Albatros II
Albatros II
3
Full view
Similar Experiences
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.0
43 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
5
Terrible
14
SADCCR
London, UK28 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We paid 40Euros each for a day trip to the Diros Caves. The boat looked rather tired and scruffy. Loose deckchairs and small tables were on the upper deck hampering access and so that if you sat back you were liable to hit the person on the chair behind. A number of tables were placed to large vents for either the engine or an air conditioner, They were noisy and smelly and hot.
I have been on numerous such trips in the Med of costing significantly less. Usually they include a commentary about the places we pass or visit. Here there was no communication at all. Nothing to tell us how long we had at the caves or even that we had arrived at the caves. Usually when there is a swim it is in a small quiet cove.We just moved a few hundred ms from the quay for the caves and without a word over the PA a ladder was put out over the side of the boat for people who wanted to swim. Then without prior warning lunch was served. It was a kebab and some bread and salad. No sweet-no fruit. Most of the boats I have been on offer this and/or give a small glass of wine with lunch but there was none here.
I am well aware that it clearly stated that drinks were not included, but I would have expected some bottles of water to be provided as was the case with our cab to & from the airport. The analogy is appropriate as this boat was more like a ferry than a cruising boat. The crew just seemed to want to make as much money from flogging drink including water as they could. That actually included attempting to overcharge my wife for a cup of coffee-on 2 separate occasions. On the first occasion the crew member tried initially to say that it was correct, but then another member of the crew suggested that the first one was new He was then entrusted with responsibility for getting all of us into the caves! He then made the same 'mistake' a second time.
We then returned in silence save for some EDM over the PA arriving back at Stoupa at 3pm.So having left at 10am it was by no means a full day and we spent a pleasant afternoon on Stoupa beach.
I am reviewing it here as the trip apparently started in Kalamata and involved a further 4 hours on the boat. Sheer purgatory I would imagine. The caves were great and cost a further 10 euros pp. I am only giving as much as 2 stars because the boat did at least get us there and back safely-much like any other ferry boat. For some reason there is no review on the Stoupa page!
I have been on numerous such trips in the Med of costing significantly less. Usually they include a commentary about the places we pass or visit. Here there was no communication at all. Nothing to tell us how long we had at the caves or even that we had arrived at the caves. Usually when there is a swim it is in a small quiet cove.We just moved a few hundred ms from the quay for the caves and without a word over the PA a ladder was put out over the side of the boat for people who wanted to swim. Then without prior warning lunch was served. It was a kebab and some bread and salad. No sweet-no fruit. Most of the boats I have been on offer this and/or give a small glass of wine with lunch but there was none here.
I am well aware that it clearly stated that drinks were not included, but I would have expected some bottles of water to be provided as was the case with our cab to & from the airport. The analogy is appropriate as this boat was more like a ferry than a cruising boat. The crew just seemed to want to make as much money from flogging drink including water as they could. That actually included attempting to overcharge my wife for a cup of coffee-on 2 separate occasions. On the first occasion the crew member tried initially to say that it was correct, but then another member of the crew suggested that the first one was new He was then entrusted with responsibility for getting all of us into the caves! He then made the same 'mistake' a second time.
We then returned in silence save for some EDM over the PA arriving back at Stoupa at 3pm.So having left at 10am it was by no means a full day and we spent a pleasant afternoon on Stoupa beach.
I am reviewing it here as the trip apparently started in Kalamata and involved a further 4 hours on the boat. Sheer purgatory I would imagine. The caves were great and cost a further 10 euros pp. I am only giving as much as 2 stars because the boat did at least get us there and back safely-much like any other ferry boat. For some reason there is no review on the Stoupa page!
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear SADCCR, we are very sorry that your experience on Albatros II was not the best for you. However we are aware of any inconveniences and be assure that we will do all the necessary arrangements for our future sail trip. Thank you very much for your review.
Written March 5, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica D
1 contribution
Aug 2019
My children and I booked the trip to the Diros caves at 40 euros a head. The brochure showed pictures of the boat as well as the inside of the Diros caves. We purchased the tickets at the bookstore in Koroni.
The boat ride was fine, the included meal was passable, but when we reached the Diros caves we were informed that admission INTO the caves themselves would cost another 15 euros per person. We hadn't brought any cash for the day because we thought there would be no need to carry cash. The attendant at the caves was very rude, saying that if we didn't have money we could not enter. My children were in tears. Only after my husband argued with another attendant at length were we allowed in. Why would we take an 8-hour boat ride to caves if we didn't want to go in??? At no point, when I bought the tickets, or when we boarded the boat, did ANYONE tell us that the caves were an extra fee. Several other travelers were in the same situation. No one seemed to know ahead of time that it was extra. They only tell you once you get there and you have no other choice. Kind of a scam but they get away with it because most people go along and don't make a big fuss. I felt really deceived by this experience.
The boat ride was fine, the included meal was passable, but when we reached the Diros caves we were informed that admission INTO the caves themselves would cost another 15 euros per person. We hadn't brought any cash for the day because we thought there would be no need to carry cash. The attendant at the caves was very rude, saying that if we didn't have money we could not enter. My children were in tears. Only after my husband argued with another attendant at length were we allowed in. Why would we take an 8-hour boat ride to caves if we didn't want to go in??? At no point, when I bought the tickets, or when we boarded the boat, did ANYONE tell us that the caves were an extra fee. Several other travelers were in the same situation. No one seemed to know ahead of time that it was extra. They only tell you once you get there and you have no other choice. Kind of a scam but they get away with it because most people go along and don't make a big fuss. I felt really deceived by this experience.
Written September 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Konstantinos Kaisaris
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Unfortunately there are no words to describe the disappointment of the overall experience of the daily boat tour, during our trip along with Italian friends, from
Kalamata to Kitries. Extremely overpriced for its service. The “”barbecue” has as nothing to do with what someone expects,(one souvlaki/person, the worst scenario of the lowest quality and quantity+ waiting for ever on the queue ) . The music and every attempt to brand the city and Greece was violating basic aesthetic standards and gives an awful, savage and ridiculous impression of Greek culture.The trip itself is nothing special in terms of exploring the coastline, and the slow rhythm felt intentional in order to justify the amount paid. We where ashamed as locals, and felt sorry for all foreigners who visit with respect and are not treated respectfully. As a unique provider of boat tour services they should rethink of what they represent, moving forward towards a culture of respect for the traveler, the place and international quality standards. Possible improvements: Better vessel maintenance , listenable music, higher food quality+ amount, realistic description of what is really offered.
Kalamata to Kitries. Extremely overpriced for its service. The “”barbecue” has as nothing to do with what someone expects,(one souvlaki/person, the worst scenario of the lowest quality and quantity+ waiting for ever on the queue ) . The music and every attempt to brand the city and Greece was violating basic aesthetic standards and gives an awful, savage and ridiculous impression of Greek culture.The trip itself is nothing special in terms of exploring the coastline, and the slow rhythm felt intentional in order to justify the amount paid. We where ashamed as locals, and felt sorry for all foreigners who visit with respect and are not treated respectfully. As a unique provider of boat tour services they should rethink of what they represent, moving forward towards a culture of respect for the traveler, the place and international quality standards. Possible improvements: Better vessel maintenance , listenable music, higher food quality+ amount, realistic description of what is really offered.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vig63
Oslo, Norway6 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Will pay the same price to NOT do the same trip again!
A very boring boat trip, where the only purpose of the organiser must have been to make us spend some extra money in the expensive bar on bord, since they spend much longer time than necessary on the open stretch between the two peninsulas. The music was annoyingly loud – and the bartender refused to turn it down. The “beautiful bay” that was promised in the prospect was only a very ordinary long stretch of a beach that we could barely see from where we anchored up to swim in the ocean. The lunch they served was small and tasteless, making the feeling of “rip off” complete.
No information about anything was given on bord, other than in Greek, although all passengers were foreign tourists.
A very boring boat trip, where the only purpose of the organiser must have been to make us spend some extra money in the expensive bar on bord, since they spend much longer time than necessary on the open stretch between the two peninsulas. The music was annoyingly loud – and the bartender refused to turn it down. The “beautiful bay” that was promised in the prospect was only a very ordinary long stretch of a beach that we could barely see from where we anchored up to swim in the ocean. The lunch they served was small and tasteless, making the feeling of “rip off” complete.
No information about anything was given on bord, other than in Greek, although all passengers were foreign tourists.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CheshireJoy
Cheshire89 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I was not on this trip but had the misfortune to experience the extreme volume of music (banging bass not even Greek) from Stoupa beach for over 2 hours whilst the boat was docked. It was obscene, violated our peaceful day on the beach. Eventually I found a number and complained… the volume went down for 5 minutes before being ramped up again. I will be complaining to the harbour authorities this was totally unacceptable.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Resort582991
West Sussex, UK1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Family
I was the mother to the teenager who required assistance while on this vessel. I urge everyone not to travel on this vessel until all safety measurers are in place. We lost 2.5 days due to the trip organised by Thomas Cook for defouxis and my son/husband spent these days in kalamata hospital because my son nearly drowned. May I take this opportunity to thank those amazing passengers for saving my sons life. (You know who you are, and my family will be eternally indebted to you all)!!
Written August 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nigel417
Jersey, UK1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Couples
Booked trip through Thomas Cook.
Arrived at 10 am problems with raising anchor - 1 hour delay. Needed to call Engineer.
Set of at 11 am no health and safety announcement or briefing.
About 80-100 passengers on boat.
First stop anchored some distance from shore I would estimate about 150-200 metres
people jumped in and swum.No announcement on strength of current, depth etc.
About an hour later anchored at Kardamili again no safety announcement etc.
After about 5 minutes I heard two people screaming for help.
Then I heard parents exclaim it was their sons in trouble.
They were about 50 - 75 metres away from boat and in distress.
I am 53 my step son is 25 and my son 16 we and another man from Southampton called Richard swam to the boys.
I recognized boys from my Hotel one was 17 diabetic and in clear distress his 12 year old brother was terrified.
The 17 year old was incoherent almost unconscious i am not a strong swimmer and had no life guard training.
Initial plan was to keep boy afloat until crew came to assist with a dinghy or small boat.
But there was no response instead we had to haul boy to cave on shore (there was no beach to land him on) and sit him on rock.We were all out of our depth and had to lift him onto rock.That was probably another 75m swim.
I hailed the Albatross II and called for a dinghy.
by this time a dutch guy who was also a passenger on boat swam out with a lifebelt -that was my wife's idea not the Crews.
As there was no reply from the Albatross I swam back.
Not a single crew member helped me up steps on side of boat and I was exhausted.
I told parents both sons were ok but oldest was in quite a bad way.
I asked Crew why they had not helped and where was dinghy ? only to be told there was no dinghy they had radioed for a boat but it would be 10 minutes.
I was appalled by this stage the other rescuers (no crew) had started towing 17y old back on a single lifebelt. .
Again none of crew went into help (I had to swim back and help pull the boy back).
We got him back to Albatross again not a single person helped us up steps to boat.
The crew were evasive.
Outcome was Greek Coastguard met boat at Stoupa harbour I have no idea what discussions where it was a brief conversation. No more than 5 minutes
The 17y old boy was taken to kalamata hospital straight away (trip was Thursday 9th August) and treated for salt water in his lungs and put on a drip.
By Friday he was being treated for Pneumonia, when I went back to UK on Saturday he was still in hospital.
View among people who fetched him back including me was he was close to drowning.
I was amazed that such a large boat had no inflatable dinghy, that there was no lifeguard on boat and that crew were totally unprepared and provided no help.
There response was to radio for another boat.
And of complete lack of health and safety briefing, and that swimming was allowed so far from shore and that distant shore was a completely rocky coastline.
I complained to Thomas Cook rep next day but have heard nothing yet.
I dont know boys name but family was from Guildford.
I hope he has made a full recovery
It was scariest experience of my life.
I would never go on a similar trip.
Even Thames boat trips have a safety briefing
Finally I want to record how proud I was of the guy from Southampton (Richard) the Dutch Guy (I never got his name) and of my stepson and Son.
I think anyone else who was on this trip on thursday 9th August should also add a review
Arrived at 10 am problems with raising anchor - 1 hour delay. Needed to call Engineer.
Set of at 11 am no health and safety announcement or briefing.
About 80-100 passengers on boat.
First stop anchored some distance from shore I would estimate about 150-200 metres
people jumped in and swum.No announcement on strength of current, depth etc.
About an hour later anchored at Kardamili again no safety announcement etc.
After about 5 minutes I heard two people screaming for help.
Then I heard parents exclaim it was their sons in trouble.
They were about 50 - 75 metres away from boat and in distress.
I am 53 my step son is 25 and my son 16 we and another man from Southampton called Richard swam to the boys.
I recognized boys from my Hotel one was 17 diabetic and in clear distress his 12 year old brother was terrified.
The 17 year old was incoherent almost unconscious i am not a strong swimmer and had no life guard training.
Initial plan was to keep boy afloat until crew came to assist with a dinghy or small boat.
But there was no response instead we had to haul boy to cave on shore (there was no beach to land him on) and sit him on rock.We were all out of our depth and had to lift him onto rock.That was probably another 75m swim.
I hailed the Albatross II and called for a dinghy.
by this time a dutch guy who was also a passenger on boat swam out with a lifebelt -that was my wife's idea not the Crews.
As there was no reply from the Albatross I swam back.
Not a single crew member helped me up steps on side of boat and I was exhausted.
I told parents both sons were ok but oldest was in quite a bad way.
I asked Crew why they had not helped and where was dinghy ? only to be told there was no dinghy they had radioed for a boat but it would be 10 minutes.
I was appalled by this stage the other rescuers (no crew) had started towing 17y old back on a single lifebelt. .
Again none of crew went into help (I had to swim back and help pull the boy back).
We got him back to Albatross again not a single person helped us up steps to boat.
The crew were evasive.
Outcome was Greek Coastguard met boat at Stoupa harbour I have no idea what discussions where it was a brief conversation. No more than 5 minutes
The 17y old boy was taken to kalamata hospital straight away (trip was Thursday 9th August) and treated for salt water in his lungs and put on a drip.
By Friday he was being treated for Pneumonia, when I went back to UK on Saturday he was still in hospital.
View among people who fetched him back including me was he was close to drowning.
I was amazed that such a large boat had no inflatable dinghy, that there was no lifeguard on boat and that crew were totally unprepared and provided no help.
There response was to radio for another boat.
And of complete lack of health and safety briefing, and that swimming was allowed so far from shore and that distant shore was a completely rocky coastline.
I complained to Thomas Cook rep next day but have heard nothing yet.
I dont know boys name but family was from Guildford.
I hope he has made a full recovery
It was scariest experience of my life.
I would never go on a similar trip.
Even Thames boat trips have a safety briefing
Finally I want to record how proud I was of the guy from Southampton (Richard) the Dutch Guy (I never got his name) and of my stepson and Son.
I think anyone else who was on this trip on thursday 9th August should also add a review
Written August 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ronenlonneke
Groningen, The Netherlands1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Family
Hello, we were also on board of the Albatross on August 9th. I am Ron, the Dutch guy who swum the rescue belt to the boy in trouble. I confirm the review of Nigel.
The crew didn't do anything only but calling while there was a passenger was in real danger. They really weren't prepared for calamities and problems. We never ever get on a boat without safety information and be sure that the crew is well educated and trained for helping and rescuing people when something goes wrong.
The crew didn't do anything only but calling while there was a passenger was in real danger. They really weren't prepared for calamities and problems. We never ever get on a boat without safety information and be sure that the crew is well educated and trained for helping and rescuing people when something goes wrong.
Written August 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NikolasDi
Windsor, UK90 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
Couldn't get enough on our first time and went for another ride a few days later. Amazing views of the sunset at the backgroung of an amazing music selection and excellent service. Enjoyed our drinks during this 2-hour cruise of Kalamata's coastline and would recommend it to anyone who visits the city!!!
Written July 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear NikolasDi, thank you very much for your review!
Written March 5, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NSTAVROS
Athens, Greece781 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
We start our day with a long cruise with Albatros II from Kalamata's Port,at 08.00am!! Waiting for the sun to rise behind Mount Kalathion which Kalamata lays on....From Kalamata's Port all the way toKardamili and Stoupa Beach, Magnificent view of the Messinian Gulf along with nice music fron the crew and an ice d coffee on the deck, Very nice boat !! all wood, my kid was ready to play Jack Sparrow!!! Like the Pirates!! Smooth blue waters and the dolphins were swimming next to us!!!!, A stop to Kardamili to get some passengers and back to Kitries beach foa a swiimmin, Jumping fro the deck into stunning waters and feeling the absolute relax of the Greek sea!!! later cruise to Stoupa beach,swimming again, light snack with souvlaki na local products !!back to Kardamili and finally after 9 hours sailing back to Kalamata. Strongly recomended for kids, families and individuals!!!! Hospitality at its best, we look forward to meet you again !!! Thank to all smiley crew people!!!
Written August 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear NSTAVROS, we are very glad that you had a fine experience on Albatros II. Thank you for your review.
Written March 5, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonjour, je souhaite savoir comment réserver une journée sur albatros II début juillet 2017. Merci d'avance.
Written June 15, 2017
bonjour,
je souhaite savoir s'il est possible de réserver cette excursion d'une journée avec barbecue sur Albatros II via internet pour le mois de Septembre ?
merci beaucoup
myriam
Written August 21, 2016
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.