KATYA DIOGENOUS on the joys of a cruise around Crete, Symi and Rhodes
WITH luggage in one hand and passport in the other, I boarded Louis’ cruise ship Sapphire and, breathing in the sea air, prepared myself for a voyage headed for Crete, Symi and Rhodes.
Once on board, I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff who wished me a safe and enjoyable trip. A porter carried my suitcase full of cruise wear to my cabin and I followed close behind, admiring the modern décor and spacious halls on the way.
My cabin was on the Promenade Deck and as soon as I walked inside I felt I had entered a five-star hotel room. I even had a couch and table in front of a television set and my own window so I could lavish the ocean view.
I set my suitcase down on the floor, but didn’t bother to unpack, as I was too eager to explore and catch a glimpse of Cyprus before we set sail. Setting off from my cabin, I had intended to go up on to the top deck, but the enticing smell of food lured me into the Four Seasons restaurant. I was seated and since we were still in port, asked for a bottle of still water.
While I waited for my refreshment I served myself salad from the buffet table. My mouth soon began to water as I piled my plate with pasta, crispy roast potatoes, an assortment of crunchy vegetables and fish filet. I reminded myself that I was entitled to a second serving and sat down to eat my meal.
On my way to the top deck I passed the bar and then my eyes caught the ship’s shop that was full of perfumes, make-up and chocolates (all a girl needs) and made a mental note to indulge in some purchases before the cruise was up.
As I made my way to the deck I passed through what appeared to be a poolroom by day and possibly a dance hall at night with a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.
Suddenly I saw that we were no longer in Limassol harbor but that we had started to edge out into the sea. I thought the sea must have been extremely calm or that the boat had a smooth sail for I hadn’t felt a thing.
As we entered deeper waters, I felt the cool sea breeze on my face and ordered a lemonade from a waitress. I pulled up a sun bed by the pool and opened my book but found I was unable to concentrate. All I wanted to do was sit back and enjoy the cruise.
Before I knew it it was 6pm and time to join the rest of the passengers for cocktails in the Marco Polo Lounge.
After a quick shower in my spacious bathroom, I slipped into my clothes and headed for the lounge, where I was greeted by the captain himself and smiled for the camera as the ship’s photographer snapped away. Two screwdrivers later I retreated downstairs for dinner. I was looking forward to another buffet but instead we were given a menu with a choice of three starters, main courses and deserts to choose from.
By 9pm I was finished and decided to check out the ship’s casino. It was a spacious room with a bar area but the gamblers had yet to take to the tables. I chose not to try my luck at roulette and headed for the onboard entertainment instead.
Back to the Marco Polo Lounge where I sat in with anticipation as go-go dancers came out in their hot pants and tight t-shirts. A band played behind the four girls and a singer soon came out to join them. The entertainment ranged from singing and dancing to stepping on glass and belly dancing.
On my first night I slept like a baby and woke with a start, as I knew at 4pm we would be arriving on the neighbouring island of Crete.
Once in Crete I set off and enjoyed buying nick-knacks for friends back home. The locals were friendly and I snatched a quick dinner at a beach side restaurant before spending the night sipping martinis in various bars.
The ship stayed in the harbor at Heraclion over night. The next day, I went on a tour which took in Knossos and Rethymnos. Our tour guide could not have been more informative and I learnt more about Crete and its history in one day than I ever could have trying to by myself.
Once in Rethymnos we sat at a fish restaurant at the harbor and I ate until I thought I would burst. The squid was soft and delicious and my main course of tonguefish stuffed with prawns and covered in a creamy sauce was the tastiest dish I can remember.
We arrived at the ship by 6.30pm and set sail for a tiny island I must confess I thought might be dull called Symi. Yet Symi was far from dull. Although small, it is a beautiful place, with houses set like steps on mountains and paved streets that reminded me of small villages in Italy.
We spent only five hours in Symi as at lunchtime we left for Rhodes. It only took 2.5 hours to get there. As soon as we arrived, I was anxious to get off the ship and see what so many people had talked about.
But they had not over stated Rhodes when they told me of its beautiful beaches, of its castle surrounded by trees and its wonderful shopping area. I ate a meal in a delightful small restaurant hidden by bougainvillea and then walked along the streets buying presents and a couple of items for myself.
I only wished I’d seen more of the island but by 7.30pm it was back on ship to sail for Cyprus.
On my last night aboard the Sapphire I again investigated what entertainment was on offer. The dancers were once again magnificent in their red costumes with feathers in their hair.
The singers seemed to better than it had before and some of the ship’s house keeping staff joined in with a few numbers of their own. One woman lit two batons on fire and put them out with her mouth. Another sang a rendition of The Ketchup Song and had the children on board up dancing.
By the end of the night and a few drinks later passengers were in full swing and began dancing and singing along with the entertainers. By midnight the show was over and exhausted I retreated downstairs to my beautiful cabin for the last time.
As we sailed back to Cyprus, I spent most of my time on the top deck soaking in the sun and watching the open sea. I’d had a wonderful treat.
n Louise Cruise Lines offers 2, 3, 5 and 10-day cruises to Egypt, Beirut, Syria, the Greek islands and other destinations. For more information call 22-588004. www.louiscruises.com
