Classic International Cruises

Description

Classic International Cruises is the trading name used by World Cruises Agency and the ship-owners they represent.

In stark contrast to the rapid development in recent years of the global cruise conglomerates and the growing trend towards newer larger resort style vessels, World Cruises Agency, acting as Agents for the ship-owners and trading as Classic International Cruises, continue to operate smaller, more traditional tonnage, at the highest standards of customer satisfaction, whilst maintaining their much cherished independence and conservative approach to business and traditional maritime heritage.

While in today's marketplace many of the mainstream cruise line brands have lost their independence, the companies trading under the Classic International Cruises trademark are proud to have retained their autonomy and to have earned the right to be placed within a diminishing elite group of very well established, yet truly independent, shipping companies.

One of Classic International Cruises' unique key operational strengths has been the ability to deploy ships in different markets, providing products that are tailor-made for each specific market.

Ships

Arion
Launched:	1st January 1950
Tonnage:	6,000
Length:	118 Feet
Total Crew:	Unknown
Occupancy:	330
Rating:	2 Stars
Arion enjoys a unique and special convivial ambience which really has become the hallmark of her success. With her relaxed atmosphere and 'small ship feel' cruising onboard Arion is a perfect home from home and the reason why we consider Arion to be one of Britain's best kept cruising secrets and a great value for money cruising experience. Her range of facilities include convenient one sitting dining arrangements and a choice of three comfortable lounges and two bars including the stylish main show lounge, plus a casino, shop and photo shop, card room and library and an outdoor swimming pool. A majority of cabins enjoy a sea view and all 163 passengers cabins have private en-suite facilities with a shower, television for in house movies, a hair dryer & safe. There is a selection of well appointed mainly twin bedded cabins, and also slightly larger de luxe cabins with small sitting area. A limited number of cabins also have double beds and extra upper fold away pullman berths or sofa beds.

Athena
Launched:	1st January 1994
Tonnage:	16,144
Length:	524 Feet
Total Crew:	260
Occupancy:	638
Rating:	4 Stars
Athena was originally built as a trans-atlantic ocean liner and in 1994 the vessel changed ownership and was virtually stripped to her hull and re-constructed at an amazing cost of $150 million and restored as a beautiful new premium rated more contemporary cruise ship. With a handsome profile and a traditional walk around promenade deck, Athena is a medium to small sized cruise shipby todays standards carrying about 550 passengers and offering a wide selection of well appointed public lounges and comfortable cabin accommodation spanning eight passenger decks serviced by two lifts.

Funchal
Launched:	1st January 1950
Tonnage:	9,563
Length:	153 Feet
Total Crew:	320
Occupancy:	582
Rating:	2 Stars
Funchal is a medium to small sized cruise ship by todays standards and has a wide selection of well appointed public lounges and comfortable cabin accommodation spanning six passenger decks serviced by the three lifts. Her range of facilities include convenient one sitting dining in two restaurants and a choice of four comfortable lounges and five bars including the main show lounge, plus a casino, shop and photo shop, card room and library and an outdoor swimming pool. The majority of cabins enjoy a sea view and all 244 passenger cabins have private en-suite facilities with a shower. Some of the higher cabin categories have the added advantage of a fridge, hairdryer and Television for in house movies. There is a selection of well appointed mainly twin bedded cabins, and larger suites with a sitting area. A limited number of cabins also have double beds and extra upper fold away pullman berths or sofa beds.

Princess Danae
Launched:	1st January 1996
Tonnage:	16,531
Length:	162 Feet
Total Crew:	Unknown
Occupancy:	568
Rating:	2 Stars
Princess Danae came under the management of Arcalia in 1996 and underwent a US $10 million refurbishment. She has since cruised around the world, enticing passengers back on board time and time again. Her latest refurbishment works, that turned her into a ship boasting 128 suites, were completed in 2006. In contrast to the present generation of super liners, Princess Danae offers a memorable cruising experience which combines luxury with the warmth and intimacy of a vessel carrying no more than 600 passengers. The special atmosphere on board this classic ship is enhanced by the assistance you will receive from the Officers and Crew who will ensure someone is always on hand to provide an efficient yet unobtrusive service. Princess Danae offers a relaxed sitting for dinner in the elegant surroundings of the restaurant, after which you may wish to take advantage of the excellent and varied entertainment program, try your luck in the ship's Casino, take in a film, or simply relax with an after-dinner drink in one of the ship's bars. During the day you can participate in the various sporting activities available, enjoy a swim or just relax in the sauna. Princess Danae is a ship full of charm which offers a unique environment at sea...

Princess Daphne
Launched:	1st January 1955
Tonnage:	15,833
Length:	162 Feet
Total Crew:	Unknown
Occupancy:	592
Rating:	2 Stars
With her very elegant classic profile, Princess Daphne boasts charm and grace. Originally built in 1955 as a cargo-passenger ship, under the name Port Sydney, she underwent her first conversion in 1974 into a luxury passenger cruise ship. Since then she has been rebuilt and refurbished a number of times and has sailed under the names Daphne, Switzerland and Ocean Monarch. Her last major refurbishment took place in the beginning of 2008, as she came under the Classic nternational Cruises banner, and saw her change her name to Princess Daphne. She now boasts 241 of the largest cabins found on any cruise ship today, of which 27 are suites. Her sturdy hull and very spacious cabins make her an ideal sea-going vessel and the perfect ship for both short and long distance ocean cruising. Her attractive and well appointed public areas, wide exterior decks and very comfortable cabin accommodation make Princess Daphne the perfect choice for classic cruise aficionados around the world. Carrying no more than 550 passengers, Princess Daphne is particularly warm and welcoming as she benefits from a uniquely personalized and attentive service that can only be found aboard a vessel of her size. After a fun day ashore or a relaxing day on the deck or by the pool, savour the fine meals, pastries and desserts prepared for you by our international chefs in the elegant surroundings of the ship's restaurant or Lido Buffet. In the evening, experience the varied entertainment programme in the ship's lounges and bars, and why not try one of our many cocktails. With a very experienced and dedicated staff and crew, who will ensure to be at your disposal whenever needed, MV Princess Daphne offers a unique and memorable cruising experience for an unforgettable vacation at sea!

Further Information

Dress Code
During the day, attitudes are very relaxed and informality is the key. Casual clothing is quite sufficient during the days at sea and for time spent ashore. On certain shore excursions and at some religious sites, discretion should be used so as not to cause offence with inappropriate clothing. Advice will be given on board in such cases. There are generally two formal or gala nights on cruises of six to fourteen nights when many gentlemen wear a dinner jacket, although a lounge suite is quite acceptable. The ladies on these occasions opt for evening or cocktail dresses. An informal evening implies a jacket & tie for gentlemen and allows the ladies a freedom of choice in their selection. A casual recommendation often covers evenings spent in port or when a special event such as a deck barbecue is scheduled. In these cases the choice is yours. On cruises of duration over two weeks, there are additional evenings designated as 'formal' but in a very Hot or Tropical cruising area, the suggested dress codes are generally more relaxed for everyones comfort.

Itineraries
Should major changes to the ports of call occur, other than timing adjustments or the order in which they are visited become necessary then we shall notify you in advance.

Restaurant & Table reservations
The well appointed restaurants aboard our vessels are elegant settings for breakfast , lunch & dinner. In addition, lighter breakfast and lunch buffets are served in the Lido lounge on the Arion and the Princess Danae, the Lotus lounge aboard the Athena and, weather permitting, on the aft sun deck of Funchal for those who prefer more casual meal times. Whilst breakfasts and lunches are generally served in all the restaurants on an open seating basis, two seatings are usually operated on aboard Princess Danae for dinner in the evening. On days at sea, these sittings are normally timed at 18:30 & 20:30. Arion, Athena and Funchal are able to accommodate all their passengers at one sitting for dinner, which is usually scheduled for 19:30 hrs.

Cruises