It’s not every day you turn 70. Some of us cringe at the thought of advancing another decade, yet I welcome this milestone with glee. The sixties have been a toughie: losing a parent; dealing with anxiety; fighting cancer; and, of course, going through a crazy pandemic. Though the challenges had seemed daunting, each provided opportunities for growth and discovery. And I’m now feeling grateful to have survived and to be moving into this new age.
“Let’s celebrate with a few friends by going on a Mediterranean cruise,” my husband, Brent, suggests. “It’s time for some fun.” Clearly, this man-of-mine is feeling the pressures of the past few years as well – and with only three weeks between our birthdays, he has a right to celebrate his big 7-0, too. Even our buds, the Fishers and the Goodes ‘jump on board’ (figuratively) when we extend the offer to join us.
We decide to go with Oceania, an upscale cruise line that is touted for its excellence in food, amenities and service. The booking process over the six-month period, prior to boarding, has its share of frustrations, but soon after stepping onboard the Riviera, this company lives up to its acclaimed standards.
“Do you think you’ll have this ship figured out by the time we get to Barcelona?” Brent jokes, as I head in the wrong direction, once again, two days after we depart from Athens.
Even though I have my ship guide in hand and this floating hotel is host to an intimate number of only 1,200 passengers, I still manage to get turned around. Thankfully, with the 2:3 ratio of crew/passengers, there’s always someone who can point me in the right direction.
Stunning artwork flows throughout our classy vessel, and a number of venues provide enrichment and entertainment during our travels. Some are drawn to the Culinary Centre, where they learn how to create yummy delights, while others are lured to the adjacent Artist Loft to dabble in watercolours. We can dance to the oldies in Horizons, enjoy piano tunes in Martinis, get insider’s knowledge from guest-speaking historians, enjoy sinful desserts at afternoon teatime and head nightly to the Riviera Lounge, where dancers, comedians and other performing artists put on a show.
Daily activities range in everything from mah-jongg and bridge to bingo and trivia. The Aquamar Spa is a nurturing haven where, in peace, we get pampered, and rejuvenate in the steam rooms, sauna and oversized hot tub. And the ocean-viewing fitness centre is my go-to for yoga and spin classes as well as other appreciated calorie-burning machines. Shimmering pool, ping pong, bocce, putting green — there’s never a shortage of action.
“They even have pickleball,” my husband points out, soon after we embark. Being an avid player, I had wondered if he’d go into withdrawal during this 11-day cruise. Not a chance. Before long, he’s scheduled games with our friends and is in his happy place.
Cuisine is a big part of cruising and, as well as 24-hour stateroom sustenance, we join the Fishers and the Goodes to fuel up at the many culinary options. Our morning lattés at Baristas are followed by breakfast spreads at Terrace Grill. All-American classics at Waves keep us satiated when enjoying pool time and the signature delights in the Grand Dining Room cater to every gastronomic desire; appetizers like molten cheese soufflé and tuna tartare, entrées such as parmesan-crusted chicken and succulent beef bourguignon. And way too many decadent desserts!
As well as this main eatery, there are four specialty restaurants that are included in our cruise package. Jacques, modelled after a Parisian bistro, features classic French cuisine; Toscana dishes up tasty Italian; Polo Grill lures the meat lovers; and our favourite, Red Ginger, offers a tantalizing line-up of Asian fusion. We order two appetizer platters for the six of us: skewers, sushi, tempura, oh my! Spicy roast duck and watermelon salad is my next palate pleaser, a unique combo that is perfectly paired. By the time I finish my red curry chicken, I’m done. But can I pass up on the Chocolate Crème Brûlée for dessert? Not a chance! Once again, I waddle away from the table and go in search of my stretchy pants.
During our 11-day cruise we pull into eight intriguing ports. In Kavala, Greece, we hike up cobblestone streets to a Byzantine fortress, the city’s pivotal point that offers an incredible panorama. Next is Istanbul, where we explore the iconic Spice Market, Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque, a place of prayer that was built from 1609-1666. From Turkey, we head back to Greece and the pretty postcard setting of Mykonos, where we plod the maze of pedestrian pathways. Shops, restaurants, churches and windmills are all photo-worthy stops at this vibrant hot spot.
Now, aside from good health, what is something we all hope for when travelling? Good weather, right? On this trip it becomes something that’s totally out of our control.
“Unfortunately, a strong storm system is moving through Italy,” the captain announces after we leave Greece. “And there’s no way of avoiding it.”
Clearly, the weather Gods are tuned in, for ominous clouds move in soon afterwards and the pelting rains begin.
High rollers take on an entirely new meaning, even for the casino lovers onboard. The previously glassy ocean becomes a coaster of three-metre swells. As our ship navigates the Strait of Messina some guests retreat to the comfort of their stateroom – others head to venues, where the Activities Director offers a line-up of distracting indoor activities. Later, we are all rocked to sleep with gale force winds.
We often take cruising for granted; thinking that these steel cities at sea can conquer anything. But Mother Nature has her own agenda. She really does dominate and needs to be respected. I’m relieved to see that this cruise company gets that message.
“Because of the rough conditions we are unable to tender into our next port,” we hear over the loudspeaker. “The good news is we have a berth at nearby Salerno.” Despite this wise decision, a sigh of disappointment is detected in our group. We were all looking forward to exploring the little towns that line the Amalfi Coast and getting a bird’s eye view from the scenic summit of Ravello.
But we soon discover every cloud has a silver lining. The quiet, tourist-free shops of Salerno offer great prices. People are friendly and the vibe is relaxed. And despite a few raindrops, this little blip doesn’t dampen our spirits. We’re all going with the flow, sunshine or not.
Clouds continue to dominate during our final four cruise days when we explore the port of Civitavecchia, Cinque Terra’s quaint townships, the chichi boulevards in Monte Carlo and old town Toulon. And though our rain slickers are put to good use, it’s been truly a full and amazing show. It’s also been a perfect way to celebrate life as we cruise into our next decade.
IF YOU GO:
Oceania Cruises
https://www.oceaniacruises.com/
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Thanks Jane!
Looks & sounds wonderful!
Your descriptions and detail, outstanding!