The Aegean Sea can often throw challenges to cruise ships. Getting into Santorini and Mykonos can be hard. However, for the first time, we got into Mykonos and Heraklion and Souda Bay both looked problematical. The captain swapped the two destinations around and we headed to Souda Bay, as the weather prediction was too bad for Heraklion. Souda Bay, near Chania, proved a challenge with winds still gusting at approaching 40 knots. Using both thrusters at full power the ship failed to make any headway, so a tug was used to pull. Even then, the ship hardly moved for ages. Eventually, the tag went around and pushed, and two other tugs were called, and they forced the Azura into the berth. The side thrusters and tugs were deployed throughout the day. Interesting coordination of movement, well done to all because we have been on ships that have just stayed in Athens for three days and missed the ports. Well done Captain.

We managed to get into all three cruise ports eventually, and despite the wind had a great time. Here are the videos to help you.