newer cruise line anyone heard of it?

[WooKeef]

I had my attention drawn to a new cruiseline called Voyages to Antiquity. Has anyone heard anything regarding them? I think they were inaugerated in 2010 so only been out a few months. The itineraries are fantastic if a bit expensive...not well put together site as I cannot find where the inclusives are.

Here is the link if anyone is interested:

 

http://us.voyagestoantiquity.com/

 

Just thought this may be a good forum for thoughts.

:)

[Literary Lynne]

Hi WooKeef

 

Yes, I have heard of them and have a beautiful brochure which must have cost them highly to produce. They are very expensive although they seem to offer something akin to Swan Hellenic, by focusing on the cultural aspects of music, art and philosophy of the places they visit. I guess that if there was a cruise that specialised in my own area of interest then I might jump at it but I like something broader when on holiday. I can do a land based study week another time.

 

Lynne :)

[patseacruiser]

What itinerary excursions are you looking for? I might have it and if I can figure out how to post it I will

[WooKeef]

What itinerary excursions are you looking for? I might have it and if I can figure out how to post it I will

 

Hi Patseacruiser! Not sure what you mean. I was just interested in anyone's thoughts regarding this new cruise line. It is cheaper it appears with the prices they quote...airfare,tips, wine, excursions...all rolled into the cost and only @300passengers...seems like a great deal and some fantastic itineraries.

[SFL]

Hi Patseacruiser! Not sure what you mean. I was just interested in anyone's thoughts regarding this new cruise line. It is cheaper it appears with the prices they quote...airfare,tips, wine, excursions...all rolled into the cost and only @300passengers...seems like a great deal and some fantastic itineraries.

 

 

Sometimes trying a "Brand New" cruise line is like buying the first year model of a new vehicle alot of flash and glitz but also problems. Not to offend anyone, but when Azamara first started there were "issues" as reported on this site, even with the old pricing.

Also, a consideration should be who are the "financial backers" of this cruise line? Do they have the financial strength and committment to weather the current worldwide storm tossed economic seas? Lastly, since they are British based and I defer to the Brits on this one, what kind of protection do you have, if they fold the tent prior to your cruise after receiving your money.

Anyhow good luck

[WooKeef]

Sometimes trying a "Brand New" cruise line is like buying the first year model of a new vehicle alot of flash and glitz but also problems. Not to offend anyone, but when Azamara first started there were "issues" as reported on this site, even with the old pricing.

Also, a consideration should be who are the "financial backers" of this cruise line? Do they have the financial strength and committment to weather the current worldwide storm tossed economic seas? Lastly, since they are British based and I defer to the Brits on this one, what kind of protection do you have, if they fold the tent prior to your cruise after receiving your money.

Anyhow good luck

 

I do totally agree...was thinking to see if anyone had any thoughts or had cruised on them in these few months. I agree that waiting and booking for 2011 would be optimal...no 2011 itineraries showing which may mean it is a wait and see about how things go. Apparently quite alot of money was put into the ship refurbishment.

[patseacruiser]

From what I understand the backers owned the Orient Lines/Marco Polo? This is what I have heard. There are mixed reviews. Most have said there have been glitches they are working out and some have said it was wonderful and others reported horrible. So now I have to think about people who review the same cruise here and one says it's terrible and one says the trip of a lifetime. I literally could put you in touch with people with both versions. I thought you meant you wanted to see what the included excursions were that's why I asked what itinerary you wanted because I have the brochures of the included excursions for most of the itineraries and I would have tried to post it for you.

[WooKeef]

From what I understand the backers owned the Orient Lines/Marco Polo? This is what I have heard. There are mixed reviews. Most have said there have been glitches they are working out and some have said it was wonderful and others reported horrible. So now I have to think about people who review the same cruise here and one says it's terrible and one says the trip of a lifetime. I literally could put you in touch with people with both versions. I thought you meant you wanted to see what the included excursions were that's why I asked what itinerary you wanted because I have the brochures of the included excursions for most of the itineraries and I would have tried to post it for you.

 

Oh that is interesting...I agree. People will complain and still they had a blast. I am sure there are issues with the newness of it all. I would say yes on the excursions but will be visiting my cruise buddy soon and she has ordered the brochure. I look forward to the dreaming part; probably not in the works for me in the remainder of 2010:(

[Ontariotrekker]

I had my attention drawn to a new cruiseline called Voyages to Antiquity. Has anyone heard anything regarding them? I think they were inaugerated in 2010 so only been out a few months. The itineraries are fantastic if a bit expensive...not well put together site as I cannot find where the inclusives are.

Here is the link if anyone is interested:

 

http://us.voyagestoantiquity.com/

 

Just thought this may be a good forum for thoughts.

:)

 

I was on the 3rd cruise and posted almost daily from the ship. Search this website under Voyages to Antiquity and you wil see several postings re that trip.... some are more balanced than others of course, so you can decide. There are also several professional reviews to read. Shar

[California Native]

I had stumbled across this cruise line a month or 2 ago...

and found some of the itineraries fascinating..

one thing I noticed is they will name a port, but then say scenic cruising by it.

so you really need to study their offers

Also, since it includes shore ex that's going to do keep the price higher than say AZ.

Which can be good, but I noticed what they included as shorex would be a minimal approach to the port compared to what I could DIY within the port times offered.

This is based on the fact that I've been to these ports

either by land and/or cruise ship so I know the lay of the land.

While my interest is peaked at the possibility of this cruise line and its itineraries...

I do think it will take a VERY detail analysis to determine if

it truly is a value.

I do agree that I never will sail on ship or stay in a hotel that is in the process of "opening their doors" otherwise, You are paying a lot of money to be their guinea pig!

K.

[patseacruiser]

Ontariotrekker - So overall without going back to read each day's post what do you say about Voyages?

[wripro]

I suggest anyone interested in this line read ontariotrekker's review very carefully. It coincides with another dismal review I have read. I'd suggest taking the reviews written by press who have received a free cruise with a huge grain of salt.

[Ontariotrekker]

Ontariotrekker - So overall without going back to read each day's post what do you say about Voyages?

 

In a nutshell - ship is still getting it's finishing touches done.

on shore tours good to excellent - all the highlights of the ports we went to. some too short, yes, but the sites were generally crowded, but still saw most of the important things. tour guides did talk alot but that is what they are paid to do.

food - MDR is average to meh, food sometimes cold. Service was good at our table.

Terrace Grill - food was fresher, more diverse and faster to get.

 

The main issue is one of safety - inept life boat drill, trip hazzards everywhere, little first aid training for the team that went on shore with us ( that came directly from a staff member who was very frustated with the situation.)

 

But - if the general operations of the ship improve as witnessed by the next cruisers, I would definitly consider going again. why - the ports, the tours, some, but not all , of the staff..

[California Native]

In a nutshell - ship is still getting it's finishing touches done.

on shore tours good to excellent - all the highlights of the ports we went to. some too short, yes, but the sites were generally crowded, but still saw most of the important things. tour guides did talk alot but that is what they are paid to do.

food - MDR is average to meh, food sometimes cold. Service was good at our table.

Terrace Grill - food was fresher, more diverse and faster to get.

 

The main issue is one of safety - inept life boat drill, trip hazzards everywhere, little first aid training for the team that went on shore with us ( that came directly from a staff member who was very frustated with the situation.)

 

But - if the general operations of the ship improve as witnessed by the next cruisers, I would definitly consider going again. why - the ports, the tours, some, but not all , of the staff..

 

 

I went back and read everything I could find that you had posted.

I thought it was really fair and quite informative.

I'm looking forward to Cruisemom42 returning in November and sharing her impressions as it will be about 6 months from your sailing.

The itineraries are REALLY interesting. I did look at some of the pictures on the other message board.

This cruiseline is definately now on our radar, but I think we will be adjusting our barometer as a cruise experience....

and really analyze it as transportation, hotel, basic food and possible guides thrown in....almost no different than if we were on one of our immersive DIY backroads land trips.

The questions will be does this give us a better value and ease of mobility, however the safety issue will be a concern...but we've

had that concern on ferries we have taken throughout the world than if we did these ports on our own.

Thanks for being such a forthcoming trail blazer!

K.

[Ontariotrekker]

I think it needs to be said that most of my travels have been land tours... I'm sure there will be many out there who will now say "I thought so" but so be it. I got a much better whole trip experience touring on the ship that I usually get bussing it.... the food, the accommodations and the tours. I did miss seeing more of the countryside but I did not miss the traffic, the extended periods in a land vehicle etc.

 

Shar

[cindilouwho]

I am going to book one of these for my next trip after the Asia one! Thank so much for bringing this to my attention!!!! I travel as a single and these are bargains!!!

[WooKeef]

I am going to book one of these for my next trip after the Asia one! Thank so much for bringing this to my attention!!!! I travel as a single and these are bargains!!!

 

You aare quite welcome. I hope the no single supplement stays...it looks like it is listed under as a special offer. I have a friend who is probably booking it too.

[patseacruiser]

They are specials on select sailings. Not every sailing has a waived single supplement and in fact on the premium category and above they generally - I said generally - don't seem to have a single price.