Shortly after midday, four coaches arrived outside our hotel. We were allocated to coach number one and were soon on our way to the port of Piraeus. We were told that it could take up to an hour, depending on the traffic, but in less than forty minutes we had arrived at the port building. We were checked in very quickly and efficiently. It was a very nice surprise when one of the ship's staff recognised us and said, "Welcome back, I remember that you took a picture of me on a bridge in Livorno in May last year". We were very impressed!

Our first priority, however, was lunch! A "welcome buffet" was being served in the Terrace Cafe and outside on the deck, so that's where we headed.

We couldn't wait to try out the complimentary champagne. Of course, we had to share it with our friend Susan, who had joined us for a second cruise. She had come straight to the ship from the airport and we were delighted to see her, so it was a double celebration.