Upon arrival in Bodrum, we were surprised to find Sea Cloud docking next to three Turkish naval vessels, with a submarine joining us soon thereafter. Many guests enjoyed a leisurely morning walk from the dock to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed in the stunning castle of St. Peter. Our guides, Umur and Mehmet, led us through this fascinating museum highlighting the relatively young science of underwater archaeology, pioneered by archaeologist Dr. George Bass. After our guided tour, some of us continued to explore the labyrinthine passages of the 15th-century crusader castle, while others ventured into the vibrant town of Bodrum. Now known as a prime tourist destination for Turks and foreigners alike, this city boasts a fascinating history: as ancient Halicarnassus, this was the birthplace of the historian Herodotus in the 5th century B.C. as well as the location of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
We strolled back to the boat to enjoy a Turkish buffet lunch as we departed Bodrum, heading for Kuşadası, on our last full day aboard Sea Cloud. Thanks to cooperative weather, guests were able to photograph the ship under sail from the Zodiac in the afternoon. This was followed by a presentation on the colorful history of Istanbul, preparing guests for their upcoming visit to the former capital of two great empires. After a final farewell dinner, we enjoyed a slideshow highlighting some of the trip’s memorable moments captured in guest photos and prepared to depart this legendary vessel the following morning.
