Our last day of the expedition could not have been better as we recharged our energy and enjoyed the wonders of Sea Cloud by spending our day at sea. Sailing under the sun across the Aegean Sea and looking out at our surroundings, including Monemvasia, a medieval town. Our sea day allowed us to pack and enjoy our last moments of pure sailing.
The perfect end to a perfect cruise happened while the sun was setting. We all raised our glasses at the lido bar to the amazing 5 country expedition that we just completed. It was a trip to remember for the rest of our lives.
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.
Early this morning, Sea Cloud docked at the port of Durrës, Albania. After disembarking, we boarded a coach and began our journey inland, driving along scenic roads lined with olive trees and rolling hills. Our destination was Krujë, a historic town perched on a hillside. We soon reached Krujë, where we made our way to the famous Skanderbeg Castle, a fortress that once stood as the stronghold of Albania's national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. We explored the grounds, walking through ancient stone pathways that offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Inside the castle, we visited the Skanderbeg Museum, which housed artifacts, weapons, and historical documents related to the hero's resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Our expert guide explained how Skanderbeg’s leadership had inspired Albanian unity and pride during the 15th century. A fascinating story of the bravery and the enduring legacy of Skanderbeg in Albania. After the tour, we strolled through the bustling bazaar at the base of the castle, admiring traditional handicrafts before heading back to Durrës, reflecting on the rich history we had just witnessed.
We arrived in the port city of Sarande to begin our two-day visit of Albania. We first traveled by bus to Butrint, traversing an intriguing landscape of beachside hotels, half-finished houses, Communist-era bunkers, and cultivated fields. Once at the National Park of Butrint, we toured the archaeological site along forested paths, taking in the complex mix of material dating from the Hellenistic to Ottoman eras. The weather was perfect, and the rain from the previous evening left behind shallow pools that reflected the site’s ancient ruins and lush vegetation. Departing Butrint, we traveled to Lekuris Castle, originally built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. We were greeted upon arrival by a musician in Albanian dress, playing a traditional Albanian flute. We had a light snack in the restored castle and enjoyed spectacular views from the terrace. Heading back to the ship, we spent an afternoon under sail, with several guests taking the opportunity to climb along the bowsprit with guidance from Sea Cloud ’s expert sailors. Photo Instructor Jose Calvo offered a talk on key aspects of photography, and we concluded our day with a maritime buffet on the Lido Deck.
