Last Updated on April 7, 2019
First Time Cruise Marina Sports, Spa and Beach in Nydri, Lefkada:
Trying a cruise for the first time, I was keen to make the most of the shore excursions. After two days of substantial trips though, it was time to step back a bit, especially as I had a facial booked at the spa on board the Seabourn Odyssey and it was Marina Sports Day. My day of rest coincided with our stop at Lefkada, a Greek island which is part of the Eptanisa group, seven islands in the Ionian Sea in Western Greece. Nydri where we anchored, is a small town, with just 800 inhabitants a few miles from the capital, also called Lefkada. There were a number of shore excursions on offer, but I was quite grateful to have a day with nothing in particular planned when I could just explore a bit by myself. Especially as the weather was so wonderful.
Having chatted to some of the other passengers on board the Odyssey, I learnt that everyone had their own preference. For some the shore excursions were too organised – they preferred to explore independently. Others, like me, chose a mixture of excursions and independent travel. And, some of the people I met booked a shore excursion in every port, spending an hour or so the evening before listening to the informal talk by Peter Damisch, the onboard ‘conversationalist’ who provides more of an insight into the voyage and each destination. There is no right or wrong way – the level of organised activity you choose is left very much to you.
We’d already anchored when my breakfast arrived – and as I wasn’t in too much of a rush, I decided to breakfast on the private balcony of my cabin. How blissful.
It was one of those perfectly sunny days so I was glad my facial was booked early Although I haven’t been on a full cruise before, I have been on short cruise experiences and my impression of the spa facilities on each ship has always been good. So I was very keen to try the spa on the Odyssey. Apart from a full range of treatments, the ship has a Hydropool, steam room and sauna – and a rather charming relaxation lounge and a balcony where you can escape. There is a hairdressing salon too, and a small but very well equipped gym.
I asked my therapist to pick a facial for me, she recommended a pro collagen quartz lift facial from Elemis. It’s a very gentle anti-ageing treatment which is intended to reawaken skin cells and get the skin to firm up. It has both a short and a long-term effect, the serums work instantly to help revitalise the skin, while in theory the moisturisers and masks work over a longer period of time. I was particularly happy that I left without that ‘red-face’ effect you get from some facials and that my skin really did feel softer and looked brighter. As you have to book your spa treatments in advance, I’d recommend picking an early morning or late afternoon timeslot so you can make the most of the other activities on board.
Once that was done, we went to have a look at Marina Day. The Odyssey has a small deck which can be opened out to allow passengers to ‘play’ in the water directly from the Ship. Sadly, you can’t swim here (apparently, it’s against the regulations). But, there are plenty of other water sports to try, including kayaking, banana boats and more.
I wasn’t really prepared for this one and it was a very popular event. If you want to have a go, I’d suggest signing up early – and if I ever get the opportunity to go on another Seabourn cruise I will definitely be there. It really did look fun!
After a poolside lunch, it was time to take the tender across to Nydri on the island of Lefkada. It was good, for a change, just to walk for a bit through the town and relax sitting on the beach. I paddled a little, while some of my friends went for a swim.
Had we been feeling a little less lazy we could have explored Lefkada a bit and headed for the Dimossari Waterfalls, about 4km from the tender pier, or to the village of Poros, where there is an ancient castle and olive mill built in the 4th-century bc. But, what was particularly nice about this stop was that not a single other cruise ship was in sight. It was peaceful and even without trying to travel, felt authentic and unspoilt.
Back on board the ship, I was happy to just sit on my balcony and watch the world go by for an hour or so till it was time for dinner.Once again we’d chosen to try the main restaurant, where there was a Thomas Keller menu.
Mind you – I quite enjoyed my pre-dinner glass of champagne.
Another spotless menu of hand rolled English pea ‘agnolotti’ with shave speck and black truffle soubise followed by fillet of king salmon with a citrus panade, creamed arrowleaf spinach and red rice porridge and a frangipane tarte to finish.
Some of my companions ordered from the main menu – the crispy soft shell crab did look particularly appetising.
For me, it was a relaxing day. I loved having absolutely nowhere particular to be, other than the morning spa appointment. And, there was nothing, absolutely nothing, to spoil things.
Even the sunset was perfect
Disclosure: I travelled as a guest of Seabourn Cruises – for more information check their website
Interested in taking a luxury cruise? Download this pin for later – and check my other posts about Seabourn
Oh this place looks gorgeous! The food seems a treat too!
I’ve always been a bit wary of cruises, but the flexibility is winning me around (ps. your photos are beautiful Fiona!)
Loving this Fiona! I’ve still never been on a proper cruise but think it may be my sort of thing! Gary x
I love cruising and have been on a few really amazing trips. It’s such a great way to travel to different countries & still come home to your cabin each night.
And what about the food huh! Such great food to be had on a good cruise & I can see your cruise had you well looked after in that department as well.
I honestly wasn’t big on any cruises I’ve taken since i tend to get motion sickness. But these rest stops look amazing and would be worth it!
Wow, what a beautiful mode of transportation! The food looks just as incredible as the surroundings 🙂 Great post, thanks for sharing! Happy travels 🙂
I’m on a cruise right now! Such a fun way to travel. I loved that gorgeous breakfast they set up on your balcony. Very luxurious
I would love to travel with Seabourn as I have heard such good things about them. Spas and champagne sounds awesome and I cannot think of a better country to visit on a cruise. Beautiful
The Odyssey looks like a great way to travel! I agree with the other passengers that sometimes the organized tours are too busy for me. I like to relax a lot on vacation but also take one or 2 organized adventures.
I did three organised trips on the 7 day cruise. I just wish I’d done a bit more research about the places I went to by myself
First of all, lovely photos and secondly, OMG i love Greece and cruising. I have written a little about my trips on my blog, but Greece is among my favorite places on earth to visit and so glad you are having such a wonderful time there.
Breakfast on the private balcony sounds delighful – as does a facial at the onboard spa. I’ve always wondered what life a cruise ship would be like and you had me sold with these two points. The day excursions would be great too – but maybe not as good as your lazy day!
The crispy soft shell crab looks amazing and I think the lazy day sounded really appealing! It can’t all be action and adventure!
wow what a relaxing time you had – facials are always a good idea, just put in the nice mood for the day – love the look of the frangipane too! R
I love cruises. They are so relaxing and you can be as active or as inactive as you like. I haven’t sailed on Seabourn, definitely need to try them out.
I haven’t done a cruise yet but I love the independence that it gives you. I would too try a mixture of exploring on my own and booking excursions. I also liked the watersports you can do from the ship. I have never heard that before and it sounds so much fun!
I still have yet to go on a cruise! This one looks so magical and elegant in many ways. I personally would enjoy all of the delicious food and that balcony!
This cruise sounds better and better and the food looks magnificent. Longing to go back to Greece.
It was a truly fabulous experience Sandy…