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Topic: Best "Real" Ship for the Greek Islands

bugsykitty
First Class Passenger
Member # 1580

posted 10-12-2000 08:06 PM

Hello all, I've just boarded. Mainly, due to Vulcania's knowledge as a shipmate on the Journey to the Northern Isles.

My question -- we are looking to do the Greek Isles with Athens and Istanbul on the itinerary in 2002. We have narrowed it down to P&O, Princess, Swan Hellenic, Orient, and HAL. We are American, but after years of working with the British, I have no problem with cruising on a ship that is 99% British, as the activities and the environment would be most welcome (I miss Dorset -- such a lovely area to visit).

So, which line and which ship would give the best Greek Isles cruise?

Dee

Posts: 17 | From: Columbia MD USA | Registered: Sep 2000 | IP: Logged

Patrick
First Class Passenger
Member # 364

posted 10-13-2000 01:37 PM

To choose between the companies you´ve mentioned, I´d recommend Orient Lines. This line has two ships, the MARCO POLO (ex ALEKSANDR PUSHKIN) and the CROWN ODYSSEY (ex NORWEGIAN CROWN). The line has been elected several times to offer the best value-for-money. They have quite familiar ships which are extremely well maintained and the deatil is cared of very much, very good service and food and excellent destinations. They give you the feeling to be on a real ship and you have usually more time in ports too as with other lines. As well, their ships are not oversized like the ones of P&O Princess or HAL. I think they are really the best ones you can choose for a cruise between Istanbul and Athens.
But Swan Hellenic isn´t bad either. Their single ship, the MINERVA, is even smaller and very comfortable but a bit more expensive usually than Orient Lines.
Beside the lines you´ve mentioned, you could also try Royal Olympic´s new OLYMPIC VOYAGER which provides the most of possible destinations during a 1-week cruise, due to its high speed. As well it´s a new ship with very acceptable size in a 4-star standard as well. But they are not very cheap.
Otherwise, if you don´t care too much about 4-star-level and you like international cruises, Festival Cruises might be a good choice too. They are totally European, have a good middle-class standard and ships are mid-sized, so ideal for cruises around the Greek Islands. Service is very friendly too and food is of an excellent quality. Just remember that their ships (except the new MISTRAL) are older but they are well maintained ! Many of my clients really enjoy cruising with them because it´s a funny and relaxed ambiance onboard and you can see a lot with them.
So, from my opinion, stay away from too large ships and lines.

Posts: 1680 | From: OSC Luxembourg | Registered: Nov 98 | IP: Logged

bugsykitty
First Class Passenger
Member # 1580

posted 10-13-2000 01:49 PM

Thanks, Patrick, for you response. As for the cruise lines mentioned, the itineraries that have our interest are on the smaller ships. VICTORIA on P&O, NOORDAM on HAL, and ROYAL PRINCESS of Princess - and I do know that the days of these ships are numbered, as these lines seem to be giving up on their small older ships.

I am very interested in MINERVA, and MARCO POLO. OLYMPIC VOYAGER doesn't do enough islands for me, and the high speed run just to get to Africa seems a stretch for a week of cruising.

We are looking at the 12-14 day itineraries, and we do like the smaller older ships as long as they are well maintained. Many people have told us that they love STELLA SOLARIS, so it is also on our short list.

Until the 2002 itineraries are published, we are in the early planning stages. I do not want to sail on anything with more than around 1200 people on board if I can help it.
I have been told that MINERVA might not fit us as we are from the US, but since I'm not into many of the things that US cruisers seem to be looking for, and I've worked for years with the British - I have no problem with an immersion into a different cultural experience. As long as people aren't out and out opposed to our presence on a British ship, which I don't believe would be the case as I've formed many lasting friendships with my co-workers from the UK, I am leaning towards trying MINERVA or VICTORIA.

Dee

Posts: 17 | From: Columbia MD USA | Registered: Sep 2000 | IP: Logged

marble
First Class Passenger
Member # 1122

posted 11-15-2000 08:25 PM

Hi Dee,
My mother and I cruised on the Stella Solaris in March for 10 days. She is 65, myself 44. We cruised the Mayan Equinox Itinerary and had the most wonderful time. My mother will cruise again for 3 weeks this month, infact the Monday after Thanksgiving,on board the Stella, this time to the Greek Isles. From everything she has read and from word of mouth, she is very excited about going. The ship is small but has the greatest atmosphere and the crew is wonderful. A friend that we met on board in march went to Greece in June and she said it was great. I think you would be very happy with the choice. We meet so many people that were repeat passengers on the Stella. We did notice though, and this may be of no importance that there were alot of elderly onboard. Not knowing your state of youth, that may be something that you would want to know. Have a great trip whatever ship you choose.
Kathy

Posts: 14 | From: Ga | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

anaskons2
Just Boarded
Member # 1554

posted 11-19-2000 05:36 PM

If you do visit the Mediterranean area and decide to visit the Greek Islands, especially Rhodes, than visit our website

http://www.privatetours.gr

Here you will find lots of information about our beautiful Island, the third largest in Greece (550 sq. miles) Tips on travelling, shopping and even eating and drinking whilst visiting Rhodes. Also virtual tours of the Island. Local history and culture explained. Photo gallery, containing many different views of the Island, its people and sites to see.

Kind regards

Nick

Posts: 5 | From: Rhodes Greece | Registered: Sep 2000 | IP: Logged

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