Experiences on the Star Legend
I'm considering Agean Voyage Athens to Istanbul, April, 2027, and I've never been on a small cruise. What are your experiences on the Star Legend? Does it feel as crowded as a large cruise ship? Do people often get seasick on that tour? It's rated a 3 for activity and pace- do you often encounter steps with no rails or walls to hold on to? I'd appreciate any feedback.
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We greatly enjoyed our time on Star Legend when on this tour last year. We are experienced ocean cruisers but this was our first small ship experience. No, it did not feel crowded. With fewer than 300 total passengers and a warm and welcoming crew we found it quite a welcome change from large ships. Seasickness? Well I did not witness this and the rocking was gentle and helpful for sleeping. There are elevators. There is a large spiral staircase which serves as the main conduit from deck to deck but you don’t have to use that. On the land portion of this tour you will encounter tripping hazards as you navigate ancient ruins. We witnessed several near misses and one serious fall, although that was on a dock as our fellow tour member tripped over a barrier used to cover cables. We are looking for opportunities to sail Windstar again. Feel free to PM me for any specific questions,
My husband and I also really enjoyed the Star Legend. Very comfortable, the cabin was spacious, great food, excellent crew. The tour itself, as discussed, is quite active.
Thank you for your responses - it's very helpful. Was the pace and activity level of this tour similar to other tours you've taken that are also ranked as 3 for Activity and Pace?
I’m not a good one to answer that. We are in our mid 70’s and very active and in good shape. We never look at activity levels when booking. We had 78 folks on this tour and the ability ranged from extraordinary to mostly sat out. You can opt out of any activity and your TD will be a good resource for that.
I was looking at this Youtube video to get an idea of the walk up the Acropolis and to see if hiking boots would be needed. Looks doable for me as long as I don't race up the hill but wow so many people!! Appreciate any comments as to whether those who have done this activity with Tauck/Windstar had a similar experience. (I don't know which month this video was done.) Thanks.
No hiking boots needed. Footwear with decent traction (I wear HOKA’s or sandals if it’s hot). If you are visiting in warm weather an early start is imperative. There is little shade, and temperatures climb quickly. If you have a walking stick it would come in handy. I’ve seen several trip and falls. They were not on the way up but at the top. Folks wander looking at the ruins and forget to watch where they are walking.
Thank you, Folsomdoc Going Northbound this is a day 2 activity. I assume Tauck will get us there as early as possible. The video shows hoards of people, especially at the top, (around 20 min mark) and a constant line of folks making there way up the path. Was this also your experience? Do we walk down the same way we came up? Or this there another path for descending? Do you recall how much time is given to explore the site?
Since a lot of people had questions about the activity level, I thought this video would be useful.
You only spend part of one morning visiting the Acropolis. It is one of the most visited places on earth, you can’t avoid crowds. But it’s not overbearing and once you are at the top there is s surprisingly large area to spread out. Coming down you walk on some of the path you did coming up. No jostling if that is your concern.
Beverley - Wan has the right idea in researching some of the sights that may be of concern. Others involve significant walking, inclines, uneven pavers, if that is your concern. When we took this tour, in April of last year, the weather was very pleasant. Some of the sights would be more uncomfortable with hot weather.
Thanks Folsomdoc for your additional comments. Yes, I was concerned about jostling/fighting crowds on the way back down.
Thanks to everyone for their responses. It's all very helpf information for me.