Hi Chris,

I doubt you will have enough time to visit Athens since by the time you get your luggage and take the hour or so ride to the ship, you will definitely not have time to climb the Acropolis hill. You may have a couple of hours to take a taxi to the Plaka and walk around this fabulous area and see the changing of the guard at the Parliament (every hour on the hour).

The ship does not have much money on board and there is no money exchange. Therefore if you plan to gamble or spend much money in ports (you will not need much on the ship's tours) you will have to bring many traveler's checks.

Be sure to demand your passport when in port (the ship keeps them) otherwise you will not be able to change your traveler's checks at a bank with the green card the ship gives you.

If you wish a terrific tour of either Istanbul or Kusadasi I have an associate in both areas that will give you either a half-day tour of Kusadasi in an air-conditioned new Mercedes van or a full day tour that will give you a nice lunch at an authentic Turkish family restaurant outside in the shade.

His tour of Istanbul is more intensive than the ship's tours and you can tailor it to your liking. It is a full day and also will take you to lunch.

He will charge you less than the ship's tours. His name is Sezgin of Sardunya Travel. E-mail sezgin@toursturkey.com
And tell him Paul Therault sent you.

Not necessary to take any tour in Mykonos, it is a walkable city.

Best to take the ship's tours in Santorini. My choice Island Tour and Oia Village.

Another great guy is Michael Karavassilis in Rhodes who will drive you around Rhodes and take a nice visit to Sirence and the beach.
You can reach him Website www.privatetours.gr
Again tell him Paul Therault sent you for the best rate.

He has an air-conditoned taxi (no private vans in Rhodes) and he can get you where no buses go.

You can pay all tour drivers with a credit card or cash after the tour ends.

You can change Greek Drachmas back to US in the casino when you return to the ship. You can also get small amounts of Greek Drachmas on the ship but no Turkish or Eqyptian money. You will need some small amounts of Turkish Liras for beverages and entrance fees to churches and Underground Cistern. If you hire a driver he can bring you to a bank. ATMs will give you only small amounts, not good for much unless you go to one of your home town bank's ATMs (if you can find one). Visa Credit Cards are accepted all over.

Also take the ship's tours in Egypt.
I would not trust anyone in those cities.

The ship is very nice and very fast.
The vibration will annoy some but I did not find it negative.

I do not know when your flight leaves Athens but I doubt again you will have any time to visit Athens.

Too bad your travel agent did not advise you of this beforehand. The hotels in Athens are very reasonable.

Have a great cruise.

Paul