Two new cruise lines on horizon
By: Louise Goldsbury, Cruise Weekly
Voyages to Antiquity and Cruise and Maritime Voyages are the two latest cruise companies to launch in the UK and Europe.
Cruising options have increased for travellers with the announcement of two new cruise lines to launch in the next two years.
The UK-headquartered Voyages to Antiquity will focus on Mediterranean history, with relevant port calls, complimentary shore excursions and educational lectures.
The new line is the brainchild of the founder of Orient Lines and Discovery World Cruises, Gerry Harrod, who has purchased the former Aegean I ship for the venture.
The ship has been laid up near Athens for several years due to legal issues about its ownership but will be extensively refurbished and renamed Aegean Odyssey.
Capacity will be reduced from 560 to 380 passengers, with larger rooms and balconies added to 42 cabins, plus a revamped spa, restaurant and lounge, but no casino or disco.
Itineraries
Aegean Odyssey will offer 14-night itineraries based on the rise and fall of civilisations in the Mediterranean.
The nine itineraries were designed with the assistance of historian and author John Julius Norwich, who will also be a guest speaker on the cruises.
The maiden voyage in May 2010, round-trip from Athens, visits various ports in Greece, Greek Islands and Turkey. Sales are expected to open next month.
Meanwhile, the UK-based Cruise and Maritime Voyages is aimed at the mature traveller, with traditional entertainment, dining and staterooms.
The company plans to charter the 820- passenger Marco Polo and Ocean Countess in January and April 2010, respectively, departing from ports in the UK.
Marco Polo will offer itineraries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Amazon, while Ocean Countess, after a major refit, will mainly sail in Europe.
Fares are expected to start at $400 for a three-night cruise to Amsterdam and Antwerp.
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Cruises crack down on chair-hoggers!
Deck chairs are so precious on cruises that Celebrity Equinox has recruited "pool butlers" to politely keep chair-hoggers under control.
To stop people saving multiple chairs for long periods of time, the butlers will watch over proceedings and organise fair furniture distribution.
The ship has even widened its front deck to fit in 100 extra deck chairs and also placed a few in the Lawn Club to encourage passengers to relax in areas away from the pools.
The move follows complaints that there were not enough places to lounge around in the sun because people were holding onto deck chairs all day, using towels to mark their territory.
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