I cruised to SANTORINI, and couldn’t believe my eyes!

#cruise #royalcaribbean #rhapsodyoftheseas #greekislands
In this video, I've arrived at Santorini, a port that I've been looking forward to visiting for so many years. I was a little worried that this port was destined to be a let-down given how excited I was, but I was wrong! Let me show you what a morning onboard the ship looks like - including the breakfast offering - before heading ashore using Rhapsody of the Seas' tender boats.
From there, we'll be completing the Oia Hike: one of the best hikes on the planet!
Whether you're planning to cruise to the Greek Islands in the future, or just here to see what it's like, let me give you some top tips to enhance your experience in this part of the world!
This cruise was my first ever time visiting the Greek Islands, so I found every single day of this itinerary SO exciting - thanks for watching and coming along on the adventure with me!
I have previously cruised with Royal Caribbean onboard Symphony of the Seas, so it's really interesting to see how the older ships compare (they're SO different!) - I'll be showing you more on this topic as my videos progress!
If you do enjoy this video and would like to see more from this ship, you might also enjoy my full ship tour of Rhapsody:
Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas - FULL 4K HD SHIP TOUR! • Royal Caribbean Rhapso...
If you've just found my channel, then be sure to check out the rest of this series - episode 1 below!
Boarding my smallest (and oldest) cruise ship yet in ISRAEL! • Boarding my smallest (...
If you’d like to support my channel in exchange for exclusive benefits, then come and check out my Patreon: / fraseratsea
If you do enjoy this video, please consider heading over to my other platforms, where you’ll find totally different content to what you’re seeing on KZbin. Think room tours, photos of my travels, blog posts and much more!
SUBSCRIBE ON KZbin: / @fraseratsea
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: / fraseratsea
FOLLOW ON TIKTOK: / fraseratsea
If you’re new to my channel, hello! I’m Fraser, and I spent most of 2023 ship-hopping around multiple continents! As a result, I’ve got SO MUCH to show you, so go on - hit 'subscribe' and come and join me on this adventure - it’s going to be quite the ride!
Thanks so much for watching and following along!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much for joining me in Santorini! If you enjoyed this video (I hope you did!), please think about subscribing to the channel for more, and also giving the video a ‘thumbs up’ underneath. Thank you!! ❤

[@maureenscully8138]

God Bless you! The donkeys I love your stand

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks, Maureen. The donkeys broke my heart - hopefully that changes in the short term! 🤞🏼

[@MrStoppingallstation]

Love to visit Santorini one day.Thank you for the beautiful walk.The donkey situation is terrible!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, you really must! I agree re the donkeys - I honestly can’t believe they’re allowing that to happen - disgraceful!

[@patriciamorash2763]

Hi Fraser: Accidentally came across your video and had to see your impressions. We went to Santorini with Holland America in November 2018. It was the last cruise there of the season; much cooler, and not crowded. Too old to walk, and would never consider the donkeys (really!), we did an excursion that included a hair-raising bus trip up to Oia. After a decent stop there, we went across to Fira, stopping at a winery and later a resort for lunch. We also visited a resort town that had a volcanic beach and had time to explore Fira before taking the cable car back to the tenders. That was a hair-raising ride as well. In 2019, we were in Mijas, Spain where donkey taxis were also being used. Could not bring myself to ever do that. My reaction matched yours. Santorini was one off the bucket list. Your video brought back great memories.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Patricia, it sounds like you had a far more pleasant experience, both in terms of heat and level of busy - it was SO busy in Fira! I totally agree - one off the bucket list for me, too. I’d love to go back some day, but just so expensive to visit not on a cruise! Thanks for watching - glad you enjoyed!!

[@Brokenalice]

You truly earned those danishes at breakfast, and the Fanta to power you through back to the dock. I am EXHAUSTED just watching this. Kudos to you loving the strenuous hike and adventure. Thanks for taking us along!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, you’re right - they were worked off before even reaching the top of the hill, haha! Thanks so much for watching and following along, Alice!

[@lindajones6176]

Wow, didn’t think you would manage to walk both ways in the heat. Well done. And thanks for highlighting the donkeys plight. I can’t believe how many people still use them. Ps Your joy from your day ashore showed so well, it made me emotional watching you.❤

[@FraserAtSea]

If I’m honest, I also didn’t think I was going to make it, but I’m SO glad I persevered and went for it! Thanks so much for the feedback, and thanks for watching - I’m so glad you enjoyed 😊

[@wendingourway]

Absolutely amazing for sure!! That is one of the locations that is definitely on my bucket list. Awesome!! Bruce and Otis

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, you MUST squeeze it in at some point - totally unbelievable! Thanks for watching!

[@judithhall5108]

Loved your video, thank you so much for highlighting the donkeys plight 😢❤

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks Judith! That did break my heart - hopefully won’t go on much longer - fingers crossed!

[@cherifurr3935]

Yes, so sad that they still use donkeys! Very cruel. Amazing that you walked so far. 37,500 steps😳 I think I’ll have to take the bus!🤣 I have a neck fan from Amazon that looks like headphones and is rechargeable. Can’t believe you skipped lunch. Lovely filming and perfect music! Just an amazing sunset. I call them “self-imposed sea days” - I do that too! I love your emotion and enthusiasm.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much, Cheri - glad you’re enjoying these videos! The step count this day was absolutely crazy - commitment to get that photo with the blue domes, ha! Thanks so so much for watching, and for taking the time to leave a comment! :)

[@marecianoble5826]

I'm glad you enjoyed it because I was worn out just watching you. It would have been the bus for me.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I was exhausted by the end of the day. So great to see your name pop up - thanks for stopping by!

[@LennieB9]

Thank you for pointing out the cruelty to the donkeys. It's so horrible to see.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Lennie, I totally agree - I found it so sad that people were doing that! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@dawnmplayer]

You are going to love Mykonos 😉🥰🥰

[@FraserAtSea]

It was amazing! My vlog is now on KZbin 😊

[@johnkean6852]

Phenominal

[@tammy_oh_nevermind]

Beautiful place! I can't believe you did hike both ways!! When you showed the back onboard times, I thought...no way! Good job! Even at your age I wouldn't have tried. 😂 The distance was doable, but not in the heat. I agree completely about the donkeys. So sad! Great day for you! I enjoyed it. Thanks for bringing us along! 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Tammy, I was horrified with the time I got to Oia when I realised when all aboard was - I may have jogged back a bit, ha! Editing it back, I found it so funny thinking about how hot it was - never again, ha! I’d probably in future do it as soon as we arrived, so getting off the ship before the heat of the day really kicks in! Thanks so much for watching, Tammy!!

[@jon-paulnellist9395]

That looked like an amazing day. Such a nice video.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@larawiederhold6632]

Great video. Amazing walk, i cant believe you were still awake at 11. Rest up. You deserve it.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much for watching, and thanks also for taking the time to leave this comment! I actually think you can tell at the end of that video that I was absolutely exhausted - my FOMO must’ve kicked in and kept me out, ha! Thanks again!

[@JASYMORRI]

Great vid! What a walk in that weather as well and you were hardly breaking a sweat! fair play haha :)

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, thanks so much for watching!!

[@joyturnbull-eb8hh]

Thanks Fraser for highlighting the awful donkey ride. We took the cable car and although there was a very long queue we didn’t have long to wait. We took a taxi to Oia, I certainly couldn’t have walked 😂. Well done you 37k steps wow, great video 👍

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Joy, thanks! I couldn’t believe how many people were choosing those donkeys - I felt awful watching them all. I was so exhausted after this day, but it was worth every step!

[@brettstolson9246]

It’s just awesome you are sailing royal Caribbean!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks - had such a great time!!

[@joanneyoung8571]

Absolutely loved your enthusiasm in this video…. Great scenic shots. Oia is just picture postcard perfect isn’t it? You are very brave for doing the walk…. I got the cable car and bus…. Would have still been walking the route now. Mind you, fist time I went it was 43 degrees. Loving this series so much, thanks for sharing

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, I couldn’t believe how hot it was when I started walking - now I fully understand why everyone enjoys lying by the pools in those hotels, ha! Im not sure I could’ve done the cable car without having my heart in my mouth - a little on the high side for my liking! Im so glad you’re enjoying it - thanks so much for such a lovely comment!

[@joanneyoung8571]

@@FraserAtSea your trip was so special though. The Greek islands are my favourite places to cruise. If you ever get the chance to visit hydra then do. It’s a tiny island which has no cars…. It’s so charming and has some amazing walking trails that would be right up your street

[@FraserAtSea]

@@joanneyoung8571 ahh ok, that does sound lovely. I’ve just googled it and it looks stunning! Which cruise port would that be that you cruise in to for going there?!

[@joanneyoung8571]

@@FraserAtSea I’m it was on celebrity infinity. That’s one of their smalllest ships( like rhapsody in size and age) and then it uses tenders to get in. You also travel there quite easily from Athens on a normal ferry

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, will need to keep an eye!

[@sandraforrest8119]

Wow so beautiful absolutely beautiful and I agree with your mum and dad why did you go left ! Especially being Leary of heights. It was so worth it for the views😄plus glad you didn’t break your ankle at the end 🛳️🎉 congratulations on that hike

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Sandra, I know - I did laugh watching it back at my sudden decision to go left - not sure why I did that, ha! Thanks so much for watching - glad you enjoyed it!

[@cherifurr3935]

You were so lucky you got to Haifa when you did! Will be going to Rhodes and Santorini in September.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I know - I’ll be thankful every day for that timing!

[@stephenm8818]

Fab video, Fraser 👏👏👏 Thanks. Loved it when we were there, and thanks to you (and your awesome walking prowess), we are seeing so much more now ! 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

‘Awesome walking prowess’ is much better than ‘stupidity’, haha! It’s a real cracker of a port, isn’t it? Thanks for your support as always, Stephen!!

[@stephenm8818]

@@FraserAtSea hope you found the coffee machine st home ! 😄

[@FraserAtSea]

@@stephenm8818 I haven’t yet - need to keep unpacking!

[@stephenm8818]

@FraserAtSea Nooooo ! There must be a McD' s, Greggs, or a Costa near you to keep you going. I hope ! !

[@lesleyhackett2185]

Great video, that walk!!!! Am now looking forward to going to Santorini later this year even more (non cruise, is that allowed :) ) but will be using every bus that is available to get from one to the other...

[@FraserAtSea]

Of course it’s allowed, as is bus travel, ha! I absolutely loved my day in Santorini - thanks so much for watching, Lesley!

[@KathrynLee-tb3jg]

Wow thanks for sharing this fraser, Santorini is stunning unfortunately when we were there in July it was too hot so fab to see your filming. Looking fwd to seeing you in Mykonos too 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much for watching! July must have been BOILING - I can’t even imagine this hike in that weather. Thanks so much for following along - Mykonos will go live this Sunday! 😊

[@KathrynLee-tb3jg]

@FraserAtSea it was almost 40 degrees .... . We are on Azura tomorrow might watch your videos again 😁

[@FraserAtSea]

@@KathrynLee-tb3jg ooh, have the best time - I loved Azura!

[@johnkean6852]

Hope the Islanders have shares in Dulux: that's a lot of fresh white paint.

[@FraserAtSea]

Haha, this is a very good point 😂

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea : )

[@mariavano9616]

Greek islands 😍 We touched on the subject on a different video, but I'm glad I saw you insisting on walking it up and standing with the rest of us for the donkeys. Sanctuary? Unfortunately not....after being used by tourists, they are then used by their "owners" to carry ridiculous amounts of bricks, etc. It sucks but thankfully there are many, many rescuers and animal rights working desperately to fix this situation and make it better (the same ones who work with the donkeys in Mijas, Spain). I can't believe you haven't sat and had a true Greek salad and plate of tzatziki yet.........watch this space? LOL Greece is an amazing place, walks like that everywhere on all the islands!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Maria! I would never ride those donkeys - poor souls! With regards to food, I was too busy hiking to enjoy that in Santorini, haha! Stay tuned… Thanks again!!

[@mariavano9616]

@@FraserAtSea I know I know, I'm watching you make that walk LOL What time of year was it? Looked like maybe May-ish? Not too crazy hot but you were distracted by lizards, so.... LOL

[@FraserAtSea]

@@mariavano9616 it was June - hot hot hot! 🥵 ☀️

[@mariavano9616]

@@FraserAtSea close enough, yep hence the sounds and the lizards ;-) Go ahead, get emotional -- Greece will do that to you! I still to this day remember everything about it.

[@mariavano9616]

I know you probably won't, but I hope that tonight on the video sees you just sitting back on the deck, staring out at the sea, and reminiscing remembering the memories, the sights, the feelings. Watching this, it thrills me, as a much older person, seeing a young man such as yourself being taken away by what you are seeing, the beauty and the amazing sights. Never lose that awe and wonder, Fraser 🙂 catch ya on the flip side, somewhere on the seas. Never stop the discoveries 👣👣👣🛳️🛳️

[@julianapetitt745]

MSC Musica ❤

[@FraserAtSea]

A beauty of a ship!!

[@johnkean6852]

I blinked during the Fanta refresh. Next moment you were on the tender back to the ship. Did you ealk back or taxi. Did you see the Blue Domes there?

[@FraserAtSea]

I walked back - was SO tired that night, ha! I did indeed see the blue domes - stunning port!

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea ♥️⭐♥️

[@mysticlady04]

I was on Euribia last year and the buffet one night was awful i ended up with chips and couple wee rolls and some cheese. Even the sweets were awful. The hot breakfast was a farce, sausages in one place if you wanted bacon it was in another and so was eggs and beans. It should all have been in the one section. Spoons were hard to get as they were not wrapped in napkin with knife and fork had to ask for spoons for soups and porridge

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, that’s odd - I usually find the cooked breakfast on MSC to be, if anything, too plentiful! Hopefully that’s a one off you experienced - doesn’t sound good at all! Hope you enjoyed Euribia - I’ve previously really enjoyed Virtuosa, which is essentially the same ship!

[@irenemorses7820]

Every morning was the same at breakfast had to go hunting for stuff. Some food was cold too. Ship is lovely but way too big. I did main dining on first night didnt like the starters so asked for melon the waiter gave me a look said melon? I said yes i dont like starters he said no no melon its a set menu. When they brught starters f9r table i was given my main meal. Then had to sit till others had thier main before i got sweet

[@FraserAtSea]

@@irenemorses7820 oh Irene, sorry you didn’t have a good experience. I’ve heard very mixed reviews about their dining rooms on there to be fair!

[@FraserAtSea]

@@irenemorses7820 oh Irene, sorry you didn’t have a good experience. I’ve heard very mixed reviews about their dining rooms on there to be fair!

[@irenemorses7820]

@@FraserAtSea service was bad we waited ages to be served saw wine waiter once never came near again to ask if we wanted another drink

[@johnkean6852]

I took my Turkish friends around ALL the Greek Islands on a cruise. Did we meet any Greeks? No! Apparently, they've all moved to Melbourne. We are based in Kyrenia, N. Cyprus at the moment.

[@FraserAtSea]

Wow - this sounds like quite the trip, John!

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea Yes enjoyed it so much but my Turkish friends made it special. Hope to take them on a World Cruise soon.

[@amesavis]

why is the text always backwards in your vids?

[@FraserAtSea]

Good question! Annoyingly, I didn’t know there was a setting on my camera to flip that view. Don’t worry - I have fixed this in my more recent videos, but it’s a few series on from where you are now 😂 In other words, you’ll see this issue in some of my videos, but then it’ll fix! Sorry about that, and thanks for watching!

[@sodiumlights]

Bloody disgusting to see those poor animals abused that way. Great video though Fraser. And wear a hat next time fella!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching, and yes - I was SO angry to see both the people owning them, but also the touristy paying…!!

[@sodiumlights]

@@FraserAtSea Yep, they wouldn't be there if no-one used them.