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Mediterranean Cruise - 2008
We finally decided to take the trip we had been talking about since our wedding. NCL's Egypt and Greek Isles 12 day cruise stopped at the following ports: Istanbul, Ephesus, Santorini, Mykonos & Delos, Iraklion, Alexandria & Cairo, Corfu, Katakolon & Olympia, and Athens. We traveled from September 18th to October 3rd and had a terrific time.
ISTANBUL - Pictures
Our first stop was Hagia Sophia or St. Sophia Museum, built in the 6th century. This remarkable Byzantine site is often considered the 8th wonder of the world. The earliest version of Hagia Sophia, built in 360 AD, functioned as a church. However, when the Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted to a mosque. The Christian frescoes and mosaics were covered in plaster, since the Islamic code forbids figural representation, which incidentally preserved this ancient work quite well. This site was converted to a museum in 1935 and now displays both the Islamic and Christian work.
Our second stop was the basicila cistern, built during the reign of emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. This cathedral-sized cistern is an underground chamber of 143 by 65 metres, capable of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water. The large space is broken up by a forest of 336 marble columns each 9 metres high. The columns are arranged in 12 rows each consisting of 28 columns. The capitals of the columns are mainly Ionic and Corinthian styles, with the exception of a few Doric style with no engravings. The cistern is surrounded by a firebrick wall with a thickness of 4 meters and coated with a special mortar for waterproofing. The cistern's water was provided from the Belgrade Woods, which lie 19 kilometers north of the city, via aqueducts built by Emperor Justinian.
We then visited the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque, due to the over 21,000 blue-green Iznik tiles used for the interior decor. The exterior is also quite unique, due to its six minarets and the layout of the domes and semi domes. The mosque was built between 1609 and 1616. Designed by architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque is considered to be the last example of classical Ottoman architecture.
We finished our day at the Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi), one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets and 6,000 shops. It receives between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
EPHESUS - Pictures
Ephesus was a city of ancient Anatolia. It contains the largest collection of Roman ruins East of the Mediterranean and only an estimated 15% has been excavated. The Library of Celsus, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces, was built ca. 125 AD by Gaius Julius Aquila in memory of his father. The Temple of Domitian was one of the largest temples of the city. It was erected on a pseudodipteral plan with 8 x 13 columns. The temple and its statue are some of the few remains connected with Domitian. The Theater, at an estimated 44,000 seating capacity, is believed to be the largest outdoor theater in the ancient world.
SANTORINI - Pictures
Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera. We walked along the rim of this caldera from Thira to Oia, taking in the amazing view.
We were lucky enough to have arrived ahead of schedule in Santorini. Our ship was the first one anchored and we took one of the first tenders onto the island. It was incredibly serene, exploring the area without masses of tourists and vendors beckoning you from every direction.
MYKONOS - Pictures
Mykonos was the mythological location of the battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. The island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons. During ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the then highly populated island of Delos (situated about 2km away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.
DELOS - Pictures
According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Their mother, Leto, was banished from the earth by the jealous Hera, wife of Zeus, but Poseidon took pity on her and provided Delos as a place for her to rest and give birth. By 1000 BC the Ionians, who inhabited the Cyclades, had made Delos their religious capital. A difficult period began for the Delians when Athens rose to power and assumed Ionian leadership. In 543 BC an oracle at Delphi conveniently decreed that the Athenians purify the island by removing all the graves to Rhenea, a dictate designed to alienate the Delians from their past. After the defeat of the Persians in 478 BC, the Athenians organized the Delian League, with its treasury and headquarters at Delos.
IRAKLION - Pictures
The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and probably the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture. Knossos was a complex collection of over 1000 interlocking rooms, some of which served as artisans' workrooms and food processing centres (e.g. wine presses). It served as a central storage point, and a religious and administrative centre. This location is the source of the myth of the labyrinth, an elaborate mazelike structure constructed for King Minos of Crete to hold the Minotaur, a creature that was half man and half bull, which was eventually killed by the Athenian hero Theseus. We then headed to Arolithos, a traditional Cretan village, which was quite interesting.
ALEXANDRIA - Pictures
Alexandria is Egypt's largest seaport, serving about 80% of its imports and exports. Alexandria is an important industrial center because of its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez. It was also an important trading post between Europe and Asia, because it profited from the easy overland connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
CAIRO - Pictures
Our first stop was in Memphis to visit the ruins of the temple of Ptah, which includes the statue of King Ramses II and the Sphinx of King Amenhopis II. Our next stop was Sakkara, an ancient cemetary featuring the world's oldest standing step pyramid. We then visited a nearby mastaba (funerary chamber). Unfortunately we couldn't take pictures inside, but the walls were exquisitely decorated with highly detailed work.
CORFU - Pictures
Many myths and legends feature Corfu including: Hercules, Homer, Odysseus and Jason with his Argonauts. Not surprisingly, Corfu town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List which has helped preserve its architecture and monuments. Corfu's interesting architecture results from its political history.
The Venetians ruled the island from 1386 to 1797, after which it fell into French hands. It was also occupied by Russian-Turkish forces. In 1815 the British were the regents of Corfu and they stayed for almost 50 years. The Italians occupied the island in 1923 and 1941. Corfu was bombarded by the Germans and the Allies during World War II. The island was never conquered by the Turks. Instead, the Venetians ruled here, which of course has influenced both the culture, architecture and language. The island became part of Greece in 1864 after being ruled by other nations as well: French, Russian and British.
OLYMPIA - Pictures
Olympia, a sanctuary of ancient Greece, is known for having been the site of the Olympic games in classical times. The games were held every Olympiad (every four years) and dated back further than 776 BC.
ATHENS
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Acropolis Pics
Plaka & Sntagma Pics
National Archeological Museum Pics
Our cruise ended in Athens, where we stayed for two nights. We visited the Acropolis, Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, Plaka, National Archeological Museum, and Syntagma Square. Athens is a very unique metropolis with ancient monuments neighbouring contemporary structures. Athens is a certainly a must see!
NCL JADE - Pictures
Various pictures in and around our ship, which still has quite the Hawain theme from its former itinerary.
Stats
Year Built: 2006
Refurbished: 2008
Size of Ship: 92,000 tons
Passenger Capacity: 2,816
Number of Crew: 1,000
Decks: 15
Maximum Speed: 24.6 knots
Length: 920 feet
Beam: 105 feet
ISTANBUL - Pictures
Our first stop was Hagia Sophia or St. Sophia Museum, built in the 6th century. This remarkable Byzantine site is often considered the 8th wonder of the world. The earliest version of Hagia Sophia, built in 360 AD, functioned as a church. However, when the Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted to a mosque. The Christian frescoes and mosaics were covered in plaster, since the Islamic code forbids figural representation, which incidentally preserved this ancient work quite well. This site was converted to a museum in 1935 and now displays both the Islamic and Christian work.
Our second stop was the basicila cistern, built during the reign of emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. This cathedral-sized cistern is an underground chamber of 143 by 65 metres, capable of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water. The large space is broken up by a forest of 336 marble columns each 9 metres high. The columns are arranged in 12 rows each consisting of 28 columns. The capitals of the columns are mainly Ionic and Corinthian styles, with the exception of a few Doric style with no engravings. The cistern is surrounded by a firebrick wall with a thickness of 4 meters and coated with a special mortar for waterproofing. The cistern's water was provided from the Belgrade Woods, which lie 19 kilometers north of the city, via aqueducts built by Emperor Justinian.
We then visited the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque, due to the over 21,000 blue-green Iznik tiles used for the interior decor. The exterior is also quite unique, due to its six minarets and the layout of the domes and semi domes. The mosque was built between 1609 and 1616. Designed by architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque is considered to be the last example of classical Ottoman architecture.
We finished our day at the Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi), one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets and 6,000 shops. It receives between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
EPHESUS - Pictures
Ephesus was a city of ancient Anatolia. It contains the largest collection of Roman ruins East of the Mediterranean and only an estimated 15% has been excavated. The Library of Celsus, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces, was built ca. 125 AD by Gaius Julius Aquila in memory of his father. The Temple of Domitian was one of the largest temples of the city. It was erected on a pseudodipteral plan with 8 x 13 columns. The temple and its statue are some of the few remains connected with Domitian. The Theater, at an estimated 44,000 seating capacity, is believed to be the largest outdoor theater in the ancient world.
SANTORINI - Pictures
Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera. We walked along the rim of this caldera from Thira to Oia, taking in the amazing view.
We were lucky enough to have arrived ahead of schedule in Santorini. Our ship was the first one anchored and we took one of the first tenders onto the island. It was incredibly serene, exploring the area without masses of tourists and vendors beckoning you from every direction.
MYKONOS - Pictures
Mykonos was the mythological location of the battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. The island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons. During ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the then highly populated island of Delos (situated about 2km away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.
DELOS - Pictures
According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Their mother, Leto, was banished from the earth by the jealous Hera, wife of Zeus, but Poseidon took pity on her and provided Delos as a place for her to rest and give birth. By 1000 BC the Ionians, who inhabited the Cyclades, had made Delos their religious capital. A difficult period began for the Delians when Athens rose to power and assumed Ionian leadership. In 543 BC an oracle at Delphi conveniently decreed that the Athenians purify the island by removing all the graves to Rhenea, a dictate designed to alienate the Delians from their past. After the defeat of the Persians in 478 BC, the Athenians organized the Delian League, with its treasury and headquarters at Delos.
IRAKLION - Pictures
The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and probably the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture. Knossos was a complex collection of over 1000 interlocking rooms, some of which served as artisans' workrooms and food processing centres (e.g. wine presses). It served as a central storage point, and a religious and administrative centre. This location is the source of the myth of the labyrinth, an elaborate mazelike structure constructed for King Minos of Crete to hold the Minotaur, a creature that was half man and half bull, which was eventually killed by the Athenian hero Theseus. We then headed to Arolithos, a traditional Cretan village, which was quite interesting.
ALEXANDRIA - Pictures
Alexandria is Egypt's largest seaport, serving about 80% of its imports and exports. Alexandria is an important industrial center because of its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez. It was also an important trading post between Europe and Asia, because it profited from the easy overland connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
CAIRO - Pictures
Our first stop was in Memphis to visit the ruins of the temple of Ptah, which includes the statue of King Ramses II and the Sphinx of King Amenhopis II. Our next stop was Sakkara, an ancient cemetary featuring the world's oldest standing step pyramid. We then visited a nearby mastaba (funerary chamber). Unfortunately we couldn't take pictures inside, but the walls were exquisitely decorated with highly detailed work.
CORFU - Pictures
Many myths and legends feature Corfu including: Hercules, Homer, Odysseus and Jason with his Argonauts. Not surprisingly, Corfu town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List which has helped preserve its architecture and monuments. Corfu's interesting architecture results from its political history.
The Venetians ruled the island from 1386 to 1797, after which it fell into French hands. It was also occupied by Russian-Turkish forces. In 1815 the British were the regents of Corfu and they stayed for almost 50 years. The Italians occupied the island in 1923 and 1941. Corfu was bombarded by the Germans and the Allies during World War II. The island was never conquered by the Turks. Instead, the Venetians ruled here, which of course has influenced both the culture, architecture and language. The island became part of Greece in 1864 after being ruled by other nations as well: French, Russian and British.
OLYMPIA - Pictures
Olympia, a sanctuary of ancient Greece, is known for having been the site of the Olympic games in classical times. The games were held every Olympiad (every four years) and dated back further than 776 BC.
ATHENS
Acropolis Pics
Plaka & Sntagma Pics
National Archeological Museum PicsOur cruise ended in Athens, where we stayed for two nights. We visited the Acropolis, Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, Plaka, National Archeological Museum, and Syntagma Square. Athens is a very unique metropolis with ancient monuments neighbouring contemporary structures. Athens is a certainly a must see!
NCL JADE - Pictures
Various pictures in and around our ship, which still has quite the Hawain theme from its former itinerary.
Stats
Year Built: 2006
Refurbished: 2008
Size of Ship: 92,000 tons
Passenger Capacity: 2,816
Number of Crew: 1,000
Decks: 15
Maximum Speed: 24.6 knots
Length: 920 feet
Beam: 105 feet