the ancient Minoans or the subtle scheming of the Doges of Venice. All of which serves as an excellent pointer for the experience of going ashore. Each cabin features a ‘Quiet Vox’ headset for each guided excursion and all excursions are included (with occasional optional extras). The quiet voxes allow you to tune in and hear your guide without interruption from others; an invaluable boon when tour groups can sometimes get scattered. Bottled water is always provided free at the
gangways and, being a small ship, getting on and off is a simple affair – another instance when less truly is more. The scope and quality of those excursions is quite something. Though I have seen the Greek Islands many times, the tours I took put huge parts of the history around me in much sharper context.
his was especially true in Ephesus, where the uncovered Roman villas proved a series of intimate counterpoints to the petrified marble streets and stunted Doric columns that lined the ways just outside. It really was a voyage back into the past. Coming back to the ship, I noticed Aegean
T
Odyssey had her entire name picked out in specially commissioned new brass letters on her bow. Any other company might simply have painted over the old name with a new one; not Voyages to Antiquity. This seemingly simple detail told me everything I needed to know about the quality and commitment invested in this fledgling operation. And yes, the de- tails really do matter – to owner and passengers alike. There is a small pool located just forward of the funnel on the upper deck. Surrounded by proper wooden loungers with dark blue covers and terracotta towels, it forms the centre-point of a smart, secluded expanse of teak. Just forward, under a deck overhang, a small lounge area has sofas and chairs in cream, and offers free tea and coffee until six in the evening. This lovely space has a few potted palms on either side that give it a slightly raffish feel. On warm summer nights, it is a mellow place to sit outside. There is an intimate, upper deck U-shaped lounge with stunning views over the bow; a baby grand piano; and tables and chairs in soft, ocean
blue leather. It seemed little used on our cruise but, to be fair, the ship was only two-thirds full. Internet prices were amazingly cheap at around $3.50 for 30mins. Prices for drinks were on a par with pubs at home and not remotely eye-watering while loudspeaker announcements were kept to a minimum. Complemented by the absence of any hard sell anywhere, the sum total is a charming, captivating little ship that offers a sublime, stimulating travel experience that does not sacrifice comfort for mere convenience. You would also expect a large, well-stocked
library on a ship like this, and you wouldn’t be disappointed. It is naturally heavy on historical lore, but that is what the passengers come on board for. There is a small gym on the upper deck if you need one, and a nice upper-deck Jacuzzi overlooking the stern that offers one of the most perfect sunset- watching venues on any ship afloat. Entertainment can be summed up succinctly; there is a talented string trio and a really accom- plished piano player whose after dinner styling always managed to hit just the right note. Nothing more is needed on this charming, pretty little ship. Aegean Odyssey is a charismatic, appealing confection that offers up the old world from some sparkling new perspectives.
AEGEAN ODYSSEY FACTFILE
Built: 1975, rebuilt 2010 Tonnage: 11,563 Length: 461ft Beam: 67ft Draft: 20ft
Speed: 18 knots Passengers: 378 Crew: 200
Passenger decks: 7 Registered: Malta
ITINERARIES: autumn, 14-16 day Eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea and Suez Canal cruises; spring and summer, 13-18 day Mediterranean cruises, sailing from Athens, Rome, Venice, Istanbul and Cannes.
MORE INFO: call 0845 437 9737, visit
www.voyagestoantiquity.com or email
reservations@voyagestoantiquity.com.
Autumn 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING 77
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