Pat Sand
The Roving Ranchers traded the desert for the blue horizons of the Mediterranean, jetting to Athens, Greece, for a 12-day cruise aboard Virgin’s Resilient Lady from Sept. 21 through Oct. 2.
Touching down in Athens a couple of days early, the group wasted no time. On Friday night, Sept. 19, cocktails and laughter flowed freely as friends—old and new—gathered to map out the adventures ahead.
Saturday brought history to life. With a private guide, the Ranchers walked through the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Agora. A leisurely al fresco lunch of Greek delicacies was the perfect pause before the dramatic Changing of the Guard at the Presidential Palace. The guards’ precise stomps and sky-high kicks drew gasps and awe at their precision.
The next day, excitement built as the Ranchers stepped aboard the sleek Resilient Lady. The Sail Away party was a whirlwind of dancing, music, and celebration. Afterward, a sea day offered the chance to explore every corner of the ship with calm waters stretching endlessly in every direction.
Night after night, the Ranchers gathered at Virgin’s eclectic specialty restaurants—Razzle Dazzle, The Wake, Pink Agave, Test Kitchen, Gunbae, and Extra Virgin—tasting everything from modern Mexican to bold Korean BBQ.
Their first port was unforgettable: Istanbul. For two days, the group plunged into the city’s vibrant mix of ancient and modern. Inside a 408-year-old mosque, they marveled at glittering stained glass and intricate tilework. At the Grand Bazaar, more than 4,000 shops were piled high with spices, silks, and trinkets. The following day’s river cruise revealed Istanbul’s split personality, with Europe on one side and Asia on the other. From palaces to mosques to the mighty suspension bridge, the city unveiled itself in grand style.
Ephesus brought the ancient world back to life with towering ruins and marble streets; the Ranchers soaked in the grandeur of history before stopping at a local wine shop for tastings and an alfresco Greek feast.
In Mykonos, with gusts topping 50 mph, hats, sunglasses, and even a few Ranchers were nearly carried away—but the charm of the island was irresistible. Brilliant white buildings with vivid blue doors framed the day.
Back on the ship, Saturday, Sept. 27, became a sea of scarlet. Red Night electrified the decks, and the Ranchers rose to the occasion. The women stole the show with dazzling outfits, easily out-dressing the men.
Rhodes unfolded like a medieval storybook. The Palace of the Grand Master and the ancient walled city echoed tales of the Knights of Templar.
Santorini brought whitewashed cliffs, blue-domed chapels, and winding streets filled with treasures to discover. The cable car ride back to the ship was a heart-pounding highlight, with equal parts thrill ride and sights of scenic wonder.
In Crete, the Ranchers toasted their journey with a private wine tour, clinking glasses over another leisurely outdoor lunch as laughter carried on the breeze.
On the final sea day, cocktails turned into bittersweet farewells. Stories were shared, friendships deepened, and promises made to meet again on the next great adventure.
And the next adventure—a Holland America cruise in February 2026–isn’t far away! Until then, follow the Roving Ranchers on Facebook or Nextdoor and get ready to join the journey.