February 1 Santorini

Athens to Rome Cruise

Santorini

February 1, 2026

Today's visit was Santorini.  Well, it was suppose to be Santorini that is.  The ship anchored in the main channel between the two islands however the captain was constantly running the thrusters to hold the ship in one position in the channel as the wind was just howling.  The weather forecast was for 45 kms winds and rain all day.  

We had and early tour so Agnes and I were up early and off to the breakfast buffet early.  As we were tendering we had to go down to the ships theater and await our turn.  The tenders in Santorini have to be local tenders rather than ship tenders.  So as we sat there waiting there was an announcement after another saying that they were waiting on the tenders to arrive.  Finally about 45 minutes after departure time the captain announced that due to the bad weather tendering was not safe and all tours were cancelled. While I had been really looking forward to seeing the famous white villas with the blue roofs clinging to the cliffs I wasn't up for getting in a tender in bad weather.  The captain announced that we were going to spend the day slowly motoring to the next stop.  And it has been a slow sail.  The daily ship announcement said we were sailing at 8 knots.  

I went out on deck to catch a glimpse of the villas form the ship however as there was so much rain and moisture in the air the photos didn't turn out.  

'

It was really nice having a day off.  I guess it gives me a reason to come back. 

Tonight we are off to Manfredi's which is the ship's specialty Italian restaurant.  I am hoping that the service there is better as so far I have to say that I am disappointed in the overall level of service, in the main dining room and in the Chef's Table  which is the other specialty restaurant.  The ship's buffet service has been good, as has been the room steward. 

Terry