30 OctFinding a perfect route is not enough. Planning itinerary for a cruise includes having a plan B in case of emergency. Weather is not something that can be predicted very far in advance. However, cruise providers are obliged to take care of the guests and their safety and comfort in many ways.
Imagine a case, when a ship’s crew gets to know about 2 weeks in advance, before a cruise is about to happen, that a giant storm will cover up most of the Aegean sea right where most of the stops were supposed to be.
Finding a perfect route is not enough. Planning itinerary for a cruise includes having a plan B in case of emergency. Weather is not something that can be predicted very far in advance. However, cruise providers are obliged to take care of the guests and their safety and comfort in many ways.
Imagine a case, when a ship’s crew gets to know about 2 weeks in advance, before a cruise is about to happen, that a giant storm will cover up most of the Aegean sea right where most of the stops were supposed to be.
Running on Waves ship’s crew will always decide how to make or modify the itinerary to make sure the guests always travel in comfort and do not feel that they may miss any vital opportunities. Weather conditions will not be a hindrance to a wonderful journey and the realization of dreams, when an experienced captain leads the sailing ship along the best paths. Just look at the vast possibilities offered by the variations of itineraries, even with weather vagaries.
Here is the route that was planned to be underwent:
Athens (port of Piraeus) – Syros – Delos – Mykonos – Paros – Naxos – Ikaria – Andros – back to Piraeus
Despite the fact that we had to change the route for this particular cruise at those certain dates, we would like to tell you their stories. We would describe here the other route, and we did take into account that scenario in practice in more detail. The default destinations are also stars in their own right.
Cyclades is The Thing in Greece. This archipelago has the biggest density of popular islands, and that does have pros and also cons. Among pluses is the scope of attractions, and among minuses are the crowds of tourists.
As you can see on the maps below, the storm we expected to hit during our crucial dates, was pretty much slicing the Aegean Sea.
Missing out on expected landmarks is never great, but cruising through storms might be too overwhelming.
However, storms rarely go exactly same way twice. Hence, we would like you to know what to see on Cyclades, when there are no concerns.
Syros
Get amazed at the medieval district of Ano Syros north of the island’s capital. Feel yourself like an aristocrat in the village of Dellagracia, in the town of Posidonia, walking around its mansions. Glance at the miracle of Saint Stefanos, a small chapel built inside a cave.
Mykonos
Star level island. Best nights out in the Aegean sea, and, perhaps, in the whole Mediterranean. And star level cultural heritage and history, and well-preserved traditional ways of living and cooking.
Sail to the neighboring island of Delos, where you will find numerous ancient monuments at the vast area of Archaeological sites, that take a big part of the island’s territory, featuring many temples, maisons, statues, Agora of the Competaliasts and the ancient theatre. Notice all the monuments of Delos when the ship will circle around the island.
Paros
Set yourself into a light adventure mood walking through labyrinth-like narrow streets of main towns, Paros and Naoussa, prime examples of Cycladic architecture. Set course for a coherent tour of cultural heritage in the island’s capital, Paros or Parikial. Start with the stunning Temple of Holy Mary with 100 gates of Panagia Ekatontapyliani. Walk next to the site of the Frankish Castle and the Archaic Temple of Athena nearby it.
Naxos
Astoundingly green with vast forests and valleys, blessed with numerous famous local produce like wine, cheese and olives, yet filled with examples of Cycladic culture.
When mooring in the island’s capital, Naxos, start your sightseeing with the Castle of Naxos. One of the best preserved fortified settlements of Greece. Naxos is sprinkled with sites of ancient temples. Zeus, Dionysus, Apollo, Demeter and so on.
Ikaria
Ikaria is one of the five Blue Zones in the World - places where people reach extraordinary high ages. The island was named 2 years in a row "The Best Greek Island for Nature Lovers" by CNN.
Discover the recipe for longevity: Ikarians are almost entirely free of dementia and some of the chronic diseases that plague Americans; one in three makes it to their 90s.
Andros
Andros is a rare Cycladic island abundant with water. It nurses dense forests, lemon groves, plane trees and rare flora. Andros accommodates mountain ranges, ravines, valleys and plateaus, and numerous cultural sites like one of the world’s most impressive maritime villages, ancient cities, Hellenistic age towers, churches and others.
Walk around Hora (that's how many Greek islands' capitals are called), a maritime village with mansions of noble captains, maritime museums, sailor statues, seafarers protecting churches, and shipping manuscripts.
And now, let's talk about what plan B with came up with, which idea was to avoid storm fronts and still be dence with exciting sites to visit.
The new route is something that we did and do very regularly in the past. And this plan is well-thought and well-practiced. And it goes as:
Athens (Piraeus) – Milos (Keleftiko) – Gytheio – Monemvasia – Nafplio – Ermioni – Poros – Athens (Piraeus)
Milos
Created from lava of a volcano, Milos provides staggering landscape views. For centuries the island was the place in Greece for mining precious obsidian.Try to find a piece of obsidian once you are there.
Explore the long coastline of the island’s capital, the village of Plaka. It is a walking village with plenty of diners. Explore the best example of Milos’ traditional fishermen’s encampments at Klima Rock Dwellings. Wander around the traditional village of Papafragas.
Gytheio (Gytheon)
Nowadays Gytheio is a calm and secluded town that used to be a seaport for the legendary Sparta and Mystras.
As a charming port town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, Gytheio has a rich history and a wealth of cultural treasures to explore. Whether you're drawn to its fascinating archaeological sites, stunning beaches, or delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful destination.
Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a Medieval Castle Town, exclusively carved on a huge rock looking as if it came down from a fairy tale.
Get a first glimpse at Monemvasia from the port. The rock rises 100 meters above sea level. Pass through the causeway connecting Monemvasia to the mainland. “Mone emvasia” means "single entrance". Its nicknames include the Gibraltar of the East or The Rock. Get lost in the zigzagging alleys past castle Walls, among medieval mansions and 40 churches. Stroll to the central square to the Church of Elkomenos Christos that saved two thrones and rare icons. Observe the collection of Archaeological Museum housed in a well-preserved Muslim Mosque. Visit the church of Panagia Chryssafitissa - a spotlessly white 17th-century church. There is a holy spring under the church that is believed helps to get pregnant.
Nafplio
Nafplio is famous for numerous fortresses, monasteries and the Medieval Old Town. It is a perfect start point to explore ancient Mycenae, Argos and Epidaurus.
Stroll along Megalos Dromos - the most characteristic promenade in Nafplio. Explore Psaromahalas - the most picturesque neighborhood that existed since the 15th century. Cars are not allowed here. View the Building of Voulefticon, which was the first Greek parliament, then a school and a prison, and now a conference room and the Municipal Gallery. Visit the Church of Agios Spyridonas with Byzantine icons and paintings of unusual themes. The first political assassination in Greece also took place here.
Ermioni
The tranquil town of Ermioni is built on the tip of a peninsula covered with pine trees strongly resembling an island. You will enjoy the lovely beaches and the picturesque little harbour lined with popular fish tavernas and clubs for a crazy night out. It is located in the NE part of the Peloponnese at a short distance from Athens reached either by land or sea.
Poros
The Bosporus of the Saronic with views of mainland Greece, the island wrapped with hills covered in pine trees, and surrounded by sandy beaches, with the island′s capital full of small taverns.
Start off with the view of the Poros Town, the island itself, the passage, and the mainland atop of the hill next to the symbol of the town, the Clock Tower. Walk through the labyrinth that are the alleys of Poros town.
Conclusion
Weather is a thing that can change a lot of plans, and spoil many joyful activities.
Our job is to guarantee safety at all times and still provide options to have nice trips despite weather conditions.
