On Board the MV Athena

After four days in and around Venice, it was time to time to board OAT’s small ship, the MV Athena, for the start of a cruise down the Adriatic coast of Italy, on to Sicily, and finally, Malta. 

Since the vaporetto drivers had declared a one-day strike, we had to walk to the dock in the Dorsoduro sestiere. It wasn’t really very far (less than half an hour) and our luggage was transported for us, but I felt hot under the direct mid-afternoon sun. Fortunately, Marco gave us an opportunity to cool off with a Bellini while we waited at an outdoor restaurant for the crew to complete their preparations. How very appropriate, since the Bellini was invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1948. 

 

I have to admit that I was really excited about the cruise. It had been many years since Elliott and I had done any cruising, and the few cruises we’d done had all been on large ships in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. I had a feeling that this was going to be a totally different experience. The photos below were taken on our first cruise, in 1988.

Right after we went through security (just like at the airport) and boarded the Athena, I inspected my cozy wood-paneled cabin. It had all the conveniences I needed – two beds, four portholes, desk, closet, reading chair and table, etc. plus a compact bathroom. In fact, I was quite impressed at how all the essential elements fit together in such a small space. 

 

Then I set out to explore the rest of the ship, which didn’t take very long since the Athena holds only 50 passengers. There was just enough to time to check out the lounge and restaurant. I immediately noted that the ship had a simple, relaxed style, nothing like the big cruise ships that are designed to dazzle. 

Once the announcement came over the loud speaker for the required safety drill, I rushed up to the sun deck and slipped on an orange life jacket. Afterwards, I took a quick shower and changed into fresh clothes for our official welcome event. Many of my fellow passengers were already in the lounge, holding glasses of prosecco. The atmosphere was festive, as we chatted, sipped our drinks, and munched on hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Once we were all assembled, the captain, who was from Croatia, welcomed us on board and introduced each member of the multinational crew. Romania, Serbia, India, and Indonesia were represented. All spoke excellent English and it was immediately apparent that every single one of them had great interpersonal skills. (I don’t know how they managed it, but they seemed to be available 24/7, and always had smiles on their faces.) 

 

Before the captain turned the microphone over to our OAT Tour Experience Leaders, he gave us a brief report on the sea conditions we could expect during our overnight sail. Then Marco and Fay, the OAT tour experience leaders, gave the first of our nightly port talks.  They indicated on a map where we were going (Ravenna), provided background information for the places we’d visit, gave us a weather report, and went over the schedule for the following day. 

 

Next, the ringing of a bell summoned us to the dining room for dinner. Our welcome dinner was a sumptuous multi-course meal, complete with unlimited wine. Each course was a work of art. The cold appetizer was smoked ham on a bed of colorful salad with dry fig mousse and crispy pear slice. 

The hot appetizer was a poached shellfish soufflé on a white wine risotto with a lobster curry sauce. 

Before the entrée, we refreshed our palates with a flute filled with orange sorbet, watermelon and champagne. 

I was pleased that we had a choice for the main course. The vegetarian option, which I selected, was homemade spring rolls on a bed of fried egg noodles with a sweet and sour sauce. It was as delicious as it beautiful. 

And somehow, I managed to find room for dessert – crème brulée with fresh fruit and pistachio ice cream, accompanied by petit fours. 

By the time we finished our lengthy meal, it was nearly 9pm and the sky was quickly changing color. Our departure was only minutes away. Most of us went up to the sun deck to take a last look at Venice off to the left, I mean port, side of the ship. The lights in the historic buildings were going on as our ship made its way slowly out through the lagoon. 

A mere four days ago, I’d arrived by water and now I was leaving by water. As Venice faded into the distance, I said a wistful arrivederci to this magical city and wondered if it would still be here in the years to come for my grandchildren to discover.