- Part 1: Planning & Pre-Cruise Athens - September 28-October 1, 2022
- Part 2: Embarking Norwegian Jade, Ephesus & Patmos - October 2-3, 2022
- Part 3: Rhodes & Mykonos - October 4-5, 2022
- Part 4: Argostoli & Corfu - October 6-7, 2022
- Part 5: Santorini & Disembarkation (Coming Soon)
- Part 6: Prague: The Augustine & Old Town (Coming Soon)
- Part 7: Charles Bridge & Prague Sightseeing (Coming Soon)
- Part 8: Pre-Cruise Barcelona (Coming Soon)
- Part 9: Virgin Voyages: Embarkation, Ibiza, Malaga (Coming Soon)
- Part 10: Virgin Voyages: Funchal, Crossing the Atlantic, Miami Arrival (Coming Soon)
Argostoli, Kefalonia: The Island of Caves
October 6: Subterranean Wonders
Today was a welcome later start, as we didn’t have to meet up for our “Melissani & Drogarati Cave” excursion until 11:15 am. It was a beautiful, clear day in Argostoli—perfect for heading into the hills of Kefalonia.
Into the Depths: Drogarati Cave
Our bus climbed through the scenic hills from the port to reach our first stop: Drogarati Cave. This cave was discovered around the 17th or 18th century after an earthquake revealed its entrance. We descended a long flight of stairs into the cool depths of the earth.
Once inside, we reached a massive chamber filled with orange and yellow mineral formations. We had some free time to explore the stalagmites and stalactites that have been growing here for thousands of years.
Heading back to the bus, we passed a local gift shop. It was funny to see that they sold many of the same “protection from evil spirits” souvenirs we had seen in Delos, including the Blue Eye ornaments and even the phalluses mentioned in my previous post!
The Turquoise Waters of Melissani Cave
Next, we drove to Melissani Cave, also known as “Cave of the Nymphs”, perhaps the most iconic spot on the island. It features a massive opening where the ceiling collapsed, creating a natural spotlight for the lake below.
We took a lovely boat ride through the cavern. The water is a mix of seawater and fresh water, and it is incredibly crisp and clear.
It’s one of those places where a photo doesn’t quite do the scale justice, but the video helps capture the feeling of being inside.
The water clarity inside the cave is world-class. You can see straight to the bottom of the deep basin, making the boats look like they are drifting through the air rather than on water.
On the bus ride back to the port, we were treated to some of the most idyllic coastal views I’ve seen. Kefalonia’s shoreline is dotted with white-sand beaches and that signature Ionian turquoise water.
Our excursion reminded me of when we visited Neptune Caves in Sardinia back in 2014. I think the water in Melissani Cave was more spectacular due to sunlight streaming through the caved-in ceiling.
An Italian Evening at La Cucina
For dinner tonight, we headed to La Cucina, the ship’s Italian specialty restaurant. This meal was not part of our Free-at-Sea dining package, so we paid a-la-carte, which was covered by the pre-purchased onboard credit. We weren’t super hungry, so we just ordered a couple of entrees and some wine.
Kaleb went with the Cartoccio di dentice rosso ai frutti di mare (red snapper and seafood cooked in parchment), while I had the fettuccine alfredo con funghi (mushroom fettuccine alfredo). Both were delicious and the perfect way to wind down after a day in Argostoli.
Corfu: Venetian History and Panoramic Views
October 7: Independent Exploration
On the morning of October 7, the Norwegian Jade docked in Corfu. We weren’t alone in port; we were flanked by Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas and Tui’s Marella Explorer. It was interesting to see the Marella Explorer specifically, as it was previously the MV Galaxy with Celebrity.
From this point on in the cruise, we had no more organized excursions booked. We were ready to explore on our own schedule. The port made it very easy by providing free shuttle buses to transport passengers from the pier directly to the city center.
The Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio)
Our first stop was the Old Fortress of Corfu, a massive Venetian fortification built in the 16th century. It sits on a rocky peninsula that was originally an island, separated from the town by a moat called the Contrafossa.
The highlight of the fortress is the climb to the highest point. It’s a bit of a trek, but the reward is a spectacular view. From the summit, we could see the terra cotta rooftops of Corfu Town, the deep blue of the Ionian Sea, and even the Norwegian Jade waiting for us in the distance.
Wandering Corfu Town
After descending from the fortress, we spent a little time walking through the winding streets of Corfu Town. The Venetian influence is everywhere, from the architecture to the narrow paved lanes. We stopped for a quick coffee to recharge before heading back toward the ship.
Our port stop here was relatively short, so we didn’t have as much time as we would have liked to deep-dive into the local shops, but even a brief walk through the town center was worth it.
A Churrascaria Feast at Moderno
Tonight’s dinner was at Moderno, the ship’s Brazilian churrascaria. This has been one of our favorite specialty dining venues ever since our Norwegian Sun Alaska cruise in 2016, so we were excited to experience it again. We redeemed our Free-at-Sea dining package on this meal.
The experience starts with an expansive salad bar featuring everything from traditional greens to specialized cured meats and cheeses. Brazilian cheese bread is also brought to the table.
Of course, the main event is the parade of grilled meats brought directly to your table by the passadores. My favorites are the picanha and the lamb chops.
We finished off with mango rice pudding and chocolate coconut tres leches cake for dessert.
Sunset over the Ionian Sea
As we sailed away from Corfu, we were treated to a stunning sunset. The sky turned vibrant shades of orange and pink, a perfect way to end another day in the Ionian Islands.
Tomorrow, we head to the world-famous cliffs of Santorini…stay tuned!
