Almost live review - Infinity 6/17 Greece & Turkey & post cruise stay on Paros

[Miaminice]

2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 1
An uneventful early flight brought us straight to Athens from Frankfurt. Since we were in no hurry we walked to the airport’s metro station and bought tickets for €9 each. Our coincidental timing was perfect. When we got to the platform there was a train waiting and the doors closed right after we got in. So only about 45 minutes later we reached Syntagma Square and walked another 5 minutes to our hotel.
Our luck continued at the Hotel Central. Although we were there way before check-in time, they had a room for us already. The hotel‘s lobby was very inviting and the staff very friendly. Just for the night we booked a classic room, but it was nice and we were happy with our choice of hotel. It also features a rooftop terrace and bar offering fabulous Acropolis views. A view we would surely enjoy while having a nightcap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No visit to Athens is complete for us without a visit of the Le Petit Village Bistro, a place we discovered in 2015. Shortly after the courageous owner opened up in the worst of times. We are extremely happy to find it doing well and extremely surprised that the owner still remembers us. Without us saying anything he came up and welcomed us back. And after we had some of the delicious signature homemade lemonades and some mouthwatering artisan sandwiches, he even treated us to a heavenly Praline Croissant dessert.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in Athens looking for a snack or some refreshments, skip the touristy places, indulge like a local and stop by at the Le Petit Village.
After a nap at the hotel - which Birgit pleaded for - we walked our usual route through Athens. While doing so we agreed, no mater how often we have done it, Athen keeps growing on us. The colorful shops in the streets of Plaka, the quirky shops and antiquarian bookstores in the flea market area, the view of the Parthenon towering over the cradle of democracy and, of course, the countless small and inviting little restaurants lining every street and alley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few thousand steps later we got changed at the hotel and walked back to Lysikrates Square in the heart of Plaka where, nestled under the canopy of some trees, lies the Diogenes Restaurant. Despite the fact that it can hardly be called a hidden gem, we like the atmosphere, the good food and the friendly service. Unfortunately it had started to drizzle and we had to sit inside. At first we were disappointed but then the small room where we were seated turned out to be very cozy with pleasant background music. The food was as good as we remembered it to be.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile it had stopped raining. So our nightcap on the rooftop was safe… Kalispera from Greece, dear friends.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 28, 2023 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 2 - Embarkation 
This morning we weren’t woken up by the alarm clock at an ungodly hour and slept in. Well, at least longer than yesterday. The hotel offered a good breakfast in a nice and modern breakfast room, and following a few cups of cappuccino we were ready to go out into the world.

 

 

 

First we stopped at the Hondos Center on the main shopping street around the corner. Hondos is a store comparable to Walgreens or CVS. We purchased some sunscreen and after sun lotion for the trip and strolled through the streets a bit before heading to the Le Petit Village for some healthy and delicious smoothies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At around 11am we headed back to the hotel, picked up our luggage and ordered a taxi by using the Uber app. It arrived 2 minutes later and took us to Piraeus for € 16.
Check in went smoothly and not much later we took the stairs to our stateroom where we found our seapass cards at the door. Balcony stateroom 8038 will be our home for the next week. We found it in good shape and as inviting as ever.

 

 

 

 

Next stop Oceanview… it was still pretty quiet and we managed to find a table outside by the bar. The food looked enticing and smiles and “welcome backs” were omnipresent.

 

 

 

 

Before having a tea at our beloved Al Bacio we stopped by at our muster station in the theater, had our cards scanned and were ready to start our cruise. Navigating the way to the theater we talked about being back on M class again. After 4 cruises in a row on E class ships plus cruises on other new ships, Infinity sure feels very traditional and in contrast maybe even a bit outdated to us. However, by what we saw so far, she seems in good and clean shape for her age. So we are sure we’ll enjoy her familiar and cozy ambiance for the next week.

While Birgit unpacked her suitcase I walked around the ship to take some photos. I have to admit, it sure hurt to take pictures in Blu knowing we would not dine there. We are big fans of Aqua because of Blu but didn’t book Aqua class this time due to a huge and unreasonable difference in price. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While sailing away from Athens towards Thessaloniki we relaxed and did some reading before having dinner in the MDR. Although we had a nice table at the aft window overlooking the ship‘s wake and the food was good, we both agreed that we are definitely spoiled by Blu or even the smaller dining rooms on Edge class. We felt it was quite noisy, a bit dark in design and the service somewhat impersonal. 

As always we had a tea at Al Bacio as a nightcap and enjoyed the view out of the bay window before calling it a day.

[Texed]

Thanks for posting.  😊

[Miaminice]

2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 3 - Thessaloniki
The late arrival at 10am in Thessaloniki meant that everyone got up late… and it also meant that everyone went to breakfast late and at the same time. It made breakfast at the Oceanview a little unpleasant. However, friendly staff was making up for it by helping as much as they could.

 

It took quite some time before we were able to leave the ship, so it was already past noon when we walked along the promenade to the White Tower. Many Greek families seemed to use the promenade for their Sunday walk as well. 

 

From the tower we headed up the hill to the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda of Galerius. Not without visiting a nice church just before we reached the arch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy for the exercise we hiked up the hill further to the Trigonion Tower Fortress and were rewarded by panoramic views of Thessaloniki. 

 

A few more minutes up the hill brought us to the Heptapyrgion Castle originating from 316 BC and used as a prison until 1989.

 

 

 

 

 

The way back down took us past the Vlatadon Monastery where a peacock proudly presented its feathered tail. The omnipresent cats were not impressed and rather slept through the show.

 

 

 

 

Further down the road we passed a charming restaurant which we had already noticed on the way up. Now it had an aura of Greek chatter and laughter. A look at each other was all it took: it was time for a late lunch. We decided on baked feta cheese with honey and sesame and a mixed grill platter and definitely did not regret our pick.

 

 

 

 

Back at the port area we strolled along the Ancient Agora and across Dikastirion Square before reaching the high street lined with modern stores and nice restaurants. We also stumbled upon the Monastery of Agia Theodora featuring some beautiful artwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ship was already in sight and we could hear the call of Al Bacio. And who are we to resist the call.
We had some time to relax before dressing up for Chic night and our reservation at Tuscan Grill and we spent it reading on the balcony.
Sea you tomorrow in Mykonos!

 

[Ciaranaman]

A bucket-list cruise for us and I'm looking forward to following your review!  Thank you 😊

Bernadette

[theopup]

Thanks so much for bringing us along with your voyage. We are heading to Athens next July for the first time. To start a 7 day cruise to Greece, Turkey and Italy 

 

Am thoroughly enjoying your post, pictures and suggestions 

 

Have fun

[Miaminice]

 2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 4 - Mykonos
Waking up in the morning we debated whether we should go to have breakfast in the dining room or give the Oceanview another try. We passed by the buffet first and found it pleasantly empty. So the open deck aft by the bar and breakfast with a view won over the dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took our time and waited until the first rush of people eager to explore Mykonos was over. Then we took one of the shuttle buses into town and did our usual round passing the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, little Venice and of course the famous windmills. After having a smoothie at a restaurant we like, we entered the maze of little alleys. One offering more picturesque views than the other. 
Many people are asking about tours in Mykonos and I can only give them one piece of advice. Unless you’re planning to see Delos, do not do book a tour. Lose yourself in the little streets, enjoy the colors and the beautiful shops. Sit down in one of the many restaurants and just enjoy the day. 
If you want to see Delos, do a tour in the morning and then wander through streets of Mykonos town after the tour. Birgit aptly called it color therapy.
So, as always when we post about Mykonos, be warned. I will bombard you with loads of pictures of kaleidoscopic caliber.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 28, 2023 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 5 - Kusadasi, Turkey 

We had just been to Kusadasi on our last cruise on Apex and at that time we had visited Ephesus - which I can HIGHLY recommend. It was private tour with a company called Ephesus Shuttle and they are excellent. 
However, we didn’t want to repeat the experience again after such a short time. So we decided on a lazy day. We took our time in the morning and enjoyed another leisurely breakfast with a view.

 

 

 

During breakfast we talked about Infinity and we both thought that, even though she’s an elderly lady, she really is in good shape. Carpets and furniture are clean and all the loungers on deck look brand new. She’s no Edge class, but she’s a fine ship.

When we eventually went on shore we first walked through the nearby fish market and the area with the seafood restaurants right next to it and then strolled along the beautiful seafront promenade to the hand and pigeon statue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we turned to the street with all the shops. Of course we are well aware that Kusadasi is basically the headquarters for real brand merchandise. The rest of the world only sells fakes 😉 

 

We were still able to resist the calls of the shop owners and walked to a small cafe mostly frequented by locals to have a tea. We found it 9 years ago when we visited Kusadasi for the first time and like to return for an apple tea when we are here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking back towards the port we decided to walk to the castle on Pigeon Island, which once served as the defender of Kusadasi harbor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close to the pier we enjoyed some refreshing fruit cocktails and then headed back on board.

 

Birgit decided to enjoy the rays of the sun on deck and I decided to enjoy a burger at the Mast Bar. If you ask me I got the better deal.

Edited June 28, 2023 by Miaminice

[Ciaranaman]

I have to say, Birgit has the best smile - I don't know you guys but she looks like she is definitely in her happy place on this cruise!

[Miaminice]

2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 6 - Rhodes

Rhodes is another one of the ports which are incredibly easy to do on your own. The ship docks just steps away from the city walls and close to the Marine Gate. Once you enter the old town through the gate it’s like you are in another world. You can easily spend the day there and add a stroll to the Mandraki Harbor area. We usually walk along the bay to Mandraki and then return via the Neo Agora and enter the old town through the  Liberty Gate to walk up the Street of the Knights.

 

 

This had also been our plan for today. However, while having breakfast we decided to do something different today. We left the port and walked a few steps to Elephant Moto to rent a scooter. Tasos, a young man at Elephant Moto, was extremely friendly and helpful. A few minutes later we left the station on a comfortable scooter with enough power to manage the hills and rode along the coast to Lindos.

 

 

Once there we parked right down at the beach.

 

To earn our meals we hiked up the hill to the Acropolis of Lindos. Beautiful views down on the turquoise bay was our reward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we explored the ancient ruins we strolled through the whitewashed alleys of Lindos for a bit and then returned to our motor-scooter. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 28, 2023 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

We first headed back towards Rhodes town but turned towards Epta Piges about halfway back. 
Epta Piges means seven springs and is a natural reserve area featuring a green lake and a waterfall.
The lake and the waterfall can be reached through a dark and narrow tunnel. Wading through the water for 180 m is fun but definitely not recommendable if you are claustrophobic. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed the lake and the waterfall and then took the scenic way back, which - due to a collapsed bridge - was quite adventurous and included some climbing down a rope.

 

 

 

We headed back to Rhodes and returned our scooter after taking a detour to Mandraki Harbor. By the way, the price for the scooter was just €32. 

 

 

Before we returned to Infinity, we wandered through the old town for a while and sat down at a nice restaurant off the main street to have a drink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it was time to get back on board, Al Bacio was our first stop. Listening to the string duo we had some oatmeal cookies with our iced latte.

 

 

Back in our stateroom we found a surprise card and bottle of champagne from the Concierge and Captains Club hostess, two lovely young ladies with whom I chatted yesterday. So while sailing away from Rhodes after a fun filled day, Birgit was having some bubbly on the balcony.

 

 

(BTW: No, it wasn’t our anniversary)

Contrary to all rumors on the internet tonight will be lobster night, so we are looking forward to our dinner in the main dining room.

Edited June 28, 2023 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 7 - Santorini 

Although we have been to Santorini many times before, we are always happy to come back. It’s simply beautiful. This morning we were woken up by red skies and dozed until the sun peeked over the cliffs of Fira and shone into our stateroom.
 

 

 

Thanks to Infinity’s late departure from Santorini (9:30pm), we were in no hurry and waited until the first rush was over. We had breakfast at the Ocean View and only left the ship at around 10 o’clock. When we reached the tenderport below Fira, the line of the cable car was still too long for us.

 

With three large ships in the Caldera it was to be expected. Plan B was to take the speedboat to Oia, which is a very good alternative. However, we decided on plan C… Walk up the stairs. The slalom around the donkeys and avoiding the donkey poo in the heat, accompanied by an unpleasant olfactory influence was a good challenging exercise. One which resulted in a strong feeling of achievement when we reached the top in a little over 20 minutes. Plus, we would never ever ride the donkeys and support this animal cruelty.

 

Up in Fira, we stayed to our right and walked towards the bus stop. We passed the bus stop and went to a small rental place to rent a scooter again. Our first destination was the Santo winery. When we got there, one of the cruise groups just left and we had the place almost to ourselves.

 

 

 

After a glass of wine, a cheese platter and thorough admiration of the scenery, we drove to Oia.. Despite the fact that Oia is always crowded, it is still beautiful. Behind every corner it hits you with more picture postcard image views. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we took in the beautiful sights, we drove back to Fira using a different road along the coast. Back in Fira, we returned the scooter and continued on foot. By now you surely know that we are creatures of habit, so we headed straight to a rooftop lounge we knew from other visits. The “V Lounge” not only provides comfortable seats with spectacular views, but also serves good snacks and delicious greek yoghurt to go along with a nice glass of wine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After hanging out there for quite some time, we continued to walk through Fira and passed the line to the cable car, exploring the other side of Fira that we had always neglected until now.

 

 

 

 

 

It didn’t take long and we found another charming bar where we decided to have more cold drinks while enjoying more breathtaking views.

 

 

Since the line for the cable-car going down was still very long, we walked down the stairs instead. 

 

 

After dinner we sat on our balcony and watched the lights of Fira fade in the distance. Good night, Santorini!

 

[tce40]

Your pictures are stunning!  

[Miaminice]

2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 8 - Hydra

The advantage of being woken up early by the alarm clock was to see the beautiful sunrise. Unlike on previous days, where we took our time, we needed to get up early today. Our port of call was Hydra. A small but charming island and town. On Hydra there are no cars or scooters allowed, so we had planned to do horseback riding with Harriet‘s Hydra Horses at 9am. Therefore, we had to take an early tender boat after having breakfast with a view of Hydra. 
 

 

 

Today our priority tender perk really paid off. We were on the first tender leaving the ship. When we reached the small charming port of Hydra, the first thing we noticed was the absence of any noise. No cars, no scooters, no tourists yet… just blissful quietness interrupted only by the waves splashing against the quay.

 

When we walked to the meeting point we had the alleys to ourselves. A welcome difference to the previous days.
 

 

 

 

At the meeting point we received our helmets and Giorgos, our guide, assigned a horse to each of our small group of 4. Soon after we trotted up the hills to a monastery, admiring the landscape as we rode along.

 

 

 

 

 

Up at the monastery we had some time for photos and to enjoy the view before we started our way down again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we reached Hydra town we rode through some alleys and past a nice restaurant. Note to self: this is where we could have lunch.
 

[Crumbled]

Your photos are absolutely beautiful. Really helpful to see what you are up to in the ports as well, as I'm thinking of Infinity for the same itinerary next year. Thanks for sharing

[Miaminice]

After we returned our horses we walked along the small port. It sure wasn’t as quiet as in the morning, but it was still nice. On the other side of the port we found a beautiful beach bar. Perfect timing… cool drinks were definitely required by now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having homemade lemonades we watched a missile patrol boat of the Greek navy sail by and suddenly all the water taxis started racing around the ship and firecrackers and smoke grenades went of. It was quite the show and we learned that it was part of some festivities on the island.

 

 

 

We killed some time strolling along the shops and then went for lunch at the restaurant we had seen before. Away from the crowded restaurants at the port and hidden away in the backstreets. Lunch was as good as the place was inviting. The vine leaves, giant beans and a freshly made Moussaka were superb! 
After lunch we decided to return to the ship. I had gotten more than my dose of sun and the formerly quiet atmosphere had changed into tourist overload. 
Back on board we got some iced tea and latte at Al Bacio - another loyalty perk we appreciated - and relaxed on the balcony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 5pm we went to a Captains Club event - Music & Mixology. I got to mix a Manhattan with one of the Martin Bar’s bartenders. Ironically me… you have to know, I don’t drink. So Birgit got to “enjoy” my creation.

 

 

 

Tonight we’ll have our dinner at Tuscan Grill before leaving Infinity tomorrow. 
While we both prefer the modern design and vibe of the newer ships and especially Edge class, we did enjoy our time on the old lady. Service was great, food was good and I would be hard pressed to find anything wrong with this ship. On the contrary - we were surprised that she’s in such good shape. OK, the internet connection is terrible, but that’s all.
Tomorrow we’ll fly to Paros to enjoy another week on a Greek island. Of course we’ll be happy to hide you in our luggage again and take you with us. 😉

 

Edited June 28, 2023 by Miaminice

[Missusdubbya]

Wonderful review, thank you! I am looking forward to Paros next 😁

[CinderK]

Thank you for your wonderful review. Looking forward to my trip on Infinity June 2024.

[Destaw71835]

This is my dream cruise. Thank you for sharing.

[helen haywood]

Your photographs are stunningly beautiful!!!

[nikel]

Fabulous review bringing back so many wonderful memories !!

Your pics are amazing !!

[theopup]

What amazing pictures and reviews, I am thoroughly enjoying it.

[CruiseCrew123]

Might as well cancel my September trip as you’ve just shown me everywhere 😆 

[Miaminice]

2023 - Celebrity Infinity & Paros - Day 9 - Disembarkation and Paros

The dreaded day had arrived. The last scan of the seapass card and a last farewell to the staff who had taken such good care of us. 

We left the ship and called the driver of our pre-arranged transfer and he arrived a few minutes later. At the airport we had plenty of time and made use of the lounge access which was included in our really cheap Sky Express tickets. The flight was on time and only took 35 minutes. So at around 12:30pm we were greeted by the agent of our rental car company at the exit of the tiny terminal of Paros.

The Paros Agnanti Resort would be our home for the next few days and it took only around 25 minutes to get there from the airport. 

 

 

 

After a welcome drink we were taken to our room in a golf cart. The room was very spacious and was more like a bungalow with a wrap around terrace. Surprisingly the huge terrace only had a table and two chairs on it. We were missing some loungers so we could properly use the space. We asked for some and found them on  the patio a few minutes later - nice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For dinner we drove to Parikia (Paros town). It was hard to find a place for dinner in the charming little streets which reminded us a lot of Mykonos. But only because the choice was overwhelming. One restaurant looked more inviting than the other. Eventually we decided on a seaside taverna and had a lovely dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead of having desserts we had some cocktails on a trendy rooftop bar and watched the beautiful sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 29, 2023 by Miaminice

[chemmo]

I have so enjoyed reading your review. We are booked on The Best of Greece cruise on Infinity next year and can’t wait!

 

Like you, we will be ‘returners’ to most of the ports rather than first timers…There is something so nice about this. No pressure to do the highlights of a port or island (already done) but every opportunity to do something different or simply to sit somewhere nice and soak up the ambiance and the views!

 

Re on board the ship, glad to hear she is in good shape.