Variety Cruises, the world's largest boutique cruise line, will operate 15 unique itineraries this year along a selection of destinations that are showing positive evolution after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Greek shipping company, which has over 50 years of experience in the field of navigation – it was founded in 1949 – will operate experiential cruises in the following destinations:
- Seychelles, with departures every week of the year starting March 6, 2021, and 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries exploring the main coasts of this earthly Garden of Eden (Mahé, Praslin, Cousin, Curieuse, Aride, La Digue, St. Pierre, and Moyenne). These highly experiential itineraries are operated aboard the mega-yacht Pegasos, with a special emphasis on the beaches of this magnificent archipelago, water sports, and local flora and fauna.
- Greek Islands, with 3 comprehensive itineraries between April and October 2021 (Classical Greece, Historical Greece, and Jewels of the Cyclades), visiting privileged locations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Folegandros, Poliegos, Delos, Paros, Syros, Kythnos, Epidauros, Nafplio, Mycenae, Gythion, Pylos, Katakolo, Olympia, the Corinth Canal, Delphi, Poros, Kythira, Hydra, Crete, and Monemvasia, guaranteeing a perfect balance between history—the Historical Greece itinerary includes an archaeologist on board throughout the cruise—gastronomy, and traditions. These cruises will be operated by the mega-yachts Harmony V and Galileo, and the motor sailboat Panorama.
- The Adriatic, with two itineraries that incorporate a strong local flavor (Adriatic and Greece and The Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro), calling at ports such as Dubrovnik, Split, Rab, Sibenik, Hvar, Korcula or Kotor –the largest natural fjord in the Eastern Mediterranean–, and offering unique experiences such as visits to Croatian vineyards or Krka National Park. Both are operated by the mega yacht Callisto.
- Naples, Malta and Sicily, a new offering from Variety Cruises in 2021 and an ideal itinerary for volcanology enthusiasts, with departures between June and July 2021. Both cruises will explore destinations of incredible natural, historical and cultural significance such as Valletta, Gozo Island, Syracuse, Lipari, Vulcano Island, Panarea, the Stromboli volcano, Catania and Taormina through the unique perspective of the mega yacht Harmony G.
- Egypt, Israel, and Jordan, with departures between November 2021 and March 2022, operated by the mega yacht Harmony V. This itinerary aims to surprise with the contrasts of the Red Sea, including extensions to discover the incredible vestiges of Ancient Egypt and, in turn, very interesting options for scuba diving and water sports in locations such as Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Aqaba, and the Gubail Islands. This itinerary also offers the unique experience of crossing the legendary Suez Canal.
- Costa Rica and Panama, one of Variety Cruises' most established cruises, in which the Panorama II sailing ship will offer multiple departures (7 and 10 nights) between December 2021 and March 2022 – including special Christmas and New Year's departures – and facilitating the unique experience of crossing the Panama Canal, anchoring in extraordinary national parks and beaches (Quepos, Playa Biesanz, Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, Isla de Coiba, Casa Orquídeas, Isla Curú or Isla Tortuga) and meeting legendary indigenous peoples such as the Emberra.
- West Africa, with some of Variety Cruises' most exotic exploration itineraries. The mega-yacht Harmony will operate cruises in Cape Verde (a trendy destination that combines enviable beaches, volcanoes, European colonial heritage, and local African traditions) between November 2021 and March 2022, with stops in Sal, Boa Vista, Praia do Iguaçu, Fogo, Santo Antão, and São Vicente. Additionally, this vessel will sail up the Gambia River for an exotic exploration cruise focused on the rich flora and fauna of this distinguished ecosystem (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a true paradise for birdwatchers). This itinerary includes safaris, visits to local tribes, and charming ports such as Dakar, Djiffere, Banjul, Tendaba, Kuntaur, Janjanbureh, and Kaur.
- In 2022, the cruise line's major new development was the launch of its operations in French Polynesia (April to December 2022), with the sailing ship Panorama II. The company will offer 7- and 10-night cruises exploring and combining the idyllic and remote Society Islands and the Tuamotu Islands. This travel package is specially designed to fulfill the dreams of honeymooners and the most discerning water sports enthusiasts.
Sailing in the Time of COVID-19:
Variety Cruises has successfully developed and implemented a strict onboard hygiene and safety protocol to adapt to the current situation. It's no wonder the cruise line became the first company to resume operations in the Eastern Mediterranean last July 2020, providing a completely positive experience for both passengers and crew. Ship capacity has been limited to 31 passengers, and among other comprehensive measures, the cruise line conducts a pre-boarding medical check as well as daily checks (body temperature twice a day, blood oxygen levels, and antibody levels), disinfects high-traffic areas every hour, replaces the buffet with à la carte service, sterilizes all cabins and common areas daily with UV light, cleans all cabins and hallways twice a day, and constantly disinfects all ventilation and air conditioning ducts. Finally, although this is part of the standard Variety Cruises experience, the cruise line avoids rest stops in crowded areas and visits to archaeological sites during peak hours. All of this allows passengers to relax while traveling in a sort of bubble group.
