* Background Information This was our first cruise as Platinum Crown and Anchor members - so it made it a bit special - would we be treated any differently?
* Hotel Info We arrived in Venice a couple of days early - after a couple of near misses, we always do this - no chance of missing the ship. By luck we stayed at the Arlechinno hotel just off the Piazzale Roma, a great location and very convenient for the shuttle bus to the port.
* Embarkation This was the best embarkation we have had (better than Miami or Tampa). Luggage disappeared off the shuttle straight onto trailers and off to the ship (presumably via security). This is where we first felt special - a dedicated check-in for Platinum (+). Check-in was no quicker - but the cakes and champagne were a nice treat.
A lovely port town with a lot of history. Unfortunately on a wet Sunday morning in April it was very quiet and took a while to wake up. It did make us consider a Croatia holiday in future.
The ship's excursion to Athens was professional and very well done. There are probably cheaper ways of doing the Acropolis but we were always safe and had no chance of missing the ship!
Beautiful Greek island and a complete contrast to Athens. Charging 10 euro for the shuttle into town is a bit steep. There is a lovely small beach with a taverna within walking distance of the dock.
Another beautiful stop. Olympia is magnificent (again we hear there are cheaper ways of getting there than the ship's excursion but it was good value). Katakolon was a lovely end to our trip.
A magnificent city. Stunning sailaway. It's expensive - but kids are easily kept happy with 1 euro Italian ice creams. One tip - public toilets are expensive (1.50 euro). Instead buy a coffee (1 euro) and use the cafe's toilets instead.