Variety Cruises, named one of the top ten best boutique cruise lines by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, announced two new destinations to their small ship cruising portfolio, the Eastern Mediterranean and Bali.
The Callisto
Gods, Kings, and Pharaohs, which takes voyagers to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan, is set to begin in November 2018, and Splendors of Egypt by Sea will begin in December 2018, which will feature a tour though Egypt and Jordan by sea. A Bali cruise is also planned for mid-2019, where guests will explore the Indonesian Archipelago.
"Since we launched Variety Cruises 50 years ago, our boutique small ship sailing destination portfolio has continued to expand to include some of the more exotic parts of the world” said Yiannis Vontas, Senior Partner and Executive VP of Development and Marketing, Variety Cruises. “What attracts our guests to Variety Cruises is the intimacy of the private mega-yacht experience, and the ability to visit ports that are not accessible to large cruise ships. This year, 2018, Variety Cruises is introducing two new itineraries: Gods, Kings & Pharaohs, visiting iconic sites in Egypt, Israel and Jordan, as well as a separate itinerary focusing on the Splendors of Egypt by Sea. In 2019, we are expanding further and will introduce Bali."
God, Kings, and Pharaohs – Sailing from Ashdod, Israel to Aqaba, Jordan, guests will be treated to some of the most fascinating destinations the Eastern Mediterranean has to offer. As you sail down the Suez Canal, take in its sights and sounds and imagine yourself in the place of the Ancient Egyptians; visit the Coptic monasteries or take a full day excursion to Cairo; discover the Valley of the Kings at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to the only ever female Pharaoh and to the Colossi of Memnon; swim and snorkel, or simply kick-back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea on an afternoon sailing trip to Hurghada and Gubal Island.
This cruise will be offered as an 8-day cruise from Ashdod to Aqaba or reverse, and a 6-day cruise from Ashdod to Hurghada.
Splendors of Egypt by Sea- Sailing from the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt, and ending in Aqaba, Jordan, guests will be able to explore some of the most renown ports in the Eastern Mediterranean. Highlights include many of the same locations as Gods, Kings, and Pharaohs, but focuses only on Egypt and Jordan.
This cruise will be offered as an 8-day cruise from Alexandria to Aqaba or reverse, and a 6-day cruise from Alexandria to Hurghada.
Guests booking these cruises will sail on the Callisto, a small, but elegant Motor Yacht. The Callisto has 17 finely appointed exterior cabins located on the Lower deck and the Main deck. All cabins are comfortably arranged and beautifully furnished with wooden furniture and light fabrics. They all have marble-appointed en suite bathrooms with showers and are equipped with windows or portholes.
Bali – Sailing from Benoa Port to Rinca island, experience the Indonesian archipelago on an island-hopping adventure. Relax on Satonda Island, a flooded volcano with a crystal-clear lake at its center; snorkel off Keramat Island and explore the colorful coral reefs below; stroll through the Komodo National Forest on the Islands of Komodo and Rinca and view the largest living reptile on Earth- the Komodo Dragon; bathe beneath a waterfall on Moyo Island.
This cruise will be offered as an 8-day cruise departing from/returning to Bali.
Variety Cruise Panorama II at Santorini
Guests joining the Bali cruise enjoy the private yacht experience aboard the Panorama II- a two-masted state of the art Motor Sailer accommodating up to 49 passengers in 25 cabins. All cabins are handsomely designed, finished with lustrous wood trims and warm fabrics. The fully equipped bathrooms are finished with marble. All cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone (for internal use), hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, public address system and safe boxes. The aft area at the upper deck provides generous semi covered or sun exposed areas and some magnificent views.
Variety Cruises, based in Athens, Greece, is a leader in defining the small ship cruise experience, operating a fleet of 11 fully owned vessels with a maximum of 72 passengers. Guests on board get to explore secluded coves, renowned ports and legendary landmarks not accessible by larger ships. Scheduling leisure time and overnights in port highlight Variety’s commitment to providing a memorable and private yacht experience.
For solo travelers or anyone just wanting a little ‘alone time,’ Variety offers a personalized cruise experience not found on larger cruise ships- the crowd-free environment fosters socializing whether at the deck bar, open seating dining or during excursions. Each yacht has an intimate ambiance and a community of like-minded fellow travelers. Known for its high passenger-to-crew ratio, Variety staff is able to cater to the needs of all its guests.
Variety guests can select from a diverse range of handpicked cruise destinations including Greece, Spain and Portugal, the Adriatic Sea, Cape Verde, the Seychelles, West Africa, Costa Rica & Panama, Cuba, and Iceland.
For more information on conditions, restrictions, and booking, please contact your local travel agent or contact Variety Cruises at: 1-800-319-7776
To see the entire 2018-19 Voyage Collection, visit: www.varietycruises.com
