The bags arrived, the sun is shining and, once again, all’s right with the world.

We spent the morning on board, doing not a lot of anything. Our cabin is on the same deck as “The Library” which has floor to ceiling windows. A great place to drink coffee/tea and read a (digital) book.

In the afternoon, we took an excursion called “Panoramic Athens”. As usual, these “panoramic” are a drive around the area, picking out some of the scenic highlights. Athens proved to be a total lemon. The place is covered in graffiti, most of it on shoddy concrete apartment blocks that reminded us of Moscow in the rain. Many of the (apparently) ancient Doric-style buildings were obviously built during the 20th Century, trying to enhance the myth of Athens.

The Acropolis is a “must see”. On this tour, it was obvious that unless you were willing to pay your €30pp entrance, you were not going to get a good view. The Plaka district, home to the Acropolis, is knee deep in rip-you-off tourist shops and street stalls.

The “highlight” was a visit to the Archaeological Museum. A vast display of old vases, statues and assorted artefacts. I’ll admit to being a Philistine when it comes to this type of thing. It’s old… so what? Some of the urns looked like the type of pot I’d find in my local garden centre! We found a pavement café in the grounds. Beer and tea, sunshine, flowers and trees. Much better.

As you’ve guessed, Athens was not, to our tastes, worthy of its “must see” reputation. I think it’s like Marmite. You’ll love it or hate it. No middle ground.

At the same time, we totally, 100%, enjoyed the time away, looking at the city, enjoying being somewhere different, feeling hot sun on our backs in nearly-November.

The day ended with dinner in the Restaurant. One of the best meals we’ve had in many a cruise. Chef Willy (he didn’t choose his name 😂) from Germany knows his trade.

Off to Santorini tomorrow (with a wide selection of clothes from which to choose 👏).