Seabourn Ovation Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We booked this cruise by default. My DH and I were supposed to sail to the Amazon March 2020 but Covid stopped that. Then we rebooked for Australia - cancelled, rebooked for Bbaltic- cancelled, etc. Finally Greece opened and we jumped. This trip would have been iconic if the weather was bit cooler, but we were so thankful to sail again and on this amazing ship.
There were six in our party. We all flew into Athens two days before the cruise doing the pre-cruise add on. There were some last minute flight changes and Had to call American Airlines myself because whomever Seabourn hires to do the travel arrangements, needs to be replaced. We let our TA know that my daughter's flight was cancelled twice but rebooked with us. When we arrived in Athens, they did not have anyone to meet them so they rode with us. Fortunately (luckily) we had a van picking us up. This flight information was shared 18 hours before we arrived, I think an email would have solved this.
The pre-cruise hotel at the Grand Bretagne was fantastic. We cannot say enough about this gorgeous old girl.They set up our covid test required to be done 48 hours before the cruise. They also arranged our 2 tours. One was phenomenal and the other ok. The heat was to blame for not thoroughly enjoying the 2nd tour. We had dinner on the roof at sunset to watch the Acropolis light up. The breakfasts were fantastic.
Cabin Review
Grand Suite
We had the Wintergarden suite with the adjacent verandah. It is elegantly understated. We really did use all of the space. We never used the bath tub and wished for bigger shower. We have had larger suites on HAL and Celebrity but it a smaller ship. We have had larger balconies on Celebrity but we didn't need it for this sailing, it was far too hot!
Port Reviews
Crete was lovely, so much history. I did not realize how low desert like these Greek islands were, Knossos is worth the trip. I love the history.
Limassol
We were afraid to disembark here after receiving a letter in our cabin that we could get tested for covid here randomly. If you test positive you have to disembark and quarantine there. It is not a place I want to stay for 14 days, so just in case we stayed onboard. we were not refunded our prepayment for the excursion because we did not give 48 hour notice. My family members who went out really enjoyed a visit to a village that was war torn and full of history. The residents were kind and hospitable and so happy to receive tourists again. FYI. no one was picked for a test in our party.
Mykonos
Mykonos is what you make of it. We took the tender to the town, walked around the little bay, dodging vehicles, boarded a bus and went to the beach. The restaurant there is just gorgeous. clean bathrooms. like the Caribbean, there are men walking around trying to sell knock off bags, watches, and sunglasses. My husband went for a walk on the beechnut forgot to mention if he had found a nude or topless section. When we returned, most went shopping after the beach.
Nafplion
My favorite port. I like the wineries and quaint village feel at the port itself; with the flowers blooming everywhere. If it weren't so hot out, I would imagine that there would be musicians out playing in the shadows of the old military fortifications. I could have shopped here and really enjoyed myself but my husband was with me, ha!
Rhodes
Rhodes is a cool walled city. It is within 4 minutes walking distance. The beach is about a15-20 minute walk depending on your ability. Tis is the cheapest place to buy any trinkets. We did a religious tour, but the guide was terrible and she did not take questions. It was a Seabourn tour. After we ended the tour, we explored on our own and had lunch at a beautiful place in the alleys. I could easily spend several days here.