Kimberly McNally-Sheppard's Greek Ports and Olympic History
I've always believed that the best way to serve my clients is to experience destinations myself. So when the opportunity arose to sail the Mediterranean on Norwegian Cruise Line's Epic, stopping at ports throughout Italy and Greece, I knew I had to go. I wanted to walk those ancient streets, feel the history beneath my feet, and understand what this type of itinerary truly offers travelers who are dreaming of the Mediterranean.
What I discovered was a journey filled with unexpected wonder, and also some hard truths about the cruise experience that I can now share with anyone considering a similar trip.
Ancient Olympia Stole My Heart
The moment that keeps replaying in my mind happened at the Olympic port. We arrived exactly two months before the lighting of the Olympic flame, and while we missed that historic ceremony, the site itself was nothing short of extraordinary. The new museum there is incredible, thoughtfully designed to bring the ancient games to life. But here's the part that gave me chills: by simply walking under the ancient arch, I technically became an Olympian. It sounds almost silly to say, but standing in that spot where athletes have gathered for thousands of years, I felt connected to something much larger than myself. That kind of visceral, emotional experience is what travel is all about.
What genuinely surprised me about Greece was the marble. I knew there would be historic sites, temples, and ancient architecture. What I didn't expect was the sheer abundance of marble everywhere we went, and how immaculately the locals maintain it. Every surface gleamed white against the Mediterranean blue. The pride the Greek people take in preserving their heritage was evident at every port. It's the kind of detail you simply cannot appreciate from photos or guidebooks.
The Ship: Honest Insights from Experience
Now, here's where my firsthand experience becomes especially valuable for my clients. The NCL Epic itself was not the right fit for my husband and me. The ship's layout has some significant design challenges that travelers should know about before booking. To access most of the entertainment venues and restaurants, you have to walk through the casino. For some travelers, this might not matter at all. For others, especially families or those who prefer to avoid gaming environments, it could be a real drawback.
We also encountered issues with public restrooms on the ship, with not enough working facilities available. And for fitness-minded travelers, there's no running track. These are the practical details that can make or break a cruise experience, and they're exactly the kind of insights I would never have gained without being on board myself.
But here's an insider tip that made our voyage special: if you book an inside cabin near the back of the ship, there's a door that leads to a little-known balcony. Most passengers completely forget it exists. My husband and I found ourselves enjoying sunset views and quiet mornings there, with the space practically to ourselves. It felt like our own private retreat.
Who This Trip Is Right For
The Mediterranean itinerary itself is wonderful. The ports are spectacular, the history is profound, and the experiences on land are unforgettable. However, I would now steer my clients toward exploring other cruise lines that offer similar itineraries with better ship layouts. If you're someone who plans to spend significant time on the ship itself, whether relaxing on sea days or enjoying onboard amenities, the Epic's design might frustrate you.
Going forward, when clients come to me interested in Mediterranean cruising, I now know to ask the right questions. Are you more focused on the itinerary or the ship experience? How much time do you plan to spend on board? Do you have preferences about ship layout or specific amenities like running tracks? These conversations help me match each traveler with the perfect vessel for their style.
My trip taught me that the destination and the ship are equally important pieces of the puzzle. I walked away from this journey as an "Olympian," with stories to share and honest, practical knowledge that will help my clients make informed decisions. That's the power of experiencing travel firsthand, and I can't wait to put these insights to work for my clients dreaming of the Mediterranean. Next on my own wish list? The Baltics. The adventure never stops.