Have you ever felt the magnetic pull of history, the allure of sun-drenched shores, and the sheer bliss of escaping the everyday? Nigel Pickover did, and he found it all on a Mediterranean cruise. But here's the catch: you don't have to commit to weeks at sea to experience the magic. Let's dive into his adventure and see how you can steal a slice of paradise, even with a busy schedule.
Nigel Pickover's quest for holiday happiness led him aboard the Balmoral, a Fred Olsen cruise ship, for a memorable voyage through the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. The Balmoral, a comfortable vessel accommodating up to 987 passengers, was well into its 52-day 'epic' journey, having already traversed the often-temperamental Bay of Biscay and visited numerous captivating locations en route to Greece and Turkey. Think of it as a floating hotel, transporting you to a new postcard-perfect destination each day.
While some passengers embarked on the full two-month odyssey from Blighty (a British slang term for Britain), Nigel and his wife opted for a 'fly-cruise,' a rapidly growing trend that allowed them to join the adventure mid-voyage. They met the ship in Rhodes, a Greek island brimming with history and charm. "We had chosen to start our trip on an island we last visited almost five decades ago," he explained, highlighting the personal connection that made the trip even more special.
Under the guidance of Captain Victor Stoica, the Balmoral gracefully navigated the calm, aquamarine waters, taking them on an eastward-to-westward Mediterranean journey. Their voyage began with a charter flight from Stansted to Rhodes, followed by stops at three Turkish destinations, Malta, and finally, Malaga in Spain – a total of 2,427 nautical miles. That's like sailing from New York to London, but with stops at the most beautiful locations along the way.
"By fly-cruising, my wife and I felt we had been quickly placed on a magic carpet ride—for us, the perfect start to a holiday," Nigel remarked. It's this convenience and efficiency that makes fly-cruising so appealing, especially for those with limited vacation time.
Fred Olsen, the Suffolk-based cruise line, offers a variety of itineraries, catering to different preferences and schedules. Some adventurous souls choose to embrace the entire voyage, foregoing the flights and immersing themselves in a complete maritime experience. The majority of the Balmoral's passengers were retired, many relishing the opportunity to spend nearly two months away from home. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the destinations, it's about the community and the shared experience of traveling together.
Their initial exploration of Rhodes led them from the ship to the ancient walled old town. Sokratous Street, with its silver and gold shops, beckoned with alluring treasures, while the enticing aromas of local cuisine wafted from charming restaurants. After securing a silver bracelet, savoring coffee and snacks, and exploring the historic Crusader and Ottoman streets, they returned to the Balmoral, filled with early holiday joy.
The next morning, they awoke in Bodrum, Turkey, a popular holiday gateway for British tourists. A shuttle bus transported them to the town center, where they explored shops and a bustling bazaar. Nigel even indulged in a Turkish barber experience, complete with a head and back massage – a testament to the immersive cultural experiences available on these voyages. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that these tourist-centric experiences lack authenticity. What are your thoughts?
The journey continued to Kusadasi, another Turkish port, where a bus took them to the remarkable ruins of Ephesus. This ancient city, founded by the Greeks and later colonized by the Romans is a must-see for any traveler. The Great Theatre, capable of holding up to 25,000 spectators, stands as a testament to the city's grandeur. The city's remains are still being unearthed, revealing glorious buildings buried beneath centuries of sand and soil. And this is the part most people miss: the city's demise was self-inflicted. Deforestation led to soil erosion, which silted up the port, ultimately forcing the city's abandonment.
Standing on the marble walkway where Roman General Marc Anthony and Queen Cleopatra once strolled, intertwined in their tragic love affair, is an unforgettable experience. You are allowed to gasp and mind-travel through the ages to 30BC.
Istanbul, a city where Europe meets Asia, was their next port of call. Its mosques, temples, and bazaars are endlessly captivating. Nigel recalled a stark contrast from a visit 50 years prior when he witnessed a chained bear used for tourist entertainment. Thankfully, those practices are now history, and Istanbul stands as a dynamic city, gloriously embracing its rich history and unique geography.
A boat ride along the Bosphorus, the waterway that separates Europe and Asia, offered further exploration, followed by a visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar. It’s also worth noting that some believe Istanbul’s rapid modernization is erasing its historical character. Do you think it's possible to balance progress with preservation?
Two sea days provided opportunities for relaxation and soaking up the sun before arriving in Malta and its capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's strategic location on a headland gives it a fortress-like presence. Valletta is adorned with landmarks dating back to its founding by the Knights of St. John. The smallest EU capital played a vital role during World War II, withstanding relentless bombings and serving as a beacon of hope for the Allies.
Finally, the cruise concluded in Malaga, Spain, where a day trip to Andalusia preceded their flight home. "This proved to be one of best-ever holidays and will not be our last fly-cruise adventure!" Nigel declared.
Travel Facts: For those inspired by Nigel's adventure, Fred Olsen offers a similar cruise in 2026: the Balmoral's 10-night Cyprus, Turkey, and Egypt adventure, starting in Cyprus and ending in Piraeus, Athens. Prices start from £1,649 per person. For more details, visit fredolsencruises.com.
What Impressed us:
- The ship: Magnificent, with lounges galore, sumptuous food, and great entertainment.
- The weather: Constant sunshine exceeded expectations.
- Fitness: Walking a mile around deck seven every day was a rewarding achievement.
- Sea Days: Five sailing days provided ample time for relaxation and soaking up the sun.
- Help: At Malaga airport, an incredible 20 guides provided assistance with check-in.
So, what do you think? Could a fly-cruise be your next adventure? What are your must-see destinations in the Mediterranean? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
