Jewel of the Seas: Santorini

Jewel of the Seas is making the Santorini port visit today.

A Celestyal Lines ship was in port with us today

We were up early and had coffee at the Windjammer while enjoying the view of islands around Santorini as the ship approached the port.

We were the first ones in the main dining room at 7 am. Steve had eggs Benedict while I had huevos rancheros.

Oia

We went back to the room to go ashore and there was no line to leave at 8:30 via tender. Exiting the ship, we passed the donkeys and before we got to the cable car station, there were two stands selling tickets for the ferry to Oia.

Tickets are 15 euros each which included the ferry ride to Oia, bus up to the town and then bus over to Fira. There were two companies and we just picked the one which looked like the boat was fullest.

The ride was very scenic.

We had to sit on opposite sides of the boat so had different views.

I was excited to see the windmills in the town.

After 15-20 minutes we approached the dock below Oia.

We walked to a waiting bus and once it was full headed to the drop off point at Oia. Once at Oia, we started walking and this is when I wished I had a guide or map.

The church of Panagia was the first photo opp and many people were snapping pictures. (Click to enlarge)

I loved the unique doors to some of the homes.

I couldn’t get enough of the blue roofs.

This church has a great view.

This is the view looking towards the other direction.

A kind stranger offered to take our picture (and we reciprocated) at this scenic spot.

While wandering we headed to the public restrooms which were half a euro to use. This cat was relaxing in this area and “chatted” with me.

We didn’t stop to look in any stores but many looked tempting including this bookstore.

We passed these two dogs snoozing peacefully as hundreds of tourists marched past them.

We kept heading towards the windmills while reveling in the beauty.

We could see the ferry landing below us.

We finally see the windmills ahead.

One more.

We then headed to the bus stop for the ride to Fira.

Fira

The bus loaded up promptly at 11 am and we were off; sort of. There was tons of traffic getting out of Oia. The ride overall took about 1/2 an hour.

We really didn’t know where we were going here and again I wish I had a map. The two was super crowded and not really enjoyable at this point.

After finding the cable car station we found a restaurant with a wonderful sea view (there were tons to choose from). We stopped at Zafora Restaurant Cafe and was seated at a front row table.

Can’t complain about the view. (Click to enlarge)

Steve had a beer.

I ordered yogurt with fruit and honey.

It was so good. After taking a photo of our ship…

We decided to head back to the ship and there was a very short line for cable car tickets.

Six euros each and we were on the next cars going down.

The views were good in the car as well.

I don’t know why anyone would take the stairs or ride a donkey here.

There was a tender waiting and once it filled up in a few minutes we headed back-to the ship.

After dropping our things in our cabin, we headed to the windjammer for lunch. It was Indian food day so not a lot appealed. I did really like the tandoori chicken pizza and had two pieces.

Evening Onboard

We headed to the room to rest.Before we knew it, it was time to cleanup and get ready for dinner. We started off with a drink at the schooner bar.

I reallly liked the habernaro and grapefruit daiquiri.

Then it was off to dinner where we were the only ones at our table tonight.

I started with shrimp bisque.

Steve had scallops au gratin.

Then we had Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail.

We both went with the prime rib for entree.

We had the salted chocolate brownie for dessert.

It was too sweet for my taste.

After dinner,I headed to guest services after noticing I was charged for my latte at the coffee shop the first morning. He reversed the charges and then I headed to the gift shop looking for decongestant. They had one for $15.50 but desperate times call for extortion. While there I bought a blingy seapass lanyard.

Back in the cabin a beautiful flower awaiting us.