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Variety Cruises

What will the weather be like?

For the comfort and pleasure of our guests, our itineraries generally follow warm rather than hot weather patterns. The world's climate being at times unpredictable, our little ships are seldom far from a sheltered bay or port. Our Greece cruise programs are operated from March to mid November and our RED SEA cruises start from Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh from November to March.

What amenities will I find in my cabin ?

All cabins have private, nicely appointed bathrooms with showers. Some cabins include bathtubs. All ships have telephones for on board communications, TV s with satellite channels with at least English speaking channels. There are hairdryers in each cabin or hairdryers are offered at the reception for guest use. Piped music is also available in cabins as well as CD or DVD players (not in all vessels).

What services are available on board?

Aboard our small ships you will find elegant dining rooms, spacious sun decks, and comfortable lounge. No pools are offered as it is common for our guests to swim off our ships or for passengers to reach some secluded beaches by tender.

Your cruise program is either with breakfast plus lunch or dinner or sometimes with all meals. Meals are served at set times and there is flexible seating.

Limited laundry service is available on our small ships. The shore excursions are offered at a supplemental cost.

The Harmony V offers a small wellness suite with massage and other beauty treatments.

Sports activities: Swimming off the ships is possible as well as snorkeling and canoeing. In some destinations it is possible to organize diving excursions.

What languages are spoken on board?

Language on board is English but German, Russian or French can be spoken by our Cruise Coordinators and hotel staff on scheduled cruise sailings. In general there is a multilingual environment and you will have a chance to mix with a variety of nationalities. Excursions and public announcements are usually in English. English and sometimes German are widely spoken on all ports of call visited by our small ships.

What is not included in my cruise cost?

Unless a specific package was purchased, transfers to and from the vessel, shore excursions, wine, alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, laundry, and items of a personal nature are not included and which may be bought en route or which are at a supplemental cost. There is a boutique on board some of our vessels.
As a very important motivation and recognition to the crew, it is customary to give tips on cruise vessels.
Although not compulsory, the suggested amount is Euro 60 – 80 per passenger. Guests have the choice to adjust the amount of gratuities reflecting the level of satisfaction.

What should I pack?

Please travel as lightly as possible so as not to restrict space in your cabin. Soft bags are more practical than hard suitcases. Sports or casual clothes are more useful. Plenty of swimwear is required and a pullover or cardigan is recommended for cool evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested when ashore.

What travel documents are required?

Participants must be in possession of a valid passport (expiring not earlier than one month after cruise ends) and should obtain visas and health certificates where required. All requirements should be confirmed with appropriate government consulate or information office prior to departure.
Red Sea Cruise participants are advised to contact their Egypt embassies for details before they embark since there are special visa requirements.

What is the electric current provided on your ships?

Our ship generators provide an electric current of 220 v. Cabins are equipped with European type plugs so please remember to bring an adaptor if necessary.

Should I mention any health problems or special needs?

Due to safety reasons it is requested that physical disabilities of any kind be advised at time of reservation. It is understood that passengers requiring special attention or treatment will be travelling with their personal escorts. The company retains the right to refuse to embark any pregnant woman beyond the 6th month of pregnancy.

Variety Cruises ships are not suitable for passengers with special needs. Embarkation gang ways do not fit all types of wheel chairs. Cabin bathrooms and stair cases are unsuitable for disable passengers.

Should I mention any special dietary requirements?

Every attempt to meet special dietary requirements will be made provided that such a request is put in writing at least 4 weeks prior to sailing.

What should I know about safety at sea?

An emergency drill is conducted by our crew before the ship sails and is to be attended by all passengers. The drill will provide passengers information about the alarm system, the master station position, their life jackets use and other emergency procedures.

Where can I keep my valuables while on board?

Jewellery, money, documents etc., should be placed in your individual safe deposit boxes or given to the captain who will deposit items in the ship’s safe boxes free of charge. The company and its personnel bear no responsibility for valuables kept by passengers.

What is the official currency on board?

The EURO is the official currency on board. There is an optional credit system for expenses on board that may be paid/settled at the end of the cruise. Most major currencies and traveller’s cheques are accepted/exchanged at their official exchange rate.

Credit cards are accepted only on board all Variety Cruises ships.

Is smoking permited on board?

Smoking is not permitted to any of our passengers or member of the crew in any indoor part of the ship.

What activities are provided on board?

There are fins, masks and snorkels available on board for use during the swim stops.
You can also find a small borrowing library as well as board games and playing cards for your amusement.
Movies are often shown in the vessels’ Lounges, so please check in the Daily Program for show times.

Are there any excursion offered?

Shore excursions are not included in the cruise fares and are available according to the cruise schedule/ports of call visited. Details are available in your cabin and provided also on a daily basis by the on board Cruise Coordinator. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and based on a minimum participation.

What is the Variety Cruises concept?

The Variety Cruises concept is unique for offering small ship experience in the pampering environment of our premium sail cruisers and mega yachts. For years, we have been striving to make our guests feel as if they were spending their precious vacation days on a friend’s private yacht. As you are about to experience, this is not a typical cruise.

We assure you that everything under our control has been done to secure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable time onboard. We have combined the cruise experience with plenty of free time to get to know the local people. Furthermore, the best of the ports of call on your itinerary have been carefully selected by experts to ensure you see these amazing places and experience local customs.

When do I embark/disembark?

Passengers are requested to be on board 2 hours prior to departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast at approximately 9am.

Please also note that sailing times are listed in the Daily Program and you must comply with the specified “ALL ABOARD” time, also posted on the Notice Board. If you are not onboard by the set time, it will be your own responsibility if you miss the ship. The “all aboard” time is 15 minutes prior vessel’s departure time.

Are children welcome onboard Variety Cruises ships?

Aboard the Variety Cruises ships there are not recreational facilities for children and reservations for those under the age of eleven are not advised.
Taking that into consideration please note that children onboard are their parents's sole responsibility.

Is there medical care on board?

There is no doctor on board any Variety Cruises ships. In case of an emergency, some members of the crew are trained to offer first aid. Medical care is available on all ports of call visited, which are always very close. In addition our ships are connected with the Telemedicine Centre o CardioExpress and provides free of charge emergency telecardiographic monitoring and medical advice by specialists 24 hours a day. In case of discomfort, please contact immediately a crew member.