7-Day Greek Isles & Ephesus
7-Day Greek Isles & Ephesus
Cruise overview
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About Piraeus
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.
About Gythio
About Chania
About Mykonos
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
About Çesme
About Kusadasi
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.
About Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
Approximately 1189 square feet (110 square meters) of inside space, plus two verandas totalling 214 square feet (20 square meters)
Grand Wintergarden Suites feature:
- Large windows
- Dining for six
- Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
- Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
- Guest bath
- Two bedrooms
- Convertible sofa bed for one
- Pantry with wet bar
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Approximately 914 square feet (85 square meters) of inside space, one veranda of 183 sq. ft. (17 square meters.).
Wintergarden Suites feature:
- Large windows
- Dining for six
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Guest bath
- Convertible sofa bed for one
- Pantry with wet bar
- Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
- Two closets
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Approximately 859 square feet (80 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 493 square feet (46 square meters)
Signature Suites feature:
- Expansive ocean views
- Forward-facing windows
- Dining for four to six
- Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
- Guest bath
- Pantry with wet bar
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Approximately 526 & 593 square feet (49 to 55 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 133 & 354 square feet (12 to 33 square meters)
Owner's Suites feature:
- Expansive ocean views
- Forward-facing windows
- Dining for four to six
- Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
- Guest bath
- Pantry with wet bar
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Approximately 536 to 539 square feet (50 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 167 to 200 square feet (16 to 19 square meters)
All Penthouse Spa Suite feature:
- Dining table for two to four
- Separate bedroom
- Glass door to veranda
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Fully stocked bar
- Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
All Penthouse Suites on board feature a comfortable living area, glass door to private veranda, queen-size-bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet with personal safe, two flat-screen TV with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, writing desk with personalized stationary, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers hair dryer and 110/220V AC outlets
All Penthouse Suite feature
- Dining table for two to four
- Separate bedroom
- Glass door to veranda
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Fully stocked bar
- Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
Approximately 436 square feet (41 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 98 square feet (9 square meters)
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Penthouse Suite feature:
- Dining table for two to four
- Separate bedroom
- Glass door to veranda
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Fully stocked bar
- Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Veranda Suites feature:
- A full-length window
- Glass door to private veranda
- Comfortable living area
- Queen-size bed or two twin beds
- Dining table for two
- Walk-in closet
- Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
- Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
- Makeup vanity
- Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
All Ocean View Suites feature a large picture window, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower. Approximately 295 sq. ft. (28 sq.m.) of inside space
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Ocean View Suites feature:
- A large picture window
- Comfortable living area
- Queen-size bed or two twin beds
- Dining table for two
- Walk-in closet
- Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
- Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
- Makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Seabourn Quest
Seabourn Quest is the third iteration of the vessel design that has been called “a game-changer for the luxury segment.” True to her Seabourn bloodlines, wherever she sails around the world, Seabourn Quest carries with her a bevy of award-winning dining venues that are comparable to the finest restaurants to be found anywhere. Seabourn Quest offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and every mood, with never an extra charge.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 19 | ||||||||
| Width | 26 | ||||||||
| Length | 198 | ||||||||
| Capacity | 450 | ||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||
| Crew Count | 330 | ||||||||
| Deck Count | 10 | ||||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||||
| Cabin Count | 229 | ||||||||
| Launch Year | 2011 | ||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 32000 | ||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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| Large Cabin Count | 10 | ||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 7 |
To see the legend for these deck plans, please hover your mouse over the images below
To toggle the legend for these deck plans, please tap on any of the images below
Deck 11
- The Retreat
- Sun Terrace
Deck 10
- Observation Bar
- Penthouse Suite
- Veranda Suite
- Penthouse Spa Suite
Deck 9
- Bridge
- Sky Bar
- Fitness Centre
- Motion Studio
- Spa & Wellness Area
- Salon
- Treatment Rooms
- Penthouse Suites
- Veranda Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
Deck 8
- The Patio
- Patio Bar
- Whirlpools
- Pool
- The Grill by Thomas Keller
- The Colonnade
- Owner's Suites
- Veranda Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
Deck 7
- Card Room
- The Collection
- Shops
- Coffee Bar
- Seabourn Square
- Grand Wintergarden Suite
- Wintergarden Suite
- Grand Signature Suites
- Signature Suites
- Owner's Suites
- Veranda Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
Deck 6
- Whirlpool
- Grand Salon
- Owner's Suites
- Veranda Suites
- Penthouse Suite (x1 Accessible Suite)
Deck 5
- Meeting Rooms
- Casino
- Club Bar
- The Club
- Pool
- Whirlpools
- Veranda Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
Deck 4
- The Restaurant
- Galley
- Ocean View Suites (x1 Accessible Suite)
Deck 3
- Medical Facility
Deck 2
- Marina
Seabourn’s award-winning cuisine starts with the finest quality ingredients, infused with authentic regional flavors, prepared á la minute by our skilled chefs and served with pride. Each Seabourn ship offers a choice of dining venues to suit your mood of the moment, and nearly all are open-seating, inviting you to dine where, when and with whom you wish. Complimentary fine wines are poured with lunch and dinner, and there is never an extra charge for any dining choice. You can even enjoy a meal in your suite or on your veranda, with our compliments. Seabourn is a proud member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious gastronomic societies devoted to the art of fine dining.
The Restaurant
Before Seabourn, open-seating dining on a cruise ship was unheard of. Come when you like, with whom you please, and be seated as you wish. The room is beautiful, the cuisine is exquisite, and the service is simultaneously flawless, friendly and fun.
The Colonnade
Our more casual, indoor/outdoor alternative, features an open kitchen, lavish buffets or table service for breakfasts and lunch, and serves regionally themed, bistro-style dinners with table service nightly. At The Colonnade, special theme nights feature Chef Keller-influenced dinners that pay homage to his American childhood. His interpretations of classic comfort dishes, such as Clam Bake and BBQ Ribs will be served family-style on platters to complement the essence of sharing in a relaxed spirit of fun and togetherness. *Chef Thomas Keller influenced menu served family-style in The Colonnade are available for reservations once onboard.
The Grill by Thomas Keller
The Grill by Thomas Keller is a unique culinary concept for Chef Keller, exclusive to Seabourn. Guests setting foot inside the elegant dining room will be treated to table-side preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes as well as a range of other steakhouse favourites like Lobster Thermidor and creamed spinach, presented à la carte. The timeless menu will draw on the freshest products from artisan purveyors. A cocktail program and wine list of domestic and old-world labels complement the menu. For Booked Guests: Dining reservations for The Grill by Thomas Keller can be requested online prior to sailing, subject to availability. Online reservations close 15 days prior to sailing. Due to high demand, online reservations are recommended, however, reservations can also be made on board. One reservation permitted per voyage. For additional details or to make a reservation, log in and customise your itinerary.
The Patio
Relaxed poolside dining offering luncheon buffets, salads, soups, grilled specialties and freshly baked pizza. Dinners feature a full menu in an alfresco setting. For The Patio, Chef Keller has developed exclusively for us, a signature Napa burger, as well as an artisanal hot dog dubbed the Yountwurst, named for the hometown of The French Laundry, Ad Hoc, and the original Bouchon and Bouchon Bakery.
In-Suite Dining
Seabourn is pleased to offer a varied menu available around the clock for service in your suite. You may also order dinner from The Restaurant menu and have your meal served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.
Earth & Ocean
Each evening, our skilled Earth & Ocean chefs create an imaginative array of fresh, inventive dishes—a sophisticated menu celebrating eclectic traditional flavors from around the world, served in a relaxed setting under the stars for a distinctive dining experience unlike any other on board.
Seabourn Quest features a range of entertainment facilities, including lounges, bars and a casino, as well as a choice of daytime activities. Some of the ship's more unique activities are Evening Under the Stars and Movie Under the Stars, which are Seabourn's signature on deck entertainment.
Seabourn Square
A place to enjoy your newspaper or to socialise with your fellow passengers, Seabourn Square is what you're looking for. Seabourn Square is the true ‘living room’ of the ships. An inviting sociable space where guests will find a charming European style coffee bar, Seabourn Square has been designed as an open, comfortable environment for guests to interact with onboard officers and the expedition team and engage in conversation with family and new friends. The space is also home to the highly-trained Guest Services staff, who provide a range of concierge services such as general ship information, assistance with special service requests, port and travel information, and more.
A selection of coffees are prepared by the skilled onboard baristas some using beans roasted in Seabourn Square. For those feeling a bit hungry, Seabourn Square offers freshly made pastries and other on-the-go breakfast items in the morning, as well as an assortment of light sandwiches and desserts later in the day, along with a selection of artisanal gelati made on board. Guests will also find a wide range of books in the adjoining library, with a host of titles on subjects such as adventure, expeditions and other topics of interest to enjoy while onboard. Staying current with the news is made easy with a selection of printed newspapers from around the world and tablets featuring the Press Reader news application available to browse each day.
Casino
World's Finest Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line™
The Seabourn casino offers a handsome, well-appointed enclave for those attracted to games of chance and skill. Relax and test the odds on various mechanical games or pit your skills against personable, professional dealers at blackjack or poker tables.
Evenings Under The Stars
One of the most FUN evenings during any cruise, Evenings Under the Stars is a night where guests can let their hair down and simply be in the moment. Enjoy Let’s Dance! with great live music, interact with fellow travellers and be spoiled in true Seabourn style by our food and beverage team with Desserts Under the Stars. A signature event, this dance party has been a part of the line’s rich culture, and a Seabourn cruise is not complete without Let’s Dance! and Desserts Under The Stars. Weather permitting, this high-energy dance party is hosted poolside and under the stars by the entire entertainment team, featuring performances by The Band, vocalists and dancers. There is even the possibility your Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director might jump on stage to perform, as well! Guests can expect music that appeals to everyone’s taste with a great mix of hit songs. It’s a real treat and guests LOVE Evenings Under the Stars!
Card Room
Many veteran cruisers specifically choose cruises that provide at least a few days at sea. The Card Room is a great choice for the sea-loving cruiser who craves that languorous feeling of lazy leisure. There will be loads of on board activities during those days, including a great game of bridge.
Sky Bar
The Sky Bar is a place to enjoy a refreshing tropical beverage during the day, or an evening cocktail under the stars.
Observation Bar
Enjoy this stunning lounge with a bar and panoramic views. Enjoy coffee and tea served every morning, and drinks before or after dinner.
The Club
Open for afternoon tea then transforms into a dance club in the evening. Socialise while enjoying cocktails, live music, and great company.
Shops
Whether you're buying souvenirs for your friends at home or want a memento of your vacation, our Shops will have what you need. Shop for fashion and cosmetics at The Boutique, jewellery and fine watches at The Collection, or logo cruisewear at the Shop.
The Retreat
A tranquil setting housed in a distinctive flower-shaped canopy that shields guests from sun and wind, The Retreat is ringed with 15 private cabanas designed as individual luxury living rooms that each feature a large HD flat screen television and a refrigerator stocked with a personalized selection of beverages. An additional Spa Treatment Cabana is also available for guests to enjoy personalized spa services, subject to availability. For additional details or reservation, log in and customize your itinerary.
The Retreat is located around a central whirlpool with step-up access to water maintained at an inviting temperature. Up to 28 guests can stretch out on comfortable sun loungers; pull up a bar stool or take a table seat for champagne and cocktails custom created by Seabourn mixologists; or enjoy a selection of bites from a healthy spa menu. A selection of amenities include fresh fruit baskets, premium sun lotions, Evian mist spray, plush towels and personalized bathrobes, while a dedicated Retreat Concierge will be available to satisfy guest requests.
Cabanas at The Retreat will be available daily and may be reserved for a full day via the Guest Service Specialists at Seabourn Square.
Grand Salon
The ship’s main showroom can accommodate all guests, though it seldom does because of the variety available. Lectures, cooking demonstrations, movies and other gatherings are held here in the daytime. In the evenings, live music for dancing before dinner gives way to vocal production shows, cabaret performances, comedy, and classical recitals, as well as more dancing later.
Sun Terrace
Sun Terrace with double sun loungers.