FAQ

What are the advantages of small ship cruises?

Small ships offer several advantages that mass cruiseliners cannot match.

First, small ships can dock or anchor almost anywhere. They are not limited to large commercial ports, and can slip into small towns and tiny fishing villages far from the vacationing throngs. That means you will step off the ship into an authentic place, rather than a tourist trap.

Second, traveling with a small group means that the destinations will overwhelm you, not the other way around. As tourism expands around the globe, experiencing a destination’s genuine character is an increasing rarity.

Third, while mega-liners appear to offer limitless variety, they are often highly impersonal. On a small ship the staff are able to respond to your personal tastes and preferences to your complete satisfaction. With our convivial cocktail hours, and single, unassigned seating for all shipboard meals, you will be able to meet everyone on your cruise, and dine, chat and travel among friendly faces.

You say that we will be cruising with “like-minded travelers.” What does that mean?

Our guests are often well-educated, successful in diverse fields and–most importantly–keenly interested in broadening the cultural, intellectual and physical horizons of their world. People who decide to cruise with us consider the elegance and luxury we provide to be a lovely complement to the travel experience, not its ultimate goal. Traveling with a small group of like-minded travellers creates an unmatched camaraderie and ambiance aboard ship. Our guests frequently strike up new friendships within minutes of embarking and reunite for future travel.

So many of these trips are based upon historical and cultural themes. They appear a bit obscure or esoteric. Can I have a nice relaxing cruise to beautiful locales?

Of course! You are under absolutely no obligation to attend any lectures or go on any of the excursions that don’t interest you. We do, however, arrange each port of call on our itineraries, and carefully consider each excursion as a part of a larger whole. We feel that gaining a broader and richer understanding of the culture, history and environment of our destinations is far more rewarding, and pleasurable, than a typical pleasure cruise.

I’m elderly and a bit slow on my feet. What is the activity level for these trips? Can I keep up?

We are highly experienced in catering to the needs of elderly guests. Our walking tours are scheduled with your health, safety and comfort level in mind. Though the archaeological sites and medieval villages we visit are often on uneven ground involving climbing and descending stairs, there will always be places where you may sit down and rest. Our motorcoaches are comfortably air-conditioned, equipped with bathroom facilities and supplied with bottled water for your refreshment.  If you are unsure whether your health will allow you to participate in our voyages, please contact us to further discuss.

Upon arrival, where do I meet your representatives for the airport-hotel or airport-ship transfer?

After you reserve your cruise, you will be sent forms to fill out and return to us, detailing your air-travel schedule. On the designated tour arrival date, we will be waiting for you outside the Luggage Claim area of the airport for your transfer to the ship or hotel.

What is the standard of attire on board your ships?

Country-club casual.

What are on-board meals like?

We offer a full buffet breakfast, a buffet lunch and a five-course a la carte dinner with Continental European cuisine, all served in our ships’ restaurants or al fresco on the sun deck if weather allows. There is open seating (table reservations are unnecessary), allowing you to dine with many of your fellow travelers. House wine and beer are complimentary with lunch and dinner. Room service is also available for your convenience.

What about safety?

Safety is our paramount concern. Our ships comply with the latest international requirements for safety at sea, and the officers and crew are seasoned mariners. Our first order of business as soon as you arrive on board is a lifejacket/lifeboat drill–though in our nearly 40 years of operating cruises no eventuality has occurred. If inclement weather ever affects our route, we are in full control of the ship and can alter its itinerary, choosing alternate ports and excursions as the situation dictates.

We ask that you take all necessary medications on board with you. Clelia II has a hospital on board.

When docked in ports, trained watchmen patrol the ship, and visitors are not allowed aboard without prior clearance.  Hand luggage is searched, and other security procedures are followed.