I have to admit this is even better than the Antarctica cruise I took aboard MV Discovery in 2007. I’ve fallen in love again with the meals, the on-board lectures that tell about our ports of call and the detailed on-shore itineraries. But most of all, the staff who really know their stuff, are unfailingly helpful and continues to impress me with their heartfelt service. Everyone from Captain Derrick Kemp and down effortlessly works at spoiling their guests. I learn that the guest/crew ratio is almost 2:1. It shows.

Aboard the MV Discovery

Originally built in 1972, the MV Discovery, sister ship to popular television show The Love Boat, underwent in 2003 an extensive, multi-million refit creating in effect a brand new ship. It has a classic exterior profile, pretty to look and functional. Over a cup of coffee I enjoy a conversation with retired naval architect, Robert Hunter whose been on the MV Discovery several times says, "the ship is in superb condition and the crew never seem to stop working, and do so with smiles on their faces." On this trip he’d even re-booked for another four week cruise.

Facilities include 351 cabins and suites, three restaurants; five elegant lounges; a well stocked library; two swimming pools; an internet room; a movie theater; a health club and beauty center; two Jacuzzis; and a duty-free boutique.

A bit of a warning, if you don’t like to eat, stay away. There are three lovely restaurants that will never let you go hungry.I divide my time between the Seven Continents Dining Room and the top deck Lido Restaurant. For an even more special dining experience I dined twice in the Yacht Club. When it was time for a change of pace, I had a light meal in my cabin provided by the almost around the clock room service, even the coffee was hot. Man, am I spoiled.

When I wasn’t on a land cruise (which was rare) I swam in one of the two on-board swimming pools or relaxed in the Whirlpool found aft of the ship. I made time to soak up rays on the Sun Deck. My evenings were occupied with live floor shows in the Carousel Show Lounge or kicking up my heels in the Discovery Lounge. Life is tough.

I like to sink deep into the comfy stuffed chairs found outside the Discovery Lounge. As we sail I see blue water spread out reaching all the way to a horizon that looks like it had been just freshly painted.

My Cabin

My port side cabin is elegant and has a firm mattress which almost guarantees a great nights sleep, a sparkling bathroom with a spacious shower. A television shows movies associated with the ports we are calling upon and even the port lectures are replayed to reinforce the next day’s port of call. I fall asleep each evening to the gentle humming of the ships engines.

Cabin Stewart Joel Diaz, regularly tidies up after me and keeps me stocked with fresh towels and even turns down my bed at night. Joel is one of the prominently Pilipino crew who always seems to be smiling or singing. Thirtysomething, Joel says, “This is my home away from home. I’ve been with the ship for six, 9 month contracts and I still enjoy meeting the new guests who become friends before the end of their trip”.

Ports of Call

The cruise started in Istanbul, Turkey but before we left we had a full day tour of this glorious city. When we were underway in the early evening Captain Derrick Kemp set his course for Sochi, Russia, Yalta and Sevastopol, Ukraine, Nesebur, Turkey, Canakkale and Troy, Turkey, and the majestic Greek Islands of Santorini and Mykonos before disembarking in Athens, Greece.

The land excursions proved as thrilling as the cruise.

Istanbul, Turkey
From the sea this is one of the loveliest skylines in the world. Once on land, I found a city of 11 million teeming with life. It was chic, sleek and comfortable. Taxis are BMWs. One highlight was visiting the intoxicating Spice Market. The smells are still with me.

Sochi, Russia
Originally developed by the Soviet Union as a health resort for the party elite, now, it’s an ultra-modern resort the ordinary people visit extending 150 kilometres (90 miles) along the northeast coast of the Black Sea.

Yalta, Ukraine
This city is often compared to the French Riviera. I could see why. Elegant seaside homes that rival those of Nice or Cannes hugged the Crimean Mountains. It’s where I met a group of teenagers who stopped to practice their English with a group of foreigners. Very charming. Sevastopol, Ukraine Olga our guide explained Sebastopol is a Greek word meaning, “glorious magnificent city”. It was.

Nesebur, Turkey
This town is built on a long, rocky peninsula jutting into the Black Sea. Nesebur is a museum town consisting of a maze of narrow, twisting cobblestone streets.

Troy, Turkey
Here’s where the setting of Homer’s epic, Iliad took place. When I visited the 3000 BC ancient ruins and closed my eyes I could see a giant wooden horse. When I opened them it was still there. It was a replica built for the tourists. The ruins of this ancient city testify to a history as varied and passionate as the landscape.

Santorini and Mykonos, Greek Islands
These are magical, mystical towns that begged to be explored. It was hard to imagine a more peaceful, civilized welcoming place then these two lovely Greek Islands. The views from the homes that clung to the cliff sides of the Aegean Sea are burned permanently into my memory bank. I plan to return and spend more time.

For More Information visit VoyageOfDiscovery.com or call 1-866-623-2689.