Ever wondered what it must have been like to sail on one of those classic
ocean liners of days gone by when air travel was in its infancy and
cruising from one country to the other was the most popular way to travel?
Well, there are still a few of those vessels around, in fact one of them is
plying our waters right now, so if you want a nostalgic trip down memory
lane, book a berth on Athena.
Many do. She was practically full on a four night voyage from Sydney to
Adelaide that CW took last week and there were more than a few repeat
customers on board. In fact, the owners Classic International Cruises, reports
that up to 50% of its guests are repeat customers.
We spoke to one who boasted that this was his 3rd time on Athena. “ I love it
because she carries only 580 passengers, it’s not crowded, and I love the
crew, the service, the food, and the alcohol – it’s cheap.”
Two ladies travelling together said they liked it because she was a smaller
cruise ship; they could find their way around easily and get to any place on
the ship in minutes.
Another appealing factor is that she’s good value-for-money. On a typical
cruise, expect to pay around $200 per person per day, and that includes
accommodation, nightly entertainment and all meals, as well as morning
and afternoon tea.
There’s a huge daily buffet in the Lotus Grill, while in the elegant Olissipo
Restaurant, you’ll be served a 3-course lunch and 7-course dinner. The
cuisine is very good, the only problem was picking what to have from the
extensive offerings, but they try to make it easy for you because a copy of
the menu, along with the daily program is slipped under your door each
morning. Oh, and did I mention the midnight snacks?
What’s the ship like? Well, she’s 161- metres long and was built in 1948 as a
sturdy eight-deck trans-Atlantic liner and named MV Stockholm.
Now based in Portugal, she underwent an extensive US$150m refit in 1992
and was stripped down to the hull. Then, in 2004 she underwent a major
refurbishment – the result – a comfortable, stylish mid-sized vessel with
inviting public areas where guests can relax and enjoy a drink in one of the
five bars or lounges in a cosy, informal setting.
On days at sea, you can do nothing, or join in quizzes, learn how to Waltz or
dance the Flamenco, watch a movie in the cinema, or TV in your cabin and
take an afternoon nap before the night begins.
By the way, the 276 cabins on board are spacious and comfortable, each
boasting a bathtub, something not common on newer ships. And there are
43 suites, including eight balcony cabins with Jacuzzi baths. There’s also a
Beauty Salon.
Of the many impressive features on Athena is the 240 Aussie and European
crew. Super friendly, always smiling, they can’t do enough for you and seem
to take much pride in dispensing good, old-fashioned customer service.
Nothing’s too much trouble.
Her Portuguese Master, Captain Pedro Pinto is also very welcoming,
inviting guests to the Bridge to see him and his officers at work. In charge of
the entertainment is Cruise Director Marcos Teixeria who oversees the
singers and dancers in the showlounge, and what a show they put on each
evening. Don’t miss the spectacular French Cabaret, lots of glitzy costumes
and feathers and amazing dance routines.
There’s still time to sail on Athena with six more sailings this season before
she returns to Europe in May. There are cruises from Adelaide and
Fremantle/Perth to exotic Bali, Christmas Island and a 38-night round-trip
voyage to Japan, visiting China, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Her 2012/2013 season will see 17 different itineraries from two to 40 nights,
again from Adelaide and Fremantle that’ll include the first-ever cruise ship to
visit Portland, Victoria, home to the first Australian Saint, Mary Mackillop, as
well as a stop in Robe, SA.
Fares start from $470 per person per day for two nights, with children
under 18 cruising for free on nine selected cruises with only nominal taxes to
pay. And supplements for solo travellers are as low as 25 percent, instead of
double. Currency on board is Aussie dollars.
Bookings via Travel Agents. For more info see:www.classicintcruises.com.