This perfectly formed standard, boutique sized ship has 5 passenger decks and can carry 114 passengers, along with 66 crew. Specialising in “discovery cruises” this ship aims to not just take you there, but really give you an insight into each destination. It is suitable for mature adults who are eager to learn more about the world around them.
The itineraries are an integral part of this cruising experience and are just as important as your destination. So why not learn more about the lives of Helen of Troy, Alexander the Great or the Byzantine Empire on different cruises around the Mediterranean? Or take in Gibraltar, Morocco and West Africa and immerse yourself in the culture of the Kasbah, try a Moroccan tea, watch the snake charmers or take in the delights of an African desert. You can sail around South Africa or South America, experiencing the wildlife on the Falkland Islands or cruise around a Patagonian Fjord.
For something truly amazing book a trip to the Antarctic. Here you can observe the natural world at close quarters and study the geology along with sea birds, whales and elephant seals in their natural environment.
This ship has multiple personalities and has been known in the past as Island Sun, Regina Renaissance and Renaissance VIII. Built in Italy for £12.5 million (90m long, 15m wide) it originally entered service in 1991. Upgraded in 2005 it weighs in at 4.25k tons (approx.) and has good stability. The vessel is all-suite with a compact but handsome interior; expect a casual, relaxed atmosphere onboard. The currency aboard is the US dollar.
This is an all-suite yacht with a total of 57 cabins, the smallest measuring 21.8 sq. m, and the largest 32.8 sq. m. All 61 suites also come with outside view; subsequently there are no interior view cabins aboard, or any single occupancy suites. None of the cabins have wheelchair access and there is only one lift.
Four suites come with private balcony (Penthouse and Veranda) and butler service. All cabins come equipped with TV/CD/DVD player, mini-fridge, telephone, walk-in closet and shower (none have tubs). For those added touches of comfort and luxury
you also receive terry towelling robes and slippers with fresh flowers and fruit.
| What are the cuisine/dining options? |
Bearing in mind the size of the ship, you won’t have as much choice of dining venue as you would find on a larger vessel. The main restaurant has an open seating plan and operates a self-service cold buffet for breakfast and lunch. A sit-down service is available for dinner with extremely good quality continental cuisine with a selection of regional wines on offer (al fresco dining is available under umbrellas on deck).
Other dining options:
The Club: all-day coffee/ afternoon tea/cocktails.
24-hour room service.
An all-day open bar service comes into operation in 2008.
As this cruise offers something a little different from the mainstream experience, there is no programme of traditional (cabaret) entertainment in the main lounge. The emphasis is on physical activities and while there is no swimming pool there is a swimming deck and Whirlpool. You can also scuba dive, wind surf, snorkel or have a go at deep sea fishing, golf, hiking or mountain biking. (You will also be shuttled from ship to shore on a motorised tender for all excursions.) If all that is too strenuous you can relax on the wrap-around sun deck and Jacuzzi, head for the gym and beauty salon or swat up on your next destination in the small book/video library that comes with internet facilities.
Your cruise fare includes all normal onboard facilities and services. You will also benefit from complimentary (onboard) refreshments, all-day coffee and afternoon tea on your arrival back from any excursions. Unusually the company operates all-inclusive shore excursions. This means that any shore-based trips you participate in, internal airfares (where applicable); meals, transfers, transportation, guided tours and all performances are all included in your cruise fare.
The cruise fare does exclude your airfare to and from home. Gratuities are not expected from staff, however you will not be discouraged from tipping for a good level of service. Private charters are available, contact the cruise line direct for individual quotes.
It is worth noting that the company offers a nautical miles service (akin to air miles) which can contribute to discounts on any future sailing (e.g. 4,750 nautical miles = 15% discount on next trip).
