Review of a Mediterranean cruise on the Splendida and 24 hours in Venice – October 2024 (page 2 of 7)

The Church of Sant'Antonio Nuovo stands majestically at the very end of the Grand Canal, with six large columns adorning its immense façade. Built between 1827 and 1842, it replaced an earlier church that had become too small for the growing population of the city, which was originally constructed in 1771.





The Galleria Tergesteo, now filled with restaurant terraces, is a charming, bright, and pleasant detour worth visiting.







A wide pedestrian avenue leads to Piazza Unità d’Italia.





This is the city’s main square, rectangular in shape, and bordered on three sides by magnificent buildings with Austrian influences. It was here that Mussolini announced the introduction of fascist laws to the Italian people in 1938. The fourth side, open to the sea, offers a sweeping view of the Gulf of Trieste.

Hi Guylene, Thanks for your message and for reading me.

A lovely little break at Marina San Giusto in the marina, waiting for our 1:00 PM boarding, was just what we needed.







After this short rest, a small oversight to fix gave us the chance to step into a beautiful pharmacy just a stone’s throw from the port.



Then it was back to the hotel through the pedestrian streets to pick up our luggage—they were lively and bustling in the late morning.





And one last surprise, hidden around a corner: a charming little church with surprising colors as soon as you step inside.





Honestly, I wasn’t expecting Trieste to be such a wonderful discovery. This city truly enchanted me.

We arrived a little early for our scheduled boarding time, and we were the only ones there for the Yacht Club. Everything went very quickly with no waiting at all—just enough time to enjoy the glass of Prosecco offered to us while the administrative formalities were completed, and we were already on board.

In the cabin, we noticed that the welcome bottle of Champagne and the little treats that came with it had disappeared. The managers had been at work once again…





We had a lovely view of La Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, the city, and the Molo Audace, a stone quay built in the 18th century, a reminder of the city’s important maritime activity at that time.



I was happy to rediscover the pleasure of the mini buffet at the One Pool. There wasn’t much choice, but the quality was excellent, with attentive and warm service. The sun was just right—gentle and warm enough to lie back under its rays with a good book and just relax… Simply enjoying the present moment. Pure bliss! The sun sets quickly at this time of year, its rays bathing the city in a warm glow.



Then, the city began to light up softly.



This evening, service was minimal at the TSL (Top Sail Lounge, the Yacht Club lounge). There was only one waitress, and naturally, at aperitif time, she was overwhelmed, assisted by just one bartender behind the bar. The table of appetizers remained empty after being raided. The pianist was virtual—just a few notes playing on their own.

It was tricky to get to the Olivo restaurant at the other end of the ship. We didn’t pay attention and ended up right in the middle of the theater’s post-show rush. We’ll avoid that time slot on the following evenings. A few minutes of waiting at the restaurant entrance, but after that, the meal was good, and the servers were charming.

Trieste is really a lovely city to explore 😎

Yes, really very beautiful and charming. Lovely spot to take a break and not a "pose" like I mistakenly wrote. 🤪 😇 😠

Hi Catherine,

I really love your writing style—it’s such a treat! You should go on trips more often so you can write more reviews for us.

I agree with Catherine—Trieste is absolutely gorgeous!

On the other hand, if there’s no welcome champagne or little treats... is it still worth getting a YC? Given the prices, I think it might be better to look into luxury cruise lines instead.

Anyway, you’ll tell us all about it in your conclusion.

Looking forward to the next part! Alfred

Thanks Alfred, of course I agree about going on cruises more often. 😉

The real shame is that this is yet another perk that’s disappearing. The only things left are the "all-you-can-drink" Champagne in the bars and the bottle you can choose from a list. The evening chocolates and other treats are still around—those are Venchi chocolates, the best I’ve had from any of the cruise lines we’ve tried, or macarons and other really good stuff that’s sometimes a bit out of the ordinary.

As for whether the YC (Yacht Club) is worth it, it depends on the price and the deal you find.

This time when I booked my cruise, the Oceania cruise that could’ve interested me in the Eastern Mediterranean was 4,125 € per person for a week, and I paid 2,640 € per person for this 10-day cruise on the Splendida.

Thanks Alfred, of course I agree about going on cruises more often. 😉

The real shame is that this is yet another perk disappearing. The only things left are the "unlimited" Champagne in the bars and the bottle you can choose from a list. The evening chocolates and other treats are still around—Venchi chocolates, the best I’ve had from any cruise line we’ve tried, or macarons and other high-quality goodies that are sometimes really special.

As for whether the YC is worth it, it depends on the price and the deal you find.

This time, when I booked my cruise, the Oceania cruise that had caught my eye in the Eastern Mediterranean was 4,125 € per person for a week, and I paid 2,640 € per person for this 10-day cruise on the Splendida.

Ah, okay, I get it!

At that price, the YC is still a good deal, but beyond that, you really have to crunch the numbers.

On the other hand, I think Oceania is getting more and more expensive (unless there’s an exceptional promo), and according to Cruise Critic, the service quality is going downhill.

Maybe it’s time to start looking into Silversea, Seabourn... I think they offer very attractive rates and more appealing itineraries.

On the other hand, I find that Oceania is getting more and more expensive (except for exceptional promotions) and according to Cruise Critic, the services are declining.

Hi Alfred,

I also find Oceania more and more expensive with fewer and fewer included perks. As for the quality, that’s exactly what I noticed on our last Oceania cruise in September 2023.

Tuesday, October 22, at sea

We always prefer having breakfast in the YC lounge rather than the traditional restaurant. The selection is wide enough for us, and the products are really good. We watch the sunrise live over the horizon against a blue sky—perfect for a day at sea.

Before it gets too crowded, we head out for our morning walk. Being in the middle of the sea with a 360° horizon is always a special pleasure. Then it’s time to relax, sunbathe, and read. We skip the 11 AM cocktail—we’re too comfortable on the pool terrace soaking up the sun.

The afternoon is very hot, and the jacuzzi and pool areas are packed. First downside of traveling during school holidays: a one-year-old in a diaper in the jacuzzi!!! The "flavor" of the broth will only get richer and more fragrant.

We’re not thrilled by the evening show, so we leave between two acts before it ends. The gala dinner is excellent—foie gras, lobster, tournedos Rossini, etc. The chef is Italian, and the meals are really good, with high-quality ingredients.

Hi Catherine (The aroma of the cultural broth will only be richer and more fragrant.) What a lovely phrase—it really made me laugh 😄 mich74

Hey Michel, I’d rather laugh about it than be disgusted. 😉

Wednesday, October 23, Katakolon

The ship arrived at 7:00 AM and we all had to be back on board by 2:30 PM—it’s a bit short, but that won’t spoil our fun as we reunite (once again) here. We’re starting to get used to the place.

We head out as soon as the excursions have left and the path is no longer crowded, for a little hike on the other side of the peninsula. When we walk through town, almost none of the shops are open yet, and it’s a bit chilly.

The little train to Olympia for 10 € is on time, and its return is scheduled for 2:00 PM. The road out of Katakolon is dangerous—there’s no sidewalk, and cars drive pretty fast. But we quickly turn left, and traffic becomes almost nonexistent.



It’s olive harvest and pruning season in the fields and private gardens. Large tarps are spread on the ground, and the trees are combed with specialized motorized tools. Many branches are broken, and the woman rakes them to sort through. The people working are very kind and friendly.





We start to see the sea, but reaching it is another story. Most access paths are privatized and tightly secured.





After several unsuccessful attempts, we find a very discreet little staircase with no "no entry" signs.



A few steps later, we’re on a tiny, charming, wild, and deserted beach. A little slice of paradise. But the temperature is a bit too cool for a swim.

Wednesday, October 23, Katakolon (continued)

Back the same way with a beautiful view of the mountains we missed on the way out.





This pretty little church is right next to the railway track leading to Olympia.





On the way back, we avoid the dangerous road by walking along the long beach in Katakolon all the way to the port. A prime spot for a camper van.





This walk is really pleasant, the weather is lovely, and there isn’t a breath of wind. The little port has kept the same charm for the 20 years we’ve been visiting regularly.





After a few errands (ouzo and honey—a producer sells oak honey, which is really good), it’s time for one of our little pleasures when we’re in Greece: a glass of Retsina at the port before heading back to the ship.

The afternoon is spent resting and reading, lazily stretched out on the ship’s deck. You can hear the wind blowing, but we’re nice and sheltered behind the protective windows at the bow. This afternoon, a new record in the jacuzzi—10 people! 3 adults and 7 kids.

Hi Catherine,

Thanks for this lovely travel journal—it was a pleasure to read!

Have a great day.

Hi Catherine, The stop in Katakolon is always nice since the port is close to the small town. Thanks for the lovely photos. Have a great day! Mum49

It's a pleasure to write a review when it's well received—thanks for your message.

Hi Guylene, I share your opinion—it’s always a pleasure to stop at Katakolon. This port is charming and welcoming.

Thursday, October 24, Piraeus, Athens

The day hasn’t broken yet when the boat docks at the port of Piraeus.



Bright sunshine and wind this morning. We’re at the very end of the new port, at the Themistocles Cruise Terminal. A bus stop to get to the Acropolis was set up right at the port exit, but by the time we arrive, the bus has just left—the next one won’t be for another hour or so.

We’d rather stick to our plan and walk to the metro, 2.7 km away, along the port. The stroll isn’t the most pleasant, with the frantic traffic, cigarette smoke, makeshift camps, and the smell of urine… Everything you’d expect from a big-city port, really.

To get to the historic heart of Athens by metro, you take the green line, No. 1. The train is waiting. For 2.30 € round trip, we’ve got 8 stops before getting off at Omonia. Monastiraki is closer to the Acropolis, but this way, we can walk up a nice avenue.

From Omonia Square, Athenas Avenue leads straight to the Monastiraki district. It’s on this avenue that you’ll find the Athens Central Market, the city’s main market. It’s organized by type of goods, and at this hour, it’s in full swing. Dozens of butchers are lined up, working side by side.





On the other side of the butchers’ street, fish stalls are overflowing with the day’s fresh catch. The bonito, the size of large mackerel, make us wince. Check out the prices displayed.







This little detour wasn’t originally part of the plan, so we missed the market’s basement and the nearby side streets. Along the way, squeezed between two imposing, charm-free buildings, a tiny church stands its ground.