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Monte Carlo Athens May 2007 |
| Reviewed By: McNulty, Glasgow on 6th Feb 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Regent Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Seven Seas Navigator |
Sailed:
May,
2007 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 56-65 |
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This was our second Navigator cruise both for special birthdays and just as enjoyable as the first (Monte Carlo - Venice). We had problems with our flights when we turned up at the airport to find I was booked out a day later than my wife, BA staff were on notice and we never got to the bottom of what happened, but we decided to fly to London and hope to get a Nice flight (Cannes Film festival didnt help). In the end we got to Nice a day early and stayed in the Holiday Inn taking a taxi to the ship. BA blamed Regent and Regent blamed BA.
Because of the hassle we were upgraded by Regent - a very nice gesture.
Leaving Monte Carlo to champagne is unforgettable. The ship stopped at Livorno and Rome which we had previously visited. Then Sicily Taormina ruins and etna, Kusadasi for Ephesus - both memorable venues with lots of history and views. A three tenors concert aboard ship at night on the pool deck was memorable. We then went to Santorini which was pretty but mobbed by too many ships and now they cant berth as one sank a few months earlier and there is only one large ship berth available. Our only day of bad weather was here. Then we went to Athens and stayed for two nights in the Grand Hotel room rate £500 a night!!) on Regent before flying home. The hotel was wonderful -rooftop restaurant and bar looking at the Acropolis.
Food aboard was wonderful, plentiful and you could have any courses you liked within reason. Wine of the day was free. Cabin was 300 sq feet and had a bath and a shower and a large balcony for relaxation. Shows were good event though the same four people did most of them.
Crew, waiters and stewards very friendly, and attentive even though it has a no tipping policy. Getting on and off was a dream at all ports.
Plenty to do to keep us quiet and many receptions or themed events mean a degree of discipline is needed if your clothes are to fit at the end of the cruise.
A Scottish captain added to making us feel at home. Fascinating to watch the captain from above when arriving and leaving port.
The only downside is the price but we were lucky and got a special offer making the big birthday most enjoyable. Athens was a real bonus apart from the heat
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| Quality of Food |  |
| All areas excellent food, italian restaurant has to be booked in advance as limited places and has wine and cheeses tasting to start. | | Entertainment |  |
| Good variety for four entertainers and a raneg of other styles in the various bars and lounges | | Shore Excursions | |
| Best was Ephesus - unbelievable venue | | Staff | |
| Head waiter - nothing too much
Cruise director left after one day for personal reasons so his deputy David took over on his own and did a great job | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| Not really much for children. but cruise not targeted at them. | | Onboard Activities |  |
| Yes a varied itinerary thorugh the day, perhaps a bit low key compared to the bigger ships, but what we wanted | | Cabins | |
| Wonderful | | Overall Rating | |
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