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.

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.

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

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.

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

Unless a specific package was purchased, transfers to and from the vessel, shore excursions, wine, alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature are not included. 
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 45 - 60 per passenger. Guests have the choice to adjust the amount of gratuities reflecting the level of satisfaction.

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.