By Penelope Karageorge

This was the “Opa” cruise, now in its fourth year, originally created as a fund-raiser to build a church in Ocala, Fla., and spear-headed by Ellen Pantazis, and her husband, Dr. Cary Pantazis, a pathologist and head of the Ocala Parish Council.

In the spirit of Odysseus, Greeks danced the nights away despite an occasionally tilting dance floor from a brief storm that kept the ship from landing at the Grand Cayman Islands. Providing the spiritual impetus, the amazing Father George Papadeas, 92, led a prayer service every morning. A resident of West Daytona, Fla., Father George drives 90 miles to Ocala weekly to conduct Bible Study at the Pantazis home, and perform the liturgy on Sunday. Currently the Orthodox congregate in a Catholic chapel, but the Ocala church is expected to open later in the spring.

“The intention of the cruise was of course, to raise money for the new Ocala church,” says Mrs. Pantazis. “But when we become a church in Ocala, we still want to continue with this. What we want to do is give to other missions in the USA and keep Orthodoxy spreading.”

Twenty-seven states were represented on board, with “Opa” voyagers from places as far-flung as Canada and Texas. Many were repeat cruise-goers who had taken all four trips.

Says Father George: “The spirit that prevails on this cruise is something special. It makes you feel good. Enthusiasm is a Greek word which comes from entheos, meaning ‘from God.’ We thrive on that.”

Dino Smiros of Syosset, L.I., on board with his wife Mary, commented: “It was special – kind of a big parea. We really enjoyed it!” Helen King of Madison, N.J., said: “I’m ready to sign up for the next cruise. I loved the variety, the people, the Greek aspect, and the cosmopolitan feeling of the ship.”

The “Opa” cruise functioned within the larger context of the Costa Atlantica, an extravaganza of twelve passenger decks, each named after movies directed by the famous Italian director, Frederico Fellini. Cararra marble, Murano-glass accents, and in-laid mosaic tile created a beautiful ship and atmosphere.

All of the events and resources of the Costa Atlantica ship were available to “Opa” travelers, from around the clock food – the chefs did Italian specialties particularly well – to a lively gaming casino, three pools and exceptional entertainment nightly. But Greek events proved the biggest lure.

Says Mrs. Pantazis, who coordinated the cruise program working with Faye Weissblum, President of Travel Group International Inc.: “We tried to provide a cultural experience. Even though we’re all Greek or married to a Greek or want to be Greek, we might have forgotten some of the things in our heritage, things we’re all proud of. It was a time to come together and share in a lot of our cultural heritage and beliefs. We offered a lot of choices.”

Greek films shown included “So You Think You Can Dance,” “The 300,” and “My Life in Ruins.” Lectures topics ranged from “Is Christopher Columbus a Byzantine Prince?” by Dr. Pantazis to “The Legacy of Our Greek American Heritage” by Dr. Dean Loomis.

Father George, who had been pastor of the Cathedral of St. Paul, Hempstead, N.Y., presented a moving discussion about the 50th anniversary of the cathedral’s three weeping icons. He is the author of “Why Did She Cry?” and also translated and compiled the invaluable “Greek Orthodox Holy Week & Easter Services.”

Entertainer Hope Mihalap, a Greek-American comedienne and inspirational speaker proved a comic boon. The award-winning humorist offered on-target insights into Greek-Americans’ special foibles, “It’s Greek to Us!”

Greek dancing rocked the boat nightly in the Coral Lounge with “A Night in Athens Trio” featuring Nick Trivelas, Joanna Kartsonis, and possibly the best bouzouki player outside of Athens, George Antonopoulos. For those who wanted to brush up or learn new steps, instructor Maria Johnson met every morning to give lessons.

Faye Weissblum, at the special “Opa” hospitality desk daily, graciously answered questions and assisted travelers. “Opa” cruisers received special blue and white travel bags and travel card holders that made them readily identifiable to fellow voyagers. Embarking from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. , the cruise sailed to Key West, Fla., Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel Mexico. A hundred people have already signed up for next year’s cruise. “Opa” Cruise 2011 will sail from Miami in March and visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Catalina Island, Dominican Republic, and Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas.