Ally

July 2, 2007 - New for its inaugural Eastern Mediterranean season, Ocean Village has introduced an all-new, jam-packed Action Ashore programme designed to amuse adrenaline junkies and sun worshippers alike.

Thrill seekers can get their kicks on zip wire adventures outside Athens, horse-riding along the shoreline near Ephesus, quad biking from Dubrovnik, hiking up a volcano in Santorini and mountain bike rides, using the ship’s own fleet of bikes, at virtually every call.

Fans of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin meanwhile can explore the achingly beautiful island of Cephalonia on foot or kayak around the island’s sandy beaches and hidden sea caves. Or ditch the paddle and try scuba diving in the crystal clear waters off Rhodes or windsurfing in sun-baked Mykonos.

If adventure off the beaten track is what’s needed, then buckle up and explore Dubrovnik, Corfu, Ephesus (Turkey) or Santorini in a rugged 4x4 jeep adventure. This fast-paced off-road option gives passengers the chance to discover the picture-perfect bays and sapphire blue seas that the Eastern Med is famous for.

For those after something more relaxed, there’s wine tasting in the scenic vineyards of Katakolon, renowned for its nectar-like wine as well as for being the birthplace of the Olympics, perfectly set on the edge of the Ionian Sea.

Or get blissed-out at Turkish Baths in Ephesus. Unwind in the steamy atmosphere then let yourself be lathered, massaged and pleasantly pummelled into a state of total relaxation…

Alternatively, you can learn the trade secrets of authentic Greek cookery.
Hosted in either Corfu or Santorini by chefs from the islands’ favourite tavernas, you’ll soon know your baklava from Kataifi and how to whip up everything from a mouth-watering moussaka to tasty tzatziki.

Says Gill Haynes, head of marketing communications: "This year’s brand new Eastern Med sailings have given us the opportunity to put together an Action Ashore programme that’s as full-on or laid-back as people want to make it. With everything from zip-wire rides and jeep safaris to Turkish baths and moussaka classes, we’ve got pretty well the whole gamut of upbeat and off-beat options covered.

Culture vultures meanwhile can take advantage of tours that compress hundreds of years of history into a single day at key places like medieval Dubrovnik and Rhodes, or Ancient Ephesus and Athens."

To book call 0845 358 5000 or visit "a href="www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk"> Ocean Village website

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Ally - CruisingTalk Administrator

1965 - Cunard Queen Mary
1967 - Cunard Queen Elizabeth
1970 - Cunard Queen Elizabeth 2
1971 - P&O Oriana
1972 - SS France
1975 - SS Leopard
1977 - P&O Canberra
2005 - NCL Norwegian Jewel - Shakedown Cruise - Jersey
2005/6 - NCL Norwegian Crown - Chile, Cape Horn, Falkland Islands, Uruguay & Argentina - Christmas/New Year cruise
2006 - Fred Olsen Braemar Mini Cruise - Amsterdam & Zeebrugge
2007 - Fred Olsen Braemar Transatlantic - Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas, Bermuda & Azores
2007 - Fred Olsen Braemar Mini Cruise - Guernsey & Amsterdam
2007 - NCL Norwegian Gem - Shakedown Cruise - Amsterdam
2008 - Costa Allegra - Hong Kong, Philippines, Borneo, Brunei, Singapore, Saigon, Da-Nang & Sanya

Coming up next.....

10/10/2009 - Costa Classica - Grand Oriental Cruise - Shanghai, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Kobe, Naha, Keelung and Hong Kong - 16 Nights Cruising in: 273 day(s), 22 hour(s), 27 minute(s)

middy

I've hiked up the volcano in Santorini. Big big climb about 1/4 didn't make it up to the top.

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Middy


Cruises completed on.
Edinburgh Castle, Thomson Topaz, MV Van Gogh (2) Thomson Emerald. Airtours Seawing. Thomson Spirit. Princess Sun. Thomson Celebration (2). Splendour of the Seas. Celebrity Constellation. Fred Olsen Braemar.Thomson Calypso (2). NCL Gem, Celebrity Century, Independence of the Seas. P&O Artemis