ride up, as in the olden days, before the cable car. The city offers a rustic, Greek island life. Small alleyways, white houses, many rustic restaurants and pubs. Actually, in my eyes Thera seems to be almost false, small and poised by tourism. But the atmosphere quickly conveys to me: it's real! A Greek island life, in all facets of its beauty. Despite its touristic appearance, we are thrilled. Near to the entrance to the cable car entrance/exit, where the narrow street from the quay to the top is ending, you will find a beautiful café and lounge - LEONARDO´s. (Todays where to go) The view from the swallow nest like balcony down into the caldera is breathtaking ... sunsparkles reflecting the sunlight on the dark blue water surface in the caldera, the houses beneath "clued" to the cliff´s walls, in the distance colourfull Oia and in the middle of the caldera Nea Kameni ... We ordered a Frappé, the icecold milked coffee you can find everywhere in Greece. We have seen the price and joked "it is WITH" an extra bottle of water ... it was our most expensive Frappé ever in Greece with actually € 8.00 ... but the view from this terrace and the freshness of the drink was worth it!
Fira, the capital of Santorini - Source: Wikipedia
Fira from the sea, the meandring white line is the "main street to the mooring place" - Source: Wikipedia
Of course you can visit the ruins of the ancient capital, near Akrotiri - discovered by Spyridon Marinatos, which was destroyed by the Minoan Eruption, as well as the church of Oia with its large blue domes, but it is also worthwhile to simply rest on a bench in an alleyway and watch the locals and tourists enjoying their typical island life.
Akrotiri excavations, remember it has been 1700 a.D when they built such luxurious houses - Source: Wikipedia
The highlight of the day, however, was anything but a typical sight. It was the Greek Frappé, this iced coffee with milk, sugar and some cream on the "cake". The view and its taste made us lavish. We visited again LEONARDO´s and ordered it. The view from the cliffs down on our ship in the evening sun again compensated us for the horrendously high price.
OLYMPIA VOYAGER in the caldera of Santorini, view from the "donkey road" - own photography © Earl of Cruise
When we had seen the donkey´s left over on the steep serpentine, we did dicide for ride ... the smell was somehow breathtaking
While we discovered tourist stricken Santorini, OLYMPIC VOYAGER swoied around its mooring buoy, as if nothing can happen.
From Santorini OLYMPIC VOYAGER then set off late in the evening for Katakolon.
The warm October night embraced us with a soft breeze not disturbed by by the slow moving OLYMPIC VOYAGER. The lights of Santorini glistened in the background while we dined on our terasses, accompanied by soft sounded Greek music ... a wonderful experience!
The next morning we woke up on the high seas. That meant a breakfast, where I can enjoy the vastness of the sea and the first rays of sunshine. Katakolon, actually only a "stop" to visit the famous Olympia is a very small "street harbor village", which however has an unbelievably beautiful bay. After visiting the Olympic cities, you should definitely use them to wash away the dust and sweat from the Olympics.
Katakolo, or Katakolon, the entrance to the antique site of Olympia - own photography © Earl of Cruise
This night the open deckspace, aft of the dining room and the deck below and above - around the pool, was decked with tables covered with cloth, fine cutlery and glasses - same as every evening in the dining room, and on each table burned candles in lanterns ... Candle Light Diner!The warm October night embraced us with a soft breeze not disturbed by by the slow moving OLYMPIC VOYAGER. The lights of Santorini glistened in the background while we dined on our terasses, accompanied by soft sounded Greek music ... a wonderful experience!
The next morning we woke up on the high seas. That meant a breakfast, where I can enjoy the vastness of the sea and the first rays of sunshine. Katakolon, actually only a "stop" to visit the famous Olympia is a very small "street harbor village", which however has an unbelievably beautiful bay. After visiting the Olympic cities, you should definitely use them to wash away the dust and sweat from the Olympics.
Map of ancient Olympia - Source: Wikipedia
Olympia itself seems to be a large collection of stone piles, but the first appearance is deceptive. The atmosphere is created very quickly by the explanations of our guide. I feel a little like a spy in the ancient world. However, it is also noticeable that it was not only about God's blessing, but also about mammon.
Philippeion, in the map above No 3 - Source: Discover Greece
Statue of Hermes by Praxitiles in the Museum of Olympia - own photography © Earl of Cruise
Some US American tourists did show strange ractions seeing him and other statues of nude athletes ... some had been shocked, some amazed, but all had been thrilled
But for Zeus´ sake the ever disputing and battleing Greek stopped any wars and gathered in Olympia honoring Zeus. Today we delay the Olympics for war ... really a civilized world now we are living in.
While we are enjoying the evening on board, the captain steers our ship towards Nafplio (Ναύπλιο [ˈnafpliɔ] Nauplia),. We reached the first Greek capital early in the morning. When we had gained a foothold, we quickly realize that every step confronts us with history. Which is commonly in Greece. Nafplio was the first capital of freed Greece, and in 1832 the fortress of Nafplio became the royal residence of King Otto of Bavaria, brother of Ludwig II. Yes, the one with the Neuschwanstein castle.
We took a leisurely walk underneath the old fortress, where old arches of the gates allowed us to look out over the sea and at OLYMPIC VOYAGER in front of the old bay with its citadelle in the middle and the port of Nafplio. At the main square you can eat incredibly good food, just there we sat for two hours and relaxed. Small alleyways with shops are also to be found here, but the promenade at the port of Santorini gives the town a more sophisticated touch than in Santorini.
Me (center) and two friends in Nafplio and OLYMPIC VOYAGER in the background - own photography © Earl of Cruise
On the southern tip of the small peninsular ´where Nafplio is situated we found a James Bond like setting: Nafplia Palace. The entrance is like a set of `Dr. No´, or the Headquarter of villain in `You Only Life Twice´. You walk through a dramatic beton strucksture, a tunnel in the rocks and tata, you enter a new luxurious world, as if the Greek goddess of hospitality has made its headquarter.
Nafplio, the old port - Source: Kreuzfahrtspot
the old fortress was for the first time of King Otto´s reign his residence
OLYMPIC VOYAGER photographed through an arch in Nafplio - copy from my photo, retuchy by the publisher of `an Bord´ where the article was published first
In the evening we left the typical Greek atmosphere and Nafplio to set off for Rhodes. This night we danced the very same away, as we learned, we would reach the city of Rhodes at 11:00 am ...
Taking some pictures from the terasse decks of OLYMPIC VOYAGER in the port of Rhodes, among the anchoring ships in the port four had been of ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES that day - own photography © Earl of Cruise, photographed by my then boyfriend
During our breakfast, a very late one, we sailed into the port of Rhodes, which is amidst the oldtown. Ancient Venetian-style city walls protect the harbour but more Rhodos. While embarking we the last cruise vessel entering the busy port. We could see two other ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES vessels anchoring on the other side of the basin, astern we had a FESTIVAL CRUISES vessel, and portside ahead, we could see a vessel from RGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES, and some other cruise vessels. We took our time for breakfast, and styed a bit longer on board, as the quays had been filled with tourists. The total number of shocking 14 cruise vessels in the port was a surprise.
Rhodos, the old port - own photography © Earl of Cruise
The city of Rhodos was a real difference to the small, rustic villages we have experienced before, except Heraklion. The large square is surrounded by medieval buildings, the large shopping street seems to be endless - especially that which is located east of the Maltese Castle. Armed with our guide book, we took for the old town combined with our memories from previous trips. For our unsuspecting US American travelers, this old town must have been like the largest open-air shopping mall. At least the main streets overflowed with shops oriented towards tourists. And stepping on a porch you could see a sea of heads wobbling on the cobble stones. We had fun shopping in side streets and finding the original, because the small, rustic alleyways can only be found outside the ancient medieval city walls. They had only the width, that a donkey with sacks on its back could pass them.
The Maltese fortress, photographed from the Byzantine Tower - own photography © Earl of Cruise
Rhodes, we left at 5:00 pm. The first afternoon on the high seas. In addition to the numerous on-board activities, there is something special on the programm today: the choice of Mister OLYMPIC VOYAGER. Surely "very entertaining", not our taste ... but a fun for fellow passengers ... Some are easy to entertain ... We prefered to spend our time at the pool and fight with our towels in the wind. OLYMPIC VOYAGER is speeding to our next destination. When a stewardess approached me, asking if I would like a drink, I ordered "Queen Mum´s Favorite Drink" ... she looked a bit flabbergasted, but got support from an English lady ne4ar to us: "It´s a Gin tonic Darling, with plenty Gin!". When my drink was served, the lady "cheerioed" ...
OLYMPIC VOYAGER pool - promotional picture of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
OLYMPIC VOYAGER pool deck and bar, in the background - own photography © Earl of Cruise
To be true: the pool is not worth to be called one, as it is more or less in the size of a big jacuzzi. And the deck space is croweded with passengers, even if half occupied ...
After a breather in the sun, with my drink, I struggled a bit in the fitness room with machines and weights, including the guidance of my man, and then experienced the first highlight of the evening. Sunset on the high seas. The whole ship shines in a dreamlike gold-orange, just too beautiful to be true.
As the OLYMPIC VOYAGER wasn´t filled to its max. capacity, we allways had only one sitting for the diner. the dining room had a max. capacity of 470 and on this cruise we had only 536 passengers on board. This evening but was flabbergasting surprise for us ... After exiting Nafplio, we had a smalltalk with the captain, while he made his rounds on his ship. At the end of, Captain Apistolas did invite us joining him at the Captain´s Table the next night ...
When preparing for the diner, we all found a message that we had been invited to the Captain´s Table ... When entering the dining room, our table steward guided us to our seats for this evening. We had been right in time, all others except one was greeted by Captain Apistolas, who introduced us to the other guests. Just sitting and choosing our menu the lady from the pool arrived. Captain Apistolas introduced her: And this ladies and gentlemen is Mrs. Janette Williams ...
That diner was quite an afair, tasty and with a lot of talks ... we sat, ate and talked till 11:30 pm, when the Captain left the table for the bridge - the Dardanelles were ahead of us.
As the OLYMPIC VOYAGER wasn´t filled to its max. capacity, we allways had only one sitting for the diner. the dining room had a max. capacity of 470 and on this cruise we had only 536 passengers on board. This evening but was flabbergasting surprise for us ... After exiting Nafplio, we had a smalltalk with the captain, while he made his rounds on his ship. At the end of, Captain Apistolas did invite us joining him at the Captain´s Table the next night ...
When preparing for the diner, we all found a message that we had been invited to the Captain´s Table ... When entering the dining room, our table steward guided us to our seats for this evening. We had been right in time, all others except one was greeted by Captain Apistolas, who introduced us to the other guests. Just sitting and choosing our menu the lady from the pool arrived. Captain Apistolas introduced her: And this ladies and gentlemen is Mrs. Janette Williams ...
That diner was quite an afair, tasty and with a lot of talks ... we sat, ate and talked till 11:30 pm, when the Captain left the table for the bridge - the Dardanelles were ahead of us.
Good dreams were now actually pre-programmed, but we don't like to sleep either, because at half past two in the morning the OLYMPIC VOYAGER reached the Dardanelles, which you want to have a look at at least. The next port of embarkation was Istambul, the vibrating economic capital of Turkey. Our thoroughbread slowed down for passing this strait for safety reasons.
Taking a last look at the glistening ligths at land, reflecting in the calm seas surface we took off for bedtime.
Airview of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul - courtesy Turkish tourist Board
When I woke up the next morning, immediately I could feel and hear that we are in a city of millions. Right in the heart of Istanbul. Loud ship sirens woke me up from my dreams, did I dream of the silence of Santorini?
OLYMPIC VOAGER photographed from the Asian side of Istanbul
But the longing for Greek tranquillity is quickly dispelled, because Istanbul is amazing, loud and hectic, and incredibly fascinating. In the bazaars, people are pushing their way through the passages to bargain with merchants over fruits, spices, fabrics, and anything you can imagine that is for sale. A real oriental hustle and bustle. And your nostrils will get an overkill from all these spices ...
The Blue Mosque of Istanbul - courtesy Turkish tourist Board
While we visited the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, the songs of the muezins accompanied us. The mosques are beautiful and impressive. A piece of history, especially the Hagia Sophia. Once the biggest christian church, built by Emporer Justinian, after 1452 becoming a mosque and the role model as THE mosque, and now a museum, where its original mosaiques and paintings are shown. Later the old Sultan's palace Top-Kapki, which occupies a considerable part of the old city and and then the old main station on the European side - we enjoyed a touch of Agatha Christ and we secretly wish that the ORIENT EXPRESS would arrive. We went across the Bosperus to the Asian side by ferry and visited Istanbul's main station for the Bagdad Railway.
Istanbul, main station, the once ending of the ORIENT EXPRESS - Source: hellotalalay.blogspot.de
I spontaneously changed my initial opinion. Istanbul is not big, Istanbul is huge! Istanbul is bustling and modern, a far cry from the Anatolian image some have.
The main station of Istanbul´s Asian side, the starting point of the German built Bagdad Railway - courtesy Itanbul Tourist information
The Grand Bazar of Istanbul, big as a city quarter, and an overkill for the senses - Source: Wikipedia
In the pitch-dark night we leave the harbour of Istanbul with its thousand lights. And once again, as ordered, a breathtaking view is offered during our dinner. The colourfully illuminated Top-Kapi Palace glides past us. Or better yet, us on him. One should have been Sultan.
The Galata tower at night - courtesy Istanbul Tourist Information
The next morning we woke up in Kusadasi and we are happy driving to Ephesus to visit Pergamon. And that's not the feeling like in the Berlin Museum, but to be there, in the middle of history. Kusadasi itself has a beautiful old fort and a cute little town centre. Along the coastline to the north, however, Kusadasi is very dense built with hotels and houses, which I consider rather critically. A little like Benidorm. Out of the old town the shops are touristic oriented and too typical ... But the old caravansary near the berth of OLYMPIC VOYAGER is a nice stop for a Turkish Coffee, a last good bye to Turkey.
Kusadasi, view from the southern hilltop - copy from a postcard of Kusadasi Tourist Information
OLYMPIC VOYAGER pool deck and bar, in the background - own photography © Earl of Cruise
Ephesus, the Library of Celsus - copy from a postcard bought in Ephesus
We spent the afternoon relaxing at sea again. But this time OLYMPIC VOYAGER had only a short way to go. Simultaneously with the last rays of the evening sun we reached Mykonos, which appears bathed in a divine light with its rocks in the sea. The sunset enchants Mykonos. The concrete between the natural stones on the ground is painted white, the houses are whitewashed and the whole city shines in golden light, with small accents between the blue window façades or blue balconies.
Impressed by the beauty of this city we stroll through the streets, accompanied by a waddling pelican, Pedro, the mascot of Mykonos.
Mykonos, little Venice - promotion picture of Mykonos Tourist information
Mykonos, shoping till you drop - own photography © Earl of Cruise
Mykonos is a very good place to shop, you will find the latest fashion, finest art, etc., but it's not exactly cheap, because you have to bring everything here by ship, and Mykonos has been a jet set trend destination since the 1950s and latest since the end of the 1960s. The atmosphere is dominated by pulsating life, beautiful people and lively activity in the alleys. In the evening we leave Mykonos to make our way back to Athens. Unfortunately we left 23:30, as the real night life in Mykonos is starting earliest 1:00 am. While OLYMPIC VOYAGER glides out of the bay, the lights of Mykonos sink slowly into the sea until they disappear.
The next morning meant the last breakfast in the Garden Lounge and saying goodbye to our home of the past 7 days. Saying goodbye to a dream holiday.
Some fellow US guests but complained about the interior design as poor and not sparkling enough, when asking them, they missed the Las Vegas bling-bling fake glamour ... okay taste is something personal and is depending on various aspects.
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OLMPIC VOYAGER is/was certified for 927 passengers in total ... As a result of 9/11 nearly 50% of the originally sold out cruise was cancelled by freigthend passengers ... This cruise, with only a few US passengers, had an occupation of 507 passengers only. Therefore the ship fealt not crowded, which would be with the max. occupation - there is simply not enough closed and open deck space for that number of guests on board the OLYMPIC VOYAGER, or its sister vessel the OLYMPIC EXPLORER.
The main area of operation was the Aegean Sea and East Mediterranean with an interesting fleet of vessels. The main sales area was the USA and Canada. There had been in different European countries General Sales Agents, which in my opinion had not been too engaged in selling a great product - even if the ships had been old. UK based SWAN HELLENIC CRUISES used for decades ships, e.g. ORPHEUS, of EPIROTIKI, later ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES, and had been lucky with.
OLYMPIC VOYAGER back in Athens, the last breakfast on board - own photography © Earl of Cruise
If you want to experience a feeling of home away from home, you should enjoy the old Greek hospitality especially on this ultramodern but thanks to AMK timelessly elegant ship.Some fellow US guests but complained about the interior design as poor and not sparkling enough, when asking them, they missed the Las Vegas bling-bling fake glamour ... okay taste is something personal and is depending on various aspects.
.
OLMPIC VOYAGER is/was certified for 927 passengers in total ... As a result of 9/11 nearly 50% of the originally sold out cruise was cancelled by freigthend passengers ... This cruise, with only a few US passengers, had an occupation of 507 passengers only. Therefore the ship fealt not crowded, which would be with the max. occupation - there is simply not enough closed and open deck space for that number of guests on board the OLYMPIC VOYAGER, or its sister vessel the OLYMPIC EXPLORER.
EPIROTIKI LINES logo - courtesy EPIROTIKI LINES
ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES was founded in 1995 when SUN LINE and EPIROTIKI LINE´s
passenger operations merged.
ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES logo - courtesy ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
In the marine tourism sector EPIROTIKI LINE solidified its position
through partnerships and mergers. In 1993 EPIROTIKI LINE made a partnership
with CARNIVAL CUISE LINES, purchasing ships from CARNIVAL in exchange for shares in EPIROTIKI. The company acquired the vessels PALLAS ATHENA, OLYMPIC and APOLLON (II). According to Pandora Bissias and George Potamianos, in a private meeting, the atmosphere in the Piraeus office building turned from friendly and happy to moody and overcontrolling ... even espionage by CARNIVAL employees send from Miami to the Piraeus office ... And CARNIVAL got hold of revenues, that emptied the accounts of EPIROTIKI.
APOLLON, started its life as EMPRESS OF CANADA, with the short time merger with CARNIVAL Corp. she changed hands to EPIROTIKI, the ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES
Around the same time, however, the company faced difficulties, as three of its cruise ships (JUPITER, PEGASUS, and OCEANOS) sank between 1988 and 1991. However it was not until 1997, when a
listing on the NASDAQ, raising $91 Million, was announced the two lines united under ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES brand. This financing via the New York Stock Exchange helped to bail out the Keusoglou family shares in the company, as the old rivallry restarted.The main area of operation was the Aegean Sea and East Mediterranean with an interesting fleet of vessels. The main sales area was the USA and Canada. There had been in different European countries General Sales Agents, which in my opinion had not been too engaged in selling a great product - even if the ships had been old. UK based SWAN HELLENIC CRUISES used for decades ships, e.g. ORPHEUS, of EPIROTIKI, later ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES, and had been lucky with.
ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES was a
destination intensive cruise line, targeting older guests where the
main reason to cruise was to see the sights rather than the ‘wow’ factor
of the ship. The character of ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES was edutainment cruising.
Following 9/11 ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES was hit significantly by the tourism downturn, like all US customer based cruise lines. Despite Europeans still traveled, a bit less, but traveled. And cruises had been considered in continental Europe as safe!
However during the war on Iraq; the business suffered as most US customers saw the area as a risky destination. With a 55% market share in the eastern Med, and a 9% overall in the Mediterranean, ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES tried to bolster its fortunes by a rapid change of itineraries and search for new markets, but the changing brochures just confused passengers further and at the end of 2003 its two flagships were seized by the creditors. My information is, this seizure was started by a tour operator, smelling the threatening bancrupcy, and trying to get hold of the newbuilts of ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES.
A refinancing effort, underway in Germany, was torpedoed by these activities, originated in the USA. These activities recall dad memories with DEUTSCHE ATLANTIC LINIE and DISCOVERY CRUISES.
The line struggled on for a few months, before finally collapsing in March 2004. Attempts to restart with LOUIS, Cyprus, as a new shareholder, also failed and the line disappeared, with LOUIS finally moving into the region with LOUIS HELLENIC CRUISES. A competitor less ... Most of the fleet was scrapped following the collapse.
Passing STELLA SOLARIS in "unruly" Aegean waters
The fleet was made up of STELLA SOLARIS, STELLA OCEANIS, STELLA MARIS, (originally SUN LINES), APOLLON, TRITON, ODYSSEUS, OLYMPIC, OLYMPIA COUNTESS, WORLD RENAISSANCE, (originally EPIROTIKI), joined in 2000 and 2002 by OLYMPIC (Olympia) VOYAGER and OLYMPIC (Olympia) EXPLORER. A real mixture of ships which is represented in
the lack of `corporate naming´ so popular now.Following 9/11 ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES was hit significantly by the tourism downturn, like all US customer based cruise lines. Despite Europeans still traveled, a bit less, but traveled. And cruises had been considered in continental Europe as safe!
However during the war on Iraq; the business suffered as most US customers saw the area as a risky destination. With a 55% market share in the eastern Med, and a 9% overall in the Mediterranean, ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES tried to bolster its fortunes by a rapid change of itineraries and search for new markets, but the changing brochures just confused passengers further and at the end of 2003 its two flagships were seized by the creditors. My information is, this seizure was started by a tour operator, smelling the threatening bancrupcy, and trying to get hold of the newbuilts of ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES.
A refinancing effort, underway in Germany, was torpedoed by these activities, originated in the USA. These activities recall dad memories with DEUTSCHE ATLANTIC LINIE and DISCOVERY CRUISES.
The line struggled on for a few months, before finally collapsing in March 2004. Attempts to restart with LOUIS, Cyprus, as a new shareholder, also failed and the line disappeared, with LOUIS finally moving into the region with LOUIS HELLENIC CRUISES. A competitor less ... Most of the fleet was scrapped following the collapse.
CHINESE TAISHAN - courtsey binmei.j
During its time with ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES a number of films for the Greek market, but alos the international market had been located on board OLYMPIC VOYAGER. E.g. BOAT TRIP with Cuba Godding jr. and a number of stars, as Roger Moore playing a sarcastic, but genius gay old "Bond".
`Boat Trip´ filmed nearly entirely on board OLYMPIC VOYAGER, except the interior rooms, as cabins and show lounge.
Or for a German crime story, written by Hera Lind, `Mord an Bord´.
The crime novel by Hera Lind, filmed on board OLYMPIC VOYAGER
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