Seafarer Cruises
Luxury is Exclusivity
When it comes to unlocking true luxury, exclusivity is the key. ‘Floating hotels’ with 2,000 cabins, casinos, nightclubs and water parks onboard might be a great option for an all inclusive family holiday, but a super cruise liner can’t offer the peacefulness and exclusivity that a luxury small ship cruise can provide.
Onboard a Seafarer mega-yacht, you’ll only have to share the ship’s beautifully crafted spaces with 50 or so other passengers, giving you ample chance to relax privately, or to socialise when you so desire. A good staff to passenger ratio also means that everybody gets a first-class service throughout the voyage.
Greek Island Hopping
Sail across azure deeps from island to island, discovering the dramatic coastlines of the Greek Islands. Greece has long been a popular yachting destination thanks to its 300 days a year of sunshine, fair sailing winds and of course its unforgettable natural beauty and ancient history.
If you’re keen to put the days of backpacking and hitchhiking behind you, you can now island hop in a rather more luxurious way: from the comfort of one of Variety Cruise’s sleek mega yachts. These 25-cabin vessels have the feel of a private yacht without the multimillion-pound price tag, so you can enjoy the luxury you deserve without having to be a Hollywood A-lister.
Informal and friendly, these cruises offer well-appointed air conditioned en suite cabins, spacious public areas with bars, lounge and restaurant plus ample sun decks to relax, sun bathe and take in the scenery. Wile away sun-drenched days wining and dining al fresco on the deck, or dive in from the yacht’s swimming platform and snorkel in secluded coves. Explore small islands off the beaten tourist track at your own leisurely pace, and visit unspoiled gems such as Kea, Folegandros and Kythnos. As well as visiting some of the lesser known islands, you will also get to see some of the more famous destinations such Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos and Crete.
Mega yachting also comes with the added bonus of getting more excursion time, with only short distances between each destination. No more endless days at sea! Each crossing will even allow time for swim stops and the occasional beach BBQ. There will also be plenty of time for you to go ashore to explore historic ruins, discover village markets, wander across stunning landscapes, and relax on golden sands.
What to expect onboard
Cruising on a mega yacht is like being a guest onboard a billionaire’s private vessel. You’ll find smart spacious cabins, all with en suite facilities with bath or shower, windows or portholes, TV and air conditioning. You will also find an indoor lounge, and outdoor lounge, a sundeck and a bar, and an aft swimming platform. The food is excellent with a daily changing menu offering a choice of dishes with vegetarian options. Most meals are table service but some are buffet. All Greek cruises are half-board, allowing time for one meal a day in a local harbour-side taverna.
As you might expect the service is immaculate, always present but unobtrusive. Naturally you get to meet and talk to the Captain and senior crew. There are organised shore excursions or you can simply make your own agenda for visits – a member of the crew will point you in the right direction.
A more environmentally-friendly way to cruise
It’s a sad fact that as the holiday world becomes an ever smaller place, naturally beautiful landscapes are being spoiled by mass market tourism. Because of their small, unobstrusive size, small ship cruises can go off the beaten track without impacting the local environments or communities.
Seafarer offers three different itineraries operated by leading yacht cruise specialist Variety Cruises:
The Jewels of the Cyclades – Explores the wonderful island group of the same name on the 25 cabin, traditionally styled motor sailor Galileo with weekly Saturday departures all summer.
The Aegean Odyssey Cruise – Heads east across the Aegean all the way to the Turkish coast with the opportunity to visit ancient Ephesus, as well as Patmos, Samos, Santorini. You sail on the sleek sail cruiser Panorama II.
Classical Greece – Sailing on the ultra-modern yacht Harmony V, combines Mykonos and Santorini, with Crete and the Peloponnese coast exploring some of Greece’s best known ancient wonders like Mycenae and Epidavros.
Prices for 7 nights start at just £1195 plus £165 port taxes and charges with flights and transfers available from an extra £295 pp. There are special offers on selected dates saving up 25% off the cruise fare, whilst even bigger savings are available to Variety Cruises Club Members who have cruised with the company before.
Mini Guide to Kea
Kea is close to the Greek mainland but many tourists pass it by on their way to busier destinations.- Kea used to be known as ‘Hydroussa’ – the ‘Water Island’ due to the many springs and natural fountains that were found all over the island.
- There is an ancient statue here carved out of stone resembling the lion that, according to Greek mythology, chased off the water nymphs that were killing the island’s women.
- The island has a prehistoric settlement called Agia Irini in Vourkari.
- It is also home to one of the last oak forests remaining in the Cyclades island complex.
Mini Guide to Santorini
Santorini is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades.- The islands surround the crater of a giant, active volcano under the sea.
- Santorini is world famous for its white-washed houses, blue domed roofs, warm weather, good beaches and brilliant sunshine
- The archeological site at Akrotiri, one of the highlights of a visit to Santorini, is believed to have been an urban center that became a major port for the Minoan civilization around the seventeenth century B.C.
