Today the Zuiderdam is docked off the harbor of Korcula (kor-chu'la), an island off the Dalmatian coastline of Croatia.  This is the first port that requires tendering, which goes fine until about 2pm, when the waters alongside the dock become too rough for passengers. Luckily, I have reboarded the ship just before tendering is suspended. As promised, I now return to a more chronological report of the cruise, beginning with our one sea day and a delightful day in Argostoli, on the Greek Island of Cephalonia, in the Adriatic.

Friday, 19 April 2015
Sailing from Malta to Argostoli   

Today's sea day is welcomely restful and the only major news is that during the early hours of the morning we sailed back to Malta to allow a very sick passenger to be removed from the ship.  Since we are travelling relatively short distances between ports we will still be able to dock in Argostoli at the scheduled time of 8am on Saturday.  The Mariner's award ceremony and brunch fill the midday and I opt for dinner in the Pinnacle Grill on this first formal night (hardly a tuxedo in sight, most men wear sport jackets and ties, as I do).  The steak dinner in the Pinnacle is very good, as usual, although I am disappointed that they no longer serve the tri-color creme brulee for dessert.

Saturday, 18 April 2015
Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece

Argostoli is one of those perfect ports where there are no important historical monuments or major churches to see.  I spend the morning walking the pedestrians-only streets of the "not-very-old" town and alongside the harbor.  My major activity is sitting in a small cafe in the central square enjoying a cappuccino and free wi-fi.  I visit several small churches and the picturesque, but closed, causeway connecting Argostoli to the village on the other side of the port.  On the way back to the Zuiderdam I opt for lunch at a small seaside restaurant and enjoy a Greek salad and a platter of grilled chicken brochettes with French fries.