By Valerie Milano
Aegean Sea, Greece (The Hollywood Times) 10/26/25 – Olivia Travel’s Greek Isles Cruise returned to Athens with a week of laughter, music, and sisterhood under the Mediterranean sun. From heartfelt performances to late-night laughs, this voyage proved once again why Olivia remains the gold standard for LGBTQ+ travel, not just for its talent lineup, but for the sense of unity it fosters on board.
If there were a queen of the cruise, Mina Hartong wore the crown. Her comedy was sharp, joyful, and grounded in authenticity. She worked the crowd like family, mixing clever social humor with irresistible warmth. Her set felt like a reunion of friends who just happen to be very, very funny. Hartong was easily the week’s standout act.
Veteran comedian Elvira Kurt remains an Olivia mainstay; a familiar face whose sharp wit and quick banter are usually cruise staples. Her stand-up this voyage brought solid laughs and her trademark candor, though parts of the set felt a touch predictable.
Elvira also hosted the daily “Olivia Daily Show”, a clever idea that aired on the ship’s monitors to preview each day’s agenda. Unfortunately, the execution sometimes missed the mark. Key details like that evening’s headliners or even the day’s Bingo session were occasionally left out, leaving guests guessing. Onstage, she was as seasoned and smart as ever, but as host, her delivery felt detached, a surprising misstep for such a seasoned pro.
Still, her presence brought continuity and a dose of veteran humor that longtime Olivia travelers have come to expect, even if some were left wondering why Olivia keeps leaning so heavily on the same formula.
Crys Matthews gave the voyage its soul, and this time, she didn’t do it alone. Performing alongside her soon to be – wife, the two created a beautiful onstage partnership that radiated love and authenticity. Their harmonies intertwined effortlessly, blending tenderness with strength and turning each song into a shared conversation about resilience, hope, and unity.
Crys’ voice, clear, resonant, and deeply human, carried a calm conviction that grounded the audience. Together, the duo delivered songs of love, justice, and belonging that reminded guests why Olivia’s music programming often transcends simple entertainment. It’s not just performance, it’s communion.
Their set became one of the emotional high points of the cruise, leaving the Cabaret Lounge hushed, moved, and connected in a way that words can barely capture.
Kristin Key was the wild card who won everyone over. Fast, fearless, and musical, she delivered a tightly wound set that had the lounge in stitches. Her guitar-driven comedy hit every note, clever, inclusive, and joyfully self-aware. One of the week’s brightest highlights.
Performance artist Bitch brought her signature violin, electro-beats, and avant-garde energy to the stage. Her artistry is unique and undeniably bold, and while her set didn’t resonate with everyone, it certainly sparked conversation. For some, it was performance art at its fiercest, for others, a bit outside the cruise’s cozy, communal vibe. Either way, she stayed true to her vision, and that in itself deserves respect.
Olivia once again partnered with Azamara, whose Onward ship proved an ideal floating home for this artistic journey. The vessel was spotlessly clean, well maintained, and exuded understated luxury without losing its intimacy. The captain and crew were warm, gracious, and attentive, greeting guests by name and joining in the fun whenever possible. Multiple staff members remarked that this was one of the most cohesive, joyful groups they’d ever hosted, a testament to both Olivia’s travelers and the company’s culture of connection.
The Greek Isles shimmered, but it was the people, the artists, the crew, and the women who filled every deck with laughter and love, who made this voyage unforgettable. Olivia continues to deliver more than a vacation; it’s an experience of belonging.
The Greek Isles themselves were a dream, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Syros, and a soulful stop in Ephesus, but it was the onboard energy that defined the experience. Olivia continues to curate an artistic playground for women who love to laugh, dance, and connect. Even with a few scheduling hiccups and missing announcements, the heart of the voyage remained: community, comedy, and connection under the Aegean stars.
Editor’s Note: Reporting by Valerie Milano for The Hollywood Times, returning from Olivia’s 2025 Greek Isles Cruise.
