The gateway to Athens!
Right, firstly the important bit. Instagram versus reality!
When a cruise ship tells you they're going to Athens... I hate to be the one to break it to you... But they're not really going to Athens. They're going to Athens the same way Ryanair flies to places - i.e. they will drop you off an hour away from it. The same applies to Rome by the way.
So the port of Athens is a little town/city called Piraeus which is about an hour from Athens.
So don't get your hopes up of opening up your curtains and viewing the Acropolis towering above you majestically taking you back through time and history. You're more likely to be awoken by one of the hundreds of ferries darting in and out of the port! Consider yourself warned
Also whilst were at it - if you're joining a ship in "Venice" but the port is actually "Ravenna"
YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE NEAR VENICE!
So don't expect gondolas
You're welcome
Right back to Piraeus
Beware the taxis
This is important. Every Greek taxi driver alive will attempt to scam you. It is a universal truth. Death, taxes and greek taxi drivers scamming. They have good hair but they are scam artists. When leaving the ship I asked 4 separate drivers for the price to travel to Piraeus (approximately a 4 minute drive). I was quoted 25, 20, 20 and 10 euro for the trip. The 10 coming as I started to walk away. They also did their best to convince me that it was an hour walk and I'd have to take a taxi. Luckily I've been here before and know the story. Which I'm about to share with you
Bus = no fuss
Stroll off the ship and casually onto the x80 (or any of the buses heading towards town) and you can get into town in about 7 minutes for a euro. Its the only way to do it (unless you fancy the walk which is also actually completely fine - it just takes about 25 minutes depending on which terminal you're at)
Eatin n drinkin
Bread factory - this place is mad. All of the snacks/cakes/treats/eats you could ever possibly imagine. Worth a visit if you enjoy pastries. You'll see exactly what I mean when I say its madness.
Wifi is a bit shite mind you but it's worth a visit for the grub.
Healthy Harmony - Exactly how it sounds. Healthy food, smoothies, fresh juices etc. Lots of organic eats and choices of salads/toasts/acai bowls etc. If you're going shopping in downtown its worth a go
Wifi is decent as well - code is healthy2017
(I go the blue NRG - highly recommend)
Basically I don't know much
Every time I've been to Piraeus I've had shows in the evening so I haven't been able to properly explore it. So again - holla at me with your recommendations. I know there is a cheeky beach spot that you can go for a swim which is meant to be nice. Might try find it before my show.
Speaking of which I gotta go eat and drink more so that I'm ready to roll this evening and knock proverbial socks off the guests.
But if I saved you 20 quid on the taxi then this has been worthwhile. You're welcome.
And you owe me 15 quid
Thanks
Much Love
Stephen