Istanbul to Athens - Port or Starboard

[CactusCruzers]

Planning way ahead for Sep. 2006. Hope to take the Nautica and wonder if I should go for port or starboard side. The itinerary is: Istanbul, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Delos/Mykonos, Santorini, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Athens.

Any recommendations? Thank you!

[Rickey 88]

Planning way ahead for Sep. 2006. Hope to take the Nautica and wonder if I should go for port or starboard side. The itinerary is: Istanbul, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Delos/Mykonos, Santorini, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Athens.

Any recommendations? Thank you!

It doesn't make too much difference with this cruise. But you may want to consider the port side as you would have the coast of Turkey to view during the first few days. After that, any side of the ship would do.....

[mike35]

We just returned from this WONDERFUL cruise - it was truly awesome, and we've become lifelong Oceania fans.

We had a balcony port side middle of the ship, and I would strongly recommend the port side - just about all dockings were on this side, and it was great watching the port come into view - also, when sailing the Dardanelles, the Gilapoli (sp?) site was on that side.

Mike

[CactusCruzers]

Rickey 88, mikebrill, thank you so much for your unanimous (port side) recommendation. I hope that we will finalize our reservation in the next two days, and I now know which side to choose.

mikebrill, we are going for a balcony (deck 7). The increase in price for the larger rooms on deck 8 is just too much. On the Tahitian Princess (essentially the same ship) it only cost ~$100 per person to upgrade, while Oceania is asking ~$1000 per person. I will look around for any other posts you might make with details about your trip. Would love to hear more.

[Babycruz]

Hi there,

I know below they mention Port Side but the best sailaway that you will have on this itinerary is from Istanbul and literally the vessel will sail directly past the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Aghia Sofia Museum this will all be visible from the Starboard side of the vessel (right side of the vessel).

If you want to know anything about the ports let me know I have done many cruises there

[CactusCruzers]

Thank you Babycruz. I will be sure to be somewhere on the starboard side for sail away. The cruise is so far away, that right now I just have one question. If you had an option of spending a day or 2 extra, would you spend them in Istanbul or Athens?

Thanks again.

[DBSDSS]

We had that option on the recent Istanbul to Athens cruise and chose Istanbul. Still think we made the right decision.
Agree with Mike B - it was a wonderful cruise. David

[1stCruiseKatie]

I agree with David (Hi, David & Debbie). A couple of days in Istanbul is the way to go. Athens was nice, but Istanbul has so much more to offer. I also agree, 4/15/05-Istanbul to Athens/ Insignia was a wonderful cruise. Cathy:)

[mike35]

CactusCruisers - Having visited both Istanbul and Athens many years ago, we opted to spend 3 additional front-end days in Istanbul and none in Athens. After spending the 3 days with the most wonderful, informative guide, we're absolutely positive that we made the correct decision. Istanbul, with its incredible Eastern history, is fascinating, mysterious, and different in so many respects from other European cities. The gorgeous mosques and museums are breathtaking, the cuisine is superb, and the people are VERY friendly. One could spend an entire day in the Grand Bazaar - a truly unique experience.

Mike

[JoePDX]

Thank you Babycruz. I will be sure to be somewhere on the starboard side for sail away. The cruise is so far away, that right now I just have one question. If you had an option of spending a day or 2 extra, would you spend them in Istanbul or Athens?

Thanks again.

I would stay in Istanbul - hands down! Incredible city. We didn't stay over after our Renaissance cruise in 2001 and still regret it. Still plan to return one day. You could spend a whole day at the Grand Bazaar alone.

You will love Nautica. We sailed her on that 2001 cruise when she was the R5. We will be on her again in February 2006 and can't wait!!! A perfect sized ship.

Joe