Lillian Africano

Last day of this cruise and the weather is kind of miserable, with overhanging clouds and the threat of thunderstorms. I suspect there may be issues with some of the tours that are offered this afternoon—for example, the off-road adventure from the town to the peaks of Lovcen Mountain or the hike along the fortified old city walls. As there is no other vessel like the Esprit, this has been a unique experience, one that feels very …

Read moreGreek Isles Cruise aboard the Crystal Esprit: Kotor, Montenegro

Last night, before we sailed away from Parga, a duo of Greek musicians came onboard to entertain during the cocktail hour. This triggered memories—and discussions—of the movie, Zorba the Greek, and of the legendary Melina Mercouri. Today, how startling it has been to see the MSC Musica docked here, with its thousands of passengers compared to our 40+. (Esprit is not full for this cruise—and now I’ve learned that capacity is 62, not 68, as I was …

Read moreGreek Isles Cruise aboard the Crystal Esprit: Corfu, Greece

Aboard the Crystal Esprit-Last night, en route to Parga, we traveled under the Rio–Antirrio Bridge, one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road. Today, in Parga, it’s all about the olive oil, the liquid gold of Greece. Skipping a tasting here would be like passing …

Read moreGreek Isles Cruise aboard the Crystal Esprit: Parga Greece

My tour today stands out as a highlight of this cruise from Athens to Dubrovnik. Our small group traveled by coach to the Archeological Museum of Delphi, one of the world’s most important museums, reflecting as it does, the essence of Hellenic culture. The museum is a modern structure and the exhibits are both accessible and easily understood, with descriptions in a number of languages. Among the many spectacular exhibits is The Charioteer, a bronze statue from …

Read moreGreek Isles Cruise aboard the Crystal Esprit: Itea, Greece

Hydra, Greece ABOARD THE CRYSTAL ESPRIT — Today it was necessary to anchor the Espirt and to tender to shore. Although the yacht is small enough to dock in most places, some harbors are protected, so there’s a need to tender. Two complimentary tours were offered. One included a hike and a trip to the beach. I thought the beach-goers who intended to sample the sea were brave, as the water temperatures right now are pretty cold. …

Read moreGreek Isles Cruise aboard the Crystal Esprit: Hydra, Greece

Navplion, Greece ABOARD THE CRYSTAL ESPRIT — I just completed my full day on my week-long cruise of the Greek islands aboard the Crystal Esprit, which offers a true yachting experience, with just 68 passengers and more than 90 crew. The level of service quickly becomes obvious, with needs either anticipated or immediately fulfilled. Butler service takes care of so much, including complimentary pressing of my travel-wrinkled clothes. My cabin is spacious and well laid out, with …

Read moreMy first full day aboard the Crystal Esprit in Greece