Last Updated on April 7, 2019
Olympia with Seabourn:
Up early, with breakfast in my suite at 7.00am, I can make the stretch class before I need to leave for Olympia at 8.15. Who said there was anything lazy about cruising? I guess it is very much about what you choose to do. This trip with Seabourn is my first proper cruise and I’m definitely still learning!
This time the Seabourn Odyssey is docked in harbour and we can simply walk on-shore, something I haven’t experienced before as a cruise novice. It’s perfect for anyone with mobility issues and, since all the passport details are taken care of by the ship, we don’t have to wait to disembark. We’re ushered to waiting coaches and I’m delighted that my group of 15 or so has the redoubtable Elsa as our guide again. It turns out that leaving early is an excellent idea – we are the first ship to dock and leave – and she tells us that the other two cruise-liners are considerably larger.
Elsa obviously knows the score and her aim is to get us round the Unesco site of Ancient Olympia before what she refers to as ‘The Barbarians’ appear. It turns out that the word Barbarian does actually mean ‘people who speak another language’ – she demonstrates with spirited renditions of ‘barbarbar’ – the babbling that the ancient Greeks heard when foreigners spoke.
Olympia is nothing like I imagined – it’s in a green and fertile valley with a river running alongside the ancient ruins. The Palaestra, in the image below, was a training hall for wrestlers and other athletes and dates back to the 3rd century BC. Elsewhere we find temples, baths and what Elsa enthusiastically describes as the ancient ‘olympic village’.
I’m fascinated by Elsa’s stories – she tells us that the original games were solely for men and that the competitors were always naked. And, she tells us of one woman whose husband and son were both champions. Apparently, this lady managed to sneak into the games in disguise and was happily watching until she stood up to cheer on her son. At that point, her robe fell off and the disguise was well and truly blown. Only the status of her family saved her!
Elsa also tells us how to distinguish Greek from later Roman additions (the Greeks never used bricks). And, she explains the meaning of ‘stadium’ – simply the length which athletes had to run. At the stadium, I stifle sniggers at the ‘barbarians’ posing on the start line or ‘running’ in slow motion while their companions film.
It isn’t what I thought it would be. There’s a grassy mound around the track – spectators sat on the ground, not on the kind of stepped seating you see in a Greek theatre. And, it’s really not that large. As Elsa is at pains to explain, it isn’t a hippodrome, the chariot racing took place elsewhere – and that part isn’t excavated yet.
‘Don’t mingle with the barbarians’ she exclaims, as she leads us at some pace, on to look at the The Philippeion, a temple built to celebrate Philip’s victory at the battle of Chaeronea (338 BC) and at the ‘fake’ place where the Olympic torch is lit. She tells us that, although something of that sort DID happen in the original Olympic games, the current ritual starting in the 1920s and isn’t necessarily even where the original flame was kept burning. Then on to the museum, which now houses some of the most precious statues and carvings from Olympia.
There’s just time for a coffee in a local café before it’s back to the coach. We’ve succeeded in avoiding most of the barbarians – once we return to Katakolon the true extent of the threat is evident – the Odyssey is sandwiched in-between two colossal liners and there’s a third moored out at sea. Elsa advises us to make for lunch sooner rather than later if we are planning on staying on shore – these small ports are overwhelmed when the large cruise-liners dock.
I make my way to the café she’s recommended and call a couple of friends who haven’t been on the day trip. Wine, tzatziki, garlic prawns, meatballs and bread in the sun looking out to sea. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy lunch.
Back on the ship I shower and change into my costume. Though it’s early October the temperature is in the upper 20s – and the pool areas of the Seabourn Odyssey are sheltered from any wind. I’m curious about the ‘Caviar’ I’ve heard being ordered and ask for more information at the bar.
With Seabourn, you just need to ask and you will receive
I’m told. So, poolside caviar and champagne it is!
An experience I’d really be happy to repeat over and over again, the caviar comes perfectly presented in a mother of pearl bowl with spoon and all the appropriate trimmings. And, at the shallow end of pool, there’s a small concrete table where you can sit, with your feet in the water and your champagne and caviar on hand. Bliss!
By the time I’ve finished my caviar service, the main pool is getting a little busy. Probably more down to the fact that everyone is getting back on board than to jealousy, since the whole thing is complimentary. Nevertheless, I fancy a bit of peace and quiet and, it’s probably a good idea to move away from the bars if I want to stay sober till supper time. I end up on deck 6 where there’s a hot tub and sunbeds but no bar; it’s almost deserted so I read, sunbathe and use the hot tub on a kind of cyclical basis till the light starts to fade.
Up to deck 10, where there’s a fabulous observation bar and viewing deck at the front of the ship. It’s the perfect place to take that perfect sunset shot, but by now, as we sail away, it’s VERY windy. The pictures really don’t show just how much of a gale there is – though of course, by the main pool it’s quite sheltered from the wind and still full of happy sun-seekers.
Dinner tonight is a Thomas Keller special in the colonnade restaurant. I’m surprised to hear that a number of Brits haven’t heard of Thomas Keller – he IS one of the leading US chefs and probably the only truly American chef to have gained multiple Michelin three-star ratings.
I’m impressed, as I have been throughout the trip so far, with the meal – a family style feast of Waldorf Salad, Grilled RR Ranch Rib Chop,
Humbold Fog Cheese and Chocolate Silk Pie.
Afterwards, I’m good for nothing except bed and so I retire, to a nicely turned down bed, a complimentary chocolate and a good night’s sleep.
If you are thinking of trying a cruise, why not pin this post for later. And, keep an eye out for more in my cruise diary.
Disclosure: I travelled as a guest of Seabourn Cruises
The best time on cruising is eating with delicious dishes or hanging up your feet on the rooftop deck while watching the sun as it sets down. Cruising is something a little cut of heaven.
I haven’t personally been on a cruise before but I would love to give it a go. I’m very envious that you had wine and caviar by the pool! What an experience
Sounds like a fabulous cruise and not too many people on your excursion either. GG
I actually did not have any idea how Olimpia would look like. Thanks a lot for giving some info. Btw: Loooove cruises 🙂
oh my gosh, the pool side dining looks so divine and making me hungry! mmmm campaign yes please! Olympia would be a fascinating place to visit! I love all the architecture!
This has all the elements of a perfect vacation day. The Odyssey sounds like a great way to visit Greece and Elsa sounded like a great guide. A great guide can truly make or break an excursion. Especially when they know how to avoid the barbarians!
This looks like a fantastic cruise. I too am a novice when it comes to cruising, and I’m looking for the perfect one to set out on. This might qualify!
As you know I love a cruise, this one look fab ! R
Sounds like heaven and all the food looks fantastic!
Wow, you really took us along for the ride on this epic travel day! The Olympia photos and details remind me of the wonderful time I spent visiting there. What a place! Meanwhile, the cruise experience looks out of this world, what with the food, drink, and pool!
Great post, I don’t usually do cruises but love the photos of the pit stop. 🙂
My eldest is obsessed with Greek gods and has already planned our (yet-to-be-determined-when-we’ll-go) family trip to Greece. On the itinerary is, of course, Olympia. I will have to share the story of the mother who got caught cheering on her son! Sounds like a wonderful way to experience a fascinating place. Thanks!
I hope you have a wonderful time! If you are like me and a little shy of too much heat and sun, the perfect time is late spring or early autumn. This was at the start of October and the weather was in the high 20s (70/75) for the most part
I’m with Elsa- best to get to a site like that before the Barbarian Hordes. PS- love your cheese platter. Humboldt Fog is one of my favorite cheese. Maybe I need to do this cruise. c
The food was quite a surprise for me. I did expect there to be one fine dining restaurant, but actually the quality was excellent in all the eateries- from formal to casual.
I have always wanted to go here and never even considered doing a cruise to do so! Your tour guide seemed great! I think I would love being there and imagining what it was like back then. I remember feeling like I could see the past when I was in the Palatine in Rome and our tour guide was telling us the stories of what took place there. This is right up my alley!
This looks amazing (caviar by the pool? yes please!) and I love how helpful your tour guide was and that you’re able to see so many places from a cruise BUT.. I have a fear of boats and I don’t think I could ever go on a cruise sadly!
What a lovely day! I can see how helpful it is to have a really good guide for the offshore excursions, especially to keep you ahead of the “barbarians”! Love the caviar service!
Elsa just made us laugh – but we learnt a lot too…
This cruise sounds like a dream come true. Olympia looks amazing, I really want to go there. I went to Ephesus and found it really fascinating – though there were plenty of barbarians to tend with, I guess there’s no escaping that and I was one of them! And as for the caviar and champagne by the pool…just heavenly.
It was really wonderful Sandy – and we had fabulous weather for the most part too.
What a lovely spread by the pool! I never heard of Seabourn I will look into it. R