LIVING IT UP
Imagine being whisked to the airport in a well-stocked limousine, boarding an airline offering the ultimate in amenities, both in flight and on the ground, arriving in Istanbul and spending a couple of days in a sumptuous hotel and from there boarding a small luxury cruise ship with impeccable attention to service and comfort. Then imagine luxuriating on such a ship to embarkation points in Greece, Turkey, and Italy.
The airline I took on the first leg of my journey was Virgin Atlantic. You've probably heard a lot about this singular airline, which has become a success by breaking all the rules. Flying Virgin top class can be quite extraordinary--from limo service to and from, to on-board massages, manicures, comfy sleeping suits, all the candy bars you can eat, and all the drinks you can drink at the in-flight bar. At Heathrow, you get access to the legendary Virgin Clubhouse lounges where you are entitled to complimentary massage, aroma therapy, manicures, and other amenities--facials, beauty treatments, hair cutting, and hydrotherapy bath. That is, if you have time after using the bar, free full-service, full-menu cafe, four-hole putting green, game room with ski simulator, library, music room, communications center, rooftop conservatory, and got your shoes shined!
Continuing the English spin, I boarded BA to Istanbul, Turkey, lodging at Swisshotel's spectacular Bosphorus Palace. Our suite was more than a home away from home--every modern convenience attended to by a skilled staff. There are no less than 18 bars and restaurants in the hotel, one of which was Sark Sofrasi, its half-century-old surroundings of wood and marble an adaptation of a 17th century Turkish house. Delicious Turkish fare accompanied by music on authentic Turkish instruments completed a lovely evening of food, wine, and company.
Then it was off to the ship, Cunard's Sea Goddess I for their seven-day "Songs of Apollo" cruise. The sumptuous surroundings included everything from an outdoor pool and al fresco dining decks to comfortable staterooms fully stocked with liquors of your choice, fruit, pastries, candies, and the like. The elegant dining room holds a staff of skilled professionals including a marvelous chef to pamper your every whim. Kitchen performances never flagged. Public rooms such as the library and small casino were likewise obliging. From Istanbul, we sailed for the Dardanelles, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Santorini, Ithaca, and finally, Venice. The ship is a distinctive achievement offering unequalled service. For example, you can have all the Beluga caviar you want, which is available in big, open tins at cocktails, tea times, or whenever you want to order up a batch. If you're a heavy caviar eater, you can certainly balance out much of the cost of this expensive trip. The Sea Goddess is almost hedonistic.
The Greek Isles are wonderful, retaining the aura of their past. I saw picturesque towns, unspoiled by their simplicity, ancient monuments, and vistas of beauty. You connect with the ancient Greeks and Turks while enjoying the pleasures of today's restaurants, cafes, shopping, and entertainment. Best of all, these costly land arrangements are all complimentary for you as a guest of the Sea Goddess.
And after a day in the Aegean sun, a wonderful evening aboard the Sea Goddess for a refreshing swim, sumptuous dinner, and a round of black jack, it was on to bed and the next day's Venice adventure. Onassis may have had it better, but I never had it so good.
HOW TO GET THERE To experience the ultimate in high-flying luxury call Virgin Atlantic at (800) 862-8621. For info. on the Sea Goddess, as well as other cruises, call Cunard at (800) 528-6273.
Sept. 12, 1997