Cruises in the Greek Islands have long been a favourite for the cruising public and the growing fleet of ‘floating resort’ cruise ships landing thousands of clients on well-established destinations such as Santorini and Rhodes.
However, there is a different approach to cruising that is fast gaining favour with a privileged few who are in the know. Yacht cruises or more precisely, ‘mega yacht cruises’ accommodating up to 50 passengers on sleek modern yachts operated by the well-established specialist operator Variety Cruises offer clients the opportunity to explore lesser known smaller islands, presenting a more authentic and traditional face of Greece, almost untouched by the crowds and commercialism of the mass market destinations.
Seafarer is the exclusive general sales agent for Variety Cruises in the UK. Managing director Chris Lorenzo commented “Greek Island Cruises and small ships are the perfect mix and there is nowhere better for innovative island hopping itineraries that allow you to discover unspoilt islands and harbours beyond the reach of today’s ever larger cruise ships.”
Islands such as Folegandros or Syros in the Cyclades, Symi and Karpathos in the Dodecanese or Kythira and Hydra off the Peloponnese coast present a completely different picture of Greece, where traditional architecture and ways of life still reign supreme.
The casual and friendly informality on board fits well with the destinations, embarkation and disembarkation being with a minimum of fuss, whilst meal times on board being more like a dinner party than formal dining. Whilst much more sophisticated than the familiar concept of Gulet Cruises, these small ship cruises are more about discovering new destinations than life on board, with much more time in each destination to do as you please. Another great feature is swimming in pristine bays only accessible by sea from the swimming platform to the aft of each vessel.
Variety Cruises offer a range of island hopping itineraries in the Greek Isles between March and November sailing weekly from Athens, Crete and Rhodes. These Mega Yacht Cruises are at the exclusive end of the small ship cruise market, though surprisingly affordable with 7 night packages including flights starting from as little as £1295. What’s more current early booking savings yield a saving of 50% on the cruise only fare for the second passenger, bringing the lead price down to the £1000 per person in early and late season.
For more Information contact Seafarer on 0208 324 3114 or see www.seafarercruises.com.
These cruises sound much more appealing than taking a large cruise line voyage. I like the relaxed atmosphere that this company offers, as well as seeing places outside of the norm. I was always told that one can enjoy their visit to a new site much more if left alone to investigate on his own and not follow a schedule of any type.