All aboard for Agropoli. . . . . . .and a visit to Paestum

May 3-4, 2017 - The first afternoon and evening on a new ship is always exciting. 

Some of us had already had brief exchanges with other passengers (who later

 became friends on board) at the meet up at Gatwick airport. We all flew to Naples

 together on British Airways and were then taken by coach to the port where the

MS Island Sky awaited in brilliant sunshine.

After meeting up with the remainder of our group of eleven friends with hugs and

 quick catch ups - a brief look around the awesome and spacious cabin where the bags

 have been delivered quickly for later unpacking, and meeting our delightful attendant

 Ana Lisa who was truly a gem the entire trip. . . .afternoon tea was served. This was a

 British ship so no holds barred at teatime, or any other meal actually!

This was followed by the mandatory safety drill for all guests in the lounge, on a ship
 this size you actually get to see just about everyone before you sail. . . . . . . the

 happy 114 passengers, and the fabulous crew of 80 smiling faces who, in no

 time flat, seem to know you as Ms. Mary, Mr. Bob etc. and always address you 
by name.

A Welcome Aboard Briefing introduced us to our fantastic Cruise Director Brenda,

 and her Assistant Reba, both of whom we came to know well and had such fun with
over the upcoming ten days.

At 6 PM we were ready for the sail away, followed by a quick unpack. Wonderful to

 have a huge closet with tons of hangers, room to move about, these are the things
 that count on a ship. A freshen up, and then off to dinner and a restful night at sea.

The small port of Agropoli was the convenient location for the first morning

 excursion to Paestum - go here for more details.
Founded by the Greeks in 600BC and dedicated to Poseidon,
the god of the sea, this ancient site, and the famous paintings in the adjoining
 museum, are the only examples of Greek architecture in Italy and are considered 
better preserved than the Parthenon in Athens. Walking through the amazing ruins
 enables one to see the best example of Greek culture outside Greece.

We were taken ashore by local tender boat and the quayside was bustling as

 the fishermen prepared their nets and small boats for the day ahead. . . . . . . on 

the bluest water and in warm sunshine.

The museum at Paestum contained some wonderful art. . . . . . . . it would require

an entire day to view all and read the story behind every piece found at the

ancient site.

Amphora ~ 510 BC

Returning to the ship, the blue water was calm and we enjoyed lunch on the deck,

 followed by a restful afternoon at sea after walking the ruins in hot sunshine.

 Heading across the Strait of Messina - 152 nautical miles to Messina, our first 

port in Sicily. Later the Captain's Cocktail Reception and Welcome Dinner 

was enjoyed by all - we were definitely a lively group!