Variety Cruises, the world’s largest small-ship cruise company, is spicing up their 2009 calendar, announcing new tours of the Greek islands and the launch of its Share-A-Sail charter yacht program. These additions further compliment Variety Cruises’ vast range of packages, letting guests choose a life of luxury at sea or a more affordable cruise experience on its intimate ships and charter vessels. Discerning travelers seeking exquisite facilities, personalized service and explorations of unspoiled destinations rich in history find options to fit every budget with Variety Cruises.

NEW 2009 PROGRAMS:

AEGEAN ODYSSEY: Departing from Marina Zea in Athens, guests will enjoy seven nights in the Cycladic Islands before reaching sites of Kusadasi, Ephessus and the lesser known islands of Patmos and Samos. Sailing dates are April 10 through October 16, 2009, on the Mega yacht Harmony G or Harmony V. Rates begin at $1,832 per person.

JEWELS OF THE CYCLADES: This itinerary departing from Athens and heads southeast of mainland Greece on the M/S Galileo through a collection of islands, including Poros, Kimolos, Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Kea and Sounion. Sailing dates are April 24 through October 23, 2009. Rates begin at $1,160 per person.

SHARE A SAIL: A new concept in yachting! Nautical travelers don’t have to charter a sailing yacht or be an experienced sailor to sail in the Greek Islands. Guests book a cabin and enjoy an amazing eight-day sailing holiday with a maximum of three other couples and a crew. Itinerary includes Kea, Paros, Adiparos, Poliegos, Serifos, Poros and Marina Zea. The 50-foot yachts offer four cabins and are crewed with one experienced skipper plus one host/hostess. Sailing dates are May 2 through October 17, 2009. Rates begin at $1,190 per person.

In addition to the new 2009 routes, Variety Cruises continues to provide the following Greek island cruise:

CLASSICAL GREECE: Seven nights on megayachts Harmony V or Harmony G, departing from Athens or Crete. Discover the best of the Aegean Islands, Crete and Continental Greece. Travel dates are April 24 – October 30, 2009. Rates start at $1,832 per person.

For more information, visit www.varietycruises.com, or call 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) and 1-800-319-7776 (US).

About Variety Cruises
Variety Cruises offers luxury, premium and casual experiences in old-world or cosmopolitan locales. Founded in 2005, it is the largest small ship cruise company worldwide with a fleet of more than 17 fully owned vessels, including cruise ships and luxury yachts. The family-owned company offers scheduled tours through Greece, Turkey, the Adriatic Sea, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, and a charter yacht program that further traverses the globe. Itineraries are a unique opportunity to savor the cultural, architectural, historical and natural diversity of each port. With a private, convivial and relaxed ship environment, fine cuisine and personalized service, the company is positioning itself to become the choice for travelers seeking a superb small ship cruise experience. Variety Cruises is affiliated with key travel organizations, including: United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Ensemble, Vacation.com, Central Holidays, TravelSavers, Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN), National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) and Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST).

Source: AMPR