Style: October 04, 2019

STYLE | travel 79
Image: Sarah Bright
Top of the city wall in Kotor, Montenegro
kids’ clubs running from early morning until late at
night, allowing parents freedom to relax and enjoy
the facilities of the ship. My personal favourite was
the spa, where I relished in an indulgent reflexology
session. My husband was particularly smitten with the
lengthy cocktail menu in the Spinnaker Lounge, which
had a commanding view of the ocean. You could find
the oldies conquering the trivia and bingo, or making
new friends at the onboard Starbucks.
Although we mainly organised our own adventures,
we did sample one ship-organised shore excursion to
Pisa and Florence. For those whose priority is to know
in advance what’s what, have a guide and eliminate
any guesswork, these tours are invaluable. The oldies
particularly appreciated being driven and escorted, and
having no worries about missing the boat!
There is a lot more to tell about the ship, but
the most memorable aspect of this cruise were its
destinations. In the space of 12 days we visited 12
incredible ports, something that’s hard to match with
any other means of transport. For me, the feeling while
departing out of Venice, gliding past the rooftops and
St Mark’s Square, was spine-tingling; sailing down the
fjord into Kotor and seeing the city walls looming was
thrillingly beautiful; watching the white houses perched
on the cliffs of Santorini getting closer on the horizon
was momentous. I had to pinch myself. What was so
special was that we were experiencing it all together.
The children benefitted from visiting such historical
icons as Malta, Pompeii, Rome and Pisa. And as for the
oldies, who may not have many trips left before health
becomes a hindrance, it was truly priceless.