Port Buzz: Kotor, Montenegro

Silversea’s Silver Spirit calls on Kotor, Montenegro

A fun day in the sun.

Photo by Carrie Finley Bajak — Cruising Kotor Bay the Silversea Cruises way

After a picturesque sail through Kotor Bay, Silver Spirit arrived at her prime city center berthing station just steps from Kotor’s medieval Stari Grad (Old Town), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ship got cleared quickly and guests set off for a full day of fun in the sun.

Kotor is located 50 miles west of Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. The Old Town is enclosed within well-preserved defensive walls built between the 9th and 18th centuries and presided over by a proud hilltop fortress.

Some cruise passengers heeded the challenge of greeting fantastic views from one of the best vantage points in Kotor. The only problem is that in order to see the panoramic views of Kotor Bay and the rugged mountains and rooftops of the city, one needs to climb 1,300 steps uphill to reach the top. Since we are spending the night in port (that means we are not sailing tonight) there is ample of time for guests to participate in a shore excursion as well as spending time exploring the shops, cafes, restaurants, and squares of the Old Town.

Speed boat excursion to the blue cave and beach break

One way to beat the August heat is to get in the water. So, I signed up for a Silversea shore excursion from Kotor, Montenegro. After taking a speed boat for a 40-minute ride (one way) our group went into a blue cave for a quick swim before heading to a nice beach for a couple of hours of relaxation.

Next stop: the beach. Reserved lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a complimentary drink were included.

Locals playing water polo at beach club.

Tonight: dinner in Le Champagne, which is one of only a few Relais & Chateaux restaurants at sea. And then dancing in the streets via a late night concert very close to the port.

Cruise Buzz