For our three groups of intrepid travellers, it's day one of ‘Cruising the Med'. Today they get to explore the ancient Greek city of Athens, before they board the cruise ship as she sets off on a week-long cruise around the Med. Former cruise ship bar manager Suraj is excited to take his wife and two young daughters on their first ever cruise. They begin their day with a shopping trip to an Athens flea market before a nostalgic Suraj delights in boarding his first ship in over ten years. Daddy and daughter duo Scotty and Kaila from Torquay are used to seeing cruise ships docked in their hometown, but today marks the first time they've ever stepped foot on one themselves. Taking in the ancient ruins of Hadrian's Library, and a pit stop at a sweetie stall before they board, gets their day off to a fantastic start. And thrill-seeking cousins Jeff and Lynda are determined that their first-ever cruise will be an exciting and energetic experience. Keen not fit into an old person stereotype, the dynamic duo spend their day hiking around the botanical gardens of Athens, where Lynda reveals her hopes of getting to know the ship's captain. As the evening draws in, the ship heads off on its first journey of the cruise - they're on the way to Santorini. Our three groups of holidaymakers round off their first day in the best way possible - by joining the rest of the passengers for an evening of entertainment, music and good vibes at the ship's Sail-Away Celebration.

It's the half way point of this week's cruise, and our three groups of guests are today visiting Messina, the third largest city in Sicily. Lynda and Jeff opt for a walking tour with a local guide. As well as being shown the city's most impressive landmarks, including the largest astronomical clock in the entire world, their guide also takes them to some local foodie hot spots, to enjoy some Sicilian treats of the rice based street food arancini, and the deliciously sweet Cannoli. After all that walking, a foot massage is in order. An appointment at the ship's on board spa is a welcome way to end the day. Suraj, Sneha and their two young daughters spend the morning in Fort San Jaccidhu Ecological Park - a tranquil oasis nestled on the border of the Peloritani Mountains. Suraj and Sneha are impressed by the stunning views, whilst the children are equally impressed by the park's local Mountain Goats. A quick trip to the Neptune Fountain, a 16th Century marble statue in Messina's city centre, completes their day in Sicily, as the parents decide to ditch sight-seeing for the ship's main pool. Four-year-old Kaila can already speak some German and Portuguese. For today's trip to Sicily, she and dad Scotty, take the opportunity to brush up on their Italian with Gianluca from the ship's customer service team. Their new language skills go down well with the locals, as they order some of Sicily's famous gelato in Messina's city centre, before heading eight km north, to the peaceful lagoons of the lakes of Ganzirri. A chance meeting with some local fisherman gives the pair the chance to see some of the lake's native clams and mussels up close.