The trip: Athens, the trip home and a few closing thoughts

walkin jack · #1 09-07-2014, 02:25 PM

When we got off the ship in Athens we went directly to the hotel. We were cautioned to watch out for crooked cab drivers and pickpockets and other street crimes. We had talked about going to the acropolis we were completely exhausted and the threat, even likely hood, of being crime victims was the straw that broke the camels back. We went up to our room and crashed. Pam went right to sleep but I wanted to see the city so I went up on the roof and found they had a pool and roof garden and lots of good views. I too lots of pics and then joined Miss Pam for an early turn in. when we got off the ship in Athens we went directly to the hotel. We were cautioned to watch out for crooked cab drivers and pickpockets and other street crimes. We had talked about going to the acropolis we were completely exhausted and the threat, even likely hood of being crime victims was the straw that broke the camels back. We went up to our room and crashed. Pam went right to sleep but I wanted to see the city so I went up on the roof and found they had a pool and roof garden and lots of good views. I took lots of pics and then joined Miss Pam for an early turn in.

To be continued....

walkin jack · #2 09-07-2014, 02:29 PM

....from the hotel roof.

To be continued....

walkin jack · #3 09-07-2014, 02:36 PM

So There you have it. It was a great trip and despite some physical issues for both of us we agree that it was well worth it. The ports and the ship were great. I haven't talked much about the personal service. Having a penthouse suite put us in uncharted waters (sorry ) as far as cruising goes.

The pic on the left is Nina from Indonesia she was in charge of keeping our suite clean and tidy. She was amazing. Very thorough and very efficient. Since we've been home I've been trying to get Miss Pam to fold the little points on the ends of the toilet paper roll like Nina did twice a day. Sigh.....I suppose some things were just not meant to be. Any way Nina was very sweet and always trying to please us.

Our butler's name was Gary, Also from Indonesia. I never did get a chance to get his pic but he was awesome. He never had to ask us to repeat a preference or a request. Things happened on time and just right. Gave us many tips on all the little services he could perform for us that we didn't even know about. When we had a meal served in our suite he set the table very elegantly and served the food with much panache and professionalism. Still missin' his excellent service and attention.

The pic on the right was our head butler, I can neither spell, pronounce, nor remember his name and I never found out where he's from but he was a very elegant gentleman and the very essence of friendliness, efficiency and professionalism all at the same time.

We flew from Athens to Philadelphia on US Air in Business class. I could really get used to that! Then from Philly to Houston 1st class on a smaller puddle jumper. We left a couple of hours late from Philly because our plane was broken and they had to put us on another one and we had to wait for it to come in from New York. But the pilot made up and hour of that time in the air so we only got home an hour late. Our limo guy found us and we got home sometime after 1:00 AM.

The cats seemed glad to see us but they were still a little skittish. They settled in for the night with us and all five us were in the bed when I woke up the next morning.

Okay then. That's a wrap on the cruise. Till we sail again.