Saturday, 1 November 2025
Spetses, Saronic Islands, Greece

This morning we tender in to another small Greek island, Spetses. One of the special joys of this cruise is that we visit many ports that larger cruise ships bypass. The Encore is also among the last ships to cruise these waters until the spring. It is especially interesting to be here as the tourist season winds down, with few crowds and very appreciative locals.

Spetses is a small island only a few hours by ferry from Athens. In the past, Spetses was among the most popular of islands, especially with wealthy and trendy travelers. However, since Mykonos came on the scene as the hottest place to be in the 1960s, Spetses has become more quiet and laid-back, although it is still home to many fashionable and iconic boutiques and hotels.

Since we have an early shore excursion today, we enjoy an ample and elegant room-service breakfast in our suite. The excursion is described as "a stroll through Spetses," and we are both looking forward to being on shore.  However, today is the first day of bad weather and after arriving on shore, Will decides the wet, slippery pavement looks too dangerous, and heads back to the ship on the same tender.

Arriving at the Tender Port in Light Rain

The walk takes about 2.5 hours, with an extra half hour for refreshments at a portside cafe. Even though it rains on-and-off for the walk, I enjoy my time here very much. We have an excellent guide and a small group. Although the tour is titled, "A Stroll," it is a little more strenuous than expected, with several hills and stone steps to maneuver. It was a wise decision for Will to return to the ship. The walk takes us all around this small town, both the island and port sides. There is only one required stop, at the former home of Laskarina Bouboulina (1771-1885), one of the major heroines of the Greek War for Independence from Turkey.

Otherwise, we enjoy the many examples of fine architecture, beautiful shops, narrow lanes, and views of the Gulf of Argolis.

The Poseidon Hotel, Spetses Finest, Now Closed Until April

A Typical Blue and White Home with Bougainvillea-Framed Doorway

A Narrow Street of Shops and Boutique Hotels

Church of Agios Nikolaos (c 1700, Tower 1805)

A Lane Leading from the Cathedral to the Port

Seaside Promenade 

After returning from Spetses I meet Will on the outdoor terrace of the Colonnade for lunch from the buffet. I won't dwell on the healthy meals we eat, but I will admit that I have three (count 'em!) samples from the spectacular daily dessert display, and Will eats two!

Many passengers will be leaving the Encore when we reach Athens tomorrow. This evening there is a sailaway "Abba & Caviar Party," poolside on Deck 9. There is lots of alcohol, caviar, and finger foods to enjoy while the house band and vocalist serenade with all the hits of Abba.

After dressing for dinner, and before going to the Restaurant, Will and I start a new evening routine, martinis in the Club Bar on Deck 5. We then head to dinners of:

    Will--plum tomato soup, beef tenderloin, gelato for dessert.

    Larry--hearts of palm in citrus vinaigrette, fresh- grilled salmon, pistachio hot soufflé for dessert.

And, of course, all the Champagne we can drink without falling over.