Newest cruise explores oldest civilisations
9 February 2010
It’s a case of going back to the future for a new Mediterranean cruise program which sails a modern luxury cruiser to discover the secrets of some of the world’s most oldest and most fascinating civilisations.
The new ‘Voyages to Antiquity’ program will combine history and holidays in a range of extraordinary and affordable itineraries throughout the ‘old Mediterranean’.
Commencing in May, the history-themed program features 16 cruises aboard the fully-refurbished, four-star Aegean Odyssey, which has been converted from a 600-passenger ship to a spacious, special purpose vessel accommodating no more than 380 guests.
Each of the 15-day journeys in the Voyages to Antiquity program is centred on the rich history of classical Mediterranean civilisations, and an appreciation of their art and architecture, with expert guides helping passengers to understand and explore the distant past in destinations including Greece, Italy, Turkey, Sicily, Croatia, Malta, Tunisia and Egypt.
The program also includes a comprehensive range of shore excursions, wine with every dinner, expert commentary, gratuities and port charges.
Craig Bowen, managing director of specialist wholesaler, Cruise Traveller, which will represent Voyages to Antiquity in the Australian market, said the small ships and new itineraries held great appeal.
“The small ship concept has already been proved in markets including Alaska, Antarctica and Scandinavia, so the Voyages to Antiquity product takes the small ship segment another step, with fully themed journeys.
“The strength of this program is its itineraries, its themes and its inclusions. This is a five-star product on a four star ship at three star prices, which opens quality cruising for the mid-price market,” he said.
The Aegean Odyssey cruise programme is priced from just $3695 per person, twin share, for the Cairo to Amman journey in November. Air fares are extra.
In addition to the core 15 day cruises, there are also five Grand Voyages, each lasting 29 days that combine two smaller itineraries.
Features of the Aegean Odyssey include two restaurants and an outdoor terrace dining area, three lounges, four bars, a lecture theatre and cinema, a library, a shop, an internet centre, a medical centre, and outdoor pool and jacuzzi and a beauty salon. There are 14 cabin categories to choose from.
“This is a new and very different cruise experience. It is for people with a real interest not just in the trip, but in the journey back in time,” said Bowen.
FREE FLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA TO MEDITERRANEAN
To launch the new program, Cruise traveller is offering a special fly free to Europe from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth offer, to join your ship.
The special free flight offer applies to the two launch cruises – Athens to Rome, departing on 17 May, and Rome to Venice, sailing on 30 May.
With the free air fares included, the Athens-Rome journey is priced from $5295 per person, twin share from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and includes a comprehensive range of shore excursions, wine with every dinner, gratuities and port charges, while the Rome-Venice cruise is priced from $5575 per person, twin share, with the same inclusions.
All bookings must be made by 8 March 2010, and are subject to availability.