Fans of the Swedish band ABBA have flocked to the Greek Isles for well over a decade to see the film locations from the hit 2008 film version of a jukebox musical based on their greatest hits.
Now, just in time for the movie’s sequel Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again, Star Clippers has announced a seven-day sailing from Athens that will highlight locations from the original film.
The cruise line’s tall ships are perfect for reenacting the Money, Money, Money number from the film, which was shot onboard a sailing yacht, or simply drink in the luridly gorgeous Greek Isles, which played prominently on screen.
Stops include the island of Skopelos, where movie fans will recognize the cliff top chapel Agios Ioannis sto Kastri, perched 300 feet above the Aegean, with 100 steps carved into the rock path leading to the entrance. Cruise passengers can also take in the views from the “Villa Donna” house on Skopelos (although the house itself was a studio set). A nearby beach is the scene for “Does Your Mother Know”, and is also a stop on the itinerary.
The island of Skiathos is next, where the Old Port served as the “mainland” where the three fathers first encountered each other, and the St. Nikolaos Bell Tower is where Sophie mailed her wedding invitations to the three men.
The Mamma Mia itineraries also call at Myrina Limnos, Greece, where mythology holds Hephaestus, god of metalworking, landded when hurled off Mount Olympus by Zeus; Dikili, Turkey site of a noted acropolis; and Poros, Greece, home of the Temple of Poseidon.
Onboard the Clippers, which are traditional clipper ships with teak decks and modern amenities like swimming pools, contemporary informal dining, and casual bars, passengers will enjoy an intimate atmosphere with no more than 170 guests. Three Mamma Mia sailings will be available in May, June, and August of 2019. Fares start at $1,730 per person based on double occupancy. Star Clippers also offers itineraries in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Panama Canal in addition to Ocean Crossings and Grand Voyages.
Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again, with an all-star cast led by Meryl Streep, opens in North American theaters July 20.
