Martin Hesp embarks on a voyage from the Bay of Naples to the wonders of Sicily's coast

If you’re going on a voyage, then the Bay of Naples makes for a pretty classic embarkation point.

- 

A great many historical figures have departed the shores beneath smoky old Vesuvius - way back in time the mythical Odysseus had his encounter with the Sirens somewhere on this coast; Roman Emperors such as Claudius and Tiberius spent time in the bay area; Admiral Nelson famously evacuated King Ferdinand IV and his court from Naples aboard his flagship, HMS Vanguard, along, of course, with Sir William Hamilton and his own siren of a wife, Emma; and later the English poets Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Keats all took to the sea hereabouts.

So what was good for that little lot was certainly good enough for me - especially as I was embarking on a journey from Naples aboard the fabulous Sea Cloud Spirit, the three-masted sailing ship I raved about in last week's article.

But first a note about Naples itself. The quote says: “when a man is tired of London he is tired of life”, but I'd prefer to use it in connection with Naples - a slightly crazy city which is loud, highly colourful and buzzing with life. I know of few other places that are quite as hot and frenzied, while at the same time being so stylish and cool.

Not that I could live there, it'd be far too exhausting for an old country hick like me. But I loved our recent short stay prior to joining our cruise. I even managed to discover an excellent and inexpensive hotel situated just 50 metres from the ship's berth (the Smart Hotel, situated on the actual quay). Our 24 hours in the city prior to embarkation included two delicious meals in local restaurants (more expensive than Naples used to be, but not bad at under £70 for two, including wine) and a ridiculously cheap shopping expedition (clothes in Italy are fabulous value).