Trip Report Our 19-Day Mediterranean Adventure – Greece, Turkey and the Search for Free Wifi

Finally, right? It seems like I’ve been waiting forever to start this, but really we’ve only been back three weeks! And in that time I’ve lived in a hotel for two weeks and driven across the country from Washington DC to our new home in...wait for it...Las Vegas! For some reason I have chosen now, surrounded by boxes that need to be unpacked, as the time to start my trip report. Stalling maybe? :D So here it goes!

What: A massive 19 day (13 days on the cruise with 6 more including travel time and extra days in Europe) trip extravaganza. A 12 night Mediterranean cruise with a day in London beforehand and a few days in London and Barcelona afterwards. So yes. This is going to be a long stinking trip report. Oh, and I took 5239 pictures. On my camera! That doesn’t even count the Instagram/iphone photos you’ll see scattered throughout the report.

Great day in the morning.

Why: Because cruises are awesome mostly. But also because I was able to do a last-minute 11 night Med cruise back in April of 2010 with my daughter and some other family and friends, so this was a makeup cruise for my son and husband. It worked nicely as a graduation trip/present. :)

When: June 13-July 1, 2013

I booked this cruise the day it came out, back in January of 2012.

As time got closer we realized it was going to get crazy. My daughter was going to have to miss the last day of school, my son was graduating from high school the Saturday before the trip, we had a house full of family that whole weekend and a big graduation party on Sunday, he then left and was coming home one day early from his senior trip to make it on time, and we were moving across the country to Las Vegas so our household goods were all moved the day before we left. Then the kids were traveling with their youth group to Scotland 3 days after the cruise ended, so it really didn’t make sense for us to come all the way back home and we needed to stay in Europe for three more days before we dropped them off in London Heathrow. Got all that? Yes. Like I said, a little crazy.

Totally worth it though. :)

Who: Us! Here we are a few days before we left! This picture is a celebration of the whole Whiting family – but mostly Chase. The high school graduate. Also appearing in this photo are myself-Tammy, hubby-Stephen, and daughter – Ally.



My parents! My parents were on our last Med cruise, and have been in several of my trip reports. They had quite the trip in store for them. Here they are in Monaco:



My in-laws! My in-laws were also on my last Med cruise, as well as a few other cruises with us, so they may look familiar if you've ever read one of my reports. Here they are in Palo:



My brother-in-law! Scott has appeared in a few trip cruise trip reports as well. He’s the oldest of three boys with my hubby falling in the middle. Here he is in Mykonos:

 

Disneyfalcon

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Oh my! Mykonos was gorgeous! Is there like a reason they paint everything white with the blue? I'd be the rebel with the red door & shutters just to be different. LOL! I noticed the cactus in your pics. Was the air dry there??? That little cafe with the views looked so heavenly. And, yes, I have another window open to the Harmony Hotel in Mykonos. Nice!

Hahahaha!!! Yep, me and my crazy laundry self! I have built a reputation for being the laundry queen, huh? It's hard to explain exactly why I do this. It reminds me of Riley when she was a little puppy and I had her in my lap in the car one day. We brought 2 of her little toys. She had one in front of her chewing away happily. The other I took and placed on the seat next to my leg. She stopped chewing, looked at the toy she didn't have, then got up to go get it. She returned to her spot on my lap happily chewing the newly chosen toy. So, I took the toy she wasn't chewing and placed it on the seat next to my leg. She stopped chewing, looked thoughtfully at that toy she no longer possessed, then got up to go get it. She returned, again, to her spot on my lap now chewing the original toy. In turn, I took the toy she just released to go get the first one and repeated the process. She and I went round for round with these toys for a solid 5 minutes. It was like watching a small child who needed to have ALL the toys or there could be no happiness. This is how I feel about the clothes/laundry. It's not that I don't like the stuff that's clean that I can still wear. They're just not as good if I don't get to choose them over all the other stuff I have. So I have to keep everything clean so I always have all the choices. Aaaaaand, this has no logic to normal people. I know. :hilarious:

Toootally loving this. Chandler started reading your report yesterday. He had to break off to go mow the lawn but I'm sure he'll catch up in no time. I guess at some point I should get these guys their own usernames so they can post their insights. I dunno, maybe that's a scary thing.

Do your kids read your reports, too?

Wasn't it? There probably is a reason! Maybe we should ask Stephen. Lol

I don't remember it being overly dry. That cafe was amazing. I like the Harmony Hotel, but I have to find the one with the infinity pools!

Haha! That's such a funny story about Riley! And actually a very good analogy. I kind of like it! I'm much happier when it's all done!

Hi Chandler!! :)

They do! They hound me worse than the people on the cruise forum about getting them done, lol! Just kidding. Love you cruise forum people. :)
But seriously, they ask every day if I've put more up! They're like, "Why are you taking a nap on Sunday, you need to work on your trip report," yada yada yada. It's like reliving the vacation for them.
 
Last edited:

Disneyfalcon

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Wow. Just binge-read this TR (it's awesome!) and am in awe at the beauty of Mykonos.

Definitely on my bucket list now... your pictures are simply gorgeous!

I definitely recommend it! Thank you, hellowonderland! :)

Wow, wow, wow Mykonos is gorgeous. Love all of your pics, everything is just so pretty.

Your poor mother - so glad she got out and about some.

And is that bruschetta at dinner? It looks SO good. Ugh, now I'm hungry.

It is gorgeous!
The worst had past. She was getting a little more strength every day after that.
And yes, that was bruschetta. And it was delicious.

Awesome update!

Thank you, Fractal! :)
 

Disneyfalcon

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
View attachment 31366

I had to sign up to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading the TR Tammy! It's like being there all over again, and makes me want to return asap! I find myself still feeling so badly for The Pneumonia, but I have to say she certainly made lemonade from lemons this trip, as did your dad. I'm not sure I would have handled it as well as they did.

Stephen's added info on Ephesus/Turkey was news to me, and so interesting. I definitely missed that part of our guide's presentation, probably because I too, was too busy looking for shade, or free WiFi, or both. :D

As always your pics are beautiful!! You have a real talent, and a fantastic eye. As someone who experienced the trip first hand, I'd like to thank you for all the time and energy you put into planning it for us. It was amazing from start to finish, and that's largely because of your passion and dedication to what you do. Anyone looking to plan a vacation should start by having you as their TA!

I'm off to find the Alaska TR, as I assume there's one on here. I want to relive it through your lens as well. I've included a shot from Athens of you doing one of the many things you do so well, and the rest doing what we did well. ;)

I hope you guys are getting settled in nicely in Vegas. I know what a crazy busy summer you've had, hopefully you've gotten a chance to slow down and take a breath. :)

Thanks again for planning and organizing the trip of a lifetime!

(Sorry for this wall of text, I promise I'm going back to lurking now. ;))

Oh my word, I was so confused when I started scrolling down and saw Chase in a picture I didn't remember taking. And then I recognized more people! Lol!

Hello lurking brother-in-law!! :D

That's a very good comparison. They did make lemonade from lemons!

Were you missing some of the talk too, Scott? I'm shocked, lol. Good thing Stephen caught it for us!

You are so sweet to come on and give me a totally unbiased shout-out. :D

Thank you for coming and hanging out with us! I'd do it again in a heartbeat! :)
 

Mrs.Skellington

Active Member
After reading this report, my husband is very adamant that we must sail in the Med and he has never sailed before. We are planning on doing so in 2015. I would love to do the 12 night one that stops in Croatia. We shall see what happens. :)
 

lurkingBIL

New Member
Oh my word, I was so confused when I started scrolling down and saw Chase in a picture I didn't remember taking. And then I recognized more people! Lol!

Hello lurking brother-in-law!! :D

That's a very good comparison. They did make lemonade from lemons!

Were you missing some of the talk too, Scott? I'm shocked, lol. Good thing Stephen caught it for us!

You are so sweet to come on and give me a totally unbiased shout-out. :D

Thank you for coming and hanging out with us! I'd do it again in a heartbeat! :)

I'd like to state for the record that Tammy in no way pushed, prodded or bribed her way to my shout-out. She truly is an awesome TA/person who has the innate ability and patience for organizing something like this, which is a God send for those of us who don't! I would highly recommend her regardless of the fact that she's my sil. (I'll inbox you my PayPal addy Tammy) :D

I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with you guys too, and would love to do it again. I NEED to get back to Mykonos pronto!! Let's see what we can do to make that happen! :cool:
 

Tidbit

Active Member
First, the hubby...... now the bro in law.......who's next "The Pneumonia" or maybe Alice!! LOL! I love love love Mykonos! Pretty!! I would have been right there with you guys checking out the BEACH as I'm a beach girl!
 

lurkingBIL

New Member
First, the hubby...... now the bro in law.......who's next "The Pneumonia" or maybe Alice!! LOL! I love love love Mykonos! Pretty!! I would have been right there with you guys checking out the BEACH as I'm a beach girl!

It's all part of the master plan Tidbit, the pneumonia and Alice are the big guns though, the "closers" if you will. I think you need to put them to work Tammy! :D

Okay, I really am going to stop now.
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Well, @lurkingBIL , Tammy isn't paying me and I'll readily say she's a killer TA. I've recommended her to all my friends and family. She knows her stuff and is always on top of all the details. She genuinely enjoys what she does which shows. I, for one, would be lost without her. You just have the good fortune of being related to her. We don't always get to pick our family...but sometimes we get mighty lucky when our loved ones pick the cream of the crop. :D
 

lurkingBIL

New Member
Well, @lurkingBIL , Tammy isn't paying me and I'll readily say she's a killer TA. I've recommended her to all my friends and family. She knows her stuff and is always on top of all the details. She genuinely enjoys what she does which shows. I, for one, would be lost without her. You just have the good fortune of being related to her. We don't always get to pick our family...but sometimes we get mighty lucky when our loved ones pick the cream of the crop. :D

I have no idea how to tag someone on the board yet, but absolutely agree sweetpee_1993! I didn't intend to hijack this thread though, so I'm going back into lurk mode for the time being. I'm glad my mother told me about the forum, it's a lot of fun to read! :)
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
I have no idea how to tag someone on the board yet, but absolutely agree sweetpee_1993! I didn't intend to hijack this thread though, so I'm going back into lurk mode for the time being. I'm glad my mother told me about the forum, it's a lot of fun to read! :)
Be careful. You'll get hooked!

Come on, Tammy! I'm ready to see this thing thru before we leave at the end of the week!
 

Disneyfalcon

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
After reading this report, my husband is very adamant that we must sail in the Med and he has never sailed before. We are planning on doing so in 2015. I would love to do the 12 night one that stops in Croatia. We shall see what happens. :)

Oh yes. Mr. Skellington does need to do that. Croatia would be great! :)

Wow, you were right. Mykonos was beautiful! I just love the pictures

Isn't it?

I'd like to state for the record that Tammy in no way pushed, prodded or bribed her way to my shout-out. She truly is an awesome TA/person who has the innate ability and patience for organizing something like this, which is a God send for those of us who don't! I would highly recommend her regardless of the fact that she's my sil. (I'll inbox you my PayPal addy Tammy) :D

I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with you guys too, and would love to do it again. I NEED to get back to Mykonos pronto!! Let's see what we can do to make that happen! :cool:

Check is in the mail!

I need to go to Mykonos too. Need it!
 

Disneyfalcon

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
First, the hubby...... now the bro in law.......who's next "The Pneumonia" or maybe Alice!! LOL! I love love love Mykonos! Pretty!! I would have been right there with you guys checking out the BEACH as I'm a beach girl!

You never know who is coming next! Lol!

There were nicer beaches I'm sure, but this one was convenient and fit our plans perfectly!

It's all part of the master plan Tidbit, the pneumonia and Alice are the big guns though, the "closers" if you will. I think you need to put them to work Tammy! :D

Okay, I really am going to stop now.

The closer! Lol

Well, @lurkingBIL , Tammy isn't paying me and I'll readily say she's a killer TA. I've recommended her to all my friends and family. She knows her stuff and is always on top of all the details. She genuinely enjoys what she does which shows. I, for one, would be lost without her. You just have the good fortune of being related to her. We don't always get to pick our family...but sometimes we get mighty lucky when our loved ones pick the cream of the crop. :D

Seriously, I'm going to have to start paying ya'll.

I have no idea how to tag someone on the board yet, but absolutely agree sweetpee_1993! I didn't intend to hijack this thread though, so I'm going back into lurk mode for the time being. I'm glad my mother told me about the forum, it's a lot of fun to read! :)

It's okay. No one will flame you for hijacking a trip report! :)

Be careful. You'll get hooked!

Come on, Tammy! I'm ready to see this thing thru before we leave at the end of the week!

I'm working on it! I think I'm going to make it!!
 

Disneyfalcon

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 12: Sea Day

Seaaaa Dayyyy! Woo hoo!! I totally said that in the same voice as the camel that says “Huuuummmp Dayyyy!!” on the commercial. :D

It’s funny because the ports are obviously the highlight of this cruise, but every time a sea day comes up it’s a bit of a relief! Sleeping in and nothing planned! That’s a good day! :)

It was definitely what Mom needed. A day to rejuvenate.

I slept until 9! 9! Stephen brought me a coke after running. He’s so thoughtful. :)

We ate at Topsiders today.



The ship was empty! Everyone was sleeping in today it seemed. I think I took these same pictures every day?







 

Disneyfalcon

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
After lunch we went and woke him up. I uploaded some pictures off my camera. Every day when I uploaded, I put the pictures in folder labled “Med Cruise Day 1”,”Med Cruise Day 2”, etc. Today when I hit Day 12, I realized Day 12 on a vacation is a bit excessive.

In a good way.

We finally went to see Monsters University this afternoon. It was super cute!

After that, we went to deliver our Fish Extender gifts. There were 57 rooms on it! Crazy!

We went back to the room after that and caught some Wimbledon while we relaxed.

Dinner tonight was at Palo! Woo hoo!

I was a little worried about what Chase would eat at Palo dinner. The menu is wonderful for those of us who eat normal food J, but for Chase it may be a challenge. He decided to go with us though.

Ally decided to go to dinner by herself. I was shocked! I thought she would eat in the room or on deck 4. Nope! It was pirate night and she was going. She said she was treated like royalty.

She even took selfies alone at dinner!



Big empty table:

 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom