The Adventures of Oscar and Phoebe in the Mediterranean Seas

Day One

Leaving Manchester very early on a dark and chilly morning Oscar and Phoebe were full of excitement for the week ahead and their cruise adventure. With their suitcases packed and glad rags ready they waited in the departure lounge for their flight to be called. After some cheeky duty free shopping there was just enough time to catch a quick drink in the small cafe before boarding the aircraft. After an exciting flight across the European skies they landed in a very hot and sunny Rome airport, leaving the cloudy skies and chilly winds of Manchester behind them.



Soon they would be on the luxury cruise ship that would carry them to the magical islands of the sun kissed Mediterranean where adventures unfold and who knows even romance may be in the air. 


After raising the anchor the calm speaking Captain Rob set sail for the beautiful island of Santorini setting the ship at 21 knots soon they would be steaming across the waves.


With the sail away part in full swing Oscar and Phoebe enjoyed a relaxing afternoon by the pool side, with cocktails flowing and the music beating Oscars thoughts turned to the week ahead and the adventures he and his long time friend Phoebe would enjoy. Passing the coastline of southern Italy the city of Naples could just be seen in the distance. 

Day Two 

After sailing through the night Oscar and Phoebe arrived at the beautiful island of Santorini taking in the fantastic views of the island as the Captain guided the ship through the narrow channels, as the crew lowered the anchor the ship moored off the coast Oscar & Phoebe prepared to leave the ship for the first days exploring. A small boat ride to the shore and the old port, some browsing of the local stores.  a very scary but exciting cable ride to the top of the mountain to the beautiful village of Thera,

It was time to explore the delightful little shops filled with local products and fine jewellery. Through the quaint streets and being enticed by the locals to try their goods, it was time for refreshments and finding a little restaurant with stunning views of the bay Oscar and Phoebe sat looking out to sea and the majestic ship and that had brought them here, their luxurious home away from home. 

A time for some quick sunbathing and before descending down the steep mountain to the small harbour and on returning to the ship with the sun beginning to set Oscar thought how lucky he was to be with a charming traveling companion.

As they sat gazing at the wonderful sunset maybe a spark of romance was in the air as they held hands and thought of the evening to come and a wonderful night under the stars.

Day Three

After leaving Santorini the captain guided the ship through the numerous wonderful islands of the Aegean sea, passing by Rhodes, Mykonos and Samos. The ship arrived in the port of Kusadasi where another ship docked alongside giving a terrific backdrop to this intriguing town.

The town is often the starting point for the journey to Ephesus but with the temperatures in the 100s it was decided that a short walk into the town would be better. Once in the bustling town Oscar was in his best form bartering with the locals for their quality genuine goods :-). Soon Oscar and Phoebe where the proud owners of Armani  Hugo Boss and expensive " good price" perfumes. A guided walk to the ancient market up on the hillside attracted a modest fee from their opportunist guide, only to be further bombarded by market entrepreneurs offering all that the high fashion world can offer. Oscar had had enough, a quiet drink on the quay side and a catch up with his social media world Phoebe and Oscar headed back to the safety of the ship. Shortly the captain would cut the lines and power the ship down the Turkish coast to their next destination.

Once back on deck a photo shoot from one of the many ships photographers with the sun shining and the breeze in their hair Oscar and Phoebe looked back at their enlightening day delving into some of the rather different cultures of the Turkish people.

A wonderful busy town with streets and streets of Bazaars and stores all eager for you to part with you money, perhaps next time Oscar & Phoebe will brave the heat of the sun and soak up the cultures and history of Ephesus.

Their thoughts turned to their special friendship they have, in the warmth of the sun and the taste of holiday cocktails there may just be a something more in the air than the sound of the ships whistle as they cruise into the night.

Day Four

A short trip down the coast to the town of Bodrum often known as the blue bay where the crystal clear waters can be seen from the cruise ship dock. The pandemonium of the small taxi area where bustle is the order of the day, Oscar nabbed a taxi from under the nose of all the other bargaining punters and before they knew it they were in the new town of Bodrum for a modest 20 Lira following a Lewis Hamilton performance from their chosen driver.

After navigating their way to the old harbour Oscar & Phoebe walked along the harbour where the magnificent cruising yachts were moored and browsed the wares of the locals selling quaint gifts and souvenirs, time to relax in one of the many bars over a cocktail overlooking the beautiful bay. 

A pleasant reassurance that the ship is in sight and awaiting our return. A gentle stroll through the old town with cobbled streets and wonderful mystique of the old buildings and modern goods, such a change from the bustle and high sales pitch of the Kusadasi locals. Oscar took the opportunity to relieve himself of all the remaining Turkish lira by indulging in more real "genuine fake" shopping, making a few tidy purchases along the stroll back to the boat.

A short time on the shingle beach and time to catch some rays Oscar and Phoebe soaked up the clear blue skies along with an ice cold beer and Phoebe enjoyed a local cocktail in the seafront cafes. 

A wonderful day and back on board it was time to catch up on the holiday read by the pool and stroll along the decks taking on board another stunning sunset.

The Captain thrust the ships propellors away from the dock and sailed into the clear blue waters. 

A very busy and hot day in a beautiful town with large amounts of the culture still remaining and wanting to be explored.

A quick night cap before retiring to bed for the early start in the morning for the visit of the enchanting town of Chania on the island of Crete. 

Day Five

An early awakening and quick breakfast and short bus ride from the port of Souda saw the two in the town. Walking to the old harbour steeped in history the locals were busy organising the goods for the day's busy trade with the ships passengers. The harbour is a wonderful Venetian cove with its own lighthouse and maritime museum dating back over several hundreds of years.  

After a relaxing coffee in the harbour Oscar and Phoebe boarded a small vessel sporting a glass bottom with a zany tour host called Alan who entertained them both with his history lesson and satirical view of his other non English speaking passengers. Observing our host keeping our European relations alive was amusing to say the least.

Alan did entertain Oscar & Phoebe with his antics under the water in feeding the fish, Oscar was desperate to enter the water but as he was the only one of the two with his swimwear he stayed by his companion to protect her from the hot blooded Italians. 

Once back on land they picked there way through the narrow streets of the old town with strong maritime links and historical contributions, fascinating and enchanting. As the skies threatened and gentle spots of rain soon turned into a torrential downpour. A dash back to the ship where the two travellers witnessed a terrific electric storm and rain like Noah would only have seen. 

Phoebe was reassured by her good friend that all was well and preparations were started for the ships gala night. A time for celebration and to dance under the stars, taste champagne and dance the night away in the beautiful surroundings of this majestic vessel. 

Oscar had managed to secrete a beautiful bunch of roses for his good friend and companion and couldn't wait to offer his gift once the party had started. 

Day Five Evening

Following the excitement of the torrential rain and natures light show the two prepared for the formal evening with Captain Rob and the other guests, an evening of entertainment free champagne and fine dining. 

The bubbles in the fizz soon had them laughing and dancing to the music with all the other happy sailors. Official formal photos with the ships photographers saw Oscar in his finest dinner suit and Phoebe wearing a stunning Audrey Hepburn dress with matching pearls the couple looked amazing. Oscar presented Phoebe with the beautiful roses he had purchased in Chania, a thank you to his travelling companion for the wonderful week they had spent together.  

As the couple danced into the small hours of the morning Oscar & Phoebe danced cheek to cheek to the big band music. With romance in the air and the conversation flowing  Oscar & Phoebe looked over the stunning balcony where the band played and Phoebe gave Oscar a gentle kiss to say thank you for a wonderful evening. 

A fitting end to the day.







Day Six

As the ship sailed through the night from the Ionian Sea through the narrow channel there was just enough time to

call in at the wonderful port of Messina on the beautiful island of Sicily. On deck Oscar & Phoebe look at the wonderful coastline and the blue clear waters and posed for photographs.Tomorrow they would cruise their way back to Rome from where they had started.

Day Seven 

After enjoying 6 wonderful days of cruising it was time for the ship to return to port, the Captain set the ships course back to the city of Rome but with a full days cruising ahead of them Oscar & Phoebe enjoyed the ships wonderful decks and solarium where they sat out of the hot sun.

A truly magnificent week cruising seeing some wonderful places. Oscar sat by the pool side taking on board the final chapters of his book, it seemed like only yesterday since he had opened the first page of the 'Tales of the Mediterranean' but with his trusted companion by his side the week had flown by and there had been little time to complete his reading. 

A few more photographs saw them chuckling with their new selfie stick purchased at a very 'good price' from one of the many street sellers in Kusadasi, just another memento of their trip together.  

As the ship approached the large industrial port of Civitavecchia both Oscar & Phoebe looked back at a wonderful time they had shared together, as good friends their friendship has blossomed even more, as for romance I will leave that to your imagination, but under the bright stars and the magic of the sea who Knows.. 

Bon Voyage ........