Our last day of the expedition could not have been better as we recharged our energy and enjoyed the wonders of Sea Cloud by spending our day at sea. Sailing under the sun across the Aegean Sea and looking out at our surroundings, including Monemvasia, a medieval town. Our sea day allowed us to pack and enjoy our last moments of pure sailing.
The perfect end to a perfect cruise happened while the sun was setting. We all raised our glasses at the lido bar to the amazing 5 country expedition that we just completed. It was a trip to remember for the rest of our lives.
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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After a relatively peaceful night at sea, we enjoyed a leisurely morning under sail aboard Sea Cloud . While under sail, National Geographic Photo Instructor Jose Calvo offered an informative presentation on composition in photography, featuring some of his truly stunning work from around the world. While enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck, the ship came alongside in Katakolon, Greece, where we were faced with an oversized cruise ship that reminded us of why we travel with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic: our small, intimate, elegant vessel is much preferred. The afternoon visit to Olympia was perfectly timed, with the large crowds departing before we arrived. Our Greek guides, Gemma and Eleni expertly guided us through the lovely site, with majestic ruins nestled amongst olive, pine, and cypress trees. After a stroll through the archaeological site, we continued to the museum of Olympia, featuring a spectacular collection of pottery, armor, and monumental sculpture, not to mention the exquisite Hermes of Praxiteles. After our visit to the museum, we returned to the ship for a buffet dinner on the Lido Deck featuring an impressive yellowfin tuna with fresh wasabi.
As we wiped the sleep from our eyes and looked to the sky above, dreamy clouds splayed out, luffing in 18-plus knots of wind. These clouds, the sails of the magnificent Sea Cloud , were set not for viewing pleasure but for making way, tacking onward through the Aegean Sea off the coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula. With Captain Starostin on the bridge guiding his seaworthy crew through the sail plan, Chief Officer Alex took charge on the spanker deck walking the guests through a play-by-play of the mechanics of sailing the Sea Cloud. While winds gusted heavily, some rain clouds appeared, but this did not deter guests from the exhilarating demonstration happening above them. Between the weather and the waves, it was the perfect storm for Sea Cloud and her crew to show off what this ship was truly built for—sailing. Guests enjoyed being out on the decks in the action with the crew as they handled various lines working the sails above. We continued onward as Sea Cloud made way for our next destination in Katakolon, Greece.
