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WELCOME HOME
When we returned to the boat around 10pm, the Seabourn staff were holding up a huge Welcome Home sign and passing out cold towels and drinks as we waited (10 minutes) to have our I.D. cards scanned and go through the metal detectors.
NATALIE’S TAKE
If you want a woman’s perspective, check out Natalie’s blog entry on Ephesus, which can be read on her blog at TrendyTravelista.com.
EFES TO BODRUM
Our last Turkish port was Bodrum and from Kusadasi it’s just 111 nautical miles. It was a bit of a bumpy ride but I didn’t feel sick – it was almost soothing or at least that’s what I tricked my stomach into thinking.
TURK CELL
I knew we were getting close to Greece because my cell phone picked up a Greek signal before I went to sleep but in the morning, it was back on Turk Cell, which gave me data capabilities.
BRIDGE CAM
We arrived around 8am but it took a while to dock. Before opening the curtains, I turned on the TV to see the bridge cam to see exactly where we were and if it was nice out. Of course it was nice since it hadn’t rained since May and wasn’t suppose to until October. Related: Bodrum Weather Forecast.
BODRUM
I’ve heard about Bodrum from many of my glamorous friends as this beach community is considered the St. Tropez of Turkey. When I opened the curtains, I was treated to a picturesque yacht harbor filled with traditional wood-varnished sailboats that can be rented for a reasonable price. In fact, some of the Seabourn passengers chartered those boats to swim off the back.
BODRUM PORT
Like every port, we didn’t have to go through passport control. I watched the crew tie up before going to get breakfast.
HOT, HOT, HOT
The weather forecast was 100F and it was hot but not that hot. We passed on doing any organized excursions and just hung around the ship doing laundry and catching up on work.
SHIP TO TOWN
We disembarked around 2pm and took one of the free shuttle vans, which left every 15 minutes, into the town center. The drive took 10 minutes.
BODRUM CASTLE
The main attraction in Bodrum is the medieval Castle of St. Peter, better known as Bodrum Castle. It was built by the Knights of Rhodes and there’s no fee to get in.
BODRUM SHOPPING
We passed and instead walked the sidewalks that were bustling with tourists, and had shops that sold everything from local artwork to carpets. Natalie bought a hat since she’d left hers on the ship and couldn’t take the heat any more.
BODRUM RESTAURANTS
There was no shortage of places to eat and café owners were aggressive, trying to get your business. But there was no need for the gelaterie owners to lure customers in. The mouthwatering gelato did that all by itself.
LEMON SODA
My best discovery was Uludag lemon soda, which costs just 75 cents and was so good, it was ridiculous.
BODRUM BEACH
There’s definitely a bohemian atmosphere to Bodrum, no more evident than it was on the long, narrow beach. It’s not soft sand (more like pebbles) but the water was refreshing and clear, though cooler than I would have expected.
PEOPLE WATCHING
Since this beach was much more crowded, Natalie and I took turns guarding our bag while the other swam. The swimming area was roped to keep boaters out and there was lots of space. It was so strange to see Muslim women wade into the water with their headscarves on and see salesmen stroll the beach hawking everything from bread to lottery tickets.
CARELESS PARENTS
There was a little Turkish kid trying to skim rocks between the swimmers and his parents couldn’t have cared less. So instead of yelling at him, I blocked the path where Natalie was swimming, which pissed him off and amused me.
BEACH TO SHIP
To get back to the ship, we skipped the shuttle and said walked back since we could see the boat from the beach. I’m glad we did because it was a short coastal walk (not even a mile) and the scenery was fantastic.
NEXT WEEK
The Greek Islands! You won’t want to miss it!
*If you heard about us somewhere else or have the link to the story please email Johnny Jet media and let us know where!
SOME OF LAST WEEK'S READER AIR-eMAIL
Glad you like cruising. Lectured on two European cruises. NEVER again. Barry G – NYC
Most ships have self service...the difference on Seabourn it is free! John F – Baltimore
I love Seabourn and am hoping for the very cruise you are on next year for our 20th anniversary. Chicke F – Tampa Bay, FL
John...You are such the lucky Guy .... what a life! You do what most ONLY dream about! Lyn K - Myrtle Beach, SC
Your travels are unreal. Michael J - Connecticut
Great pics of Seabourn! Looks like it was a fabulous time! Greta P – NYC
Wow. What a job you have. Looks wonderful. Marci D - Rochester, NY
Really enjoying your reports from Seabourn, love the format....
Carolyn B - CruiseCritic.com
I found it fascinating, particularly because my husband and I are devoted Seabourn travelers - but we've yet to book on the Odyssey. Seabourn is unique in what it offers: service, service, service. It's not like other cruise lines - and that's why we love it. I'm surprised, however, that they still charge so much extra for Internet service. With EVERYTHING else included, it still doesn't seem right. Susan G - Westport, CT
Loved this. I want to call Seabourn immediately! I sailed on what was then called Renaissance (now Oceania) from Athens to Istanbul and through the islands, and what a wonderful experience it was! Seabourn sounds even better. The more details, the better! What did the women wear? Thanks, Lisa N - New Haven, CTREPLY Thanks for the kind words and support! We really appreciate it. Natalie
said that "The women were dressed casual chic. For example, a pair of
capris and a nice top or a maxi dress. The weather was hot so of
course, many wore shorts or short summer dresses, but all were quite
modest, in keeping with the elegant nature of the ship. For the black
tie optional evening, some women wore elaborate gowns, while others
simply wore a cocktail dress.
Dinner each night was pretty formal and most women wore dresses to
dinner. A wrap or pashmina is also an essential; the evenings can get
cool outside and so can the air conditioning inside!" REPLY 2: Wow. I'm amazed by your responsiveness! So quick! Oh, you're more than welcome to use any of my comments. I love Johnny's newsletters and have learned to look over them carefully, as there's so much valuable information tucked in there. It's certainly one of the very best travel newsletters available (and trust me, I look at LOTS of them ... keep subscribed to just a few).
Just read about the Seabourn Cruise. Nice! Always wanted to do that, and came close once but had to cancel at the last minute. Next time I want to go with you. R.W. - Florida
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