HISTORIC CRUISING
The Antiquity Road Show
Voyages to Antiquity are the latest cruise line to offer an educational slant to the cruise portfolio, highlighting the cradle of ancient civilisations. Lynn Houghton took a trip to Sicily to try out the new ship and itinerary
I
s it true that we are being followed? A person in a small yacht has been tailing us since we sailed into the Tyrrhenian Sea and before we nestled into the harbour of Sorrento with its enigmatic cliffs.
I am on the rebuilt Aegean Odyssey and experiencing the aptly titled, ‘sicily is the key to Everything’ itinerary, sailing from Athens to Rome via sicily. based on John Julius Norwich’s book The Middle Sea, A History of the Mediterranean, every itinerary visits sites of antiquity, with all land-based tours supported by expert lectures on board. With at least one tour per day as part of the price, and also including gratuities and wine with dinner, Voyages to Antiquity had been voted the top educational holiday by
ShermansTravel.com in the Us before she even sailed on her maiden voyage! Flying into Catania, I join on Day 5. Boarding my transfer, I am taken at high speed towards Naxos
Harbour and, very soon, a small, clean, white-and- blue vessel comes into view. Moored in the achingly beautiful clear waters of the Ionian Sea, and with Taormina and Mount Etna in the background, the ship, an attractive mid-sized vessel, looks highly inviting. Once onboard the new teak decks, the tasteful selection of Greek and Roman ship models and busts from antiquity began to put me in the mood for a relaxed tour. Those wanting glitz and glamour, big production shows or glittering casinos will be disappointed. The quiet colour schemes and discreet decor are suited for passengers wanting a refined experience and seeking relaxation and calm. My Concierge stateroom is also decorated in soft colours (cream and grey with splashes of red), with built-in beechwood cupboards and side- boards. Mirrors are tastefully used as accents and the balcony has teak decking as well as wooden deckchairs and table.
Autumn 2010 I WORLD OF CRUISING 31
“I first set eyes on the Mediterranean when I was 15. I have loved it ever since. Saved from stagnation by the Straits of Gibraltar, it seems to have been deliberately designed as a cradle of cultures – and this is certainly what it has proved to be. It nurtured three of the most dazzling civilisations of antiquity and saw the birth or
blossoming of three of our greatest religions.” Lord John Julius Norwich
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