Voyages to Antiquity 2014 cruises

I notice that Voyages to Antiquity now has its 2014 Mediterranean cruises on it website. I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling with them four times before and was hoping they would have something that appealed to me. But, unfortunately, I see nothing that works for the dates I have and the length I want to travel.

But, there are some great itineraries that should appeal to anyone who has not done a lot of traveling in that part of the world.

thanks -- been waiting for them to post the 2014 season! :)

They cancelled my booked 2014 cruise..must have a look what is on offer now.

Sue

I looked at the schedule. I was hoping they would have one from Barcelona which went to a few French, Italian ports and stop in Rome. Looks like they are stuck on Athens and Istanbul. Too bad. I really like the ship but do not like these cruises at all. I wish they had been a little more creative for people who had been several places

Librarian - I agree with you re the new schedule.. I've been there done that too. I was hoping for some French and Spanish ports. Shar

I guess the Spanish and French ports don't lend themselves as well to the "Antiquity" concept .... although there is some Roman history there!

I am looking at one cruise, but not the one I thought I'd book. Their "Black Sea" cruises are all the same itinerary and focus on the Crimean War....and no stop in Constanta....:(

I am wondering if concentrating so many cruises on Instanbul for embarkation will prove to be a problem...current situation in Instanbul is not good. Although I loved the place...most cruise lines are very risk adverse...any more cancellations will really test the friendship with their loyal repeat cruisers.

Sue

I am wondering if concentrating so many cruises on Instanbul for embarkation will prove to be a problem...current situation in Instanbul is not good. Although I loved the place...most cruise lines are very risk adverse...any more cancellations will really test the friendship with their loyal repeat cruisers.

 

Sue

I sincerely hope the current issues in Turkey will die down and not intensify. At this point, from what I've heard, I wouldn't be put off from going to Istanbul, but everyone is different in what risks they will be comfortable with.

British lines, in general, seem more intrepid with their ports of call than the mass-market American lines. That's fine with me -- I think the American lines are a bit quick on the trigger to pull ports.

As an example, I think Voyages of Discovery have calls planned in Libya in the coming season. You don't see any American lines doing that! (Not that VOD isn't having their own issues -- cancelling cruises due to mechanical issues.)

I've been watching the Anthony Bourdain series on CNN and he was in Libya fairly recently. It sure did not look like a safe place to be.

He also featured Myanmar but sadly V2A cancelled that trip. It looks like a fascinating place to visit.

I'm giving some serious thought to the Oct. 27/14 cruise though. Shar

I've been watching the Anthony Bourdain series on CNN and he was in Libya fairly recently. It sure did not look like a safe place to be.

 

He also featured Myanmar but sadly V2A cancelled that trip. It looks like a fascinating place to visit.

 

I'm giving some serious thought to the Oct. 27/14 cruise though. Shar

I did that cruise two years ago and really, really enjoyed it -- although they are going to a couple of different ports, like Beirut (for Baalbek, wonderful!).

I am strongly considering the one just before the 27th Oct. Maybe we can meet and greet in Athens. :)

I am looking forward to going to Istanbul even with the current unrest. From what I have been able to find out, in Istanbul, it is isolated to Taksim square and the adjacent Gezi park. While the Grand Hyatt hotel faces Gezi park, I have talked to them and they say there have been no problems.

I hope the cruise line will continue on with the planned cruise. I am really excited about this trip.

Larry

I am looking forward to going to Istanbul even with the current unrest. From what I have been able to find out, in Istanbul, it is isolated to Taksim square and the adjacent Gezi park. While the Grand Hyatt hotel faces Gezi park, I have talked to them and they say there have been no problems.

 

I hope the cruise line will continue on with the planned cruise. I am really excited about this trip.

 

Larry

I am booked on the VtoA cruise from Istanbul to Venice in September and do hope that things will be safe enough at that time. When I was in Istanbul this April I stayed in Sultanahmet, far from the current violence, but I did pass by the Grand Hyatt and it is indeed close to Taksim Square and Gezi Park. At the present time I don't think I would feel comfortable being there, but I have no plans to cancel yet.

I'm currently considering cruising with VtA in April 2015. Sounds like a great educational experience. I'm getting a bit bored with my usual cruise itinerary and I need change for sure. I've been trying to find out what a day is like onboard their ship. Are there activities? How different is it from regular mega cruise lines? I will also be traveling solo on this voyage.

Keystonetraveler I sent you a friend request since you have sailed with them before and thought you would be able to answer some questions for me.

I'm currently considering cruising with VtA in April 2015. Sounds like a great educational experience. I'm getting a bit bored with my usual cruise itinerary and I need change for sure. I've been trying to find out what a day is like onboard their ship. Are there activities? How different is it from regular mega cruise lines? I will also be traveling solo on this voyage.

 

Keystonetraveler I sent you a friend request since you have sailed with them before and thought you would be able to answer some questions for me.

Most v to a cruises are quite port intensive, tours are included and in general they are comprehensive and in depth. Life on board is laid back, no casino, production shows or magicians! That said despite my liking some of those things I did not miss them on v to a. There are interesting and well credentialed lecturers on board, the port lectures are good and the ambience amazing. Dining in the open air when the sea is so close is one of my favourite memories of our med cruise. It's intimate more like cruising on your own mega yacht.

Sue

I'm currently considering cruising with VtA in April 2015. Sounds like a great educational experience. I'm getting a bit bored with my usual cruise itinerary and I need change for sure. I've been trying to find out what a day is like onboard their ship. Are there activities? How different is it from regular mega cruise lines? I will also be traveling solo on this voyage.

 

I've been on Aegean Odyssey 3 times, each time as a solo.

As already said, the itineraries are very port intensive with not many sea days (unless it is a special thing, like sailing the Suez canal or cruising Kotor Bay, both of which are very interesting and have occasional commentary on the sights).

On a regular sea day, you are more or less left to entertain yourself. The library is wonderful and there will usually be one or two lectures scheduled. That's about it during the day. In the evening, there are no big "shows" or anything like that, but there may be a live music. Occasionally local performers are brought on board.

No casino but there is a spa and a fitness area (never been to either). I prefer to spend sea days sitting on deck in a lovely cushioned lounger and either reading or writing in my travel journal.

I thank you so much for your replies.:)

I think I can handle this. It sounds like it's more my speed. I just need to add something different to my Caribbean cruises to break up the monotony.

I'm considering either Dec. 18, 2014 (Africa to Asia) or April 4, 2015 (Voyage To Ancient Wonders)

Thanks again,

Barbara

I thank you so much for your replies.:)

 

I think I can handle this. It sounds like it's more my speed. I just need to add something different to my Caribbean cruises to break up the monotony.

 

I'm considering either Dec. 18, 2014 (Africa to Asia) or April 4, 2015 (Voyage To Ancient Wonders)

 

Thanks again,

 

Barbara

One thing I didn't mention is the friendly atmosphere, small ship means you get to know your other passengers especially since you will all share the included tours. It's not at all intrusive just very friendly, you'll find quite a few solo cruisers.

Sue

I thank you so much for your replies.:)

 

I think I can handle this. It sounds like it's more my speed. I just need to add something different to my Caribbean cruises to break up the monotony.

 

I'm considering either Dec. 18, 2014 (Africa to Asia) or April 4, 2015 (Voyage To Ancient Wonders)

 

Thanks again,

 

Barbara

Wondering if you booked. My DH and I are booked on the Dec 18, 2014 Africa to Asia. I believe it is now sold out!

Danielle

Wondering if you booked. My DH and I are booked on the Dec 18, 2014 Africa to Asia. I believe it is now sold out!

Danielle

Hi Danielle,

We are booked on this cruise from Nairobi to Singapore. I have been meaning to put this cruise on the Roll Calls. Will do so now. Nice to make contact with someone else going. Like you, I believe it is sold out. Have you travelled on this ship before?

Kind regards,

Jean

Hi Danielle,

We are booked on this cruise from Nairobi to Singapore. I have been meaning to put this cruise on the Roll Calls. Will do so now. Nice to make contact with someone else going. Like you, I believe it is sold out. Have you travelled on this ship before?

Kind regards,

Jean

We have not sailed this ship before but could not resist the itinerary. My DH has always longed to visit the Seychelles and Maldives and will be travelling in India (my wish-list destination) after Sri Lanka. We were originally going to book the B2B but decided on India instead.

We have sailed on small and large vessels in the past. Several river cruises in China, Vietnam and Europe as well as many Caribbean, Med, Baltic and transatlantic cruises.

We have been doing some research and note that we need Visas in every stop. The visas are available "on arrival" and am waiting to hear from Voyages if this is handled for all passengers onboard ship. At an average cost of $50 per person per stop, I now see how we will be spending our OBC! I am also interested in seeing how they many the safari drives. The animals will see a convoy of 100 vehicles several miles away.

Looking forward to sailing (and meeting you!)

Danielle (and Terry)

I wish I was on this voyage with you it is an amazing itinerary. For those of you new to VTA the shore tours are very well organised...it's a small ship and you will be split into very small groups with whisper headsets and a guide. It's nothing like the mass herding you might have experienced on the larger ships. Have a wonderful time.

Sue

Hi Danielle and Terry,

We have been told by our T/A that we have to get visas for Kenya, India and Sri Lanka before departure. The one for Burma is included and done by the ship. For the Kenyan one we have to send our passports to Australia as no embassy in NZ. That is a nuisance, We have got a visa for India before so we know what a hassle that can be and the Indian embassy in NZ never responds to any queries. The Sri Lankan one seems the easiest as it can all be done on line and they send you something. Of course it could be different for you for the visas. I have wondered how they manage the safari trips too. Just as well there is only about 350 of us.

We have never travelled on a very large cruise ship before- tend to travel on the small ones with interesting itineraries.

Our cabin is H428.

It is good to have made contact with others on the same cruise and we will look forward to keeping in touch and meeting you

Kind regards,

Jean ( and Pat)

I depart on my first VTA from Istanbul to Kusadasi in a few days time - getting very excited!!

I depart on my first VTA from Istanbul to Kusadasi in a few days time - getting very excited!!

Have a great time -- I'm sure you will.

I hope you'll let us know afterwards how it went.

Has anyone booked for this cruise and knows what the itinerary will be given the continued problems with Russia and Ukraine? I have booked a similar cruise in October with the final payment due very shortly and would really like to know what it being planned. Voyages to Antiquity say they are monitoring the situation, but it would be nice to know before committing to a cruise with a different itinerary.