Voyages to Antiquity - November 2010 - Palmyra Stood Forth To Rival Rome

Post by Patricia Petersson-O'Connell

NOVEMBER 2010 – ‘PALMYRA STOOD FORTH TO RIVAL ROME’

Air/hotel/cruise to Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece.
Saturday 20 November – Monday 6 December 2010

Persimmon and Pomegranates-Pharaohs and Phoenicians-Crusaders and Infidels.
Imagine a two-week insight into 3 continents, 6 countries - plus civilisations galore.
This really special Voyages to Antiquity package of flights, hotels and cruise combination in the Eastern Mediterranean was one educational holiday that was a real adventure.
All the arrangements for this tightly compact holiday were superbly planned, dovetailed into one another so neatly, and on top of everything the weather was perfect (most days between 20-30 degrees Celsius).

EGYPT
Sunday.-Cairo
We arrived on Sunday about noon on 21 November. The Fairmont Nile City is a new 5 star hotel in Cairo. Our private taxi transfer from Cairo airport took only 20 minutes – it was Sunday after all. It would have been very different on a weekday, as Cairo has 18 million residents which become 22 million during the weekdays. Petrol is cheap (about USD1 for 5 litres) but cars are expensive. There seemed to be a lot of unfinished apartment buildings in Cairo (apparently rates and taxes don’t need to be paid until the building is finished) but the residential buildings all managed to have satellite dishes. The Fairmont Nile City hotel permitted us to check in immediately (check in time normally 3pm). Security checks and ‘sniffer’ dogs were outside the hotel.
We were delighted to enter our lovely corner room with big windows on the 21st floor overlooking the Nile.
We snacked at lunchtime in the adjacent shopping mall, and spent the afternoon relaxing in the hotel’s rooftop swimming pool. The first floor Spectrum Restaurant had been dedicated to Voyages to Antiquity and this is where we met the other members of our group, learnt our tour instructions, dined and breakfasted in buffet style on the cool breezy terrace. Sunday 21 November – a full moon lighted up the city of Cairo and the river Nile.

Monday. Cairo.
Our coach tour guide was called Bhagat if I remember correctly, and he was to be our guide for the next three days until we reached the port of Safaga to join the ship. It was impossible for him to remember all our names so collectively we became known as ‘Habibi’ (beloved friend) and we would call him that too.
First stop was the Egyptian (Archeological) Museum - Pharaonic art in all its glory, Tutenkhamun’s collection from his burial site including his golden burial mask, and 50 centuries of Egyptian antiquities. In our brief visit the following was noticeable:-
The statues of the various Pharaohs were slim (they obviously undertook a regular exercise programme), they insisted in engraving their cartouche (name) everywhere they could. The ancient Egyptians were said to have invented jewellery and some of the finest jewellery designs in 18ct gold with lapis lazuli, carnelian and turquoise were evident. Large breasted women signified beauty. Heads were shaved and wigs/false beards used. (Even the female Pharaoh – Hatshepsut had a false beard). A royal head cloth, but more importantly the headdress would signify whether the Pharaoh belonged to Upper or Lower Egypt (or both). Basalt and limestone were used extensively. Religion and preparation for the afterlife was of paramount importance.

Lunch was outside Cairo at Giza – at the 5 star Meridien Pyramids hotel. A superb buffet including plenty of in season persimmon (Sharon fruit), a tremendous variety of fresh salads, vegetables, at least 10 main courses, and plentiful sweet desserts and fresh fruit.

In the afternoon we visited the pyramids built for the Pharaohs - Cheops, Chephren and Mycinerus. Three million stones were used for the Cheops pyramid – each stone weighing about 2.7 tons. The sphinx combines the knowledge of man, and the power of an animal. Camel riders used cell phones and the Russian tourists (in their mini skirts and shorts) appeared by the hundreds. There was no time to view the 44 metre ‘solar bark’ housed in a separate museum, but we did have time to visit the Sandos Institute and learn all about papyrus and a small shopping bazaar close by to view the alabaster and various gemstones from the area.

Tuesday. Cairo – Luxor
We were up before dawn in order to race to Cairo airport for the charter flight to Luxor. There were policemen on every street corner from the Presidential palace right up to the airport. Luckily we managed to avoid the president, as it might have taken up to six hours to reach the airport if we had been caught up in his entourage. Our guide supplied us with the Egypt Air boarding cards on the coach prior to our arrival at the airport – (which was a very thoughtful touch).
On arrival in Luxor we immediately boarded coaches for our tour around Karnak Temple on the eastbank of the Nile river.
(East means sunrise and life; West means sunset and death/afterlife).

The Karnak Temple covers half a square kilometre, and is a temple to Amun (god of creation). It was completed by Pharaoh Ramses II during Egypt’s New Kingdom more than 3000 years ago. Main features are a forest of 134 columns in the hypostyle hall temple, pylons, obelisks, a sacred lake, and an avenue of rams head sphinxes. Some say the scarab beetle predicted the flooding of the Nile each year, others say that the scarab beetle god (Khepera) was charged with rolling the sun along the sky.

About 2.30pm we checked into the 5 star Sonesta St George hotel for lunch. All buffet meals at this hotel were wonderful (the morning omelette maker was a sight to behold), but the hotel’s faux grass surrounds alongside the banks of the Nile looked rather tired. For US20 there was an opportunity to take a horse-drawn caleche around the city at 4pm, but we rested, swam in the rather warm riverside pool and saved our energy for the nightly Sound and Light show at Karnak, which unravelled the complex history of Karnak’s 1300 year construction.

Wednesday. Luxor. Westbank – Necropolis -Valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles.
There were hot air balloons over the River Nile when we had an early morning call for our visit to the Valley of the Kings. Luxor (the Greeks called it Thebes) was the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Like Babylon and Nineveh it was considered one of the great cities of antiquity.
Necropolis, the burial place of the New Kingdom Pharaohs might sound rather morbid or claustrophobic but it is not. The New Kingdom Pharaohs were obsessed with the afterlife and the magnificence of the tombs needs to be seen.
We then viewed the temple of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (the Queen with the false beard) dramatically located at the foot of a cliff.

Lunch back at the Sonesta St Geoorge hotel and then it was time for the coach ride to Safaga. We had a security guard on board, the coaches drove in convoy and there were a number of roadblocks on route.
Night fell at 5pm so we arrived at Safaga in the dark, said goodbye to our guide ‘Habibi’, and could see the bundles of the returning Haj pilgrims on the quayside, before we went on board the Aegean Odyssey for our Life boat drill and dinner. Then we set sail for the Sinai peninsular and Sharm el Sheik.

The next two days were days of pilgrimage – long journeys over barren arid rock desert. It was comparatively easy for us – but must have been so difficult for those pilgrims years ago when only camel and donkey transport would have been available.

Thursday. Egypt’s Sinai Peninsular -Sharm el Sheik and St Catherine’s Monastery.
By 7am we had started our disembarkation by tender at Sharm el Sheik. Dancers greeted us on the quayside and then we started the drive to the foot of Mount Sinai where Moses received the 10 Commandments. We were now part of the Yellow group, (Noha was to be our guide for the next two days). St Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Monastery is one of the earliest surviving Christian churches, built in the 6th century, and an UNESCO heritage site. The monastery is built around the legendary burning bush, and is more than one kilometre’s walk from the car park. (Transport by taxi and camel was available for this last part if anyone needed it). The living bush that survives is claimed to be the very same one that Moses encountered. This whole area is sacred to three religions – Judaism, Islam and Christianity. There is a 14th century mosque inside the monastery, and letters from Mohammed and Napoleon hang side by side in the icon gallery (the best collection of early icons in the world). The monastery library preserves the second largest collection of early codices and manuscripts in the world, outnumbered only by the Vatican Library. After our visit here we returned to Dahab (Gulf of Aqaba) for a memorable lunch at the Meridien Hotel, before returning to the port. Unfortunately we did not have time to drive through the tourist resorts along the coastline but are aware that Sharm el Sheik (sometimes called ‘the city of peace’) is a paradise for the scuba diver, with the coast providing clear warm waters and coral reefs. Just after our visit there were reports of shark attacks in the area.

A welcoming cocktail party by the Swedish captain greeted us on our arrival back on board and we were introduced to the senior officers.

Friday. Egypt’s Eastern Desert - Ain el Sukhna, Gulf of Suez.
Ain el Sukhna is the nearest resort (just 90 minutes away) for the residents of Cairo, and is full of new villas and chalets with roof patios. We undertook another coach journey through barren rocky desert to reach the oldest and largest Coptic monastery in Egypt – St Anthony’s. St Anthony’s is a Coptic orthodox monastery standing in an oasis in the Eastern desert. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the world and was established by the followers of Saint Anthony, who is considered to be the first ascetic monk. Life continues much as it did 16 centuries ago – with a bakery and mill and five churches. It was explained to us in one of the church caves, just how the monks live. Up at 4am each day (3am on Sundays) their life is one of work and prayer. If the monks don’t work – they don’t eat. Within the walls of the monastery is a large garden with palms, apples, pears and pomegranates, plenty of vegetables, a vineyard and three springs of perpetually flowing water. There is a carving of a golden calf in the rock face close by. Not too far away is another Coptic Monastery – the Monastery of St. Paul the Anchorite - but we didn’t have time for this. When we left the Eastern Desert, Noha gave us some anointed oil and a poster of the St Anthony and St Paul the Anchorite.

Saturday. Egypt’s Suez Canal
This was a day or rest for us on the Aegean Odyssey. We could contemplate the days we had spent in Egypt with Pharaohs and early Christians, and look forward to the new civilisations of Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans in the days ahead.

Ships travel in convoy through the Suez canal – a 163 km channel from Suez (Red Sea) to Port Said (Mediterranean). There are no locks and the average transit time is 15 hours. About 15,000 ships pass through the canal each year.

LEBANON
Sunday. Beirut and Baalbek
We left the ship around 10am for a full day tour of Baalbek. Passing through the streets of Beirut, it all seemed rather untidy, still under reconstruction after the various conflicts, with old French cars very much in use.
Advertisements in French and English were as prevalent as those in Arabic and I’m still wondering what ‘Fishfull thinking’ was trying to promote.
Lebanon is known as the ‘land of milk and honey’ due to the snow on the tops of the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountains, and the bees buzzing around the cedar trees. Egypt used the cedar oil for mummification.
Famous residents of Lebanon are Shakira and Omar Sharif.

Baalbek, About 50 kilometres from Beirut is the UNESCO world heritage site (in the Bekaa valley) and truly magnificent. Outsize (really colossal 800 tons) blocks of solid stone make up this temple area. The Great Court of the Temple of Jupiter is a wonder which drew thousands of pilgrims, and is built on top of Bronze Age settlement. The temple of Bacchus is also immense, and these two Roman monuments are among the most spectacular to be found anywhere in the Middle East.

Lunch was in Zahle in the Bekaa Valley at the Monte Alberto Restaurant which towers over a narrow river valley. Flat bread/pita (at least a metre wide) was being made outside and rested over cushions. We indulged in an elaborate and very generous ‘meze’ of at least 15 dishes, followed by grilled meat and kibbeh nayye (a lamb speciality), then fresh fruits. It was so easy to forget that in winter night falls suddenly at 5pm, and we returned to the ship in the dark.

SYRIA
Monday. Tartous. Krak de Chevalier and Palmyra
According to the Arabs -the entire area of Jordan, Syria, West Bank, Lebanon and Israel is referred to as ‘Sham’ which means the Northern region.
Our Syrian guide, Ayman, decided to call our Quietvox ‘whispers’ – talkie walkies. He presented us each with olive oil and bayleaf soap (typical Syrian gift) as we got on board the coach for the short trip to Krak de Chevalier – the greatest of all Crusader castles. Built between 11th and 13th centuries, the castle is a superb example of fortified architecture combining all the best of European and Middle Eastern military design. In its heyday the castle held 4000 troops, and several thousand horses. Today it remains as one of the best preserved Crusader castles in the world.

After Krak we undertook a long journey passed fruit, almond and olive trees, spent at least one hour travelling through the Syrian desert until we came up the oasis of Palmyra (also known as Tadmor). Palmyra dates back to almost 1000 years BC – it was an important Assyrian caravan town, and a Greek outpost. Under Roman rule this desert oasis grew rich from the caravan traders travelling from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean, as well as the Silk and Spice routes from China and India.

We checked into our hotel and had another magnificent lunch. Syrian food is rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and spices. Lemons, garlic, mint and parsley are used in vast quantities. Main courses include lamb, chicken and fish. Then there are platters of homemade pastries filled with nuts and dripping with sugar syrup and honey- followed by coffee and tea.

The Palmyra museum gave us some insight into the local Palmyra language, the wealth of the ancient inhabitants (high hats meant great riches), elaborate clothes, delicate jewellery and ornamental tombs. The most famous resident of Palmyra was ZENOBIA, Palmyra’s beautiful warrior queen who captured Syria, Egypt, Arabia and Anatolia then decided to take on Rome and was defeated. She was transported to Rome in golden chains, apparently freed and spent the rest of her life in a Tivoli villa.

Tuesday. Palmyra then back to the Aegean Odyssey.
Breakfast is another great treat in Syria; afterwards it was time to walk around the site at Palmyra. Although it was sunny, first thing in the morning the desert was cold (11 C) but did promise to reach 30 C later that day. Greek, Roman, Persian influences are all evident in the architecture. Stones were inlaid with molten metal. (Hawkers really pestered the tourists on their motorbikes trying to sell textiles, shawls, jewellery of camel bone, silver, turquoise and carnelian etc. Their motorbike handlebars were surrounded with sheepskin.) In Palmyra the Temple of Bel is well-preserved, and so are the Monumental Arch and Great Colonnade. The Agora, Theatre, Bath complex, and Banquet Hall are great to see. The tombs – tower or underground were interesting too. Just outside the site of Palmyra is the tallest chair in the world (entered in the Guinness book of records).
After another fabulous lunch we returned by coach to the Aegean Odyssey, and were presented with roses on our return.

Wednesday. Latakia and Aleppo
Ayman was meant to take us to Aleppo, but the Yellow and Purple groups were combined, and our new guide was a potato farmer (can’t remember his name) but the significance of potatoes became obvious once we reached Aleppo.

It was a long winding road that led us to Aleppo. Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world with roots that can be traced back about 4000 years. The city is a living museum with a 12th century citadel right in the middle set 50 metres above the rest of the city, resembling a crème brule. Everything is a sandstone/beige colour. What immediately came to mind were the old films of Aladdin and Ali Baba where a monochrome frame of an Arabian market scene with small shopfronts, torn striped awnings and strangely garbed merchants suddenly gets brought to life by a paintbrush being dragged across the scene, bringing out all the vibrant colours.
But here there was no paintbrush (except for the yellow taxis) and the city was all monochrome beige.

Aleppo Citadel is a masterpiece of 13th century Arab architecture, with floor gratings for pouring boiling oil on intruders, and a magnificent intricately decorated throne room.

Driving through the streets of Aleppo we saw several small shops one after the other specialising in various items. One would be selling olive oil, another ice cream, another plumbing pipes and bathroom repair kits, coffee and coffee pots, heaters, fruits, nuts – especially almonds, pistachios and walnuts, shoes, and fabulous vegetables especially cabbage, cauliflowers and potatoes. The potatoes were really beautiful and gave an insight in the Syrian insistence on extremely good and extremely fresh vegetables, herbs, nuts and fruit.

We had our lunch at Beit Sissi, a city dwelling converted into a restaurant, with many airy courtyards, and separate dining rooms.
Again the lunch was marvellous – meze, plus Maklouba (upsidedown dish of aubergines, lamb, rice and spices) and then ‘Ataif Mihshi (stuffed pancakes).

Next was a visit to the Great Mosque (where all the ladies had to wear outfits which made them look like the nuns from Whoopi Goldberg’s ‘Sister Act’). The tomb of Zachary (father of John the Baptist) and a grand 11th century minaret were very interesting; but we were all waiting for the visit to the local market (souk) – the largest souk in the world – with several miles of covered passages, and selling everything from Ottoman jewellery, agate and silver to gold to grains. It was fascinating watching life in the souk. The merchants didn’t hassle us. They just went about their daily life, chatting amongst themselves and ordering coffee and pita and olive wraps from the outside cafes.

We didn’t take the optional tours to the Castle of Saladin and Ugarit, because Aleppo was too good to miss.

CYPRUS
Thursday. Limassol. Kolossi Castle and Kourion.
Kolossi Castle is a fine example of 13th century Crusader architecture. Above the entrance gate, it was possible for boiling oil or tar to be poured on to unwanted visitors. Commandaria, Cyprus sweet wine was first produced here 800 years ago.

Five earthquakes and a tsunami hit the remarkable Graeco-Roman city of
Kourion. There is a fully restored Roman theatre, the house of Eustolios with its mosaic floors, unique baths and colonnaded courtyard. Further on is the Sanctuary of Apollo with Corinthian columns.

We had some free time to spend in Limassol or visit the city’s medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in the 12th century.

TURKEY
Friday. Antalya. Aspendos and Perge
On the Mediterranean coast, with the Taurus mountains behind the city and a revolving restaurant overlooking the harbour - Antalya is a splendid sight. Until 15 years ago Antalya was still a small ancient city said to be founded in the 2nd Century BC., but the excellent climate has encouraged Turks to retire here, and the beautiful scenery and weather has meant lots of tourists – especially Russians and Germans. Antalya is now a lovely new city with wide boulevards lined with palm, banana and orange trees. Bright red clean Turkish flags are flying everywhere. The Antalya Archeological Museum gives you a glimpse into local lifestyles from a nomad’s tent to an Ottoman household Early December – beautiful weather and hardly any tourists – weren’t we lucky! Greenhouses of fruits and vegetables, pomegranate bushes and orange trees in fruit lined the route to the city.

The old town of Antalya still has a small harbour, fluted minaret and Hadrian’s Gate but our first major stop was as Aspendos, about 40 kms. west of Antalya city.

Aspendos was a major port in Roman times, and there is a marvellous aqueduct which brought water from the mountains to the city, but Aspendos is famed for the well-preserved Graeco-Roman theatre built in the 2nd Century which was one of the most spectacular buildings of its time. The acoustics are so perfect that during performances, microphones are often not needed.

We then moved on to Perge, and ancient Greek city whose impressive ruins date back to 1000 BC. The stadium, Roman Gate, basilica, fine colonnaded avenue, agora, chariot grooved street and the Baths complex form only part of this extensive archeological site.

One of our new friends invited us for cocktails in her balcony suite and Café Concerto Strings gave a marvellous Farewell concert.

Saturday. Greek Isles
A day of rest. Towards the late afternoon/evening the wind picked up. Entertaining final lectures from the visiting experts then the Captain’s Farewell cocktails, and we finished off our intensive and fascinating cruise holiday dancing the night away with Tim in the Charleston lounge.

GREECE
Sunday. Athens
We had a late flight departure on Emirates, so spent the day at the wonderful 5 star Grande Bretagne hotel right in the centre of Athens. The weather was again clear and bright despite being early December. It was the weekend before the feast of St Nicholas so there were plenty of children’s parties. Our evening transfer to the airport passed by church services and Christmas markets in the city.

- - - - -
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MV Aegean Odyssey has now completed one season as an educational cruise ship, before it goes into dry dock before the start of the season next year.
Since the inaugural cruise in May several improvements have been made.
‘Nemie’ our cabin steward kept our spacious outside cabin as clean and fresh as possible. Even after 7 months cruising the pale cream carpet still looked new.
Randolf, Francis and Erwin looked after us so well in the Marco Polo restaurant, as they had done earlier in May.
The Jacuzzi was certainly is use, and the spa offered a number of affordable services. The swimming pool now sported a full length ladder reaching to the bottom of the pool - so nobody had to be ‘fished’ out.
The Romanian trio ‘ Café Concerto Strings’ again excelled themselves in the Charleston Lounge.
Mr Bridge was new, and also Tim who entertained us with light music and gave us the chance to take part in a musical quiz.
The visiting lecturers – Prof. Trevor Bryce (University of Queensland), Dr Oswyn Murray (Balliol Oxford) and Dr Karen Exell (Manchester Museum) gave us very entertaining talks.
Graduates – Felix, Josh and Terry assisted the lecturers , regulated the ‘Quietvox’ whispers units, and provided us with more than adequate bottles of water on the various excursions.
Cruise co-ordinator Alison Lewin made everyone feel at home and the Filipino crew worked in harmony and always seemed to be smiling.
A new Master – Swedish captain Roland Andersson introduced his multi-national senior officers to us all.

Voyages to Antiquity is aimed at the 40-60+ age group for people who can manage quite a bit of walking> there were two full coaches of ROAD SCHOLARS from the USA, a large number of individual British, Australia, New Zealand and Canadian guests but we only counted 5 passengers from South Africa.
On board there were a number of official photographers and photojournalists most probably because this particular itinerary was so intriguing.

Emirates flights were great, and we arrived back in Johannesburg exhausted but so happy that we had been able to take part in this fascinating and very well-organised itinerary.

Patricia Petersson-O’Connell
Johannesburg December 2010

SEASON'S GREETINGS

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NORWEGIAN EPIC, LARGEST SHIP EVER TO DOCK IN NEW YORK, SAILS INTO MANHATTAN

NORWEGIAN EPIC, LARGEST SHIP EVER TO DOCK IN NEW YORK, SAILS INTO MANHATTAN

Norwegian Cruise Line's newest and largest ship arrives in New York for inaugural festivities

NEW YORK – July 1, 2010 - Norwegian Epic, the largest ship ever to dock in the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, arrived today for her official inaugural festivities following her maiden transatlantic seven-day voyage from Southampton, UK. Norwegian Epic with a height of 200 feet cleared the Verrazano Bridge by approximately 24 inches at 7:40 a.m.

The 153,000 gross tons, 4,100 passenger Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship ever, enjoyed a smooth and successful first sailing before arriving in New York this morning. The ship, billed as the world's largest floating entertainment venue with world-class entertainment unlike anything before seen at sea, will be officially christened by country music superstar Reba McEntire at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, July 2. Comedian and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Jeff Garlin will serve as host of the ceremony. The ship, which is docked at Pier 88 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, will then sail on a two-day preview sailing, before returning to the pier the morning of July 4th to host the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular. To register for the live webcast of the Christening Ceremony, click here.



Norwegian Epic

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group performs their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner presents a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, is featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea™ offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first SVEDKA Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic offers the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.

For more information on Norwegian Epic as well as to book a cruise on the ship, please call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.



About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

High resolution, downloadable images are available at www.ncl.com/pressroom.

Norwegian Epic - Latest Photos

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INTRODUCING NORWEGIAN EPIC

Welcome to the next level of Freestyle Cruising: Norwegian Epic.
When you’re Freestyle Cruising® aboard Norwegian Epic, your schedule is the only schedule we insist you keep. And boredom is the only option we refuse to offer.

For starters, there’s the amazing new Ice Bar, literally one of the coolest places in the world. There are chic private clubs, as well as a traditional supper club, Norwegian Cruise Line’s famous White Hot Party and so much more. During the day, there’s our huge Aqua Park, Sports Complex, rock-climbing wall, fitness center, world-class spa, two 3-lane bowling alleys and our two-story Wii™. And in between, there are 20 delicious dining options to enjoy.

Our only request? Please do exactly what you want to do whenever you want to do it.

The next level of Freestyle Cruising is here – Norwegian Epic. And the cruise industry will never be the same.

The introduction of Freestyle Cruising changed everything. By banning set schedules and predetermined dinner times, not to mention formal dress codes, complicated disembarkations and rigid accommodations, Norwegian Cruise Line completely revolutionized the cruise industry. Now we’re about to do it again.

Norwegian Epic - The Finishing Touches

A sneak peek of Norwegian Epic as we prepare the finishing touches of our largest and most innovative ship yet. Keep your eye out for more videos as Norwegian Epic moves closer to completion.

Click here to view video: http://ht.ly/1Q9ch

Norwegian Epic to feature 11 complimentary dining experiences and the largest spa complex at sea

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, will have the largest spa complex at sea totaling more than 31,000 feet – the equivalent of 11 tennis courts – and that 11 out of 21 Freestyle Dining options will be complimentary and included in the cruise fare.

The complimentary restaurants include many that are new to Norwegian Cruise Line such as Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant supper club complete with music, dancing and entertainment; O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, serving American favourites, Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine; the Studio Lounge, serving snacks and light fare to solo travellers and Epic Club, the exclusive dining venue for Norwegian Epic's Suites and Villa guests.

The additional 10 dining options will have a nominal cover charge* from between $5 - $25 per person, with a la carte pricing in Shanghai’s noodle bar and Wasabi sushi bar.

It was also announced that the ship’s luxurious Mandara Spa will be the largest at sea housing 24 treatment rooms, two private couple’s villas, two exotic steam Rasul rooms, a DIY Scrub Experience, Hydrotherapy Courtyard & Thermal Suite, full-service salon, fitness centre with TRX training and a barber shop.

The spa features more than 50 treatments for both men and women including Elemis facials, massages, body therapies, bliss® face and body treatments, and acupuncture along with cosmetic medical treatments performed by a licensed doctor. The salon features hair, nail and waxing services. In addition, kids and teens can choose from a selection of child-friendly spa services.

Kids Love Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Line's Andy Stuart shows kids all the Freestyle Fun on Norwegian Epic during Take Your Kids to Work Day on April 22, 2010.

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So many exciting new activities so everyone can act their age – or not.
Families love the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising and they’re going to love all the family friendly innovations aboard this new ship. The exhilarating Aqua Park features multiple slides with multiple thrills. Play Wii™ on a two-story screen or bowl on one of the ship’s six alleys. Meet your favorite Nickelodeon™ characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer with Nickelodeon™ at Sea. Or take on a challenge at the sports complex and rock-climbing wall. Plus, there’s supervised fun for the kids at Recess and teen activities at Entourage, when adults need a little grown-up time.

Norwegian Epic Nightlife

The liveliest nightlife at sea, rivaling the hippest places on earth.
You’d have to travel the world to experience all of the unique hotspots aboard Norwegian Epic. Sip vodka in one of only 14 ice bars in the world. Enjoy exclusive bottle service and dancing under the stars at an open-air nightclub. Party alongside the pool on white-cushioned daybeds. From French Riviera chic and Ibiza style to Miami trendy and Vegas flair, the nightlife aboard Norwegian Epic has it all.

Norwegian Epic Accommodation

Highly innovative, extremely flexible and flat-out phenomenal.
Our innovative accommodations feature amenities and modern styling that are sure to impress. There are three “private-access” stateroom complexes. The Studios are specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler and transform standard staterooms into cool, urban spaces with exclusive access to The Studio Lounge – a shared private lounge. The Spa Suites and Spa Balconies offer a complete spa vacation at sea. The Villas, are not only luxurious, but also part of the largest suite complex at sea with private restaurants, private bars, private pool, etc. And every oceanview stateroom is a balcony stateroom.


Norwegian Epic Details

Gross Register Tonnage: 153,000
Engines: Diesel Electric
Cruise Speed: 22 knots
Guests: 4,100 (double occupancy)
Overall Length: 1,080 ft / 329.5 m
Draft: 28.5 ft / 8.7 m


FOR MORE INFORMATION OR BROCHURES

CONTACT TRITON CAPE SEA TRAVEL

TEL: 021 4439030 EMAIL: info.nclsa@galileosa.co.za WEB: www.tritonsea.co.za

Reasons to sail aboard Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

• Norwegian family owned company
We are very proud of the fact that our company is still Norwegian family owned, with a seafaring heritage dating back over 150 years. In this day and age this is a rarity that we have not been bought out by a large corporation. Because we are family owned this means that the Olsen family have a very hands on approach to running the company on a day to day basis. We are specialists in cruises to Northern Europe, our Summer programmes offer a wide range of itineraries to Northern Europe including the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Capitals, Lapland, North Cape, Spitsbergen, White Sea and even as far as Iceland! Nobody knows cruising in these areas better than our Norwegian Captains’, they have even been known to divert the ships from their original course to take passengers to a particular place of special interest! Because of our personal touches this is why passengers like to travel with us time and time again. We currently have some very special offers to Northern Europe available.

• It’s All About The People
Our crew know the passengers by name, not just a cabin number. Every crew member is dedicated to making each passengers cruise a holiday to remember. They know it’s the little things that make the difference, like the smiling barman who remembers their name, not to mention remembering their favourite tipple. Our ships are large enough to be spacious and comfortable, but still intimate enough to feel welcoming, friendly and relaxed.

• “We sail to over 200 interesting and exciting ports of call”
Did you know that we sail to such a wide variety of destinations? With over 200 ports of call to choose from we offer a mix of favourites as well as exciting new ports of call to attract our regular passengers. The regions we cruise to include: Africa, The Amazon, The Americas, Arctic, Baltic, Black Sea, Canaries, Caribbean, Far East, Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, and North Cape. With taster mini cruises from 2 nights up to a full World Cruise of 106 nights. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a cruise for just about everyone!

• Did you know we offer a free “New to Cruising” Package?
Passengers that have never cruised before can apply for our “New to Cruising Package” prior to sailing by completing the registration form in the back of the A-Z Guide. (This guide is sent to clients in the travel documentation wallet). The New to Cruising Package includes: Priority Boarding at Embarkation (after Oceans Members), Guided Ship Tours, New to Cruising Onboard Get Together (Meet key ship staff and fellow first time cruisers), and the services of a “New to Cruising Onboard Representative”.

• Single cabins and single fares
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are one of the few remaining traditional British cruise operators that offer a product which is ideal for single travellers. We are very proud of the fact we can offer your clients a wide variety of single accommodation ranging from an inside, outside, or balcony single cabin, or a balcony single suite (Braemar only).Travelling in one of our single cabins offers the passenger exceptional value as we do not charge single supplements. Single guests do not dine alone as they are seated on large tables at dinner. We also have opportunities advertised in the Daily Programme onboard for guests traveling alone to meet up with other passengers either onboard or ashore. Finally for those clients that have a spring in their step our male and female dance hosts are available each evening for passengers to enjoy ballroom dancing, this is very popular with our single guests that love to Cha Cha Cha!

• Celebrations packages
We have various celebration packages which are designed to create a luxurious feeling the minute the customer steps on board. The packages are a perfect way to mark any special occasion with flowers, chocolates, a celebration cake, champagne or canapés to a photographic session with our onboard photographer.

• No bar service charge & gratuities not compulsory
One of the reasons our guests travel with us time and time again, is the fact that sailing with us represents exceptional value, when passengers are onboard there are no hidden costs! In the current “credit crunch” climate it is important to remind your clients that we do not charge an additional service charge on top of the cost of bar drinks, room service drinks or wine with dinner. As I am sure you can imagine the cost of bar service charges on other cruise lines adds up to a significant amount on the client’s onboard account at the end of their holiday! Also our gratuities (tips) are not compulsory and are left at the discretion of the passenger if they choose to reward staff members for exceptional service.
Therefore no gratuities are added to the onboard account. As a guide line we suggest a small amount of £2.00 per passenger per day for the cabin stewardess and the same amount for the table waiter.

• The Arts Club Programme
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer a fabulous Arts Club programme onboard our fleet of four ships. This outstanding programme offers special interest topics onboard selected departures for passengers to have fun learning about a new subject or to enjoy finding out more about an existing hobby or interest. We offer a wide range of classes led by experts in their fields; subjects range from antiques, photography, music, dance, gardening, painting, wildlife, history, comedy, wine appreciation, flora & fauna, mythology of the Mediterranean and The Archers. The Arts Club programme is free of charge and does not need to be pre-booked. (NB: A small charge applies for art materials or wine tasting) This special interest programme offers you the perfect opportunity to target group opportunities in your local area.

• Fantastic Flagship Golf Programme
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer an outstanding golf programme, including great courses the world over. Relaxing and invigorating, golf is the perfect complement to a cruise. Passengers can enjoy a round at renowned courses in the; Caribbean, Mediterranean, Canary Islands or the Baltic. Prices are as little as £400 per golfer for the Caribbean and £350 per golfer for the other destinations. (On selected cruises).

VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY - MAY 2010 – ‘LIGHT OF GREECE’ CRUISE TO GREECE AND TURKEY

Travelogue by: Patricia Petersson-O’Connell (Johannesburg) May 2010

MAY 2010 – ‘LIGHT OF GREECE’ CRUISE TO GREECE AND TURKEY

If you are looking for an adventure why not try an inaugural cruise? –
and if you are looking for even more of a thrill - experience the very first cruise of the inaugural season.
This is what we did, and we loved it.

Voyages to Antiquity – cruises to classical civilisation 2010.
Chairman Gerry Herrod and MD David Yellow brought out this amazing brochure suggesting that a cruise experience on the MV Aegean Odyssey would ‘open a window into the origins and genius of western civilisation. The cruise was not only about history, but also about some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and the magnificent food and wine of the Mediterranean’.

The cruise we chose was ‘Light of Greece’ - an Athens to Athens cruise (or a Turkey sandwich if you choose to look at this that way). We left Athens proceeded south to Crete and then north through the Greek Islands and on to the Turkish coastline before returning to Greece and Athens.

MV Aegean Odyssey is a newly refurbished mid-size cruise ship registered in Malta. Our cabin was beautifully clean with a cream coloured carpet and Egyptian cotton sheets. Our cabin steward ‘Nemie’ was an angel and changed towels 2 or 3 times per day and looked after our every need with a permanent smile on his face.
For two weeks the weather was wonderful and sunny. Sometimes there was a little wind, but the ship’s motion was so smooth that it was barely noticeable.
In the evenings there was a free-seating arrangement in the Marco Polo restaurant which provided an excellent waiter-served 4-course meal accompanied by complimentary Cretan wines.
After dinner we would go to the Charleston lounge to listen to the Romanian trio ‘Café Concerto Strings’ who could play anything from classical or gypsy music to rhythmic rumbas. Their playing was so fascinating that it was almost disrespectful to make use of the small dance floor. Later in the evening New Zealander Michael Munro played jazz on the piano up in the Observation deck.
Normally after dinner there was a short lecture by one of the visiting historians – Prof Barbara Barletta (University of Florida), Jasper Gaunt (Emory University Atlanta), Prof James Morwood (Wadham College, Oxford). They were certainly very learned, but lacked a certain pizzazz.
Four university graduates helped on the coach tours by regulating the ‘quietvox’ whisper units, carrying the first aid box, and supplying adequate bottles of water.
The cruise ship had a pool deck with plenty of new loungers, and the pool itself was in fact a large spotlessly clean tank about 1.95 metres deep, with no shallow end. Even though the weather was hot, only once or twice did guests venture into the pool. Despite calm seas, unless you had spent your lifetime practicing yoga, it was almost impossible to get out of the pool without help, because there were only 3 or 4 rungs on the steps, so some of the swimmers floundered like flies floating in a cup of tea, and needed help from the waiters and sun worshippers to get on to dry land again.
In the morning we got up early and breakfasted in the Terrace Café. This café was a self-service arrangement which was used for breakfast (the crispy bacon was delightful), lunch and afternoon tea.
The ship could not moor at all the ports, and sometimes we had to use a tender. Sometimes the manoeuvres were a little awkward – and the hull of the Aegean Odyssey had to be repainted more than once.
Guest Services director – Andrea Coreman tried to help everyone, and really did a great job.

Although the refurbishment of the ship was meant to be completed December 2009, there had been a considerable delay. The curtains and podium in the Ambassador lounge had not arrived, neither had the umbrellas for the lido deck, nor had anyone’s name tag; and the carpet was only laid the day before we embarked. But we managed. The Filipino crew were really fantastic and made us feel most welcome. Austrian Wilhelm and Italian Mauro also were most helpful.

Voyages to Antiquity is aimed at the 40-60+ age group, for people who can manage quite a bit of walking. We were amazed but delighted that on this cruise apart from the individual travellers from England, Argentina, Switzerland, Netherlands and France there were also quite a number of Canadians. The American society ‘Exploritas’ (Educational Travel and Learning Vacations for Adults) brought on a group of about 40 people (or a coachload); and the same number came from AIA (Archeological Institute of America). No single supplement was added to this cruise, which was an added bonus for those travelling solo. The free-seating arrangement in the Marco Polo restaurant enabled us to meet and socialise with a lot of very interesting new friends. There were less than 300 people on board this particular voyage – which was a very comfortable size for cruising.

The individual guides at the various ports of call certainly brought the history of the area very much alive with their entertaining and very knowledgeable accounts. Georgia, Levant, George and Canaan were not only experts in their various fields but they also spoke excellent English.
Next time that I look at a figure in marble – I will check on whether the left leg shows movement, the right fist clenched, check the width of the cloth covering the body of the statue, and look whether there is a perch for the pigeons on the statue’s head etc. I will check to see if the head actually fits the body (body shapes were massed produced, and the head stuck on at a later stage – whereas the Greeks were idealistic, the Romans were realistic).
When I look at a portrait on plaster I will check whether it is painted red or white.
The Greek and Turkish guides also told us many other things including – about their flags, about military service in their various countries (and how the young men often sold their long hair to wigmakers to up to as much as 2500 Euros just prior to doing their service). They told us about retirement plans in the various countries after 10,000 full days of work. The guides really knew their subject well and transmitted the information is such an interesting way. One of our super Greek guides, Georgia, added – unfortunately the Greeks are really chaotic, they are not organised like the Italians!

GREECE ATHENS
Yellow taxis, motorbikes, cell phones and cigarettes, pastry shops and chocolatiers come immediately to mind when thinking of Athens. Athens is expensive, as we found out while strolling through the lively Plaka area of the city.
In early May there were many Public Holidays in Greece and these coincided with daily protest marches. Hotels and banks had their windows smashed and a TV unit received a firebomb. Despite the mess, the streets were cleaned up each day within a few hours.
The Grande Bretagne hotel in Constitution Square (adjacent to the Parliament buildings) must be one of the most luxurious in the world – with two swimming pools, a fabulous spa and unique dining areas. We were lucky enough to stay here prior to our cruise and enjoyed the fabulous views of the Acropolis and downtown Athens from the roof of the hotel.

There are a lot of broken marble steps on the way to the Acropolis, but it’s certainly worth making the trip up to the top. The Parthenon, which was rebuilt by Pericles in the 5th century BC.’ has a magnificent view over the city.
Last year, the 200 million dollar New Acropolis Museum opened, where floors of glass literally ‘float’ you above the excavations. The museum really is a ‘must’ for anyone visiting Athens, and of course there is the endless debate about the Parthenon marbles.

CAPE SOUNION (optional tour)
Cape Sounion is a promontory located about 70 kms from Athens at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula. It is noted as the site of ruins of an ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in classical mythology. The ruins bear the deeply engraved name of the English romantic poet Lord Byron.
According to legend, Cape Sounion is the spot where Aegeus, king of Athens leapt to his death off the cliff, thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea. His son (Theseus) forgot to hoist a white sail returning from Crete, after slaying the Minataur. Today Sounion is an upscale summer home location for Athenians and one of the most expensive areas in Greece.

MYCENAE
High on a hilltop yet hidden from view, and said to be erected with the aid of Cyclops is one of the greatest cities of the highly-developed Mycenaean civilisation (16-13 century BC). We entered through the Lion’s Gate which is said to be where the battle-weary Agamemnon was greeted by his wife on his return from the long war with Troy, only to be murdered by her lover.
We were given a wonderful lunch at the family owned Kalizeras restaurant before our next visit.

EPIDAURUS
In the 6th century BC this city was sacred to the god of medicine, Asclepius, reputed to be Apollo’s son. The medical facilities and healing treatments were immensely popular and today Epidaurus is a vast UNESCO World Heritage site with temples and hospital buildings. Most important is the theatre designed by the architect Polycletus. Over 14,000 seats are carved into the hillside and it is possible to hear a match strike on the stage from the highest tier. Some of our new friends practised their singing in the theatre.

NAUPLIA
Nauplia is on the eastern shores of the Peloponnese and was the first capital city of independent Greece in 1823. Today it is a very attractive town with old streets lined with Venetian and Ottoman buildings. The Akronafplia fortress has views down on to the red-tiled roofs of the old town and up to the awe-inspiring Palamidi Fortress. These are some of the most interesting and fascinating fortresses that you will ever visit, and their beauty is enhanced in spring by the wild flowers.

MONEMVASIA (meaning single entrance)
A favourite with honeymooners, this medieval Byzantine castle town is linked to the mainland by an isthmus. The only transport permitted is the mule. The streets are narrow, sometimes only wide enough for two people. There is the 13th century church of Christos Elkomenos (Christ chained to the cross) which holds several Byzantine icons, and for the more intrepid, there is a great climb up to an octagonal church of Agia Sofia. Even an 80 year old from our group with knee and hip replacements ventured up to Agia Sofia and marvelled at the view from the top. Malvasia (Malmsey wine) a sweet dessert wine comes from this area. Phyllo pastry tarts with spinach and aubergines are another speciality. The delightful wild flowers and orange blossoms were in bloom.

MYSTRAS (optional tour)
UNESCO World Heritage site Mystras served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries and was mistaken for ancient Sparta. The frescoes in the Peribleptos Church dating back to the 14th century are a very rare survival of the late Byzantine cycle, and crucial for the understanding of Byzantine art. Philosopher George Gemistos Plethon lived here until his death in 1472.

CRETE – HERAKLION
Constructed around 1900BC – Knossos is the oldest palace in Europe and scene of the legend of King Minos and his son, the half bull/half man myth known as the Minotaur. Knossos was the religious centre of the Minoan culture. Earthquakes and volcanoes in the vicinity have destroyed the original complex but in the late 19th century the amateur Victorian archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans attempted a restoration and did a remarkable job for his time.

CRETE – LASSITHI PLATEAU AND MALIA (optional tour)
The Lassithi plateau has soaring mountainous landscapes. Malia boasts the third largest palace of Minoan Crete, and the palace was a cultural centre of Minoan civilisation. Malia today has a fabulous beach and is known as a place to party.

CRETE – AGIOS NIKALAOS
This port is a picturesque resort dating back to the 3rd century and a Mediterranean yachting haven.

SANTORINI
The spectacular cliffs of Santorini rise from a great half-moon caldera – all that is left of the circular island once called Strongyle in 1600BC before the volcano erupted. We started our visit at the exquisite village of whitewashed houses called Oia, where blue-domed churches dot the skyline. From every direction the views are unique. We then visited Fira and the Prehistoric Museum of Santorini to see the golden calf and other valuable relics rescued from Akrotiri (a Minoan settlement on the island). Return to the ship from Fira was by cablecar.

RHODES – OLD TOWN
It is said that a statue of Colossus once straddled the port entrance of Rhodes, but now statues of a stag and doe have the same function. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese group of islands and located at a strategic crossroads in the Aegean Sea. The Knights of St John of Jerusalem lived on the islands from the 14-16th century, and the Grand Master’s palace, the Knight’s Hospital (which houses the Archeological Museum) and the Street of the Knights are really interesting. This is another UNESCO world Heritage site.

RHODES – LINDOS (optional tour)
Half an hour from Rhodes along a road dotted with orange and lemon trees lies Lindos and the Acropolis. At the summit is the Doric temple of Lindian Athena dating from the 4th century. Lindos village is a favourite resort of writers, artists and craftsmen.

DELOS
This tiny deserted windswept island is the sacred centre of the Cyclades group of islands. It is the reputed birthplace of the god Apollo. There is an avenue of lions, an Agora (marketplace) and the sanctuary of Apollo. Leto is said to have given birth to the twin gods of Artemis and Apollo at Delos.

MYKONOS
Just a brief evening stop at this party island of whitewashed cubic houses with blue doors and window frames. Mykonos used to be a major seaport between Venice and Asia. Along the waterfront near the area called Little Venice, the seaside cafes are ideal for evening drinks.

SAMOS
This lush green wooded island is famed as the birthplace of Pythagoras, Aesop and Epicurus. We made our way to the Herion temple said to be the birthplace of Hera (Zeus’ jealous wife), before entering the Archeological Museum of Samos which is famed for its 5m marble free-standing ‘Kouros’ (tall marble male figure) dedicated to the god Apollo and dating from 580BC. We stopped at the wine museum – for a tasting or two of the sweet Muscat grape wines. Our Athens guide (Georgia) is now the guide at a newly opened museum (17 May 2010) in Pythagorio.

SKIATHOS
This was our last stop before returning to mainland Greece. Skiathos is the westernmost island in the Sporades group and famed for its splendid beaches and as being the location where “Mamma Mia’ was filmed. Dionysius (the god of wine) was worshipped here and probably still is, as this is one of the cosmopolitan party islands of Greece.

TURKEY KUSADASI – EPHESUS
Kusadasi is a flourishing port and the main gateway from the sea for the ancient sites of Ephesus and Aphrodisias. The cosmopolitan city of Ephesus was on a par with Athens and Rome in its heyday. Once home to 250,000 people and a seaside port, it now lies five kilometres inland and there is no shade from the burning sun. Over the centuries Ephesus was an ancient Greek city and a sacred centre to the Greek god Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), a Roman stronghold (second largest city of the Roman Empire, ranking only behind Rome) with one of the most advanced aqueduct systems in the ancient world and a Christian centre (St Paul lived here, and the gospel of St John may have been written in Ephesus). Highlights include the library with its splendid columned façade, the Grand Theatre and the Temple of Hadrian.

KUSADASI – APHRODISIAS
Pistachios and pomegranates, melons and strawberries; fig, apricot, hazelnut and almond trees lined the road en route from Kusadasi to Aphrodisias. Apartment blocks with solar heating, breezeways under the roof, and clean streets are a lasting memory of this journey. Three hours drive from Kusadasi lies Aphrodisias one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey, dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, and sacred since 5800BC. Said to rival Ephesus as the ‘most well-preserved ancient site in the world’, and surrounded by a marble quarry, it was the centre for Greek and Hellenistic sculpture for nearly 7 centuries. Monuments include a magnificent theatre, vast stadium and the remains of a great temple. During the Byzantine era Aphrodisias/Stavropolis, the temple of Aphrodite was turned into a Christian basilica. We had lunch at a local Turkish restaurant- the local beer was so much nicer than the home-made wine.

KEPEZ (near CANAKKALE) – TROY
The shores of the Dardanelles (Hellespont in ancient times) lead the way to the fabled city of Troy (in Homer’s Iliad). There is a somewhat fantastical giant replica of the Trojan horse at Troy.


KEPEZ (near CANAKKALE) – GALLIPOLI
A ferry from Kepez took us across the straits of the Dardanelles to Gallipoli and the moving memorials on the Gelibolu Peninsula where in World War I over 230,000 Allied and Turkish troops lost their lives in an 8-month campaign. A young Turkish colonel – Mustafa Kemal (later known as Ataturk) distinguished himself with honour and later became father of the Turkish Republic. We returned via Canakkale (where lies the film studio version of the Trojan horse). Canakkale is an important fishing and commercial harbour and a strategic military point.

ISTANBUL
Istanbul has been at the centre of things for centuries and is the only city that straddles both Europe and Asia. It is one of our favourite cities and although we have visited the bazaars, mosques, palaces and museums before, it really was good to see them again. Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) now a magnificent museum used to be both a mosque and a Byzantine cathedral. The fabulous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and wonderful blue tiles, and Rusthem Pasha Mosque are certainly both worth a visit. Topkapi Palace with its famous 86 carat Spoonmaker diamond, and emerald dagger is extraordinary. The Egyptian Spice bazaar is fun, and the possibility of tourists being lost in the crowds in Istanbul quite probable.
Two members of our tour got lost, but they were quickly found by the tourist police.
The afternoon itinerary included the Hippodrome, Chora church and the Grand Bazaar. The following morning a Bosphorus cruise (optional tour) was arranged.

We had experienced many of these sights before, so in the afternoon made our own way downtown on the tram (just 1.50 TRY one way- whether it’s one stop or ten) and popped into the Orient Express hotel (not the location where Agatha Cristie wrote her famous thriller – that is called the Pera Palas and is currently under renovation) to visit family members and invite them back to see our cruise ship. The following day we strolled up from the port to the Dolmabahce Palace, stopped off at the Four Seasons Bosphorus hotel, took the funicular to Taksim Square then returned to the MV Aegean Odyssey for its lunchtime departure back to Greece.
- - - - -
In conclusion:
We would really like to thank the Ground Operators in Greece, Inter-med. The staff were so professional (both in the Athens hotel ‘Grande Bretagne’ and at the port of Pireaus). The coaches were both clean and luxurious everywhere.

We would like to thank the staff of Voyages to Antiquity who worked so tirelessly to produce an incredibly interesting itinerary that we thoroughly enjoyed. They were obliged to alter some of the excursions according to the political situation in Greece etc. and managed to do this seamlessly. The tour guides that were used really brought the whole area to life, the coaches were clean and new.

MV Aegean Odyssey. The food on board was exceptional and the Filipino staff so welcoming. Complimentary wine at dinner certainly was the best way to relax at the end of the day, and contemplate all the wonderful things that we had experienced during the two weeks of the cruise. The ship seemed to glide through the water – it was very smooth.
The Romanian trio ‘Café Concerto Strings’ provided both soothing and exciting entertainment.

We are glad we chose this tour and would not hesitate to repeat the experience with another itinerary.

A Summary of Triton Cape Sea Travel's Products

A warm welcome to Triton Cape
Triton Cape represents 9 of the more interesting cruise lines and can offer a cruise to suit you in all the worlds cruise destinations.

Norwegian Cruise Lines:
FAMILY & CHILD FRIENDLY with NCL's Kid's Crew™ Program

Want to learn more about Norwegian Cruise Line? Well, you've come to the right place. You see, there's a big difference between NCL and other cruise lines. We call it Freestyle Cruising. You'll find it in the flexible cruise holidays we offer our guests. You'll feel it in the dedication and passion of our team members. You'll see it in our commitment to the environment. The Freestyle spirit is part of everything we do. Sound good? Then you're probably a lot like one of our customers - people who like to go their own way.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines:
Many of today's ships are so vast that passengers feel removed from the very essence of a cruise. Not so with our four distinctive vessels. Rather than impersonal floating leviathans, Balmoral, Braemar, Black Watch and Boudicca are smaller ships where the emphasis is on you - a welcome guest and not just a cabin number.

Voyages of Discovery:
Cruise in classic comfort aboard mv Discovery and travel with some distinguished guest speakers who will add rare insight to the places we visit. Built for global cruising, Discovery is large enough to sail the world’s great oceans, yet small enough to reach those places others leave aside. Behind her classic lines, the emphasis is on space, service and understated elegance with friendly, experienced European officers and attentive Filipino crew. mv Discovery offers an exciting range of cruises to explore the world’s great destinations. These include The Arctic Circle and North Cape of Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, The Baltic Capitals & Mediterranean through to the southern tip of South America, the Galapagos Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Across the South Pacific to idyllic atolls and beyond. This unique travel experience represents remarkable value for money. Plan your Voyage today.

Swan Hellenic:
Minerva combines the small ship atmosphere and country house style that proved to be so popular with Swan Hellenic passengers.
This new programme of discovery cruises features established favourite destinations as well as a new frontier with the Antarctica expedition cruising season.

In 2009 Swan Hellenic introduced European River Cruises o the Danibe and Rhone rivers on board MV A-Rosa Riva and MV A-Rosa Stella.

Take in the sights and sounds from the tranquil settings of the river, capturing the splendour of cities such as Vienna, Budapest and Lyon, and the serene beauty of cities like Avignon, Arles and Esztergom. Soak up the scenery and absorb the atmosphere, all from the intimacy of our modern yet elegant cruise boats, which feature all outside cabins - many with balconies. Along the way, our guest speakers will use their expert understanding and knowledge of each destination to bring it to life, talking about local traditions, history, art, music, cuisine and wines.

Hebridean Island Cruises:
HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES: Luxury cruises as individual as you are.

Hebridean Island Cruises has been setting the benchmark for luxury cruising since 1989. Featuring some of the finest Privately Escorted Tours, our small, five star luxury cruise ship – Hebridean Princess – affords our guests the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodation, together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era

Each all-inclusive cruise is carefully planned by our own highly experienced researchers, whose brief is to capture the cultural essence and historical significance of each port of call. For your cruise around the Western Isles of Scotland, Hebridean Island Cruises can take you there in unrivalled style.

Hebridean Princess, the small cruise ship which re-introduced the ‘Golden Age of Cruising’ nineteen years ago, will show you the dramatic coast of Scotland and the Western Isles and Norway from the best possible vantage point.

Outstanding service, fine cuisine, unusually spacious cabins and some of the most elegant public rooms afloat, the Hebridean Experience offers you the most relaxing luxury holiday you could wish for. An all-inclusive tariff, the very best in personal service, and some of the finest Privately Escorted Tours all tailored to be as individual as you are.



Voyages to Antiquity:
Choosing a holiday is a big decision. We understand that before booking your cruise aboard Aegean Odyssey that you will want to know the philosophy behind Voyages to Antiquity. Our aim is to help you assess the meticulous planning of our itineraries, our policies aboard ship and the many features included in the price. We will create a cruise experience that is not only for the amateur or professional historian but also for people who simply want to understand the history, art, myths and architecture of the ancient world. A Voyage to Antiquity cruise aims to open a window into the origins and genius of western civilisation. These journeys, however, are not only about history. As well as seeing breathtaking archaeological treasures you will also see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and experience the magnificent food and wine of the Mediterranean.

THE BENEFITS OF SMALL SHIP CRUISING
In contrast to the massive vessels cruising to and from the major ports of the Mediterranean, we have a mid-sized ship adapted for island and coastal cruising. This means that Aegean Odyssey can visit smaller, less crowded harbours and sail closer the coast enabling you to really appreciate the magical views. As we carry only an average of 350 passengers, our ship is ideal for those who dislike travelling around with hordes of people. This boutique-style cruising tends to be more expensive to operate than larger ships. If you like to avoid crowds, wander around beautiful islands, cruise remote inlets, visit charming villages and explore ancient sites that are inaccessible to others, then Aegean Odyssey is the ideal ship for you.

Orion Expedition Cruises:
Orion is Australia’s first world-class expedition cruise ship offering year-round itineraries to many destinations that are inaccessible to large passenger liners. East Timor and Antarctica are on her programme, as well as Australia’s Top End ports, including Cape York, Arnhem Land and Kimberley and anchorages in the Great Barrier Reef.
Please see http://www.orionexpeditionspartner.com/www.tritonsea.co.za

Star Cruises:
Cruise with the third largest cruise line in the world and the Leading Cruise Line in Asia-Pacific to enjoy a most pleasurable voyage. Our award-winning fleet offers the best services onboard with the highest crew-to-cabin ratio reflecting the high standards of the warm Asian hospitality industry in Asia-Pacific.

Cruise & Maritime Services International:
Marco Polo and Ocean Countess

The hugely popular 820 passenger, 22,000grt Marco Polo has proved a great success on the UK market during the past two summer seasons trading under the Transocean Tours brand achieving high levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business and a recent top five ranking on one of the UK’s leading cruise review sites. This success has encouraged CMS, who have been acting as UK General Sales Agents for Transocean Tours since 2006, to extend her presence on the UK market in 2010 with a year round programme of cruises to offer a much wider and varied choice of sailings. As a result, CMS have finalised a five year time charter agreement with Marco Polo Chartering Company and in 2010 will be working with the Piraeus based Global Maritime Group, the vessel’s existing ship managers and Owners to develop the product on the British market.

The 800 passenger, 17,000grt Ocean Countess will also be joining the Cruise & Maritime Voyages fleet on the 18th April 2010 under an initial two season (2010 & 2011) deck and engine charter arrangement from the Greek based Majestic International Cruises Group, operators of the popular Ocean Majesty, well known to the British market. As part of the deal, CMS have appointed the Global Maritime Group to supply hotel, marine and entertainment management services which they also provide in line with Marco Polo to ensure product continuity. Ocean Countess will operate a year round programme of 22 ex-UK regional ‘no fly’ sailings operating from Hull, Edinburgh, Greenock, Liverpool and Plymouth with a summer season of Nordic cruises to Scandinavia, the Baltic & Russia, Iceland, the British Isles and the Canary Islands. Prior to delivery, Ocean Countess will undergo a £3million refurbishment and upgrade programme.


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First Time Blogger

Hi All

This is the first time we are trying our new blog.

Triton Cape Sea Travel is hoping to bring you all the cruising information and specials for you to make your dream holiday come true.

Yours in cruising
The Triton Cape Sea Travel Team

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