We started out full of trepidation with worries about the heat and the low occupancy rate.However all these things were completely unfounded. Our beds were comfortable!Don't know why Journey travellers found theirs lumpy!
We joined the ship in Istanbul with overnight stay.Immediately the warmth of the crew was evident.Russ Thomas Grieve is the perfect Cruise Director and is unfailingly helpful and charming. Unfortunately Topkapi Palace closes on Tuesdays which was a shame as we were too tired to go the first day.The ship's excursion was well organised and helped us get our bearings in the city.After a wonderful experience in the Discoveries Dining Room where the wine exceeded all expectations (was of a high standard and flowed freely!), the Captain, delightful Leif Karlsson,reminded us not to miss the sailaway down the Bosphorus with illuminated castles and bridges.He also reminded us that we would have the opportunity to see this fascinating place on our return from Bulgaria via Istanbul to Greece.It was the end to a perfect day.
The first At Sea day we really got to know how lucky we were to be on this ship! The cruise critic party we had been informed was "denied" went ahead anyway. Farieda explained they just always had these parties anyway. So we met everyone and had a lot of fun.The lectures by Jon Fleming were serious and informative and prepared us for the Crimea.