Live(ish) report - Celebrity Apex - Greece - 9/4/21

[mchell810]

The photos of Rhodes are lovely, as is the sunset from the ship.  I'm truly enjoying your report and also very envious! 😄

[Miaminice]

Celebrity Apex 2021 - Greece - Day 5 - At Sea
There’s not much to tell about today. That’s how relaxing it was 😉
Birgit decided to enjoy the sunshine on deck. With only around 980 passengers on board a chair wasn’t hard to find.
 

 

 

I walked around the ship and took some photos, stopped by the Future Cruise office and went to the gym. More for my conscience than for anything else. Pretty useless since we had dinner at the Rooftop Garden Grill - delicious and plenty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Spif Barwunkel]

Once again, enjoying your comments, photos and style. Per your initial post to start this thread, I did some online browsing around Zakynthos. Absolutely gorgeous! When we are finally able to book a Greek Isles cruise and not have it canceled, a few days in 'Z' town, post-cruise, is certainly a possibility.

 

Can you divulge the name of your hotel at this time or must I wait for your arrival? The fact that I am sitting at home, means the earlier I get there the better. 

[Miaminice]

@Spif Barwunkel 😁 we treated ourselves to the Olea All Suite Hotel.

[Spif Barwunkel]

20 minutes ago, Miaminice said:

@Spif Barwunkel 😁 we treated ourselves to the Olea All Suite Hotel.

NICE!! Maybe it would have been better had I not gotten there so early. Oh well, perhaps a cup of Greek coffee and some Bougatsa will do.

 

Looking forward to your take on Olea. 

[Catlover54]

Miaminice:  I am greatly enjoying your posts, and your beautiful pictures, including photos that show your happiness.  Gorgeous!  It is almost like being there. Many thanks. 

[vickykay]

So very much enjoying all your posts!  The photos of Rhodes were amazing.  Loved seeing the photos of Blu dinners.  We’re trying Aqua class for the first time this coming April on our Japan cruise ( fingers crossed!). Thanks again for letting all of us come along!

[aero777]

 

Ate at Ristorante Scholarchio tonight, it was excellent. What a great find, Thank you. Hope your having a wonderful cruise!

[bandp407]

On 9/7/2021 at 8:33 AM, Miaminice said:

Celebrity Apex 2021 - Greece - Day 4 - Rhodes
Rhodes is another perfect example of a port where you can spend a brilliant day without booking a tour. As you can see on the first image, 
everything is right there in front of the ship. Go out and explore, go with the flow. I can highly recommend the website of Tom´s Port Guide which provides a walking tour map - it’s been a great help when we were in Rhodes for the first time many years ago.

 

 

So our plan of the day was not to have a plan... We had the delicious breakfast at Eden Café that we already told you about and then headed out sometimes later in the morning.

As always we went to the right following the bay. The boats selling sponges and shells are a feast of color and a perfect photo opportunity along the way.

 

 

 

We passed the many excursion boats and walked to the old Mandraki harbour. The entrance of the port is framed by two columns, home to two statues of deer named Elefos and Elafina - the emblem of Rhodes. It is said that they mark the footprints of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes.

 

We walked back and entered the bright white cupola of the Nea Agora (New Market). Once a fish market, it is now a bazar and home to restaurants and shops.

 

 

 

 

Leaving the market through the side exit, we followed the city wall back towards one of the gates. In a niche of the wall we found a little stall selling fresh juice and decided to sit down in what felt like a small courtyard. Some basic tables and chairs, shaded by a roof of parasols and decorated with some plants along the background of the city wall made it feel cozy and welcoming.

 

 

The lady owner was very friendly and when we got talking, she recomended us to do the 30 minute walk throught the medieval moat starting just around the corner.
Since we hadn´t done that before we decided to try it. After just a few minutes we were happy we did. Walking in the moat litterally provided a new perspective. When we looked down into the moat on our previous trips we thought: it´s big. Now, looking up at the canyons of thick stone walls, it was impressive and gave us an idea how impenetrable it was. I wouldn´t want to be the knight in shining armor trying to get up there. We were already sweating in shorts and T-shirts without anyone shooting arrows at us or trying to hit us with boulders 😁.

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of the moat we entered the city wall.

 

 

I won´t mention the different points of interest and, because of the lack of better words, just quote what I read about Rhodes Town: “an intricate network of busy little commercial streets delightfully alternating with quiet alleys, walls, towers, fountains and domes and minarets of Ottoman mosques, in what is a very much alive town consistently dwelt in over the last two thousand years.”
While you really can’t get lost in the old town, we´d encourage you to lose yourselves in the alleys and to explore. And don´t forget to have a "Mythos" or a good Greek lunch in one of the tavernas.

 

 

 

 

We didn´t forget and had lunch on the roof terrace of Archipelagos restaurant overlooking Hippocrates Square. 
 

 

 

 

Continuing our walk, we eventually reached the imposing Palace of the Grand Master. From there the Street of the Knights leads down the hill. The street is lined by the inns of the different nationalities of the Knights of the Order of St. John who once ruled Rhodes Town and is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe.

 

 

 

 

 

Walking the streets of Rhodes and the area around the palace feels like time travel. And time does travel fast. So we went back to the ship and spent the rest of the afternoon on board. 

It was Chic night so we dressed up and enjoyed another fantastic meal in Blu. Although the shows on board are obviously really good, Birgit and I rarely go to see them. We really really enjoyed the peace and quiet in Cafe al Bacio instead - only interrupted by the refreshing and genuine laughter of the waitress - her bright eyes smiling at us above her face mask. This is cruising for us… and we have missed it sooo much.

 

 

 

Your pictures are AMAZING!  Thank you so much for taking your time to post them & for  taking us along on your return to cruising! DH & I , like you & Birgit, have missed it so much. Our last cruise was November 2019. We have the Reflection booked for November- so far off! 
 

We have not sailed on the”E” class. Not sure about the infinite verandas. We are thinking about the sunset veranda. Have you sailed in one? We love our balcony & are concerned we would miss it. Thoughts?  Your photos  & comments make me want to sail on Apex tomorrow!!

Also we love music & dancing. The atrium dance floor looks very small & there is no Sky Lounge. Any comments on what you have seen. I know they have The Club. 

Thank you once again & enjoy every moment of your long awaited cruise!!

[Miaminice]

Celebrity Apex 2021 - Greece - Day 6 - Dubrovnik 
A few weeks ago, the intierary had been changed from Limasol, Cyprus to Dubrovnik. Although Limasol would have been a new stop for us and we had already made plans, we didn’t mind too much. Dubrovnik is beautiful, and since we had been there before, it continued the line of relaxing ports for us. 
So instead of being woken up by the alarm, the sun shining into our stateroom in the morning did the job. A few minutes later I could hear the pilot boat through the lowered window. A chance to enjoy the sight of Dubrovnik’s bridge.

 

 

Talking about sights… we had breakfast on the outside deck of Oceanview and not only enjoyed the overwhelming choice of food but also the magnificent view. With only a few other tables taken, it was nice and quiet. What a great start into the day.

Out of convenience - and OBC - we took the shuttle bus into town (Daypass $12 pp) which stopped at Pile Gate. Although Dubrovnik wasn’t empty, the experience was far different from the regular (over)crowded times. 
We did the walk on the City Wall first. BTW while Euro are accepted in restaurants and shops, tickets can only be paid in Kuna or by Credit card.
The walk on the ramparts provides incredible views of the Adriatic Sea, the city and its small port. Going up and down it also provides some badly needed exercise.
 

[Miaminice]

Following the circumnavigation of Dubrovnik on the walls, we strolled down the main street and through the port area. Many Game of Thrones shops were a constant reminder of the scenes which were filmed here. After all the food of the past days we should have heard the bell above our heads and an inner voice repeating the word “Shame” while walking on the “Walk of Atonement”.
Ignoring reason and shame we felt it was time for more food and drink. So we sat down on the terrace of a restaurant near Pile Gate and had a refreshing drink. When we saw a shuttle bus waiting, we decided to return to the ship to enjoy the amenities of the beautiful Apex.

The Sunset Bar provided the perfect spot for sailaway. Perfect views, cold drinks and pleasant company - what more could we ask for.

Dinner at Blu was as delicious as always and the service impeccable. As a dessert we asked for the Greek Yoghurt from Cyprus restaurant. You have to try it when on E class - so yummy! Oh oh, I can hear it again: “Shame, shame, shame” 😉
We listened into the show for a few minutes after dinner. Although the singers were very good, we preferred having our Latte and Tea at Al Bacio and decided to call it a night.

 

[hcat]

Still following.. great review, excellent photography.  Thanks again!

[WeBcruisingMN]

Thanks for the good travelogue and so many wonderful pics. We are excitedly anticipating our September 25 Apex cruise, with many of the same ports as you’ve been to. Your travel tales and pics have stirred up our excitement! ⚓️🚢

 

What camera have you been using?
 

We wish you a happy last day and safe travels to your next stop (I think it was an island, if I remember from the earlier posts). 

Best Regards,

Sharon (& John) 😊

[Spif Barwunkel]

I've got to say, Dubrovnik might be my favorite stop on this beautiful voyage. How fitting that the fading luster of a gorgeous Adriatic sky bids you a glorious adieu from a journey well taken.

[Miaminice]

Celebrity Apex 2021 - Greece - Day 7 - At Sea
Today was the second sea day of the cruise. It might not come as a surprise to you that we spent it the usual way - relaxation and food 😁
We had breakfast at Blu, where I enjoyed some Eggs Benedict. For me they are linked to a vacation because they are not a usual breakfast item at home in Germany.

 

 

 

Since the sky was a bit overcast, we decided to visit the SEA spa Thermal Suite. Beautifully designed! 
 

 

 

 

 

For lunch the Oceanview Cafe offered a Greek buffet. “Unbelievable” is all I can say to describe it. An endless choice of dishes which were not only presented in a fabulous way but also tasted amazing. Food on Apex is top notch!

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch was followed by more relaxation. After all we needed to recover for dinner.

 

 

 

 

Relaxation was followed by more food. We had dinner with friends at Eden Restaurant. It was incredible - sheep’s milk Gnocchi, lobster, Filet Mignon… all to die for. Service borderlined force feeding 😁 Have another appetizer, have another entree… the words “have mercy” came to mind. It was another fabulous evening with great company.

 

 

 

[vickykay]

Your photos of Dubrovnik were amazing.  It’s been on my bucket list and we were supposed to visit last October on the Connie but of course it was cancelled.  Thank you so much for sharing.

 

Vicky

[madmaxsmom]

What a wonderful read before we are on the Apex next week.  You've certainly helped us decide how to get around on the islands.  Regarding Mykonos, do you know if the excursions have to be the ones Celebrity is offering or can one hire an outside operator?  Thanks again for the all the wonderful information and the photos!

[Miaminice]

57 minutes ago, madmaxsmom said:

What a wonderful read before we are on the Apex next week.  You've certainly helped us decide how to get around on the islands.  Regarding Mykonos, do you know if the excursions have to be the ones Celebrity is offering or can one hire an outside operator?  Thanks again for the all the wonderful information and the photos!

Thank you!

I am sure you’ll have a great time. Even less passengers in the next weeks. Around 459.

 

Celebrity excursions on Mykonos only!

Edited September 11, 2021 by Miaminice

[Catlover54]

You have a terrific eye for composition, light, and capture of a mood with your photography.  

[Miaminice]

Celebrity Apex 2021 - Greece - Day 8 - Santorini
The view of Santorini’s capital Fira from the sea is a very enjoyable sight. We decided to make the most of it and took it in from the small hideaway of Eden Cafe during a light breakfast. We had the place all to ourselves and although usually self service, the staff insisted on taking care of us. The colors of the fresh fruit being a teaser for what was to come.

 

 

 

Before taking the tender to the island, we went to do the mandatory Covid -test. Appointments were made with a link received by email two days before. We were a few minutes early for ours. There was no line so we entered the conference room. A sticker confirming that we had done the test was placed on our card, the name and details were confirmed, the nasal swab taken… 5 minutes later we were free to go. The results could be checked later online and a hard copy with the result was delivered to the stateroom.

[Miaminice]

 

We took the tender to Fira and quickly abandoned our plan to take the speedboat to Oia. Simply because there was no line whatsoever at the cable car station. We entered, paid and soared up the cliff.
Up on top we walked to the bus terminal and took the local bus to Oia for € 1.60. Although the narrow alleys were filled with people, it was a pleasant change to the normal pushing and shoving of regular times. A good chance to bathe in the colors of the shops and houses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Miaminice]

Around noon we returned to Fira by local bus and headed to the area were we like to visit one of the restaurants with the unforgettable views. Complimented with a Greek Salat, some Greek Yoghurt and a Mythos we looked down on the deep blue sea, the beautiful Apex and the Kaleidoscope of colorful houses hanging on to the cliff. Life is good - and we should never forget how privileged we are to live it! 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dodging the odd caravan of donkeys and their omnipresent leftovers, we walked down the steps to the small port and took a tender back to the Apex.
 

 

[Miaminice]

The Sunset Bar did its name proud as the perfect spot to say farewell to Santorini during sunset and to say goodbye to friends made on the trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course we went to Blu for dinner to show our gratitude to our fabulous waitresses Emilia and Liubava and sommelier Jasminka, who made every meal an enjoyable memory. 

A last cup of Latte at Al Bacio marked the end of another fantastic cruise on what almost felt like a private yacht.

 

BTW sorry for the vast number of pictures… thought I’d blow you out of the water with a colorbomb of Santorinian caliber… 😉😁
 

Edited September 12, 2021 by Miaminice

[CazV]

Please don't apologise for posting so many photos! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts and your photos are stunning. I board next Saturday. It will be my first Celebrity cruise and first time visiting these ports too. You've helped boost my excitement!

 

Thank you for sharing your trip 😊

[bama4cruisin]

No apology needed!  I have enjoyed your cruise every bit as much as I knew I would.  Dubrovnik and Santorini are two of our favorites, so enjoyed reliving those visits.  We are scheduled to board the Apex only 4 weeks from today for the TA, and your beautiful photos have only added to the excitement!

 

Thank you for taking us along.