Summary:
Cruised out of Venice 15th April 2017 to Bari, Katakolon, Mykanos, Athens, Sarande, Dubrovnik and back to Venice. So we are 1st time cruisers, nobody warned us how tedious embarkation was, 90 mins before we got on the ship. Once on the ship we were herded towards tables selling their wares - we already had a drinks package, but still they tried to get you to sign up for more. Then sent to the buffet which was horrendously crowded - lots of food choices. Then to the cabin, which was lovely, very clean, as was the whole ship. Given 2nd sitting for dinner which was 9pm , too late for me, food was pretty poor too - very disappointed all week. Disappointed with drinks package - I have drunk some pretty cheap red wine in my time but ended up drinking the white all week. 1 choice of red -WHAT! Bari was ok but to be fair to Bari - it was Easter sunday. Katakolon was good -managed to get the train up to Olympia - they change their departure times according to the cruise ships - found the most wonderful cafe in Olympia - La belle Helene - fantastic Mousakka and best greek salad I have ever had. Food highlight of my holiday! Mykanos very pretty but docked there for ages. Athens - we docked at 7am and had to be back on board by 2pm - so much to see and do in Athens but nowhere near enough time. Sarande got cancelled due to bad weather. Dubrovnik was stunning but again not enough time to enjoy it properly. Didn't find this cruise very relaxing at all - had to watch the clock all the time. Final straw was being kicked out of the cabin at 8am on disembarkation day and they wanted to take us to the airport at 9am - flight not til 3.30. Cancelled the transfer and made our way into Venice and made our own way to the airport, easy on the bus. Could do a lot better MSC.