Souda (Chania), Greece

We docked in Souda and there’s not much happening here. We took the shuttle bus over the hill to Chania which is a laid back fishing village. The feature is the Old Venetian Port which has restaurants wrapping around it. We stopped for lunch and the boys tried moussaka which they enjoyed.

We parted company with the boys and they continued around the breakwater to visit the lighthouse and discovered a bar where they had a couple of beers. Judy & I went “trinket shopping” buying a leather handbag and backpack respectively. The prices were very reasonable and they looked like good quality leather…what do I know?? It was refreshing to have helpful, non pushy store staff and we did manage to get discounts. BTW – I have not purchased any trinkets!

It was another beautiful day, mid twenties and actually a bit warm. Judy and I headed back to the ship and straight to the Lido deck. The boys came back a couple of hours later, having got lost, and were concerned we hadn’t made it back as there were no signs we had been back to our cabins. So little faith.

I went off to the spa for a hair colour, I couldn’t stand the racing stripe any longer. The quoted cost was USD99 + 18% gratuity. Approximately NZD205 for a colour and blow dry – no cut or trim. Ari the hairdresser is from the Phillipines, has five kids aged between 3 and 16 and has just come on board for a nine month contract. Once he had put the colour on, he gave me the most amazing complimentary neck and back massage. Then the hard sell started. I needed a protein treatment – USD 169 + 18%. Trying to convert USD while he was jabbering, I figured my $200 + colour was turning into nearly $600! He did manage to talk to his manager and get me a USD50 discount, still ridiculous!! Time to go grey.

Update: the next day we checked our HAL account and found I had been charged an additional USD256.06. My colour (no cut, just a colour) was now costing in excess of NZD650. After firm discussions with the Manager, with my back up crew of Pete and Judy tagging along, the fee was reversed. I guess they have to pay for all the staff

sitting around somehow but it does pay to check the account before you leave the ship.