March 10, 2009
Variety Cruises' Sailings for Gay and Lesbian Travellers showcase Greece and Greek Islands with Intimacy, Elegance and Adventure
Gay and lesbian travelers can set sail on Variety Cruises’ new Gay and Lesbian Specialty Cruises. Starting in summer 2009, this itinerary offers seven days exploring dazzling Mykonos, Santorini and other Greek Island gems on the PANORAMA premium sail cruiser. Known for its off-the-beaten-track niche programs, Variety Cruises provides the more intimate, elegant and personalized cruise experience sought by discerning gay and lesbian travelers.
Variety Cruises’ inaugural Gay cruise will launch August 21, 2009, with another scheduled for August 20-27, 2010. A Lesbian cruise will depart July 9-16, 2010. Special activities will include lengthy swim stops in selected beaches such as in Mykonos, DJ, evenings off-board in specific ports of call, special events and much more.
The PANORAMA is a state-of-the-art sail cruiser renovated in 2008. Its 49 passengers enjoy elegant staterooms with a variation of twin, double or triple-based accommodations including en suite bathrooms. Beautifully appointed common areas include a lounge with piano bar, dinning room and sundeck. The PANORAMA’s cabins are located on three decks and finished with wooden furniture and light fabrics. Cabins on upper and main decks feature large windows, while lower deck cabins have portholes. Fully equipped bathrooms are finished with marble. All cabins are fitted with air conditioning, TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, public address system and safe boxes.
During the day, life on board centers around the outdoor areas including two bars and the sun deck. In the evening, passengers can relax in one of the ship’s two lounges, the library, and enjoy a drink while listening to piano music. The swimming platform on PANORAMA’s stern enables guests to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
Fares on the Gay and Lesbian-themed cruises begin at $2,290 per person per week and include:
• Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning
• American buffet breakfast and one meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, an Arabian Night, BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
• Regular (filter) coffee, tea and water free all day
• Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability).
• Multilingual cruise escort
Gay & Lesbian Specialty Cruise Itinerary:
• Day 1 (Friday): Embarkation from Marina Zea-Hydra between 2-3 pm. Passengers enjoy a welcome drink and meet the crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Hydra with a three-hour stop before overnight sailing to Kimolos.
• Day 2 (Saturday): Morning arrival in Poliegos or Kimolos, two very small islands known for their amazing beaches. Morning swim stop followed by a BBQ on deck. Afternoon sailing for Folegandros, one of the most amazing and less known islands in the Aegean Sea. Walk the amazing Upper City and dine at a traditional Greek taverna.
• Day 3 (Sunday): Morning arrival at Santorini (occasionally at anchor) to explore its unique capital Fira. Optional excursion to a typical winery with breathtaking view, tour of the villages, including Oia. Overnight at sea to Mykonos.
• Day 4 (Monday): Morning swim stop in the enchanting bay of Mykonos. Afternoon sailing into Mykonos port. Free evening. Overnight in Mykonos.
• Day 5 (Tuesday): Optional Excursion to visit Delos archaeological site. Swim stop at a Mykonos beach before rejoining Mykomos port in the afternoon. Overnight in Mykonos.
• Day 6 (Wednesday): Early noon swim stop. In the afternoon, arrive in Kea to visit picturesque Ioulis, the capital. That night is a special evening in honor of the Captain & Crew, the “Captains Dinner”. Overnight in Kea.
• Day 7 (Thursday): Early noon arrival in Sounion for a relaxing swim under the temple of Poseidon. In the evening arrival in Marina Zea. Overnight in Marina Zea.
• Day 8 (Friday): Disembarkation after breakfast in Marina Zea.
Variety Cruises offers scheduled departures and private charters in geographically and culturally diverse destinations. A vast range of packages allows gay and lesbian passengers to choose a life of luxury at sea or a more affordable cruise experience on its intimate ships and charter vessels. Discerning travelers seeking exquisite facilities, personalized service and explorations of unspoiled destinations rich in history find their fit with Variety Cruises. Travelers can charter the entire mega yacht for special group vacations and create a custom itinerary with the help of Variety Cruises.
Founded in 2005, Variety Cruises is one of the world’s largest small ship cruise company worldwide with a fleet of more than 17 fully owned vessels. Six Variety Cruises mega yachts offer 22 to 26 cabins and operate 7-day scheduled cruises and charters in Western/ Eastern Mediterranean, the Greek Islands, Red Sea, Malta, Spain and Italy.