This morning, we continued westward under sails toward the southeastern peninsula of the Peloponnese. We had our breakfast and heard a presentation from our National Geographic photographer Massimo Bassano: “Documentary Photography: The Way to Tell Stories of National Geographic.” Afterwards, the chief engineer, Yuriy, offered Engine Room tours for interested guests.
As we enjoyed our lunch, we began approaching the imposing rock and walled Byzantine town of Monemvasia. Our Greek guides gave us a brief history of this amazing site and the Captain anchored us in just south of the isthmus connecting Monemvasia to the Peloponnese.
Once in the town, some of us made the short walk across the isthmus to the town’s gate and some took the local shuttle up. Once inside the gate, we explored at leisure — engaging in some final shopping, enjoying a drink at a café and even climbing up to the top of the rock to view the Agia Sofia church. The guests who took the trek up to the ruins feasted their eyes on the panoramas over the sea and Peloponnesian coast. Our guides in the main square of the town also provided information and suggested more unique shops to stop by.
After our exploration of this truly stunning and distinctive town, we were welcomed back to Sea Cloud, with dinner served on the Lido deck as we set sail from the coast. At the end of this fantastic day, we listened in delight to the songs of Sea Cloud Shanty Singers. It was a wonderful evening getting to know the crew and singing along with them — an authentic Sea Cloud experience.
