Variety Cruises Introcuces Its New 2011/12 Cruise Brochure!!

Variety Cruises is very pleased to introduce its brand new 2011/12 Cruise Book, offering to its guests an amazing array of cruise programs filled with history, culture, landscapes of stark beauty and beautiful smiles.

For 25 years, our family owned business has offered to thousands of our guests innovative cruise journeys combining cosmopolitan and out of the way ports of call. Whatever your final choice of destination, you will love our relaxed and private yacht-like atmosphere and our friendly and professional staff.

In 2011, we are repeating our very successful Greece scheduled cruise programs, Classical Greece, Aegean Odyssey and The Jewels of the Cyclades. Our best sellers showcase the most famous islands in the World!

Later in 2011, we are back in West Africa for a second year operation of The Rivers of West Africa from Dakar/Senegal. The Pegasus will sail into the Saloun and Gambia rivers and allow our guests to discover the fascinating world of lush landscapes and animal life of West Africa.

We are introducing several new cruise programs this year!

Firstly, a fabulous cruise program in the less known Black Sea. Our new Black Sea Treasures cruise showcases Istanbul, Odessa, the beautiful ports of Nessebur, Constantza/Romania and Sevastopol in Ukraine. Note that we visit the Black Sea in July-August, when the weather and sea conditions are perfect.

We are also introducing a program along the Turkish Coast, on the new build 12 cabin Motoryacht Halis Temel. The Turquoise Coast & The Islands of the Eastern Aegean program embarks in Marmaris/Turkey, calling at Turkish ports of Kusadasi, Bodrum or Fethiye and some of the most charming Greek Islands, such as Patmos, Rhodes and Symi. A value packed program at very attractive prices.

The Ancient Civilizations of the Eastern Mediterranean:This is an amazing new program operating from Larnaca/Cyprus and Port Said/Egypt. The 7 day cruise includes 3 days in Syria, 2 days in Israel and a call in Limassol Cyprus. Pre and post programs are available in Cyprus and in Cairo. The program runs from end January to end April and is operated by the Sail Cruiser Panorama.

Lastly, the Antiquity To Byzantium cruise: Our circumnavigation cruise around the Peloponnese is a voyage of discovery, hosted by an expert guest lecturer and exploring some of the most notable sites of Ancient Greece and of the Byzantine period such as Mycenae, Olympia, Pylos, Delphi, Monemvassia and Mystra.

Enjoy going through our 2011/12 Cruise Book and discover a variety of opportunities. We look forward to welcoming old and new friends, sharing with them our love for the Sea and the beautiful places which we visit.

GALILEO IN MYKONOS...

SOME PEOPLE ARE IN THE OFFICE AND OTHERS ARE ENJOYING CRUISES IN GREECE IN SEPTEMBER WITH THE THERMOMETER AT 31 DEGREES CELSIUS.... ON THE JEWELS OF THE CYCLADES PROGRAM...

HARMONY G Swim stop...

While enjoying your cruise you always get to enjoy wonderful swim stops at places only private yachts could go..

Book your cruise on the AEGEAN ODYSSEY now...

Variety Cruises launches Turquoise Coast & Islands program aboard new Halis Temel motor yacht

NEW YORK (June 23, 2010) – Variety Cruises is announcing the launch of its Turquoise Coast & Islands of the Eastern Aegean cruise aboard its newest vessel, the Halis Temel motoryacht. Exploring the coast of Turkey and Greek islands of the Aegean, the Turquoise Coast, the cruise will sail August – November 2010 and April – November 2011. An introductory offer allows travelers to book a second person for 25% off, based on double occupancy or solo travelers may book with no single supplement fee. Regular fares begin at $1,350 per person in 2010 and $1,490 in 2011.

Variety Cruises’ round-trip Turquoise Coast & Islands of the Eastern Aegean program sails eight days along the Turquoise Coast of Turkey and the Greek Islands of the Eastern Aegean. Departing from Marmaris, Turkey, the cruises’ itinerary includes Patmos, the ancient Island of St John's exile; Rhodes, one of the best preserved medieval settlements in Europe; and Bodrum, site of the Mausoleum, included in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

• DAY 1: Marmaris, Turkey. Embarkation to the quaint port of Symi.

• DAY 2: Patmos, Greece. Optional excursions to the Grotto and Monastery of St. John, and medieval town of Chora.

• DAY 3: Kusadasi, Turkey. The bustling port is a gateway to the Ephessus, showcasing Ancient Greek and Roman culture.

• DAY 4: Didim, Turkey. Home of the antique city of Didyma, Oracle Shrine of Apollo and the Ancient city of Miletus.

• DAY 5: Bodrum, Turkey. Known in the Antiquity as Halicarnassus, the capital city of Caria Kingdom.

• DAY 6: Rhodes, Greece. The city famous for its amazing fortified Old City. Optional excursion to fishing village Lindos and Acropolis.

• DAY 7: Fetiye, Turkey. Called Telmessos in ancient times, rich and highly cultured during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

• DAY 8: Marmaris, Turkey. Disembarkation.

Cruise fares are per person per week and include:

• Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private bathroom and air conditioning

• Full board American buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Turkish Night, fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.

• Coffee, tea and mineral water.

• Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability).

• Multilingual cruise escort.

Halis Temel motor yacht, the latest addition to the Variety Cruises fleet, hosts up to 24 guests in 12 cabins for an intimate atmosphere. The elegant wooden hull vessel was built in Bodrum, Turkey and measures at 41 meters. It features a restaurant with glass-enclosed show kitchen, intimate bar, indoor lounge, ocean-view dining, sun deck with bar, large Jacuzzi and lounge chairs, Internet station and library. Open areas along the yacht allow for sunbathing, relaxation, and panoramic views of the sea. Private charters are also available.

For more information on Variety Cruises’ Turquoise Coast & Islands of the Eastern Aegean program, please visit www.varietycruises.com, or call 1-800-319-7776 (US) and 1-866-944-8498 (Canada).

Harmony G departing Delos

An Interview with Constantine Venetopoulos, Director of Sales, Variety Cruises

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/2010/05/an-interview-with-constantine-venetopoulos-director-of-sales-variety-cruises/?time=1304226000

May 31st, 2010 . by Richard Earls

Constantine Venetopoulos is part of the 3rd generation of the Venetopoulos family that foundedVariety Cruises. Constantine joined the firm in 2007, after studying marketing in City University London and Surrey University. Constantine currently serves as the Director of Sales for the company’s US operations.

TRO: Constantine, can you explain to those who have never been on a Variety Cruise exactly what the experience is all about?

CV: The Variety Cruises concept goes back to when we started with our small ship cruises, at that time called Zeus Cruises. The concept is an intimate and casual atmosphere on board small yachts or sail cruisers hosting a select 50 guests in 25 staterooms, with a crew of 20. The atmosphere is one of casual elegance, more similar to private yachting than cruising.The day-to-day experience revolves around the sundeck, the dinning area and lounges of the yacht. Weather permitting, our yacht will drop anchor daily close to a beach or cove where our guests can enjoy some time to swim directly off our swimming platform. We visit sites of historical significance where our guests can enjoy an optional excursion or spend their time at leisure. We dock into the islands later in the afternoon where our guests can explore the village ports and the islands. The smaller size of the ships presents opportunities that the larger cruise vessels can never achieve.

TRO: Tell me something about the destinations Variety visits. How is approaching a port in a small ship different from ports of call visits on larger vessels?

CV: Our destinations are currently Greece and Turkey, Venice and Croatia, Egypt and Jordan and the rivers of West Africa. The common thread among all our destinations is to visit the more known ports of call combined with intimate, off-the-beaten-path destinations. For example, in Greece we will visit Santorini and Mykonos but also Monemvasia and Folegandros. Folegandros was voted by Conde Naste as the “Secret Santorini.” So it is these best kept secrets that we reveal on board our yacht cruises. Our ships are small and dock right into the village ports. Of course, that means we do not have to tender our guests in and out of our ports!

TRO: How would you describe your crews?

CV: Our crew is mostly Greek but are all English speaking. We have a cruise director on board who manages the cruise plan and communicates the schedule with our guests on a daily basis.

Variety Cruises' 2010 Brochure - Click here

TRO: Because of the much smaller nature of the ships, how do the passengers mix with each other?

CV: The atmosphere is intimate and guests get to become have as much privacy or socializing as they choose. It’s a very individual experience.

TRO: You have recently added theme cruises to the mix. Tell us about those.

CV: We think theme cruises are an important element of our future. Adding value to the cruises, providing specific themes offers our guest the opportunity to try something new, have a learning focus and deepen their experiences. Archaeology cruises, body and soul fitness retreats, gay and lesbian journeys are just some of the examples of our theme cruises. We look forward to expanding our theme cruises in the near future.

TRO: What is the demographic of your typical passenger?

CV: The demographic consists of more mature travelers. People who have been on the larger cruise ships but are interested in trying out something new and more intimate. It’s ideal for honeymoon travelers and extended family reunions.

TRO: What is the dining experience like on a Variety Cruise?

CV: Throughout our summer cruises in Greece, Turkey and the Adriatic, we offer half board dinning. This means we offer breakfast daily and one meal per day according to the itinerary. This is an integral part of our cruise concept. Our guests are encouraged to discover the local cuisine by dinning at a taverna or restaurant of their choice- with our cruise director’s guidance- which helps enrich the overall cultural experience of the destination. Overnighting at most of the islands furthermore allows for guests to live the authentic local nightlife.

TRO: What do travel consultants need to know to successfully sell your product?

CV: Variety Cruises is a niche cruise product. It is designed for the mature travelers seeking a destination-driven experience. The yachts are modern and upscale but still we are in the destination business. It is not the type of product for someone seeking 24/7 on board entertainment, casinos etc. We try to replicate private yachting in a more affordable fashion with our 8 day scheduled cruises. We offer a mixture between the famous ports of call and less visited but more authentic destinations, which the big cruise ships cannot approach. There are no long lines on board our yachts. Actually, no lines at all.

TRO: How has business been over the past year with travel to Greece somewhat curtailed?
CV: The Greek economy and its downturn is in fact a blessing for tourists as the destination has become more affordable. There has never been a better time to visit Greece!

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