Denise Borders and Fred Sweets at the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkiye. The library is considred an architectural marvel commissioned in the year 110 and completed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
A couple from New York enjoys the sea spray at a bar in the Little Venice section on the island of Mykonos. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
Sardines at Atlantikos. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
Kimberly Tapscott(left) of Stamford, CT and aTameika Miller of Norwalk, CT near the iconic windmills on the island of Mykonos. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
Intrepid Contributing Editor Fred Sweets shows the beautiful hues of the Aegean Sea on the island of Milos during a four mile hike along the coast. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
Michalis, a server at the GB Roof Garden restaurant atop the Grend Bretagne Hotel irons the table cloth in preparation for lunch. The view of the Acropolis is enjoyed by diners. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
SMALL WORLD ODDS – Contributing Editor Fred Sweets, (right) rocking a City Connect jersey from his hometown team, boarded an elevator in Athens and was greeted by Fred Amad, who said, “You must be from St. Louis” and Sweets replied, “I am.” Amad replied, ‘So am I, I’m Fred.” Sweets replied,” So am I!” Drinks and an instant friendship followed. Photo by Denise Borders 
A whitewashed Church on Mykonos. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
James and Alicia Nixon of Dallas high atop the Acropolis in Athens visiting the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena built in 438 BCE. It is the most famous landmark in the country. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
This is a traditional greek salad as served in Athens. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
Oliver Folloso(left) is the hotel manager aboard the Ritz-Carlton yacht, ILMA. He joins fellow Floridian and fellow bicyclist Fred Sweets before entering a beach party on the island of Rhodes. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
When the Ritz-Carlton Yacht ILMA drops anchor, passengers are ferried to land on the yacht tender (small yellow boat) which is deployed from the ship. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American 
The Psyrri neighborhood of Athens is known for its grafitti. This one of the left handed Jimi Hendrix on a shop protection door catches the eye. Photo by Fred Sweets | The St. Louis American
If you love being near historical waters, be it the Mighty Mississippi or the Missouri River, or even Carlyle Lake, American Travels suggests a getaway to Athens. Not Georgia, not Texas, but Greece, the original one.
Combine it with a cruise through the cobalt/turquoise/azure/blue waters of the Aegean Sea where your eyes question whether you’re actually seeing 200 feet to the bottom.
It’s a step back in time to ancient Greece, where one of the oldest civilizations comes alive at locations throughout Athens. It continued on every island. Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, and Milos. Each had a unique feature. Alas, due to ILMA’s schedule — ILMA being part of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — there wasn’t enough time to take it all in properly.
An ideal would be two or three-day stopovers instead of one long day. Be that as it may, one of the more exciting destinations en route was Kusadasi, Türkiye, known in earlier times as Ephesus.
I’m not a cruise guy, but after my experience aboard the ILMA, I’m ready for any itinerary The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launches.
The service, the five restaurants, the spacious rooms, each with a balcony, represents the touches that make Ritz-Carlton synonymous with luxury. Note that each deck has a roomier ADA room near easy access to the three elevators. The most important part is the reasonable size. Maximum yacht capacity: 448 passengers.
Before we mention Greek edibles, whether it be low or high-end, a few words about the Greek culture and the influences of Mycenaeans, Egyptians, the Near East, Romans and the Ottoman Empire.
EATING THERE – Be prepared to sample some of the best fish, seafood, lamb and chicken dishes ever to please your palate. Be aware too, that if you have a soft spot for the brainy octopus, you will find it grilled to perfection and, alas, on menus everywhere.
Finally, be prepared for a real Greek salad. Don’t bother complaining about the absence of lettuce. The Greeks don’t put it in their salads— just a melange of incredibly sweet red, yellow and green bell peppers, tasty tomatoes, red onion, black olives (probably grown, picked and cured in the islands), chopped fresh parsley, freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil — probably pressed locally.
Our favorite restaurant turned out to be the least expensive. Atlantikos in Athens is seafood only. Located in the Psyrri neighborhood down an alley where tables are located along the walls. The few inside tables fill up quickly, even on a Thursday. We counted more than 30 people eagerly waiting.
Our next three favorites also have glorious hotel views. All come at a price in upscale hotels. You’ll be torn between the rooftop of The Grand Bretagne and either Taverna 37 or NOBU at The Four Seasons Astir Palace.
GETTING THERE – American, Delta, United offer flights to Athens through Chicago, Philadelphia and JFK.
LIVING THERE – The BONVOY chain has several attractive options in Athens from ultra luxurious to affordable. AirBnb is a popular island tourist option. On the luxe resort side, the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens is worth every penny. Living on a cruise ship is a plus if you choose the right one and have the bucks to back it up.